# 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.

## Key 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.