Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

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.

Antiaging, Stress Resistance, and Neuroprotective Efficacies ofCleistocalyx nervosumvar.panialaFruit Extracts UsingCaenorhabditis elegansModel

“…Orthologous to mammalian sirtuins, sir-2.1 in C. elegans is known to activate the antioxidant mechanism during oxidative stress. Different extracts or compounds such as green tea [31], black tea [74], resveratrol [75], emodin [76], Polygonum multiflorum [58], and Paullinia cupana [77] were found to induce antioxidant effects in C. elegans via sir-2.1 .…”

Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Sustained Transdermal Delivery of Collagen for Skin Regeneration

“…The epidermis of C. elegans mainly consists of flexible collagenous cuticle along with cytoplasmic intermediate filaments and hemidesmosomes that provide mechanical strength similar to the mammalian keratin. − The worms were treated with various concentrations of enzymes for different time periods to understand the physiological, neurological, and behavioral changes (Figure ; Figures S3 and S4; Table S1). We found that the enzyme-treated worms were healthy, but it slightly altered the reproduction behavior.…”

Carotenoids from mamey (Pouteria sapota) and carrot (Daucus carota) increase the oxidative stress resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans

“…This leads to increased levels of O 2 and ROS, shortening the nematode lifespan and survival [ 33 , 34 ]. C. elegans has been a suitable model for understanding biological responses to various synthetic and natural compounds and their influence on aging, lifespan, and gene regulation [ 5 , 35 ]. This characteristic allowed us to investigate the antioxidant capacities of the MPCE, MSCE, and CCE in C. elegans .…”

“…C. elegans exhibits defense mechanisms against oxidative stress similar to those of humans, such as antioxidant enzymes, glutathione system, and stress response signaling pathways [ 11 ]. A key regulator of the oxidative stress response is DAF-16, a forkhead class transcription factor homologous to the mammal FOXO protein family, which is regulated by the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway [ 35 , 43 ]. The IIS pathway is an evolutionary conserved pathway that regulates aging, longevity, and stress response in mammals and C. elegans [ 12 , 44 ].…”