Chronic trans fatty acid consumption shortens lifespan in male Drosophila melanogaster on a high-sugar and high-fat diet

Abstract

Aging entails the progressive decline in the body’s self-regulation and functionality over time. Notably, obesity and aging exhibit parallel phenotypes, with obesity further accelerating the aging process across multiple dimensions and diminishing lifespan. In this study, we explored the impact of trans fatty acid (TFA) consumption on the overall health and lifespan of male Drosophila melanogaster under an isocaloric high-sugar and high-fat diet. Our results indicate that TFA intake results in a shortened lifespan, elevated body weight, and increased triglyceride levels in flies fed a high-sugar and high-fat diet with equivalent caloric intake. Additionally, TFA exposure induces oxidative stress, locomotor deficits, and damage to the intestinal barrier in flies. Collectively, chronic TFA consumption expedites the aging process and reduces the lifespan of male Drosophila melanogaster. These results contribute supplementary evidence regarding the adverse health effects associated with TFAs.

Graphical Abstract

Trans fatty acid intake results in a shortened lifespan, elevated body weight, and increased triglyceride levels in male Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-sugar and high-fat diet with equivalent caloric intake. Additionally, Trans fatty acid exposure induces oxidative stress, locomotor deficits, and damage to the intestinal barrier in flies.