Crotamiton derivative JM03 extends lifespan and improves oxidative and hypertonic stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans via inhibiting OSM-9

Discovery of Non-antibacterial Enrofloxacin Derivatives with Emerging Antiaging Effects through Drug Repurposing and Secondary Development

Aging induces dysfunction and increases the risk of chronic diseases in the elderly, positioning the development of antiaging drugs to the forefront of research. Drug repurposing offers an efficient strategy for identifying antiaging lead compounds. In this study, we employed phenotypic screening and discovered that enrofloxacin could extend the lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Based on these findings, we conducted rational drug design to eliminate its antibacterial activity while maintaining the lifespan-extending effect, with the goal of developing safe and novel antiaging compounds. Consequently, JX10 exhibited minimal antibacterial activity and competent antiaging effects in C. elegans, senescent cells, and aged mice. In terms of its mechanism, JX10 acted as a senomorphic agent by suppressing the expression of p38 MAPK and NF-κB. Furthermore, JX10 demonstrated favorable safety and pharmacokinetic properties, supporting the feasibility of JX10 as a promising candidate with the potential for therapeutic interventions in aging and aging-related diseases.

TSG Extends the Longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans by Targeting the DAF-16/SKN-1/SIR-2.1-Mediated Mitochondrial Quality Control Process

The improvement of mitochondrial function is described as a strategy for alleviating oxidative stress and intervening in the aging process. 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) is one of the major bioactive components isolated from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, and it exhibits multiple activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we found that 200 μM TSG significantly extended the mean lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by 16.48% and improved health status by delaying age-associated physiological decline in worms. The longevity prolongation effect of TSG depended on the regulation of the mitochondrial quality control process mediated by DAF-16/FOXO, SKN-1/Nrf2 and SIR-2.1/SIRT1 to improve mitochondrial function. Moreover, TSG treatment obviously alleviated the proteotoxicity of β-amyloid and tau proteins in worms. Our findings indicated that TSG is a promising natural product for preventing aging and treating aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases by regulating the mitochondrial quality control process to improve mitochondrial function.

SKN-1 is indispensable for protection against Aβ-induced proteotoxicity by a selenopeptide derived from Cordyceps militaris

Oxidative stress (OS) and disruption of proteostasis caused by aggregated proteins are the primary causes of cell death in various diseases. Selenopeptides have shown the potential to control OS and alleviate inflammatory damage, suggesting promising therapeutic applications. However, their potential function in inhibiting proteotoxicity is not yet fully understood. To address this gap in knowledge, this study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of the selenopeptide VPRKL(Se)M on amyloid β protein (Aβ) toxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. The results revealed that supplementation with VPRKL(Se)M can alleviate Aβ-induced toxic effects in the transgenic C. elegans model. Moreover, the addition of VPRKL(Se)M inhibited the Aβ aggregates formation, reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and ameliorated the overall proteostasis. Importantly, we found that the inhibitory effects of VPRKL(Se)M on Aβ toxicity and activation of the unfolded protein are dependent on skinhead-1 (SKN-1). These findings suggested that VPRKL(Se)M is a potential bioactive agent for modulating SKN-1, which subsequently improves proteostasis and reduces OS. Collectively, the findings from the current study suggests VPRKL(Se)M may play a critical role in preventing protein disorder and related diseases.

Icariin Improves Stress Resistance and Extends Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans through hsf-1 and daf-2-Driven Hormesis

Aging presents an increasingly significant challenge globally, driven by the growing proportion of individuals aged 60 and older. Currently, there is substantial research interest in pro-longevity interventions that target pivotal signaling pathways, aiming not only to extend lifespan but also to enhance healthspan. One particularly promising approach involves inducing a hormetic response through the utilization of natural compounds defined as hormetins. Various studies have introduced the flavonoid icariin as beneficial for age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. To validate its potential pro-longevity properties, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental platform. The accumulated results suggest that icariin extends the lifespan of C. elegans through modulation of the DAF-2, corresponding to the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in humans. Additionally, we identified increased resistance to heat and oxidative stress, modulation of lipid metabolism, improved late-life healthspan, and an extended lifespan upon icariin treatment. Consequently, a model mechanism of action was provided for icariin that involves the modulation of various players within the stress-response network. Collectively, the obtained data reveal that icariin is a potential hormetic agent with geroprotective properties that merits future developments.

Polysaccharides Extracted from Dendrobium officinale Grown in Different Environments Elicit Varying Health Benefits in Caenorhabditis elegans

Dendrobium officinale is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs, especially in Asia. In recent times, the polysaccharide content of D. officinale has garnered attention due to the numerous reports of its medicinal properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-aging activities. However, few reports of its anti-aging potential are available. Due to high demand, the wild D. officinale is scarce; hence, alternative cultivation methods are being employed. In this study, we used the Caenorhabditis elegans model to investigate the anti-aging potential of polysaccharides extracted from D. officinale (DOP) grown in three different environments; tree (TR), greenhouse (GH), and rock (RK). Our findings showed that at 1000 µg/mL, GH-DOP optimally extended the mean lifespan by 14% and the maximum lifespan by 25% (p < 0.0001). TR-DOP and RK-DOP did not extend their lifespan at any of the concentrations tested. We further showed that 2000 µg/mL TR-DOP, GH-DOP, or RK-DOP all enhanced resistance to H₂O₂-induced stress (p > 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). In contrast, only RK-DOP exhibited resistance (p < 0.01) to thermal stress. Overall, DOP from the three sources all increased HSP-4::GFP levels, indicating a boost in the ability of the worms to respond to ER-related stress. Similarly, DOP from all three sources decreased α-synuclein aggregation; however, only GH-DOP delayed β-amyloid-induced paralysis (p < 0.0001). Our findings provide useful information on the health benefits of DOP and also provide clues on the best practices for cultivating D. officinale for maximum medicinal applications.