Curcumin-supplemented diets improve antioxidant enzymes and alter acetylcholinesterase genes expression level in Drosophila melanogaster model

Abstract

Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenolic compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes has been shown to exert anti-aging properties with limited scientific basis. Hence, this study sought to examine the antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities of curcumin-supplemented diets as well as their molecular effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) genes expression level associated with lifespan extension in Drosophila melanogaster model. In this experiment, D. melanogaster (both genders) of 1 to 3 days old were fed diets either containing no curcumin (control) or supplemented with curcumin at 0.2 and 1.0 mg/g of diet for 7 days. Subsequently, the survival and locomotor activities were determined. In addition, we evaluated RT-PCR expressions of SOD and AChE mRNA genes. Furthermore, catalase, SOD and AChE activities were determined. Curcumin-supplemented diet improves survival ability but did not affect locomotor activity when compared with the control. In addition, there was a significant increase in SOD and catalase with a concomitant decrease of AChE activities when compared with the control. Furthermore, curcumin-supplemented diets suppress AChE mRNA expression but no alteration on SOD gene expression level was observed when compared with control. In conclusion, our present results suggest that a down-regulation of AChE gene expression with a concomitant decrease of AChE activity as well as improving antioxidant status could be some possible mechanism in which curcumin exert anti-aging potential and increases lifespan of D. melanogaster.

Effect of dietary inclusions of bitter kola seed on geotactic behavior and oxidative stress markers in Drosophila melanogaster

“…Higher dietary inclusions of GK seeds (0.5% and 1.0%) showed a significant decrease in survival rate also induced a decrease in AChE activity. The decrease in the AChE activity following dietary inclusions of GK seeds at 0.5% and 1.0% could be an increase in acetylcholine levels in the synaptic cleft and as a result induce cholinergic toxicity which could impair neuromuscular activities such as climbing abilities of flies (Akinyemi, Oboh, Ogunsuyi, Abolaji, & Udofia, 2017). It should also be noted that prolonged reduction in the activity of AChE in the flies could lead to oxidative stress which could also contribute to their reduced survival rate (Olney, Collins, & Sloviter, 1986).…”

Impact of curcumin on replicative and chronological aging in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast

“…In addition to analysis of anti-oxidative action, the studies also included analysis of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in relation to extension of the fruit fly's life. A curcumin-enriched diet improved the survival capacity of the individuals; moreover, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased while activity of acetylcholinesterase simultaneously decreased (Akinyemi et al 2018).…”

Curcumin supplementation increases survival and lifespan in Drosophila under heat stress conditions

“…Furthermore, several studies have shown that dietary CUR possessed potential antioxidant and anti-aging effects on many organisms. CUR improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes and caused a downregulation of acetylcholinesterase mRNA expression, which in turn inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity in Drosophila, could be part of the possible mechanisms of action by which CUR exerts anti-aging potential and extends lifespan in fruit flies [17]. Mahanty et al [32] demonstrated that CUR supplementation improved tolerance to high-temperature stress in Puntius sophore by upregulation of antioxidative enzymes SOD, CAT, and PHGPx.…”

“…Growing evidence suggests that CUR possesses some health activities including antioxidative, antiaging, anticarcinogenic, and wound healing properties [14,15]. CURsupplemented diet (1.0 mg/g), without a significant effect on food intake [16], could improve antioxidant status in Drosophila by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreasing acetylcholinesterase activity [17]. The lifespan of Drosophila exposed to irradiation could be extended via reducing oxidative stress and regulating signal transduction and gene expression by CUR supplementation [18].…”