An antioxidant-induced life table modification and life-span prolongation in Zaprionus paravittiger (Diptera)

Low doses of radiation can enhance insect lifespans

This paper assesses the capacity of ionizing radiation to extend the lifespans of experimental insect models based on the peer-reviewed literature. Ionizing radiation biphasically affects the lifespans of adult males and females for a broad range of insect models with high doses reducing lifespan whereas lower doses can enhance lifespan, typically in the 20-60 % range. The average adult insect lifespan can be increased when ionizing radiation exposure is administered during early developmental stages or during the adult stage. The effective dose inducing the average adult insect lifespan enhancement may vary considerably depending upon which life stage is exposed. Recent findings have identified specific genes affecting anti-oxidant defenses, DNA repair, apoptosis and heat shock proteins as well as several cell signaling pathways that mediate the longevity enhancing hormetic response.

Studies on catalase in ageing Zaprionus paravittiger (Diptera) with special reference to an antioxidant feeding

Zaprionus paravittiger fed with an antioxidant (sodium hypophosphite, 1 X 10(3) microM) supplemented diet exhibited adaptive compensatory responses in catalase activity (quantitative as well as qualitative). The longevity and catalase activity were found to be positively linked. The study denotes that free radical formation and antioxygenic defenses are closely associated and are the possible determinants of life span and ageing.