Deciphering Adipaging in Drosophila: Exploring Carotenoid-Mediated Regulation of Aging and Metabolism

Adipaging is a concept that links aging and obesity. Both obesity and aging disrupt human metabolism. An obese body can be seen as a prematurely aged individual. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms behind adipaging is essential for developing strategies to prevent obesity-related metabolic disorders. Drosophila melanogaster is a well-established model organism that has been studied over the years to investigate the underlying causes of metabolic disorders and the biological pathways involved. Drosophila is easy to maintain, genetically tractable, and physiologically similar to humans, making it an ideal model for studying adipaging. Fundamental pathways such as insulin/IGF and TOR signaling are highly conserved in flies and mammals. Additionally, the fly fat body functions similarly to mammalian adipose tissue, making Drosophila a suitable model for studying metabolic diseases and aging. Among dietary interventions, carotenoids have demonstrated potential for a wide range of health benefits, including anticancer properties, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The review offers a unique perspective, exploring the use of Drosophila as a model organism to study adipaging and the therapeutic potential of carotenoids in regulating longevity and metabolic health.