Chunxiu Lin1, Yue Chen1, Yizi Lin1, Xuebei Wang1, Lanyun Hu1, Yong Cao1, Yunjiao Chen2. 1. Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China. 2. Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China. yunjiaochen@scau.edu.cn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Momordica saponin extract (MSE) was found to not only improve longevity and neuroprotection but also alleviate fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans in our previous study. However, the lipid-lowering activity of MSE alone could not fully explain its ability to improve health, so the antistress effects of MSE were further studied. METHODS: Using C. elegans as an in vivo animal, the lifespan of MSE-treated C. elegans under various stressors (H2O2, paraquat and heat) and normal conditions was studied. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of MSE were discussed. To study the underlying mechanisms, the expression of stress resistance genes and the resistance of related mutants to H2O2 stress were tested. RESULTS: MSE significantly improved the lifespan of C. elegans under stress and normal conditions. Meanwhile, the mobility of C. elegans was also improved. Moreover, the activities of SOD and CAT and the ratio of GSH/GSSG were elevated. Consistently, the levels of ROS and lipid oxidation (the NEFA and MDA content) were reduced. Furthermore, MSE treatment upregulated the expression of the sod-3, sod-5, clt-1, clt-2, hsp-16.1 and hsp-16.2 genes. All biomarkers indicated that the antistress and anti-aging activities of MSE were due to its strong antioxidant activities. Finally, MSE induced nuclear DAF-16::GFP localization. Studies with mutants revealed that skn-1 and hsf-1 were involved in the activity of MSE, which might upregulate the expression of downstream stress-responsive genes. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, in addition to its lipid-lowering property, the ability of MSE to improve healthspan was also attributed to the stress resistance effect. Together, MSE might serve as a lead nutraceutical in geriatric research.
BACKGROUND:Momordica saponin extract (MSE) was found to not only improve longevity and neuroprotection but also alleviate fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans in our previous study. However, the lipid-lowering activity of MSE alone could not fully explain its ability to improve health, so the antistress effects of MSE were further studied. METHODS: Using C. elegans as an in vivo animal, the lifespan of MSE-treated C. elegans under various stressors (H2O2, paraquat and heat) and normal conditions was studied. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of MSE were discussed. To study the underlying mechanisms, the expression of stress resistance genes and the resistance of related mutants to H2O2 stress were tested. RESULTS: MSE significantly improved the lifespan of C. elegans under stress and normal conditions. Meanwhile, the mobility of C. elegans was also improved. Moreover, the activities of SOD and CAT and the ratio of GSH/GSSG were elevated. Consistently, the levels of ROS and lipid oxidation (the NEFA and MDA content) were reduced. Furthermore, MSE treatment upregulated the expression of the sod-3, sod-5, clt-1, clt-2, hsp-16.1 and hsp-16.2 genes. All biomarkers indicated that the antistress and anti-aging activities of MSE were due to its strong antioxidant activities. Finally, MSE induced nuclear DAF-16::GFP localization. Studies with mutants revealed that skn-1 and hsf-1 were involved in the activity of MSE, which might upregulate the expression of downstream stress-responsive genes. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, in addition to its lipid-lowering property, the ability of MSE to improve healthspan was also attributed to the stress resistance effect. Together, MSE might serve as a lead nutraceutical in geriatric research.
Authors: Shi-Biao Wu; Grace G L Yue; Ming-Ho To; Amy C Keller; Clara B S Lau; Edward J Kennelly Journal: Planta Med Date: 2014-08-12 Impact factor: 3.352