Time Restricted Feeding Improves the Gut Microbiome and Slows Aging in Flies
Flies are interesting in that their aging process appears very centered around intestinal function. Possibly related is the point that flies do not appear to as reliably exhibit slowed aging and improved health in response to reduced nutrient intake as is the case in other laboratory species; studies are hit and miss. Touching on another related topic, research into the gut microbiome, its age-related changes, and effects on aging have expanded considerably in recent years. Little of this has focused on flies, however. So while one might suspect that results in flies are not all that relevant to mammals, and there is in any case a growing amount of data on the aging of the gut microbiome and approaches to its rejuvenation in mammalian species, it is nonetheless interesting to see efforts to fill in this blank spot.
Time-restricted feeding (TRF), a dietary intervention involving daily fasting periods, has been associated with metabolic benefits; however, its long-term physiological impact remains unclear. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, we investigated the effects of a 16:8 TRF regimen on lifespan, reproductive output, gut health, and microbiota composition. TRF significantly extended lifespan, even when applied only during early adulthood. Notably, this longevity benefit occurred without compromising reproductive fitness, as measured by female fecundity in life's most crucial reproductive phase.
TRF promoted gut homeostasis in aged flies by reducing intestinal stem cell proliferation and enhancing epithelial barrier integrity. Furthermore, TRF induced a shift in microbiota composition, increasing the prevalence of gram-negative bacterial taxa. These results show that even short-term TRF interventions at a young age can have long-term physiological benefits. Metabolic reprogramming or increased autophagy are the most likely mechanisms mediating the health-promoting effects of this type of nutritional intervention. TRF is an effective, non-invasive strategy for promoting healthy longevity without significant adverse effects on other aspects of life.