Icariin Improves Stress Resistance and Extends Lifespan in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> through <i>hsf-1</i> and <i>daf-2</i>-Driven Hormesis
Aging presents an increasingly significant challenge globally, driven by the growing proportion of individuals aged 60 and older. Currently, there is substantial research interest in pro-longevity interventions that target pivotal signaling pathways, aiming not only to extend lifespan but also to en...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/1/352 |
| Summary: | Aging presents an increasingly significant challenge globally, driven by the growing proportion of individuals aged 60 and older. Currently, there is substantial research interest in pro-longevity interventions that target pivotal signaling pathways, aiming not only to extend lifespan but also to enhance healthspan. One particularly promising approach involves inducing a hormetic response through the utilization of natural compounds defined as hormetins. Various studies have introduced the flavonoid icariin as beneficial for age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. To validate its potential pro-longevity properties, we employed <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> as an experimental platform. The accumulated results suggest that icariin extends the lifespan of <i>C. elegans</i> through modulation of the DAF-2, corresponding to the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in humans. Additionally, we identified increased resistance to heat and oxidative stress, modulation of lipid metabolism, improved late-life healthspan, and an extended lifespan upon icariin treatment. Consequently, a model mechanism of action was provided for icariin that involves the modulation of various players within the stress-response network. Collectively, the obtained data reveal that icariin is a potential hormetic agent with geroprotective properties that merits future developments. |
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| ISSN: | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |