The effect of antioxidants and dietary restriction on mortality curves.

The full exploitation of information contained in mortality curves offers a tool for direct verification of theories of aging. We have analyzed the behavior of mortality curves for middle and high age groups and have proposed a mathematical model of mortality correlated with the rate of aging. The model offers an explanation for the mutual relationships between mortality curves and suggests potential methodologies for determining experimental modification of the rate of aging. The applicability of this theory is demonstrated by analysis of the changes in mortality as it is influenced by dietary antioxidants or by a calorie restricted diet. Survival data taken from a variety of studies were used as primary information, with parameters of mortality curves being determined by computer-assisted analysis of the curves. These analyses support the hypothesis that a dominant role for free radicals exists in the control of aging in Drosophila. However, in mammals-mice and rats, the effects of antioxidants as well as caloric restriction on mortality curves do not indicate that these treatments alter the rates of aging.