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Updated: May 15, 2026
Measurement of Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: January 7, 2013
The life span of Drosophila melanogaster is affected by melatonin and thioctic acid
Raikelin Terán1, Ernesto Bonilla, Shirley Medina-Leendertz
1Departamento de Biología, Facultad Experimental de Ciencias, Universidad del Zulia.
Abstract:
Aging and reduced longevity are due in part to the action of free radicals (FR). Melatonin (Mel) and thioctic acid (TA) are effective in protecting against the damage caused by FR. In this study, the effect of Mel and TA on the life cycle of Drosophila melanogaster was determined. We used a control group of flies, another group that was provided with Mel (0.43 mM) throughout their life cycle (Mel-c), a third group received Mel upon reaching adulthood (Mel-a) and two groups were fed with TA (2.15 mM) in the same manner (TA-c and TA-a). The number of eclosed, survival, phenotype changes, motor activity and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was evaluated in each group. Mel-c increased the eclosion rate and the motor activity of the flies. Mel-c and Mel-a increased the life span and decreased the concentrations of MDA. By contrast, TA-c diminished the eclosion rate, produced phenotypic changes and increased MDA levels and motor activity of the flies. TA-a extended the life span of flies, and did not alter MDA levels and motor activity when compared with the control group. In conclusion, Mel mitigated the effects caused by FR generated during aging, while TA-c increased lipid peroxidation and altered the phenotype of flies.
Insights
Melatonin extended lifespan and improved motor activity in fruit flies by reducing free radical damage. Thioctic acid showed mixed results, with some groups experiencing negative effects on lifespan and phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and molecular biology
- Free radical biology
- Drosophila melanogaster research
Background:
- Aging is associated with increased free radical (FR) damage, impacting longevity.
- Melatonin (Mel) and thioctic acid (TA) are known antioxidants with potential to mitigate FR-induced damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Melatonin and Thioctic Acid on the life cycle and aging process of Drosophila melanogaster.
- To evaluate the impact of continuous versus adult-stage administration of these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Drosophila melanogaster were divided into control and experimental groups.
- Experimental groups received either Melatonin (0.43 mM) or Thioctic Acid (2.15 mM) throughout their life cycle (c) or upon reaching adulthood (a).
- Evaluated parameters included eclosion rate, survival, phenotypic changes, motor activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
Main Results:
- Melatonin administration (continuous and adult-stage) increased eclosion rates, extended lifespan, enhanced motor activity, and decreased MDA levels.
- Continuous Thioctic Acid administration (TA-c) reduced eclosion rates, altered phenotypes, increased MDA levels, and boosted motor activity.
- Adult-stage Thioctic Acid administration (TA-a) extended lifespan without significantly altering MDA levels or motor activity compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin effectively mitigates free radical damage associated with aging in Drosophila, promoting longevity and improved physiological function.
- Continuous Thioctic Acid exposure negatively impacts Drosophila development and physiology, suggesting a dose- or timing-dependent effect.
- Thioctic acid's effects are complex, with potential benefits at specific life stages but detrimental effects when administered continuously from the larval stage.
