Researchers from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Seville in Spain, in collaboration with Dr. Marina Izkura’s team at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom, have discovered that the carotenoid compound phytoene increases the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (a model organism used to study Alzheimer’s disease). The compound may also slow the onset of paralysis linked to amyloid plaque formation associated with Alzheimer’s.
These findings were published in the Antioxidants journal on July 31st.
Phytoene Carotenoid
Carotenoids are common and versatile compounds from which other substances, known as apocarotenoids, are derived. Carotenoids and apocarotenoids play essential roles in plant growth and flexibility, and carotenoids act as pigments contributing to the colors of many fruits and vegetables. They also serve as important nutrients in food, for example, vitamin A is produced from carotenoids.
Numerous studies suggest that carotenoids have health-boosting properties and help mitigate or reduce the risk of various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, skin and bone conditions, eye disorders, metabolic disorders, and cognitive decline.
These compounds may also improve skin health and appearance, which is why carotenoids are of great interest in developing a variety of products for human consumption, including food, health products, dietary supplements, botanical remedies, and cosmetic or food-based cosmetic products.
Phytoene, one such carotenoid, is colorless, unlike most other carotenoids, and does not contribute to the typical colors found in carotenoid-rich foods. It is generally viewed as a precursor with no biological activity in the human body.
Phytoene is found in foods like tomatoes, carrots, apricots, red peppers, oranges, and passion fruit. It is efficiently absorbed and present in many tissues, including the skin, where studies suggest it can protect against ultraviolet radiation.
Algae-Based Research
Researchers tested pure phytoene and extracts rich in this carotenoid sourced from microalgae. The results showed a 10-18.6% increase in the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans, and a 30-40% reduction in the toxic effects of amyloid plaque proteins.
Dr. Paula Mabili Bram from the University of Seville commented, “These are very promising initial results, and we are seeking funding to continue this line of research to understand the mechanisms behind these effects.”
Caenorhabditis Elegans in Alzheimer’s Research
In 1965, Sydney Brenner chose the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for studying animal development and behavior for reasons that are now well understood. These worms, which live in soil, offered great potential for genetic analysis, partly due to their rapid life cycle (3 days) and small size (1.5 mm in length at maturity), making them easy to culture in laboratory settings.
