Meeting Abstract
P2.121 Jan. 5 Moderate oxygen: the fountain of youth? RASCON, Brenda*; HARRISON, Jon F.; Arizona State University; Arizona State University brenda.rascon@asu.edu
Oxidative damage has been closely linked to aging in animals. Most studies to date suggest a positive relationship between oxygen level (pO2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In Drosophila melanogaster exposed to extreme hyperoxia (100% O2), researchers have found age-associated increases in protein carbonylation, altered activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, conformational changes in important respiratory enzymes and decreased longevity. Conversely, new studies suggest that hypoxia may also trigger the production of ROS. Most studies have centered their attention on acute exposure to extreme hyperoxia and have not addressed potential long-term exposure effects, despite the relevance to aging. Long-term exposure to variation in atmospheric pO2 during the juvenile stage may alter the response of D. melanogaster to oxygen in their adult life due to developmental plasticity of the oxygen delivery system (tracheal size and number) and anti-oxidant pathways. In this study, we have quantified the effect of a wide range of oxygen environments on D. melanogaster longevity and oxidative damage (protein oxidation). We reared D. melanogaster from egg to adulthood in 10, 21, and 40% O2 and then measured lifespan for these adults in 2.5, 10, 21, 40, and 100% O2. Our results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between longevity and pO2, with decreased longevity in both hypoxia and hyperoxia. Measurements of protein oxidation levels in respective oxygen environments are presently underway. NSF HRD-0114712 (WAESO at ASU), NSF IOB-0419704 (JFH).
