本文研究了虾青素对秀丽隐杆线虫衰老和正常生理功能的影响及其相关作用机制。试验设立对照组和虾青素组（0.08 mM、0.16 mM、0.40 mM、0.80 mM），观察N2野生型线虫的寿命及相关生理指标（生殖能力、吞咽频率和移动力），评价不同浓度虾青素对线虫衰老过程的影响，明确虾青素作用的最佳剂量；选用最佳剂量的虾青素处理N2野生型、daf-16基因缺陷型和age-1基因缺陷型线虫，分析其寿命长短，探讨虾青素在胰岛素信号通路上延缓线虫衰老的作用机理。结果表明，虾青素可显著延长线虫的寿命（P<0.05），0.16 mM虾青素的作用效果最佳，线虫的平均寿命达到26.03 d，显著延长了31.68%；虾青素对线虫的生殖能力和吞咽频率没有显著影响，能显著增强10 d和15 d线虫的移动力。0.16 mM虾青素可显著提高age-1缺陷型线虫的寿命，对daf-16缺陷型线虫的寿命无显著影响。因此，虾青素可显著延长线虫寿命，其作用机制与胰岛素信号通路上的daf-16基因密切相关。

The effects and related mechanism of astaxanthin (Ax) on aging and normal physiological functions of Caenorhabditis elegans were studied. The nematodes were divided into normal control group and Ax groups (0.08 mM, 0.16 mM, 0.40 mM, and 0.80 mM). The lifespan and related physiological indexes (reproductive capacity, pumping rate, and locomotion assay) of N2 wild-type nematodes were observed to evaluate the impact of Ax on the aging process of nematodes and to determine the optimal dose of Ax. To explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of Ax on the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (Ins/IGF-1) signaling pathway in delaying the aging process, wild-type N2, daf-16 null, and age-1 null mutant strains, treated with the optimal dose of Ax, were tested. The results revealed that the lifespan of the Ax group was longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05) and 0.16 mM of Ax was the optimal concentration. The mean lifespan of the nematodes reached 26.03 d, with a significant increase of 31.68%. Ax treatment enhanced the mobility of the nematodes at 10 d and 15 d, but did not cause any significant effects in reproductive capacity or pharyngeal pumping rate. A concentration of 0.16 mM Ax significantly extended the lifespan of age-1 null mutant strains, but did not have a significant effect on that of daf-16 null mutants. These findings suggest that Ax led to significant lifespan extension via the Ins/IGF-1 signaling pathway during normal aging, which could be dependent on daf-16.

国家自然科学基金资助项目（31401481）