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Hydrogen extends Caenorhabditis elegans longevity by reducing reactive oxygen species
Miao Zhang1, Zhihui Li1, Dawen Gao1
1Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Military Cognitive and Mental Health Research Center of PLA, Beijing, China.
Plos One
|April 23, 2020
Summary
Exogenous hydrogen treatment significantly extends the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by reducing oxidative stress. This antioxidant effect was observed across multiple strains, suggesting hydrogen
Area of Science:
- Biogerontology
- Oxidative Stress Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hydrogen is known for its antioxidant properties, mitigating oxidative stress damage.
- The potential of hydrogen to extend lifespan, particularly through its antioxidant effects, remains largely unexplored.
- Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a valuable model organism for studying aging and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiaging potential of exogenous hydrogen.
- To determine if hydrogen treatment can prolong the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying hydrogen's effects on longevity and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Hydrogen treatment was administered to Caenorhabditis elegans (N2, sod-3, sod-5, daf-2, and daf-16 mutant strains).
- Lifespan assays were conducted to measure the effect of hydrogen on longevity.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified.
- Gene expression analysis (age-1, let-363, ins-18) was performed.
- Paraquat (PQ) exposure was used to induce oxidative stress, and its interaction with hydrogen treatment was assessed.
Main Results:
- Hydrogen treatment significantly extended the lifespan of N2, sod-3, and sod-5 mutant strains (by 22.7%, 9.5%, and 8.7%, respectively).
- Hydrogen did not affect the lifespan of daf-2 and daf-16 mutant strains.
- ROS levels were significantly reduced in the hydrogen-treated group compared to the control.
- Hydrogen treatment reversed the lifespan-shortening effects of paraquat in N2 and sod-5 mutant strains.
- Gene expression analysis revealed decreased age-1 and let-363, and increased ins-18 expression.
Conclusions:
- Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans is closely linked to oxidative stress levels.
- Reducing oxidative stress damage through exogenous hydrogen can significantly prolong lifespan.
- Hydrogen acts as a potent antioxidant, decreasing ROS levels and extending the lifespan of C. elegans.
- This study provides a foundation for future research into hydrogen's application in antiaging strategies.
