Multiple stressors in Caenorhabditis elegans induce stress hormesis and extended longevity

We demonstrate here that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans displays broad hormetic abilities. Hormesis is the induction of beneficial effects by exposure to low doses of otherwise harmful chemical or physical agents. Heat as well as pretreatment with hyperbaric oxygen or juglone (a chemical that g...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences Biological sciences and medical sciences, 2002-03, Vol.57 (3), p.B109-B114
Main Authors: Cypser, James R, Johnson, Thomas E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Physiological
Aging
Animals
Caenorhabditis elegans - physiology
Gamma Rays
Genetics
Hot Temperature
Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Longevity - physiology
Naphthoquinones - pharmacology
Oxidative Stress
Stress, Physiological - physiopathology
Ultraviolet Rays
Worms
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Summary:We demonstrate here that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans displays broad hormetic abilities. Hormesis is the induction of beneficial effects by exposure to low doses of otherwise harmful chemical or physical agents. Heat as well as pretreatment with hyperbaric oxygen or juglone (a chemical that generates reactive oxygen species) significantly increased subsequent resistance to the same challenge. Cross-tolerance between juglone and oxygen was also observed. The same heat or oxygen pretreatment regimens that induced subsequent stress resistance also increased life expectancy and maximum life span of populations undergoing normal aging. Pretreatment with ultraviolet or ionizing radiation did not promote subsequent resistance or increased longevity. In dose-response studies, induced thermotolerance paralleled the induced increase in life expectancy, which is consistent with a common origin.
ISSN:1079-5006
1758-535X
DOI:10.1093/gerona/57.3.b109