2009/07/09 by Ricki J. Colman, Rozalyn M. Anderson, Sterling C. Johnson +8 · 1 voice · 6 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · Neuroscience · #Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms #Adipose Tissue and Metabolism #Tryptophan and brain disorders
paper · doi:10.1126/science.1173635
Caloric restriction (CR), without malnutrition, delays aging and extends life span in diverse species; however, its effect on resistance to illness and mortality in primates has not been clearly established. We report findings of a 20-year longitudinal adult-onset CR study in rhesus monkeys aimed at filling this critical gap in aging research. In a population of rhesus macaques maintained at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, moderate CR lowered the incidence of aging-related deaths. At the time point reported, 50% of control fed animals survived as compared with 80% of the CR animals. Furthermore, CR delayed the onset of age-associated pathologies. Specifically, CR reduced the incidence of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and brain atrophy. These data demonstrate that CR slows aging in a primate species.