Effects of adult onset mild calorie restriction on weight of reproductive organs, plasma parameters and gene expression in male mice.

ABSTRACT: Calorie restriction (CR) extends lifespan and delays onset of age-related diseases in various organisms, even when started later in life. Despite benefits for health and lifespan, CR's negative impact on reproduction is documented in some animals. Studies employing approximately 40% CR detected a delay in sexual maturation and impairment of fertility, which were combined with extension of the reproductive period. In contrast, mild CR (10-20%) is apparently not deleterious to reproduction. Hence, we hypothesized that mild CR started at 8 months of age would prolong reproductive capabilities and improve health parameters of male mice. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of 10 and 20% CR on reproductive organ weights, selected plasma parameters and hepatic/testicular gene express

SUBMITTER: Rocha JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3649015 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature