The role of lipids in aging-related metabolic changes

Fat is historically associated with poor health and obesity. However, the continuous use of lipidomics and genetic studies in model organisms revealed that specific lipid profiles and signals might delay aging. In order to identify and quantify the lipid species, researchers are taking advantage of the recent developments in the area of lipidomics that is mainly done by mass spectrometry and further techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy and chromatographic separations. This review will emphasize the role of lipid composition and metabolism during aging. We review the molecular and physiological changes during the progression of aging with a special focus on the role of lipids. Interventions to modulate life span in a variety of organisms such caloric restriction, show a significant extension of their maximum life-span and a decrease in the onset of age-related diseases. In particular, the influence of dietary restriction in lipid metabolism will be a major point of this review.