Apple phlorizin attenuates oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster

• Published in: Journal of food biochemistry 2019-03, Vol.43 (3), p.e12744-n/a
• Main Authors: Wang, Hao, Sun, Zhenou, Liu, Dong, Li, Xiang, Rehman, Rizwan‐ur, Wang, Huali, Wu, Zijian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antioxidation; anti‐aging; Drosophila melanogaster; molecular docking; phlorizin
• ISSN: 0145-8884; 1745-4514
• DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.12744

Apple phlorizin has a lot of applications owing to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. This study explored the antioxidant effects and life span‐prolonging activity of apple phlorizin in Drosophila melanogaster. Treatment with apple phlorizin was found to significantly extend the life span and ameliorate the age‐related decline of locomotor function. This life span‐extending activity was associated with the increased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, mRNA expression of glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, cap‐n‐collar (cnc, homologue of mammalian Nrf2 gene), Keap1, and deacetylase sir2, as well as the downregulation of methuselah. Computational analysis suggested phlorizin could work as a Nrf2 activator and exert its biological activities by interfering with the Keap1 and Nrf2 binding. Therefore, it was concluded that the antioxidant and anti‐aging effects of phlorizin might, at least in part, be mediated through the cooperation with the endogenous stress defense system. Practical applications Phlorizin, from apple peel, has been used as a nutrient for over 100 years. To date, despite extensive research on phlorizin, a report on its effect on the antioxidant system in fruit flies is yet lacking. This report demonstrates that phlorizin can exert a protective effect on antioxidant issues and prolong life in fruit flies, which is valuable in the rational utilization of phlorizin in functional foods.