Montmorency tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) acts as a calorie restriction mimetic that increases intestinal fat and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

D. van de Klashorst, A. van den Elzen, J. Weeteling, M. Roberts, T. Desai, L. Bottoms, S. Hughes

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

© 2020 Elsevier LtdMontmorency Tart Cherries, MTC, (Prunus cerasus L.) possess a high anthocyanin content as well as one of the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacities of fruits at common habitual portion sizes. MTC have been shown to contribute to reducing plasma lipids, plasma glucose and fat mass in rats and strikingly, similar effects are observed in humans. However, there is a paucity of research examining the molecular mechanisms by which such MTC effects are induced. Here, we show that when exposed to MTC, Caenorhabditis elegans display an extension of lifespan, with a corresponding increase in fat content and increase in neuromuscular function. Using RNA interference, we have confirmed that MTC is likely to function via the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway. Further, consumption of MTC alters the pharyngeal pumping rate of worms which provides encouraging evidence that MTC may be operating as a calorie restriction mimetic via metabolic pathways.
Original languageEnglish
Article number103890
JournalJournal of Functional Foods
Volume68
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2020
Externally publishedYes

Funding

We thank Michelle Severins, Chiara Pignato, Inge Vrinds and Ellen Obster for their support in the experiments at the HAN University of Applied Sciences. Conceptualization; SH, MR, LB. Investigation; DvdK, AvdE, JW, TD, SH. Methodology; DvdK, SH, TD, LB. Formal Analysis; SH, TD, MR, LB. Funding Acquisition; TD, LB, MR. Resources; SH, TD, LB, MR. Writing; SH, TD, MR, LB.

FundersFunder number
HAN University of Applied Sciences

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Montmorency tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) acts as a calorie restriction mimetic that increases intestinal fat and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this