Calorie Restriction in Mammals and Simple Model Organisms

Abstract

Calorie restriction (CR), which usually refers to a 20–40% reduction in calorie intake, can effectively prolong lifespan preventing most age-associated diseases in several species. However, recent data from both human and nonhumans point to the ratio of macronutrients rather than the caloric intake as a major regulator of both lifespan and health-span. In addition, specific components of the diet have recently been identified as regulators of some age-associated intracellular signaling pathways in simple model systems. The comprehension of the mechanisms underpinning these findings is crucial since it may increase the beneficial effects of calorie restriction making it accessible to a broader population as well.

A size threshold governsCaenorhabditis elegansdevelopmental progression

“…Moreover, nutritional changes are closely linked to the onset and progression of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and obesity [5]. Paradoxically, caloric restriction is also found to increase lifespan in many organisms [6]. The effects of diet on growth and development are thus ubiquitous, but still poorly understood.…”

Inflammatory Oxidative Aging: A New Theory of Aging

“…Although it has been shown that calorie restriction (CR), a method to reduce ROS production, slows aging and extends the maximum life in various animal species [39][40][41], their effects on disease resistance and mortality in primates -the mammalian closest to man -not very consistent. An initial study of 20 years of follow-on rhesus monkeys in which CR was used without malnutrition showed a decrease in the incidence of diseases related to age (diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and brain atrophy) [42].…”

Theories of Human Aging of Molecules to Society

“…Although it has been shown that caloric restriction, a method for reducing ROS production, slows aging and extends the maximum life in various animal species [61][62][63], their effects on disease resistance and mortality in primates -the closest man mammals -are not very consistent. A first study of 20 years of follow up in rhesus monkeys in which caloric restriction without malnutrition was used showed a decrease in the incidence of agerelated (diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and cerebral atrophy) [64] diseases.…”