Artemisinin mimics calorie restriction to initiate antioxidative responses and compromise telomere shortening

• DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.565v1
• Publication Date: 2018-01-12T20:26:24Z
• Authors: Da-Ting Wang; Ming Wu; Si-ming Li; Qian Gao; Qing-Ping Zeng
• Keywords: Calorie Restriction; Cytoprotection

Calorie restriction (CR) is known to extend lifespan among organisms with the putative mechanism underlying nitric oxide (NO)-enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis. However, whether NO maintains telomere intact that implicated in life expectancy remains unknown. We report here artemisinin derivative artesunate a low concentration up-regulates SIRT3-SOD2 expression global activation of antioxidative networks via signaling cascade AMPK→Akt→eNOS→SIRT1→PGC-1α. While donor sodium nitroprusside and precursor L-arginine replicate responses, exogenous low-dose hydrogen peroxide also leads attenuated oxidative stress. The tumor suppressor BRCA1 other DNA repair partners are down-regulated after scavenging reactive oxygen species. Upon treatment, shortening damped without telomerase up-regulation, highlighting maintenance rather than elongation. In conclusion, can mimic CR activate responses alleviate attrition signaling, thereby maintaining stability integrity chromosomes, which hallmarks longevity.