Exploring the anti-aging effects of chlorogenic acid and the underlying mechanisms based on a Caenorhabditis elegans model

Objective:To explore the anti-aging effects of chlorogenic acid(CGA)and the underlying mechanisms based on a Caenorhabditis elegans(C.elegans)model.Methods:The anti-aging activity of CGA was studied based on the body length,exercise behavior,lipofuscin content,antioxidative stress ability,swallowing frequency,body-bending frequency,and head-swinging ability of C.elegans.Through DAF-16 nuclear translocation and SOD-3-GFP fluorescence experiments,the effects of CGA on ROS levels,antioxidant enzyme activities,MDA content,mutant-strain lifespan,and anti-aging molecular signaling pathways were explored,as well as the underlying mechanisms.Results:CGA improved multiple indices of the nematode:body length was increased(all P＜.001),head-swing frequency and body-bending frequency were increased(all P＜.05),nematode longevity was prolonged(P=.0021),lipofuscin deposition in nematodes was slowed down(all P＜.001),the chemotaxis index was improved(P=.0012),ROS levels were reduced(all P＜.001),and SOD activity and MDA content were reduced(SOD:P=.0017 between the low-concentration group and the control group,P＜.001 between the high-concentration and medium-concentration groups and the control group;MDA:P=.0135 between the low-concentration group and the control group,and P＜.001 between the high-concentration and medium-concentration groups and the control group).In addition,CGA also activated the DAF-16 transcription factor,promoted DAF-16 nuclear translocation under oxidative stress conditions(both P＜.001 between the high-concentration and medium-concentration groups and the control group),and increased SOD-3 gene expression in nematodes(all P＜.001).Conclusion:CGA plays an anti-aging role in C.elegans.The underlying mechanisms include activation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and enhancement of DAF-16 activity.This study lays a foundation for further research into the anti-aging effects of CGA.