Biologists from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore discovered that the cellular response to
The researchers conducted a series of experiments withroundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans). These animals are anatomically much simpler than humans, but use many of the same genes as humans to control cell division and dispose of faulty cells.
Ringworms (Caenorhabditis elegans). Image: NTU Singapore
Scientists fed worms a diet high inglucose levels at two different stages of life: at a young age (day 1) and at post-reproductive age (day 5), when the worms are aging and no longer capable of producing offspring. The control group was given normal food.
The researchers found that old worms,who received a diet high in glucose, lived for 24 days. This is almost twice the lifespan of worms fed the same diet from the first days (13 days) and more than the control group (20 days).
Laboratory worms studied during the experiment. Video: NTU Singapore
In addition to being old worms on a high dietWith glucose, they lived longer, were more mobile and had more cells to store energy, the authors of the study say. This is indicative of healthier aging.
Cells trigger a stress response whenstressors (such as excess glucose) cause problematic "unfolded" proteins to accumulate in the cell. The stress response, or unfolded protein response, is activated to clear these problematic proteins and restore balance to the cell.
Although our study showed that a diet withhigh glucose may be beneficial in slowing down aging and extending the lifespan of older worms, we do not recommend that the elderly population now switch to a high sugar diet.
Guillaume Thibaut, Associate Professor, School of Biosciences, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Head of Research
The researchers plan to continue working to find therapeutic ways that safely manage the cellular response to stress in humans.
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