Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet

Abstract

Studies have suggested that total energy intake and diet composition affect lifespan and ageing. A high-fat diet induces oxidative stress and affects the development of diseases. In contrast, antioxidants are capable of reducing its harmful effects. Yerba mate beverages are an important source of antioxidants, but there is scarce knowledge about their effects on suppressing fat accumulation. Here, we investigated the compounds present in yerba mate extracts and assessed their effects on Drosophila melanogaster given a high cholesterol diet. LS-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of matesaponins, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines in all of the examined extracts. In Drosophila, under extract treatment conditions, the mean lifespan was significantly extended from 38 to 43 days, there was an increase in the ability to support induced stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, yerba mate extracts recovered the glutathione S-transferases (GST) activity and reduced the cholesterol level. Taken together, our results support that extracts can extend lifespan by reducing the detrimental effect of a high-fat diet in D. melanogaster, and this outcome can be associated with the compound content in the extracts. This study improves the understanding of natural interventions that reduce stress-induced oxidative damage, which is fundamental in promoting healthy ageing.

The pro-oxidant effect of dextran sodium sulphate on oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes in Drososphila melanogaster

“…This is supported by our findings from Table 1, in which the inhibition of GST activity may be due to the increase in the toxicity effect of 1.0% DSS. This increase in the malondialdehyde level agrees with the result of Paula et al (2016), Saraiva et al (2018) and Colpo et al (2018) which showed an increase in the MDA levels of the `Harwich strain of D. melanogaster.…”

Aumento Da Ingestão De Açúcar Afeta a Capacidade Da Drosophila Melanogaster Sobreviver Em Condições Críticas / Increased Sugar Intake Affects the Drosophila Melanogaster Ability to Survive in Critical Conditions

“…Para avaliar os efeitos das diferentes dietas sobre o tempo de vida das moscas usamos o protocolo que foi descrito anteriormente por Peng et al (2009) com pequenas modificações propostas por Colpo et al (2018). Cada grupo de 20 moscas machos, de 2 a 3 dias, nascidas na dieta sólida para manutenção de estoque, foram expostas a DP e DE, sendo as moscas mortas contadas a cada 2-3 dias.…”

“…Anteriormente, relatamos os efeitos de compostos bioativos de plantas em relação a proteção contra o estresse oxidativo, aumento do tempo de vida e modificação de parâmetros bioquímicos relacionados ao metabolismo energético em D. melanogaster. Entre os compostos testados estão o extrato de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis)(COLPO et. al., 2018) e farinha de couve manteiga(Brassicaoleracea L. var.acephala) (COLPO et al, 2019).…”

Nutrigenomics as a tool to study the impact of diet on aging and age-related diseases: the Drosophila approach

“…Studies in Drosophila have revealed several extracts and pure compounds that could reduce fat accumulation and ectopic fat distribution associated with several pathological conditions. For example, Ilex paraguariensis extract was suggested to reduce the detrimental effects of HFDs in Drosophila [162], while the extract’s metasaponins, phenolic compounds, and methylxanthines increased mean lifespan and reduced fat accumulation along with cholesterol levels [162]. Additionally, supplementation of HFDs with 4% nectarine increased lifespan and fecundity in female wild-type flies while it decreased the expression of several metabolic genes including the foxo transcriptional target Pepck and oxidative stress-related genes (e.g., peroxiredoxin).…”