title: Reproduction, fat metabolism, and life span: what is the connection?
abstract: Reduced reproduction is associated with increased fat storage and prolonged life span in multiple organisms, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent studies in several species provide evidence that reproduction, fat metabolism, and longevity are directly coupled. For instance, germline removal in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans promotes longevity in part by modulating lipid metabolism through effects on fatty acid desaturation, lipolysis, and autophagy. Here, we review these recent studies and discuss the mechanisms by which reproduction modulates fat metabolism and life span. Elucidating the relationship between these processes could contribute to our understanding of age-related diseases including metabolic disorders.
authors: Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Del E. Webb Neuroscience, Aging and Stem Cell Research Center, Development and Aging Program, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. mhansen@sanfordburnham.org
authors: Malene
authors: M
authors: Hansen
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Flatt
authors: Hugo
authors: H
authors: Aguilaniu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001343:Autophagy; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008136:Longevity / Q000502:physiology*; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D013256:Steroids; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I