Topic: Molecular mechanism of dietary restriction in ageing
Title: Dietary restriction and mTOR signalling pathway in lifespan extension
Dietary restriction (DR), which is reduced intake of all dietary constituents except vitamins and minerals, was first shown to extend the lifespan of rats 80 years ago (McCay, 1930). Since then, many studies have proven that DR can extend longevity on wide range of taxa (Fontana et al., 2010). In addition, research done on animal models reveals that there exists conserved molecular mechanisms known to influence ageing. Nonetheless, while certain nutrient sensing pathways such as Insulin-like signalling (IIS) and mTOR pathway have been shown to influence lifespan in animals, the exact mechanism to longevity remains elusive and controversial. Therefore, this article aims to provide insight on the relevance of DR to age-related disease and longevity in humans. The types of nutritional restriction required for DR to be effective in humans would also be highlighted. Lastly, discussion would be made on the feasibility surrounding DR in humans.
Molecular mechanism to longevity influenced by DR is phylogenetically conserved
Since DR has proved to be effective in enhancing lifespan among diverse animal models, the underlying mechanism to longevity …show more content…
However, to apply DR on humans, it is necessary to determine the exact dietary components which contributes to observed effect of improved health and lifespan. For example, IIS/mTOR pathway is believed to influence ageing in mice though regulating serum IGF-1 level. In relation to humans, Fontana et al. (2008) claims that serum IGF-1 level could only be reduced when protein intake is restricted. However, it is imperative to note that the effect of dietary protein restriction varies across individuals and there is no evidence that reducing protein intake could directly influence longevity in
Title: Dietary restriction and mTOR signalling pathway in lifespan extension
Dietary restriction (DR), which is reduced intake of all dietary constituents except vitamins and minerals, was first shown to extend the lifespan of rats 80 years ago (McCay, 1930). Since then, many studies have proven that DR can extend longevity on wide range of taxa (Fontana et al., 2010). In addition, research done on animal models reveals that there exists conserved molecular mechanisms known to influence ageing. Nonetheless, while certain nutrient sensing pathways such as Insulin-like signalling (IIS) and mTOR pathway have been shown to influence lifespan in animals, the exact mechanism to longevity remains elusive and controversial. Therefore, this article aims to provide insight on the relevance of DR to age-related disease and longevity in humans. The types of nutritional restriction required for DR to be effective in humans would also be highlighted. Lastly, discussion would be made on the feasibility surrounding DR in humans.
Molecular mechanism to longevity influenced by DR is phylogenetically conserved
Since DR has proved to be effective in enhancing lifespan among diverse animal models, the underlying mechanism to longevity …show more content…
However, to apply DR on humans, it is necessary to determine the exact dietary components which contributes to observed effect of improved health and lifespan. For example, IIS/mTOR pathway is believed to influence ageing in mice though regulating serum IGF-1 level. In relation to humans, Fontana et al. (2008) claims that serum IGF-1 level could only be reduced when protein intake is restricted. However, it is imperative to note that the effect of dietary protein restriction varies across individuals and there is no evidence that reducing protein intake could directly influence longevity in