A research group at Jiangsu University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences establishes a multigenerational model of moderate dietary restriction in Bombyx mori, restricting intake to 65% of ad libitum. Across four generations, they apply these diets, measure lifespan, reproduction and antioxidant capacity, and find sustained lifespan extension and enhanced antioxidant responses, supporting long-term dietary interventions in healthspan research.
Key points
- A cross-generational DR regimen reduces silkworm mulberry intake to 65% of ad libitum over four generations.
- Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in hemolymph increases significantly in DR groups, correlating with lifespan extension.
- Expression of DR-associated genes (e.g., FOXO, ATFC, SAMS) adapts across generations, revealing epigenetic stress responses.
Why it matters: By demonstrating that multigenerational dietary restriction sustainably boosts antioxidant defenses and extends lifespan, this work may transform strategies for long-term healthspan enhancement.
Q&A
- What is moderate dietary restriction in this study?
- How does increased antioxidant capacity extend lifespan?
- Why use silkworms (Bombyx mori) for transgenerational DR research?
- What molecular changes underlie adaptation to long-term DR?
