Short lifespan under dietary cholesterol depletion is associated with gut dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster females

TL;DR

Reducing dietary cholesterol shortens lifespan in fruit flies by causing gut problems, suggesting gut health is important for longevity.

Contribution

The study shows that gut dysfunction is a key factor in lifespan reduction under cholesterol-limited diets in female fruit flies.

Findings

Low-cholesterol diets increased intestinal permeability in Drosophila females.

Cholesterol limitation was associated with reduced lifespan and gut dysfunction.

Not all flies lost gut barrier function before death, suggesting variability in aging processes.

Abstract

Dietary restriction may extend lifespan by improving late-life gut health. Because micronutrients mediate the effects of macronutrient ratios on longevity, we examined how cholesterol limitation affects gut health in female Drosophila melanogaster. Low-cholesterol diets increased intestinal permeability and reduced lifespan, however, not all flies lost barrier function before dying. This indicates gut dysfunction is either a marker of ageing, or contributes to death, but predominantly during dietary cholesterol limitation.

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