Summary: arotenoid phytoene can extend the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by up to 18.6% and slow paralysis linked to amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. This study, which used phytoene extracts from microalgae, showed a reduction in plaque-related damage by up to 40%.
These promising results pave the way for future studies to explore the mechanisms behind phytoene’s protective effects. The findings highlight phytoene’s potential as a beneficial compound in food and cosmetic products for health and longevity.
Key Facts:
- Phytoene extended nematode lifespan by up to 18.6% in Alzheimer’s models.
- Amyloid plaque-related damage was reduced by up to 40%.
- Phytoene is found in common foods like tomatoes, carrots, and red peppers.
Source: University of Seville
Researchers from the Colour and Food Quality group at the Faculty of Pharmacy (University of Seville), in collaboration with Dr Marina Ezcurra’s group at the University of Kent (UK), have shown that the carotenoid phytoene increases the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and can slow the onset of paralysis associated with the formation of amyloid plaques in a model of Alzheimer’s disease.
Specifically, increases in longevity of between 10 and 18.6% and decreases in the proteotoxic effect of plaques of between 30 and 40% were observed.
The studies, which form part of Ángeles Morón Ortiz’s doctoral thesis, tested pure phytoene and extracts rich in this carotenoid obtained from microalgae.
According to Dr. Paula Mapelli Brahm, ‘these are very exciting preliminary results, so we are looking for funding to continue this line of research and to find out by what mechanisms these effects are produced’.
Caenorhabditis elegans is a widely used animal model in biomedicine. In fact, it has been instrumental in important discoveries that have been recognised with the Nobel Prize, such as programmed cell death, RNA interference and applications of the GFP protein.
Professor Antonio Jesús Meléndez Martínez’s team has spent 15 years studying phytoene, which is found in foods such as tomatoes, carrots, apricots, red peppers, oranges, mandarins and passion fruit, among others. It is a compound that is efficiently absorbed and found in many tissues, including the skin, where studies indicate that it can protect against ultraviolet radiation.
The team works on the sustainable production of healthy foods to reduce the risk of disease, with an emphasis on the applications of carotenoids in agri-food, nutrition and cosmetics. In this area they have coordinated international networks in which researchers from more than 50 countries have participated.
Funding: The researchers have received funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation – State Research Agency/10.13039/501100011033, specifically from the NEWCARFOODS-PID2019-110438RB-C21 project and the Spanish Carotenoid Network (CaRed-RED2022-134577-T).
NEWCARFOODS has been developed in coordination with the group of Professor Rosa León (University of Huelva) who provided the microalgae used in the study.
About this longevity and Alzheimer’s disease research news
Author: Luis Garcia
Source: University of Seville
Contact: Luis Garcia – University of Seville
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Phytoene and Phytoene-Rich Microalgae Extracts Extend Lifespan in C. elegans and Protect against Amyloid-β Toxicity in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model” by Ángeles Morón Ortiz et al. Antioxidants
Abstract
Phytoene and Phytoene-Rich Microalgae Extracts Extend Lifespan in C. elegans and Protect against Amyloid-β Toxicity in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model
Phytoene is a colourless carotenoid widely available from dietary sources and a precursor for the synthesis of other carotenoids.
Although present at high concentrations across different tissues, phytoene is largely viewed as not having physiological activity.
Here, we utilize the model organism C. elegans to show that phytoene is bioactive and has anti-ageing properties.
Supplementation with phytoene protects against oxidative damage and amyloid-β42 proteotoxicity (a major pathology of Alzheimer’s disease), and extends lifespan.
We also examine extracts from two microalgae, Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella bardawil.
We show that the extracts contain high levels of phytoene, and find that these phytoene-rich extracts have protective effects similar to pure phytoene. Our findings show that phytoene is a bioactive molecule with positive effects on ageing and longevity.
Our work also suggests that phytoene-rich microalgae extracts can utilized to produce foods or supplements that promote healthy ageing and prevent the development of chronic age-related diseases.
