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Molecule Extends Vitality and Lifespan in Mice

Resveratrol mimics the effect of caloric restriction in mice, though there is no proof yet of its value in humans.

Caloric restriction extends the lifespan of many animals, through its effects on enzymes called the sirtuins that are preserved throughout the animal kingdom. Resveratrol, a molecule produced in plants, mimics the effect of caloric restriction in enhancing vitality, protecting against decreased insulin sensitivity, and increasing lifespan in various "simple" animals (Journal Watch Sep 23 2003). But could it have the same effect in mammals?

A multi-institutional team randomly allocated middle-aged mice to a standard diet (SD), a high-calorie, high-fat diet (HC), or a high-calorie, high-fat diet plus resveratrol (HCR). Compared with SD mice, HC mice steadily gained weight. They also had decreased insulin sensitivity, reduced motor function, increased liver size and fatty liver, fatty lesions and inflammation in heart muscle, and reduced numbers of hepatic cell mitochondria — and died at a significantly younger age. In marked contrast, while HCR mice also gained weight, they had none of those biochemical or pathologic changes. Moreover, they were as active as, and lived as long as, SD mice. Resveratrol prevented 144 of 153 alterations in gene expression that were produced by the HC diet.

Comment: Resveratrol is being sold in pill form. However, there is no proof of its value in humans, its manufacture is unregulated, and its use should therefore be discouraged. Someday, that advice could change. This large study in mammals showed that resveratrol blocked the pathologic effects of a high-calorie, high-fat diet and preserved both vitality and lifespan. Like the mice in this study, many of us are middle-aged mammals on high-calorie, high-fat diets. That is why these results are profoundly exciting.

— Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine November 9, 2006

Citation(s):

Baur JA et al. Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. Nature 2006 Nov 1; 144. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature05354)