Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in
the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed
worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related
diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging
potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis
elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not
clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects
of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C.
elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through
mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The
possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study
demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and
SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend
lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1,
daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2
in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to
activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results
contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo,
which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also
suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity
studies.
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