The longevity effect of cranberry extract in Caenorhabditis elegans is modulated by daf-16 and osr-1

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are known to have numerous health and disease preventing properties. Recent studies suggest that extracts containing cranberry may have anti-aging benefits. However, little is known about whether and how cranberry by itself promotes longevity and healthspan in any organism. Here we examined the effect of a cranberry only extract on lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Supplementation of the diet with cranberry extract (CBE) increased the lifespan in C. elegans in a concentration-dependent manner. Cranberry also increased tolerance of C. elegans to heat shock, but not to oxidative stress or ultraviolet irradiation. In addition, we tested the effect of cranberry on brood size and motility and found that cranberry did not influence these behaviors. Our mechanistic studies indicated that lifespan extension induced by CBE requires the insulin/IGF signaling pathway and DAF-16. We also found that cranberry promotes longevity through osmotic stress resistant-1 (OSR-1) and one of its downstream effectors, UNC-43, but not through SEK-1, a component of the p38 MAP kinase pathway. However, SIR-2.1 and JNK signaling pathways are not required for cranberry to promote longevity. Our findings suggest that cranberry supplementation confers increased longevity and stress resistance in C. elegans through pathways modulated by daf-16 and osr-1. This study reveals the anti-aging property of widely consumed cranberry and elucidates the underpinning mechanisms.

Ultraviolet-A triggers photoaging in model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in a DAF-16 dependent pathway

“…In the current scenario, extending lifespan without extending health will not fulfill the goal of aging research. Some of the recent studies show that phycoeryhtrin isolated from a marine cyanobacterium (Sonani et al 2014) and cranberry extract (Guha et al 2013) can extend the healthspan of nematode along with extending lifespan. Here, we have used pharyngeal pumping and egg laying ability of C. elegans as the phenotypic readouts to measure healthspan.…”

The longevity effect of echinacoside inCaenorhabditis elegansmediated throughdaf-16

“…The oxidative stress assay was performed as described previously with some modifications. [26][27][28] The adult day 2 worms were subjected to plates containing 20 mM paraquat for 24 h and then transferred to ECH or control plates without paraquat. The survival of the worms was scored for the next 11 days.…”

“…For the heat tolerance assay, the adult day 3 worms were incubated at 37°C for 3.5 h and then transferred back to 20°C. [26][27][28][29] The survival of the worms was monitored daily. Each assay was performed in three independent trials.…”

Cranberry Product Decreases Fat Accumulation inCaenorhabditis elegans

“…It is also necessary to point out that CP decreased gene expression of daf-16 in the current study, which is different from a previous publication (0.2% CP in water). 37 Based on these observations, we can infer that daf-16 is unlikely to contribute to CP's effect on fat accumulation; however, daf-16 may play an important role in other functions of CP, such as its effect on life span. Therefore, additional studies are needed to clarify the role of daf-16 in C. elegans.…”

“…The current results are consistent with others suggesting that CP reduces fat accumulation without adversely influencing other physiological functions. 37 The fat reduction by cranberry treatment was completely attenuated by sbp-1 deficiency, while in nhr-49 mutant, the fat reduction effect of cranberry was partly attenuated. Thus, the sbp-1 gene might play a more significant role in the CP's effect on fat reduction compared with nhr-49.…”