Curcumin enhances parental reproductive lifespan and progeny viability in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Organismal lifespan is a complex trait that is governed by both its genetic makeup as well as the environmental conditions. The improved socioeconomic condition of humans has led to many lifestyle changes that in turn have altered the demography that includes postponement of procreation. Late age progeny is shown to suffer from many congenital diseases. Hence, there is a need to identify and evaluate natural molecules that could enhance reproductive health span. We have used the well-established model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, and ascertained the consequence of diet supplementation with curcumin. Flies reared on curcumin-supplemented diet had significantly higher lifespan. The progeny of flies reared on curcumin had a higher viability. The activity of a key mitochondrial enzyme-aconitase was significantly higher in flies reared on curcumin-supplemented diet. The results suggest that curcumin can not only correct a key step in the citric acid cycle and help in the release of additional energy but also permanently correct developmental and morphogenetic processes.

Altered lipid metabolism in Drosophila model of Huntington’s disease

“…After the last ether change, flies were dried for 2 hours at 30–35 °C and weighed to obtain lipid free weight of flies. The difference between dry weight and lipid free weight was considered as the total lipid content of the flies 47 48 . Similarly, water content was calculated by subtracting dry weight from fresh weight.…”

Photodynamic exposure of Rose-Bengal inhibits Tau aggregation and modulates cytoskeletal network in neuronal cells

“…Fly cultures and crosses were carried out at 25 °C. The stocks has been maintained as per published protocol 20 , 64 .…”

Life Extension

“…We are presently involved in the analysis of microarray data which should increase our understanding of the processes influenced by curcumin treatment. Chandrashekara et al (2014) have data suggesting that curcumin affects both Akt activity and mitochondrial energy efficiency, among other effects. Akt affects many different signaling pathways and may be responsible for the multiple effects of curcumin noted in the research literature.…”

“…F1 males show a similar statistically significant (p = 0.0001) extension of longevity (data not shown) (Arking unpublished data) transgenerational effect is due to epigenetic effects or simply due to an improved health of the offspring of curcumin fed mothers. Chandrashekara et al (2014) have data showing that the transgenerational effect extends to the F2 generation. Their finding deserves attention since it may provide insight into alternative methods of increasing the healthspan of the progeny of treated mothers.…”