FAVORABLE EFFECTS OF THE ANTIOXIDANTS SODIUM AND MAGNESIUM THIAZOLIDINE CARBOXYLATE ON THE VITALITY AND LIFE-SPAN OF DROSOPHILA AND MICE

We have investigated the effects of two antioxidants, sodium and magnesium L-thiazolidine-4-carboxylate (NaTC, MgTC), on vitality and life span of female mice and male Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). NaTC or MgTC was added to the food medium of populations of flies (about 170 flies each) at a 0·2% concentration from the 26th day of their adult life, whereas MgTC was given to 39 mice at the concentration of 0·07% in their standard chow, starting at the age of 23 months. The antioxidant treatment resulted in mean life span increases of 8 and 14% in flies treated with NaTC and MgTC, respectively. Apparently, the maximum life span was similarly increased as reflected in the ages of the longest lived individuals, although much larger populations should be studied for statistical evaluation. It seems that mouse aging was also influenced by antioxidant treatment, although to a lesser degree than Drosophila aging. This is suggested by our observation that mice given MgTC had a median life span about 7% longer than the control animals. Vitality of middle aged flies (assessed by measuring their mating capacity) receiving MgTC was increased considerably in comparison with the controls. The mean body weights of groups of treated flies and mice were not different from those of the controls and the food intake was about the same for control and treated mice. Therefore, the favorable effects of the antioxidants MgTC and NaTC on mortality kinetics of flies and mice and on the vitality of flies cannot be explained as the outcome of caloric restriction. In our opinion, the favorable results which are consistently associated with the use of NaTC, MgTC or other sulphur-containing substances are related to their free radical scavenger action. In accordance with this concept, the above substances may be effective in reducing the rate of the aging process. © 1979.