Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model Organism to Evaluate the Antioxidant Effects of Phytochemicals

Abstract

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was introduced as a model organism in biological research by Sydney Brenner in the 1970s. Since then, it has been increasingly used for investigating processes such as ageing, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, or inflammation, for which there is a high degree of homology between C. elegans and human pathways, so that the worm offers promising possibilities to study mechanisms of action and effects of phytochemicals of foods and plants. In this paper, the genes and pathways regulating oxidative stress in C. elegans are discussed, as well as the methodological approaches used for their evaluation in the worm. In particular, the following aspects are reviewed: the use of stress assays, determination of chemical and biochemical markers (e.g., ROS, carbonylated proteins, lipid peroxides or altered DNA), influence on gene expression and the employment of mutant worm strains, either carrying loss-of-function mutations or fluorescent reporters, such as the GFP.

Neuroprotective Effects of Extracts from Tiger Milk Mushroom Lignosus rhinocerus Against Glutamate-Induced Toxicity in HT22 Hippocampal Neuronal Cells and Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…This nematode has a short lifespan and is well suited for experiments. C. elegans is widely used as an animal model for the study of oxidative stress, aging, longevity and neurodegenerative diseases [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Extracts of the Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) Enhance Stress Resistance and Extend Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans via the DAF-16/FoxO Signaling Pathway

“…To further investigate a potential antioxidant activity of LRE, LRC, and LRH in vivo, C. elegans was employed as a model organism and E. coli OP50 was supplied as a food source [19]. C. elegans is widely used as a model for anti-aging, antioxidant, and longevity research, because it shares high homology with mammalian and human genes and biochemical pathways [18,46,47]. Juglone, a yellow pigment from Juglans regia is commonly used for inducing oxidative stress in C. elelgans, leading to increased intracellular ROS and death [1,48].…”

“…Caenorhabditis elegans, a free-living soil nematode, is widely used as a model to investigate aging, stress resistance, neurodegenerative diseases, and longevity because there is high homology between mammalian and human genes [17,18]. The two major signaling pathways that regulate longevity and stress resistance in this nematode are the DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF-2 pathways [19].…”

Caffeic and Dihydrocaffeic Acids Promote Longevity and Increase Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans by Modulating Expression of Stress-Related Genes

“…In recent years, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used as a model organism to study the effects and subjacent molecular mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds, in processes such as oxidative stress, caloric metabolism, or longevity [ 13 ]. In previous studies of our group, different flavonoids, i.e., catechins, quercetin, and their phase II metabolites [ 14 , 15 , 16 ] and polyphenol-rich products [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], have been assessed for their effects on longevity and oxidative stress in C. elegans , demonstrating in general favorable outcomes in both respects.…”

“…Furthermore, caffeic acid is found both in free and esterified forms in many types of fruits (berries, kiwis, plums, pears or apples, among others), usually representing more than 75% of total hydroxycinnamic acid content, as well as in high concentrations in coffee [12]. In recent years, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used as a model organism to study the effects and subjacent molecular mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds, in processes such as oxidative stress, caloric metabolism, or longevity [13]. In previous studies of our group, different flavonoids, i.e., catechins, quercetin, and their phase II metabolites [14][15][16] and polyphenol-rich products [17][18][19], have been assessed for their effects on longevity and oxidative stress in C. elegans, demonstrating in general favorable outcomes in both respects.…”