Mitochondrial Function, Mobility and Lifespan Are Improved in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> by Extracts of 9-<i>cis</i>-β-Carotene from <i>Dunaliella salina</i>

• Main Authors: Tobias Weinrich, Yanan Xu, Chiziezi Wosu, Patricia J. Harvey, Glen Jeffery
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
• Series: Marine Drugs
• Subjects: ageing; 9-<i>cis</i>-β-carotene; mitochondrial function; mobility; lifespan; <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>; microalgae; <i>Dunaliella salina</i>
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/17/5/279
• ISSN: 1660-3397

Carotenoids are implicated in alleviating ageing and age-related diseases in humans. While data from different carotenoids are mixed in their outcomes, those for 9-<i>cis</i>-&#946;-carotene indicate general positive effects, although basic data on its biological impact are limited. Here, we show that supplementation with 9-<i>cis</i>-&#946;-carotene in ageing <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> improved mitochondrial function in terms of ATP production and whole-body respiration and extended mean lifespan. It also resulted in improved mobility. These data provide a potential biological rational for the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with 9-<i>cis-</i>&#946;-carotene. These effects may be based on the maintenance of a sound mitochondrial function.