Effect of melatonin and pineal peptide preparation epithalamin on life span and free radical oxidation in Drosophila melanogaster
Anisimov V.N., Mylnikov S.V., Oparina T.I., Khavinson V.K.
N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 97(2): 81-91
Abstract
Melatonin or Epithalamin (100 micrograms/ml) was added to the nutrition medium of Drosophila melanogaster (strain HEM) during the 2nd-3rd larval age. Life span, mortality rate, lipid-peroxidation products and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured. Melatonin did not change survival parameters in either sex, and Epithalamin did not change them in males. In female flies, Epithalamin increased mean life span by 17% (P < 0.02), median life span by 26% and maximum life span by 14%, and reduced lipid-peroxidation markers. Summary based on the PubMed abstract (PMID 9226628).
Study Overview
A comparative study of melatonin and the pineal peptide preparation Epithalamin in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster, strain HEM).
Methodology
Melatonin or Epithalamin (100 micrograms/ml) was added to the larval nutrition medium. Survival, mortality rate, lipid-peroxidation products and the antioxidant enzymes SOD and catalase were measured.
Key Results
- Melatonin did not change survival parameters in either sex.
- Epithalamin did not change survival in males.
- In females, Epithalamin increased mean life span by 17%, median by 26% and maximum by 14%, and lowered lipid-peroxidation markers.
Context
This is an insect study. It does not show an effect in people, and it did not test any oral supplement.
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Study Limitations
- •Insect model; results do not translate directly to humans
- •Effect seen in female flies only
- •Larval-stage dietary exposure, not a capsule or injection in people
Key Findings
- ✓17% increase in mean life span in female flies
- ✓No effect in males or with melatonin
- ✓Reduced lipid-peroxidation markers
Mechanism of Action
Proposed antioxidant effect: lower lipid peroxidation and higher catalase activity in treated flies.