Lysine-glucose Maillard reaction products promote longevity and stress tolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway

Abstract

• Maillard reaction products from lysine and glucose (LG MRPs) showed superoxide radicals scavenging activity. • LG MRPs prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans and increased their stress tolerance. • Intracellular ROS and fat accumulation were decreased by LG MRPs. • Alterations in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway by LG MRPs would correlate with the longevity. The Maillard reaction is associated with the development of distinct flavors and colors during food processing and cooking. This reaction generates numerous chemical compounds, including antioxidants. Caenorhabditis elegans is a model organism for studying aging; its lifespan is prolonged by antioxidants. In this study, we investigated the effects of lysine-glucose Maillard reaction products (LG MRPs) on C. elegans lifespan. Our results showed that LG MRPs prolonged the lifespan in a dose-dependent (0.001–0.1 M) and improved the reduction of age-related movements. Reactive oxygen species and fat accumulation were decreased upon treatment with LG MRPs. LG MRPs treatment also improved oxidative and heat stress tolerance. Furthermore, mRNA expression of daf-16 which relates to the longevity and its target genes ( sod-3 , ctl-1 , hsp-12.6, and hsp-16.2 ) was increased. These results suggest that LG MRPs might contribute to longevity via the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway in C. elegans .