Research Paper Volume 11, Issue 1 pp 240—248
Metformin prolongs lifespan through remodeling the energy distribution strategy in silkworm, Bombyx mori
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- 2 Key Laboratory for Sericulture Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
Received: October 29, 2018 Accepted: December 26, 2018 Published: January 13, 2019
https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101746How to Cite
Abstract
Metformin is a hypoglycemic agent used clinically in the treatment of type 2 diabetics. In addition, metformin is being investigated as a potential geroprotector. Here, we investigated the effects of metformin silkworm lifespan and the underlying molecular pathways involved. We found that metformin prolonged the lifespan of the male silkworm without reducing body weight, which suggests metformin can increase lifespan through remodeling of the animal’s energy distribution strategy. Consistent with that idea, metformin reduced silk production and thus the energy devoted to that process. Metformin also increased fasting tolerance and levels of the antioxidant glutathione, and also activated an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-p53-forkhead box class O signaling pathway in silkworm. These results suggest that activity in this pathway may contribute to metformin-induced lifespan extension in silkworm by increasing stress resistance and antioxidative capacity while reducing energy output for silk product. The results also show that the silkworm is a potential useful animal model for evaluating the effects of small molecules with potential clinical utility.
Abbreviations
TAME: Targeting Aging with Metformin; NIH: National Institutes of Health; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; AAAR: American Association for Aging Research; AMPK: adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase; FoxO: Forkhead Box class O; GSH: glutathione; L4D1: day 1 of the 4th instar larva; L5D1: day 1 of the 5th instar larva; P1: day 1 of pupa stage; M1: day 1 of adult stage.