Introduction of Caenorhabditis elegans to evaluate and elucidate the anti-senescence effects of food factors and derivatives

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The nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, was used to screen lipid-soluble substances, particularly antioxidants, for the lifespan-prolonging effect. Tocotrienols, astaxanthin, sesamin, and the cell wall of bifidobacteria could extend the lifespan of the nematode. These substances enhanced the worm's tolerance to stresses due to heat, UV irradiation, oxidative chemicals, or bacterial infection; these substances could protect the worms from aging-associated weakness of locomotive ability. Each substance gave the different phenotype of tolerance. The mutants which have loss-of-function genes on the signal induction pathways of p38 MAPK or Insulin/IGF for host defense were used to elucidate the mechanism of the anti-senescence effects. Each functional food factor was definitely dependent on these pathways in different manners.