Mitochondria are involved in the combination of blueberry and apple peel extracts synergistically ameliorating the lifespan and oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Mitochondrial function is closely related to the body's oxidative stress level and lifespan. Our previous research demonstrated that the combination of blueberry extracts (BE) and apple peel extracts (APE) could synergistically promote the oxidative stress and lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the improvement of the oxidative stress and lifespan is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function, and to explore its potential mechanisms. A model of nematode mitochondrial dysfunction was established using RNAi technology. The results showed that supplementation with BE plus APE could prolong the lifespan of RNAi(mev-1) C. elegans, and improve mitochondrial function, while there was no significant effect on RNAi(isp-1) C. elegans. In addition, treatment with BE plus APE could down-regulate the overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in clk-1(e2519) mutants. Meanwhile, administration with BE plus APE abolished the extension of the lifespan of clk-1(e2519) mutants, and inhibited the expression of clk-1 downstream genes, including mev-1, isp-1, nuo-2, cco-1, cyc-1 and atp-3, thereby regulating the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and improving its oxidative stress ability to prolong the lifespan of nematodes. In short, the combination of BE and APE could improve the oxidative stress and extend the lifespan of nematodes via regulating mitochondrial function. This study provided a theoretical basis for exploring the role of mitochondrial function in regulating the body's oxidative stress level and aging process.