Health and longevity studies in C. elegans: the “healthy worm database” reveals strengths, weaknesses and gaps of test compound-based studies

Abstract

Several biogerontology databases exist that focus on genetic or gene expression data linked to health as well as survival, subsequent to compound treatments or genetic manipulations in animal models. However, none of these has yet collected experimental results of compound-related health changes. Since quality of life is often regarded as more valuable than length of life, we aim to fill this gap with the “Healthy Worm Database” (http://healthy-worm-database.eu). Literature describing health-related compound studies in the aging model Caenorhabditis elegans was screened, and data for 440 compounds collected. The database considers 189 publications describing 89 different phenotypes measured in 2995 different conditions. Besides enabling a targeted search for promising compounds for further investigations, this database also offers insights into the research field of studies on healthy aging based on a frequently used model organism. Some weaknesses of C. elegans-based aging studies, like underrepresented phenotypes, especially concerning cognitive functions, as well as the convenience-based use of young worms as the starting point for compound treatment or phenotype measurement are discussed. In conclusion, the database provides an anchor for the search for compounds affecting health, with a link to public databases, and it further highlights some potential shortcomings in current aging research.

Genes implicated in Caenorhabditis elegans and human health regulate stress resistance and physical abilities in aged Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Furthermore, it is assumed that the genes involved in stress resistance are similarly involved in lifespan determination. We recently found a very high correlation between lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans [10]. These findings corroborated previous studies with similar results [11].…”

“…However, it is assumed that ageing-related treatments show stronger phenotypic expressions in older individuals that feature at least first signs of ageing. Furthermore, in older individuals, the respective treatment had much more time to produce any effect compared to young worms (see also [10]).…”

An extract of Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Zingiberaceae increases health span and mobility in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Bioact®180 had a small but significant effect on maximal lifespan, with worms exposed to 1000 µg/ml Bioact®180 having a large increase in mean lifespan, which was increased from 11 to 16 days compared to non-exposed nematodes. Our experiment, similar to the vast majority of lifespan assays, were not performed in a blinded or randomised fashion, which could limit the objectivity of the results [ 39 ]. However, as we performed the assay on a large number of worms, and the statistics are sound, we are confident in the lifespan benefit provided by Bioact®180.…”

Knock-down of odr-3 and ife-2 additively extends lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans

“…Since the age at which a treatment is started can significantly influence the outcome [ 86 ], all worm cohorts used in this work have been age-synchronized (L4 larvae stage). For all RNAi experiments, age-synchronized L4 larvae were manually transferred to RNAi agar plates containing 15 μM 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR).…”