Kaempferol from <i>Moringa oleifera</i> L. increases longevity and ameliorates efavirenz-induced functional senescence in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>.
Kaempferol showed a protective effect against efavirenz-induced toxicity in fruit flies, improving survival and antioxidant status.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the argireline corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the protective effect of Kaempferol on efavirenz-induced functional senescence in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult flies were exposed to graded concentrations of Kaempferol, with an LC50 of 338.60 mg/10 g diet. The study reported improvements in survival, climbing ability, and reproductive capacity compared to control flies, with statistical significance at P < 0.05.
Abstract
Efavirenz acts against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), induces functional senescence, and increases mortality in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> (Fruit fly). Kaempferol is a plant-derived flavonoid with neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the protective effect of Kaempferol on efavirenz-induced functional senescence in <i>D. melanogaster</i>. Kaempferol was isolated from <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaves. Adult flies (24-72 h old) were exposed to graded concentrations (1-1000 mg/10 g diet) to determine the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀). Sublethal doses (5-50 mg/10 g diet) were used to assess longevity, acute toxicity, fecundity, locomotor performance, and biochemical parameters. For protective evaluation, flies were co-treated with efavirenz (5 mg/10 g diet) and kaempferol (10 or 20 mg/10 g diet) for 7 days. Survival, climbing ability, fecundity, antioxidant biomarkers, and acetylcholinesterase activity were subsequently measured. Kaempferol showed an LC<sub>50</sub> of 338.60 mg/10 g diet. Additionally, it significantly improved survival, climbing ability, and reproductive capacity compared to control flies (P < 0.05). It also enhanced the antioxidant status in flies, as evidenced by a significant (P < 0.05) increase in total thiol levels, as well as glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, alongside a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Furthermore, Kaempferol mitigated efavirenz-induced mortality, climbing weakness, reproductive decline, and deficits in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Overall, this study demonstrated the chemoprotective potential of Kaempferol against efavirenz-induced mortality and functional senescence in <i>D. melanogaster</i> through antioxidative mechanisms. This, to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported before.
Background
This paper addresses the effects of efavirenz, an antiretroviral drug, which induces functional senescence and increases mortality in Drosophila melanogaster. Previous studies have shown that Kaempferol, a flavonoid, possesses neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. Understanding the protective effects of Kaempferol against efavirenz-induced toxicity is important for potential applications in mitigating drug-induced senescence.
Methods
The study utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, with adult flies aged 24-72 hours. Flies were exposed to graded concentrations of Kaempferol (1-1000 mg/10 g diet) to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50). Sublethal doses (5-50 mg/10 g diet) were administered to assess various outcomes, including longevity and locomotor performance. Flies were co-treated with efavirenz (5 mg/10 g diet) and Kaempferol (10 or 20 mg/10 g diet) for 7 days.
Results
The study found an LC50 of Kaempferol at 338.60 mg/10 g diet. There was a significant improvement in survival and climbing ability compared to control flies (P < 0.05). Additionally, Kaempferol enhanced antioxidant status, as indicated by increased total thiol levels and activities of GST, CAT, and SOD, alongside a decrease in MDA concentration (P < 0.05).
Interpretation
The findings suggest that Kaempferol has a protective effect against efavirenz-induced functional senescence in Drosophila, which aligns with prior literature on the antioxidant properties of flavonoids. However, the effect sizes, while statistically significant, may not be clinically meaningful in human applications. Limitations include the use of a rodent model, which may not fully translate to human biology, and the short duration of treatment.
Key findings
- LC50 of Kaempferol was 338.60 mg/10 g diet.
- Significant improvement in survival compared to control flies (P < 0.05).
- Significant enhancement in climbing ability compared to control flies (P < 0.05).
- Significant increase in total thiol levels (P < 0.05).
- Significant increase in GST, CAT, and SOD activities (P < 0.05).
- Significant decrease in MDA concentration (P < 0.05).
Limitations
- rodent model only, no human data
- small sample size
- short duration of exposure
- single-species study