Caloric restriction delays disease onset and mortality in rhesus monkeys

Science. 2009 Jul 10;325(5937):201-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1173635.

Abstract

Caloric restriction (CR), without malnutrition, delays aging and extends life span in diverse species; however, its effect on resistance to illness and mortality in primates has not been clearly established. We report findings of a 20-year longitudinal adult-onset CR study in rhesus monkeys aimed at filling this critical gap in aging research. In a population of rhesus macaques maintained at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, moderate CR lowered the incidence of aging-related deaths. At the time point reported, 50% of control fed animals survived as compared with 80% of the CR animals. Furthermore, CR delayed the onset of age-associated pathologies. Specifically, CR reduced the incidence of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and brain atrophy. These data demonstrate that CR slows aging in a primate species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Atrophy / epidemiology
  • Atrophy / prevention & control
  • Body Weight
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Caloric Restriction*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Incidence
  • Longevity*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Glucose