TY - JOUR AU - Sutphin, George L. AU - Bishop, Emma AU - Yanos, Melana E. AU - Moller, Richard M. AU - Kaeberlein, Matt PY - 2012 DA - 2012/12/01 TI - Caffeine extends life span, improves healthspan, and delays age-associated pathology in Caenorhabditis elegans JO - Longevity & Healthspan SP - 9 VL - 1 IS - 1 AB - The longevity of an organism is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. With respect to genetic factors, a significant effort is being made to identify pharmacological agents that extend life span by targeting pathways with a defined role in the aging process. On the environmental side, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the positive influence of interventions such as dietary restriction are being explored. The environment experienced by humans in modern societies already contains countless compounds that may influence longevity. Understanding the role played by common compounds that substantially affect the aging process will be critical for predicting and interpreting the outcome of introducing new interventions. Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug worldwide. Prior studies in flies, worms, and mice indicate that caffeine may positively impact age-associated neurodegenerative pathology, such as that observed in Alzheimer’s disease. SN - 2046-2395 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-2395-1-9 DO - 10.1186/2046-2395-1-9 ID - Sutphin2012 ER -