Summary: arotenoid phytoene may extend the lifespan of the worm Caenorhabditis worm by up to 18.6 % and slow numbness linked to amyloid plaque, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. This study, which used phytoene extracts from microalgae, showed a reduction in plaque-related damage by up to 40 %.
These encouraging outcomes will open the door for more research to understand the mechanisms underlying phytoene’s safe effects. The findings show phytoene’s ability as a health and longevity-promoting element in meals and cosmetic products.
Important Information:
- Phytoene extended nematode lifespan by up to 18.6 % in Alzheimer’s models.
- Amyloid plaque-related damage was reduced by up to 40 %.
- Phytoene is found in common foods like vegetables, veggies, and red peppers.
Origin: University of Seville
Researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy ( University of Seville ) and Dr. Marina Ezcurra’s group at the University of Kent ( UK) have collaborated to demonstrate that the carotenoid phytoene can shorten the time it takes to cause paralysis as a result of the formation of amyloid plaques in a model of Alzheimer’s disease.
Specifically, rises in endurance of between 10 and 18.6 % and decreases in the proteotoxic influence of lesions of between 30 and 40 % were observed.
The research, which form piece of Ángeles Morón Ortiz’s postgraduate thesis, tested true phytoene and extract rich in this carotenoid obtained from algae.
These are very interesting preliminary findings, so we are looking for funding to continue this line of research and to see how these effects are produced, according to Dr. Paula Mapelli Brahm.
Caenorhabditis elegans , is a commonly used dog design in medicine. In fact, it has played a significant role in important insights that have won the Nobel Prize, including those involving RNA intervention, GFP protein programs, and programmed cell death.
Professor Antonio Jesús Meléndez Martínez’s group has spent 15 years studying phytoene, which is found in food such as peppers, carrots, apricots, dark peppers, oranges, fruits and love fruits, among people. Studies have shown that it can protect against ultraviolet radiation because it is a compound that is easily absorbed and found in many tissues, including the skin.
The team places an emphasis on the use of carotenoids in agri-food, nutrition, and cosmetics, and is focused on the sustainable production of healthy foods to reduce the risk of disease. They have coordinated international networks in this field, to which researchers from more than 50 nations have contributed.
Funding: The researchers have received funding from the Ministry of Science and Innovation – State Research Agency/10.13039/501100011033, specifically from the NEWCARFOODS-PID2019-110438RB-C21 project and the Spanish Carotenoid Network ( CaRed-RED2022-134577-T).
NEWCARFOODS was created in collaboration with Professor Rosa León’s lab at the University of Huelva, who provided the microalgae used in the study.
About this longevity and Alzheimer’s disease research news
Author: Luis Garcia
Source: University of Seville
Contact: Luis Garcia – University of Seville
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
” 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 et al. Antioxidants
Abstract
Phytoene and Phytoene-Rich Microalgae Extracts Extend Lifespan in C. elegans and Protect against Amyloid-β Toxicity in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model
A precursor to the synthesis of other carotenoids and a colorless carotenoid that is readily available from dietary sources.
Although present in high concentrations across various tissues, phytoene is largely thought to have no physiological activity.
Here, we utilize the model organism , C. elegans , to show that phytoene is bioactive and has anti-ageing properties.
Supplementation with phytoene protects against oxidative damage and amyloid-β42 , proteotoxicity ( a major pathology of Alzheimer’s disease ), and extends lifespan.
We also examine extracts from two microalgae,  , Chlorella sorokiniana , and , Dunaliella bardawil.
We demonstrate that the extracts have high levels of phytoene, and we find that phytoene-rich extracts have protective effects comparable to pure phytoene. Our findings demonstrate that phytoene is a bioactive substance with beneficial effects on longevity and aging.
Our research also suggests that using phytoene-rich microalgae extracts to make foods or supplements that promote healthy aging and stop the spread of chronic aging illnesses can be done.
