Reproduction, Fat Metabolism, and Life Span: What Is the Connection?

Abstract

Reduced reproduction is associated with increased fat storage and prolonged lifespan in multiple organisms, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent studies in several species provide evidence that reproduction, fat metabolism, and longevity are directly coupled. For instance, germline removal in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans promotes longevity in part by modulating lipid metabolism through effects on fatty acid desaturation, lipolysis, and autophagy. Here, we review these recent studies and discuss the mechanisms by which reproduction modulates fat metabolism and lifespan. Elucidating the relationship between these processes could contribute to our understanding of age-related diseases, including metabolic disorders.

Does selective logging stress tropical forest invertebrates? Using fat stores to examine sublethal responses in dung beetles

“…As many studies have indicated the increased fattening of insects in response to other stress‐induced conditions (Hansen et al., 2013; Moghadam et al., 2015; Piiroinen et al., 2014), we suggest that the increased body fat content in dung beetles from logged forests reinforces the use of this trait as a likely early warning biomarker to assess the environmental quality of disturbed tropical forests.…”

“…Reproduction is a high cost process (Hansen et al., 2013), and fat content is considered the currency (Barry & Wilder, 2013). Although not always observed (Flatt et al., 2008; Wilder, Raubenheimer, & Simpson, 2015), the link between reduced reproduction and increased fat storage has been demonstrated for many insects (Hansen et al., 2013; Moghadam et al., 2015; Wilder et al., 2015). Similarly, previous research has found a positive relationship between reduced fecundity, increased fattening, and higher starvation stress resistance (Broughton et al., 2005; Hansen et al., 2013).…”

“…Although not always observed (Flatt et al., 2008; Wilder, Raubenheimer, & Simpson, 2015), the link between reduced reproduction and increased fat storage has been demonstrated for many insects (Hansen et al., 2013; Moghadam et al., 2015; Wilder et al., 2015). Similarly, previous research has found a positive relationship between reduced fecundity, increased fattening, and higher starvation stress resistance (Broughton et al., 2005; Hansen et al., 2013). These findings reinforce that under stressful conditions, invertebrates may modify their fat metabolism as a strategy to optimize energy allocation for surviving likely starvation periods (Hansen et al., 2013).…”

“…Similarly, previous research has found a positive relationship between reduced fecundity, increased fattening, and higher starvation stress resistance (Broughton et al., 2005; Hansen et al., 2013). These findings reinforce that under stressful conditions, invertebrates may modify their fat metabolism as a strategy to optimize energy allocation for surviving likely starvation periods (Hansen et al., 2013). …”

Nuclear hormone receptors as mediators of metabolic adaptability following reproductive perturbations

“…1 Recently, research in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has revealed novel insights into the relationship between metabolic status, reproduction and aging. [2][3][4] In worms, as in many other organisms, mating has damaging consequences for the female, including reducing its size, stress-resistance and lifespan. 5,6 Alternatively, removing the germline increases worm lifespan significantly, 7 in accordance with the observation that reduced fertility is often associated with increased lifespan in many species.…”