Short lifespan under dietary cholesterol depletion is associated with gut dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster females.

Brooke Zanco, Christen K Mirth, Carla M Sgrò, Matthew D W Piper

School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. [email protected] of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Dietary restriction may extend lifespan by improving late-life gut health. Because micronutrients mediate the effects of macronutrient ratios on longevity, we examined how cholesterol limitation affects gut health in female Drosophila melanogaster. Low-cholesterol diets increased intestinal permeability and reduced lifespan, however, not all flies lost barrier function before dying. This indicates gut dysfunction is either a marker of ageing, or contributes to death, but predominantly during dietary cholesterol limitation.

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Research summary

Low-cholesterol diets lead to increased intestinal permeability and reduced lifespan in female Drosophila melanogaster. This study explores the relationship between dietary cholesterol and gut health, which is pertinent to understanding mechanisms of aging and lifespan extension.

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