Caloric restriction and redox state: Does this diet increase or decrease oxidant production?

Abstract

Calorie restriction (CR) is well established to enhance the lifespan of a wide variety of organisms, although the mechanisms are still being uncovered. Recently, some authors have suggested that CR acts through hormesis, enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating stress response pathways, and increasing lifespan. Here, we review the literature on the effects of CR and redox state. We find that there is no evidence in rodent models of CR that an increase in ROS production occurs. Furthermore, results in Caenorhabditis elegans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggesting that CR increases intracellular ROS are questionable, and probably cannot be resolved until adequate, artifact free, tools for real-time, quantitative, and selective measurements of intracellular ROS are developed. Overall, the largest body of work indicates that CR improves redox state, although it seems improbable that a global improvement in redox state is the mechanism through which CR enhances lifespan.

The reliability of clinical dynamic monitoring of redox status using a new redox potential (ORP) determination method

“…17 Bidirectional change in redox status in severe burn patients further demonstrated the importance of quantitative monitoring of the redox status.…”

Intermittent Fasting Results in Tissue-Specific Changes in Bioenergetics and Redox State

“…Moderate reduction in ad libitum daily caloric intake without limiting essential and micronutrient access (caloric restriction, CR) is a well-established mechanism to promote longer lifespans and/or healthier aging in a wide range of organisms, including humans [ 1 , 2 ]. The beneficial effects of CR diets are complex and widespread, but include the preservation over time of mitochondrial bioenergetic functions and redox balance (the difference between the production and removal of damaging oxidative species) [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…In fact, while CR enhances insulin sensitivity, we find that long-term IF results in insulin resistance [ 13 ]. We also find that long-term IF enhances tissue oxidant release and oxidative protein modifications in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue [ 13 ], while long-term CR is mostly associated with the prevention of oxidative damage [ 4 , 5 ]. Overall, IF effects on oxidative balance are not yet well determined.…”

Caloric restriction reveals a metabolomic and lipidomic signature in liver of male mice

“…Taking into account the role of lipids in membrane characteristics and in aging (see above), CR seems to trigger an adaptive response protecting membrane integrity (Naudí et al ., 2013). Thus, CR might delay aging and extend longevity through mechanisms that involve changes in the lipoxidative status (Gredilla & Barja, 2005; Yang & Hekimi, 2010; Kowaltowski, 2011; Ristow & Schmeisser, 2011). …”