title: Minocycline effect on life and health span of Drosophila melanogaster.
abstract: Up-regulation of kynurenine (KYN) pathway of tryptophan (TRP) was suggested as one of the mechanisms of aging and aging-associated disorders. Genetic and pharmacological impairment of TRP - KYN metabolism resulted in prolongation of life span in Drosophila models. Minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties independent of its antibacterial activity, inhibited KYN formation from TRP. Since minocycline is the only FDA approved for human use medication with inhibitory effect on TRP - KYN metabolism, we were interested to study minocycline effect on life- and health-spans in Drosophila model. Minocycline (0.87mM) prolonged mean, median and maximum life span of wild-type Oregon Drosophila melanogaster of both genders. Minocycline (0.87 mM) stimulated vertical climbing in male flies. Minocycline dose-dependently decreased quantity and survivorship of pupae of filial generation. Minocycline might be a promising candidate drug for anti-aging intervention and treatment of aging-associated medical and psychiatric disorders. The role of TRP - KYN metabolism in the mechanisms of minocycline-effect on life- and health-span might be elucidated by the future assessment of minocycline effects in Drosophila mutants naturally or artificially knockout for genes impacting the key enzymes of KYN pathway of TRP metabolism.
authors.affiliation: V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine;
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Oxenkrug
authors.forename: Valeriya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Navrotskaya
authors.forename: Lyudmila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vorobyova
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Summergrad