title: Resveratrol and Lifespan in Model Organisms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Resveratrol may possess life-prolonging and health-benefitting properties, some of which may resemble the effect of caloric restriction (CR). CR appears to prolong the lifespan of model organisms in some studies and may benefit human health. However, for humans, restricting food intake for an extended period of time seems impracticable and substances imitating the beneficial effects of CR without having to reduce food intake could improve health in an aging and overweight population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have reviewed the literature studying the influence of resveratrol on the lifespan of model organisms including yeast, flies, worms, and rodents. We summarize the in vivo findings, describe modulations of molecular targets and gene expression observed in vivo and in vitro, and discuss how these changes may contribute to lifespan extension. Data from clinical studies are summarized to provide an insight about the potential of resveratrol supplementation in humans.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Resveratrol supplementation has been shown to prolong lifespan in approximately 60% of the studies conducted in model organisms. However, current literature is contradictory, indicating that the lifespan effects of resveratrol vary strongly depending on the model organism. While worms and killifish seemed very responsive to resveratrol, resveratrol failed to affect lifespan in the majority of the studies conducted in flies and mice. Furthermore, factors such as dose, gender, genetic background and diet composition may contribute to the high variance in the observed effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It remains inconclusive whether resveratrol is indeed a CR mimetic and possesses life-prolonging properties. The limited bioavailability of resveratrol may further impede its potential effects.
authors: Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 6-8, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.
authors: Kathrin
authors: K
authors: Pallauf
authors: Gerald
authors: G
authors: Rimbach
authors: Petra Maria
authors: PM
authors: Rupp
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Chin
authors: Insa M A
authors: IM
authors: Wolf
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077185:Resveratrol; D013267:Stilbenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D013267:Stilbenes; D000077185:Resveratrol