Abstract
Historical literature and pharmacological studies demonstrate that Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Studies into the longevity effects of APS are limited, and the molecular mechanism of lifespan extension by APS is not elucidated yet. Here, the longevity effect of APS was investigated in Drosophila melanogaster by feeding dose-dependent APS. APS significantly extended the lifespan and improved the reproduction. Meanwhile, APS increased locomotion, TAG level, and starvation resistance and reduced the mortality rate induced by hydrogen peroxide. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were increased in flies treated with APS diet. Moreover, APS significantly enhanced expressions of antioxidant genes (Sod1, Sod2, and Cat), dFoxO, and 4E − BP, decreased the expressions of insulin-like peptides (dilp2, dilp3, and dilp5), and longevity gene MTH. Together, these results indicate that APS can prolong the lifespan by regulating antioxidant ability and insulin/IGF-1 signaling and also enhance the reproduction ability in Drosophila. APS may be explored as a novel agent for slowing the aging process and improving reproduction.
Highlights
Aging is the most basic life characteristic of an organism
Enclosed flies were separated by sex and randomly divided into four groups (200 flies per group, 20 flies per vial). e control group was fed with standard food, and the other three groups were raised on the food with 0.3, 1, or 3 mg/ml Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) individually
To explore the prolongevity effect of APS in fruit flies, the lifespan of wild-type w1118 flies was measured in the basal media with 0, 0.3, 1, or 3 mg/ml of APS (Figure 1). e lifespan of male and female flies fed APS diet was significantly increased compared to that of control flies (Figures 1(a) and 1(b))
Summary
Aging is the most basic life characteristic of an organism. It results from the impact of the accumulation of various molecular and cellular damages, leading to functional decline in physical and mental capacity over time [1]. With the accelerated aging society, we have to face the aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes [2]. Erefore, research on aging has gained global prominence in recent years and enhanced focus garnered on dietary interventions to combat aging. E oxidative stress theory indicates that oxidative damage increases with age in many organisms. Many reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced endogenously and exogenously as mitochondrial dysfunction due to oxidative stress, leading to aging [3]. One is endogenous antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
