Abstract: The arotenoid phytoene can extend the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by up to 18.6% and delay the paralysis associated with amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. This study using phytoene extract from microalgae showed up to a 40% reduction in plaque-related damage.
These promising results pave the way for future studies exploring the mechanisms behind the protective effects of phytoene. The results of this study highlight the potential of phytoene as a beneficial compound in food and cosmetics for health and longevity.
Important facts:
Phytoene extended C. elegans lifespan by up to 18.6% in an Alzheimer’s disease model. Amyloid plaque-related damage was reduced by up to 40%. Phytoene is found in common foods such as tomatoes, carrots, and red peppers.
Source: University of Seville
Researchers from the Color and Food Quality Group at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Seville, in collaboration with Dr. Marina Escura’s group at the University of Kent (UK), have shown that the carotenoid phytoene extends the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Ta. Can delay the onset of paralysis associated with amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer’s disease models.
Specifically, a 10-18.6% increase in lifespan and a 30-40% reduction in plaque proteotoxic effects were observed.
The study, which forms part of Angeles Moron Ortiz’s doctoral thesis, tested pure phytoene and an extract rich in this carotenoid obtained from microalgae.
According to Dr. Paula Mapelli Brahm, “These are very interesting preliminary results, so we are looking for funding to continue this line of research and to elucidate what mechanisms produce these effects.” .”
Caenorhabditis elegans is an animal model widely used in biomedicine. In fact, it has contributed to important discoveries that won Nobel Prizes, such as programmed cell death, RNA interference, and applications of the GFP protein.
Professor Antonio Jesús Meléndez Martínez’s team has spent 15 years studying phytoenes, which are found in foods such as tomatoes, carrots, apricots, red peppers, oranges, tangerines and passion fruit. It is a compound that is efficiently absorbed and present in many tissues, including the skin, and research has shown that it can protect you from UV rays.
The team focuses on the application of carotenoids in agricultural products, nutrition and cosmetics, working towards the sustainable production of healthy foods that reduce the risk of disease. In this field, we coordinate an international network involving researchers from more than 50 countries.
Funding: The researchers received funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation – State Research Agency/10.13039/501100011033, specifically the NEWCARFOODS-PID2019-110438RB-C21 project and the Spanish Carotenoid Network (CaRed-RED2022-134577-T). I am.
NEWCARFOODS was developed in collaboration with the group of Professor Rosa León (University of Huelva), who provided the microalgae used in the study.
About this longevity and Alzheimer’s disease research news
Author: Luis Garcia
Source: University of Seville
Contact: Luis Garcia – University of Seville
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access.
“Phytoene and phytoene-rich microalgae extract extend C. elegans lifespan and protect against amyloid-beta toxicity in an Alzheimer’s disease model.” (Ángeles Morón Ortiz et al.) Antioxidants
abstract
Phytoene and phytoene-rich microalgae extract extend C. elegans lifespan and protect against amyloid-beta toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease model
Phytoene is a colorless carotenoid that is widely available from dietary sources and is a precursor for the synthesis of other carotenoids.
Although phytoene is present in high concentrations in various tissues, it is primarily thought to have no physiological activity.
Here, we utilize the model organism C. elegans to demonstrate that phytoene is bioactive and has anti-aging properties.
Phytoene supplementation protects against oxidative damage and amyloid-β42 protein toxicity (a key pathology in Alzheimer’s disease) and extends lifespan.
We also examine extracts from two microalgae, Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella baldawil.
We showed that the extracts contained high levels of phytoene and found that these phytoene-rich extracts had similar protective effects as pure phytoene. Our findings demonstrate that phytoene is a bioactive molecule with positive effects on aging and longevity.
Our study also suggests that phytoene-rich microalgae extracts can be used to produce foods and supplements that promote healthy aging and prevent the development of chronic age-related diseases.
