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Seville, Spain — Researchers at the University of Seville, in collaboration with Dr. Marina Ezcurra’s team at the University of Kent, have unveiled promising findings regarding the carotenoid phytoene. This dietary compound has been shown to significantly extend the lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely utilized model organism in biomedical research. The study also indicated that phytoene can mitigate the detrimental effects associated with amyloid plaque formation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
The research, which is part of Ángeles Morón Ortiz’s doctoral thesis, observed lifespan increases of between 10% and 18.6% in C. elegans treated with pure phytoene and phytoene-rich extracts derived from microalgae. Additionally, the study reported a 30% to 40% reduction in the proteotoxic impact of amyloid plaques, which are known to contribute to neurodegeneration.
Dr. Paula Mapelli Brahm, one of the lead researchers, expressed enthusiasm about the preliminary results, stating, “These are very exciting preliminary results, so we are looking for funding to continue this line of research and to find out by what mechanisms these effects are produced.”
The Role of C. elegans in Biomedical Research
Caenorhabditis elegans has been pivotal in advancing our understanding of fundamental biological processes. Notable discoveries associated with this organism include programmed cell death, RNA interference, and the applications of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The insights gained from C. elegans research have earned recognition with several Nobel Prizes.
The research team, led by Professor Antonio Jesús Meléndez Martínez, has dedicated 15 years to studying phytoene, which is prevalent in various fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, apricots, red peppers, oranges, mandarins, and passion fruit. This compound is not only efficiently absorbed but is also distributed across numerous tissues, including the skin, where it may offer protective benefits against ultraviolet radiation.
Sustainable Food Production and Disease Prevention
The researchers are committed to promoting sustainable production of healthy foods to lower disease risks, with a focus on the applications of carotenoids in agri-food, nutrition, and cosmetics. Their collaborative efforts have fostered international networks involving researchers from over 50 countries.
The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation – State Research Agency, under the NEWCARFOODS project, along with contributions from the Spanish Carotenoid Network (CaRed). The microalgae utilized in the research were provided by Professor Rosa León’s group at the University of Huelva.
As researchers continue to explore the broader potential of phytoene in disease prevention and longevity, these findings may pave the way for innovative dietary strategies aimed at improving health outcomes, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases.
Reference: “Phytoene and Phytoene-Rich Microalgae Extracts Extend Lifespan in C. elegans and Protect against Amyloid-β Toxicity in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model” by Ángeles Morón-Ortiz, Antonis A. Karamalegkos, Paula Mapelli-Brahm, Marina Ezcurra, and Antonio J. Meléndez-Martínez, published on July 30, 2024, in Antioxidants. DOI: 10.3390/antiox13080931.
