Calorie Restriction-Regulated Molecular Pathways and Its Impact on Various Age Groups: An Overview

Area of Science:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Aging Research
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Calorie restriction (CR) is a dietary intervention known for potential health benefits, including weight loss and increased lifespan.
• CR influences numerous physiological, biochemical, and molecular pathways linked to aging and age-associated diseases.
• Understanding the specific molecular mechanisms and age-dependent effects of CR is crucial for optimizing its application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted effects of calorie restriction on lifespan, aging, and associated diseases.
• To elucidate the key molecular pathways modulated by CR, including AMPK, mTOR, IGF-1, and inflammatory pathways.
• To examine the differential impacts of CR across various life stages and its implications for offspring health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating calorie restriction and its molecular underpinnings.
• Analysis of CR's effects on signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
• Examination of CR's influence on cellular processes including mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, DNA repair, and stress response.

Main Results:

• CR activates AMPK and inhibits mTOR, promoting autophagy and potentially extending lifespan.
• CR downregulates IGF-1 and NF-κB pathways, offering protection against cancer and inflammation.
• CR demonstrates antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, and protects against age-related brain atrophy.
• CR in young age or during conception can lead to adverse outcomes and transgenerational epigenetic effects; middle and old age CR shows significant preventive benefits.

Conclusions:

• Calorie restriction modulates critical cellular pathways to influence lifespan and mitigate age-related diseases.
• The timing and context of CR are critical, with potential risks in early life and significant benefits in later life.
• CR's impact extends to mental health and brain function, highlighting its broad physiological relevance.