Geroprotective effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit extract on Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Aging and its consequences is one of the main problems of humanity. Phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins have great potential as geroprotectors. Plants including Aronia used as dietary supplements are an excellent source of these compounds. We have studied the effects of the ethanol extract from Aronia fruits on Drosophila melanogaster lifespan, locomotor activity, stress resistance (oxidative stress, heat shock and starvation). And also, in order to reveal the influence of Aronia extract applied to different life cycles of Drosophila melanogaster , we selected different dietary schemes for imago: throughout life, during the first two weeks (1 – 2) and during average age (4 – 6 weeks). It was revealed that the ethanol extract of chokeberry increases the median life expectancy in males and females by 5% when Drosophila melanogaster is added to the diet for 4 – 6 weeks of life. This suggests that intervention even in old age is sufficient to increase lifespan. In addition, no harmful effects of ABE on locomotor activity were found as an indicator of fly health. We showed that Aronia extract increased stress resistance to hyperthermia and oxidative stress. At the same time, Aronia extract did not significantly affect the resistance of flies to starvation. ABE supplementation has increased expression of heat shock proteins ( Hsp27, Hsp68, Hsp83 ), oxidative stress resistance genes ( Keap1, NRF, Sod1 ), some circadian clock genes ( Clk, per ) and gene of longevity Sirt1.