Experiments conducted on common fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) have provided intriguing insights. A team of researchers from the University of Michigan (USA) suggested that the findings from their study could also apply to humans. If this holds true, we might see a new wave of popularity for intermittent fasting, which has been trending in recent years.
What the Researchers Discovered
To explore the molecular mechanisms of fasting, the researchers turned to the humble fruit fly. This tiny creature has previously helped scientists identify numerous neural signals related to hunger and satiety in the brain. Remarkably, 75 percent of the genes in these flies are linked to the same diseases that afflict humans.
To understand how the sensation of hunger might influence the aging process, the researchers periodically deprived the fruit flies of food. Specifically, they withheld amino acids essential for the survival of these two-winged insects.
These amino acids, known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), are vital nutrients for Drosophila melanogaster. Their consumption triggers feelings of fullness, as reported by ScienceAlert.
The flies that received a low-BCAA snack during the experiment later consumed more food. They also showed a preference for high-protein foods over carbohydrates. This indicates that their hunger was driven by needs rather than desires. Ultimately, the scientists discovered that the flies on this restricted diet lived significantly longer than those that consistently received their usual intake of amino acids.
Further experiments revealed that reducing BCAA levels in the flies’ diet led to the formation of modified helper proteins by their hungry neurons. These proteins, known as histones, bind to DNA and help regulate gene activity. The researchers believe that histones may serve as a link between diet, hunger response, and aging. Interestingly, previous studies have associated an increase in histone levels with extended lifespan.
The team believes that these findings could help explain why a low-BCAA diet is beneficial for our health. It may provide the body with sufficient nutrients without completely suppressing hunger signals in the brain.
Of course, the connection between hunger and aging requires much deeper investigation. One study on fruit flies, the results of which were published in the journal Science, is not enough for definitive conclusions. To confirm their theory, the scientists plan to conduct further experiments before applying the results to humans.