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New study shows promising results for phytoene in extending lifespan, fighting Alzheimer’s disease
SEVILLE, Spain — In the quest for the fountain of youth, scientists may have stumbled upon an unexpected ally: a colorless compound found in microalgae. A new study reveals that phytoene, a precursor to more well-known carotenoids like lycopene, could have remarkable anti-aging properties.
The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Seville and the University of Kent, used tiny worms called C. elegans as a model organism to investigate the effects of phytoene on aging and age-related diseases. Their findings, published in the journal Antioxidants, suggest that this often-overlooked compound might be a powerful tool in promoting longevity and protecting against oxidative stress and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Phytoene is a carotenoid, part of a family of pigments that give many fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. Unlike its more famous relatives such as beta-carotene or lycopene, phytoene is colorless and has largely been ignored in health research. However, this study indicates that it may be time for phytoene to step into the spotlight.
The researchers extracted phytoene-rich compounds from two species of microalgae: Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella bardawil. These tiny aquatic organisms are known for their ability to produce high levels of various carotenoids, including phytoene. The team then tested these extracts, along with pure phytoene, on C. elegans worms to see how they affected various markers of health and aging.
The results were nothing short of impressive. Worms treated with phytoene or phytoene-rich extracts showed increased resistance to oxidative stress, living longer when exposed to a toxic compound called juglone. This suggests that phytoene acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.
However, the benefits didn’t stop there. The researchers also tested phytoene’s effects on a worm model of Alzheimer’s disease. These genetically modified worms produce a toxic protein called amyloid-beta, similar to what’s found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Remarkably, phytoene and the microalgae extracts reduced the paralysis caused by this protein by 30-40%, indicating a potential protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases.
Perhaps most exciting of all, the study found that phytoene and phytoene-rich extracts extended the lifespan of C. elegans by 10-18.6%. While it’s important to note that results in worms don’t always translate directly to humans, this finding opens up intriguing possibilities for future anti-aging research.
What makes phytoene so special?
The researchers believe its antioxidant properties play a key role. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, phytoene may help prevent cellular damage that contributes to aging and disease. Additionally, the compound might activate certain cellular pathways that promote longevity, though more research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.
The study also highlights the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of health-promoting compounds. Unlike traditional crops, microalgae can be grown quickly and efficiently without the need for large amounts of land or water. This makes them an attractive option for producing functional foods or supplements that could help promote healthy aging in our increasingly older population.
While more research is necessary before we start seeing phytoene supplements on store shelves, this study provides compelling evidence that this overlooked compound deserves further attention.
“These are very exciting preliminary results,” says study co-author Dr. Paula Mapelli Brahm in a statement. “We are looking for funding to continue this line of research and to find out by what mechanisms these effects are produced.”
Paper Summary
Methodology
The researchers used a variety of techniques to study phytoene’s effects. They grew two species of microalgae and used a special chemical to make them produce more phytoene. Then, they extracted the phytoene using a green solvent and sound waves. To test the effects, they used tiny worms called C. elegans, which are often used in aging research because they age quickly and share many genetic similarities with humans.
The worms were fed bacteria containing either the phytoene extracts or pure phytoene. The researchers then performed several tests, including exposing the worms to a toxic substance to measure stress resistance, using genetically modified worms to study Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, and tracking how long the worms lived under different conditions.
Key Results
The study found that phytoene and phytoene-rich extracts had several positive effects on the worms. When exposed to a toxic substance called juglone, worms treated with phytoene lived 39-53% longer than untreated worms, showing increased stress resistance. In the Alzheimer’s model, phytoene reduced paralysis caused by toxic proteins by 30-40%. Most importantly, worms treated with phytoene or the extracts lived 10-18.6% longer than untreated worms, suggesting a significant effect on lifespan.
Study Limitations
The study was conducted on C. elegans worms, which, while useful for aging research, are very different from humans. Results in worms don’t always translate directly to human biology. Additionally, the concentrations of phytoene used in the study may not be easily achievable through diet alone in humans. Further research is needed to determine if similar effects would be seen in more complex organisms and to understand the optimal dosage and delivery methods for potential human applications.
Discussion & Takeaways
The researchers suggest that phytoene’s effects are likely due to its antioxidant properties and potential activation of longevity-promoting cellular pathways. They note that while other carotenoids have been more extensively studied, phytoene may be just as important for health. The study also highlights the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of health-promoting compounds.
The authors suggest that phytoene-rich microalgae extracts could be used to develop functional foods or supplements to promote healthy aging. However, they emphasize the need for further research to fully understand phytoene’s mechanisms of action and to explore its effects in more complex organisms.
Funding & Disclosures
The study was funded by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the European Regional Development Fund, and the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Some of the authors were supported by postdoctoral fellowships and grants from various Spanish institutions. One of the authors disclosed that they carry out consultancy work for various companies, while the other authors declared no conflicts of interest.
