Caloric Restriction Delays Disease Onset and Mortality in Rhesus Monkeys

Ricki J. Colman(University of Wisconsin–Madison), Rozalyn M. Anderson(University of Wisconsin–Madison), Sterling C. Johnson(University of Wisconsin–Madison), Erik K. Kastman(University of Wisconsin–Madison), Kristopher J. Kosmatka(University of Wisconsin–Madison), T. Mark Beasley(University of Alabama at Birmingham), David B. Allison(University of Alabama at Birmingham), Christina Cruzen(University of Wisconsin–Madison), Heather A. Simmons(University of Wisconsin–Madison), Joseph W. Kemnitz(University of Wisconsin–Madison), Richard Weindruch(University of Wisconsin–Madison)
Science
July 9, 2009
10.1126/science.1173635
Cited by 2,266Open Access
Full Text

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.

Related Papers

No related papers found

Powered by citation graph analysis