Larval crowding results in hormesis-like effects on longevity in Drosophila: timing of eclosion as a model.

There is increasing evidence that stress during development can affect adult-life health status and longevity. In the present study, we examined life span (LS), fly weight, fecundity and expression levels of longevity-associated genes (Hsp70, InR, dSir2, dTOR and dFOXO) in adult Drosophila melanogaster flies reared in normal [low density (LD), ~ 300-400 eggs per jar] or crowded [high density (HD), more than 3000 eggs per jar] conditions by using the order (day) of emergence as an index of the developmental duration (HD1-5 groups). Developmental time showed a significant trend to increase while weight showed a significant trend to decrease with increasing the timing of emergence.

[Effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate on the viability and life span in Drosophila melanogaster].

Histone acetylation (one of the most important epigenetic mechanisms controlling gene expression) has been recently shown to be involved in life span (LS) determination. There are some data indicating the geroprotective potential of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. In the present study, the effects of HDAC inhibitor, sodium butyrate (SB), on the parameters of viability and LS of Drosophila melanogaster were studied.

[Cancer incidence and mortality after low-dose radiation exposure: epidemiological aspects].

Current recommendations for limiting exposure to ionizing radiation are based on the linear-no-threshold (LNT) model for radiation carcinogenesis under which every dose, no matter how low, carries with it some cancer risk. In this review, epidemiological evidences are discussed that the LNT hypothesis is incorrect at low doses. A large set of data was accumulated that showed that cancer risk after ordinarily encountered radiation exposure (natural background radiation, medical X-rays, etc.

Life span extension in Drosophila melanogaster induced by morphine.

The influence of morphine on the life span of Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies has been investigated. Morphine hydrochloride (MH) at concentrations of 0.01, 0.