Ginkgolide B promotes fat-lowering and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans via DAF-2/DAF-16 signaling pathway

Abstract

Obesity and aging are significant public health issues globally, which facilitate the progression of metabolic disorders associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. These diseases are linked to high incidences of chronic conditions, influencing the quality of life and public health expenditures. Consequently, reducing obesity rates and easing the aging process constitute the foremost priorities in human health development. Ginkgolide B (GB), a monoterpene triterpene lactone extracted from ginkgo, possesses multiple attributes, including cardiovascular protection, lipid regulation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, suppression of spinal cord injury, and neuroprotection. In this investigation, we used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to explore the anti-obesity and anti-aging effects of GB. We discovered that GB exerted a lipid-lowering impact and prolonged the healthy lifespan of the worms, decreased the accumulation of lipofuscin in the intestine, reduced food intake, and augmented energy expenditure. By screening the variations in fat deposition in C. elegans with multiple lipid metabolism pathway defect genes, we found that the daf-2(e1370) and daf-16(mu86) mutant strains, which were stained with oil red O staining after GB treatment, demonstrated a substantial reduction in fat accumulation and the disappearance of the extended lifespan phenotype. In conclusion, our results suggested that GB reduced fat accumulation and extended the healthy lifespan via the DAF-2/DAF-16 signaling pathway. These effects render GB an attractive research prospect for diseases related to obesity and aging.