EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF DIETARY AND YEAST RESTRICTIONS ON LIPID PEROXIDATION AND LIFESPAN IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Dietary restriction (DR) is a powerful strategy for slowing down the aging process and mitigating age-related dysfunctions, often caused by oxidative damage from free radicals. Increased free radical activity leads to elevated levels of lipid peroxidation products, such as Malondialdehyde (MDA). In this study, we estimated MDA levels using the Wills method (1966) and assessed lifespan extension using the Bass et al. method (2007) in Drosophila melanogaster. The flies were divided into three groups: a control group, in which sugar-maize and yeast were not restricted, a second group was 40% sugar and maize-restricted, and the third was 40% sugar, maize, and yeast-restricted. The results showed a notable reduction in lipid peroxidation in both the experimental groups compared to the control. Furthermore, the lifespan was significantly extended in the 40% sugar and maize restriction group. In contrast, the group with restricted sugar, maize, and yeast showed reduced lipid peroxidation but did not experience an extension in lifespan. Since yeast is a key protein source, its restriction—along with carbohydrates—appears to limit the beneficial effects on lifespan. Conversely, restricting only sugar and maize while providing ad-libitum access to yeast led to both qualitative and quantitative improvements in lifespan.