1. William Kim and Nicole Kiess
The Effect of Fruit Polyphenols on the Longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans
William Kim and Nicole Kiess

2. Abstract
The Effect of Fruit Polyphenols on the Longevity of C. elegans
Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function associated with aging. As aging takes place, there is a sharp decrease in muscle mass and strength seen in both physically active individuals and physically inactive individuals. Sarcopenia is a major feature of aging in both humans and C. elegans, a model organism used for studying aging and longevity. Blueberry polyphenols have been found to increase the lifespan of C. elegans, seen in the pharynx contraction rate in adult C. elegans. C. elegans pumping rate of the pharynx is an indication of the age for the pumping rate of the pharynx decreases with age. Using various concentrations of different fruit polyphenols the lifespan of C. elegans will be measured by observing the pharynx contraction rate. Seventy-five worms will be fed two different concentrations of plum polyphenols, fifty C. elegans will be fed three different concentrations of strawberry polyphenols, and there will be one-hundred fifty worms in the control group. They all will be fed an equal amount of each fruit polyphenol. The average pumping rate of the pharynx per minute will be measured with the use of a Motic camera attached to a Zeiss Axiovert 40 CFL microscope.

3. Need
Figure 1: Muscle Mass Associated with Aging

4. Caenorhabditis elegans
Image 1: C. elegans external appearance
Image 2: C. elegans internal appearance

5. C. Elegans Life Cycle
Image 3: C. elegans Life Cycle

6. Pharynx of C. elegans
Image 4: Pharyngeal Structure of Caenorhabditis elegans

7. Literature Review
Wilson et. al. (2006) found that blueberry polyphenols were successful in increasing the lifespan and thermotolerance in C. elegans
James Joseph
Fig. 2 Blueberry polyphenols extend lifespan and slow aging in C. elegans
Wilson et. al. 2006

8. Literature Review
Figure 3: Blueberry polyphenols extend lifespan and slow aging in C. elegans

9. Literature Review
Figure 4: Structural and functional declines in C. elegans pharynx from days 2-10.
Chow et. al. 2006

10. Literature Review
Figure 5: Visible Structural Decline in C. elegans as a result of Sarcopenia
Herndon et. al. (2002)

11. Purpose
Therefore the purpose of this experiment is to test the ability of different concentrations of fruit polyphenols on the prolonging of lifespan in C. elegans.
Hypothesis
H(0): The pelargonidin chloride will show no effect on the prolonging of lifespan
in C. elegans.
H(0): The cyanidin chloride will show no effect on the prolonging of lifespan in C. elegans
H(a): The pelargonidin chloride will show a positive increase in the lifespan of C. elegans.
H(a): The cyanidin chloride will show a positive increase in the lifespan of C. elegans.

12. Pelgargonidin Choride
Methodology
Caenorhabditis elegans
Control
n = 150
Pelargonidin Chloride 200 ug/ml
n = 50
Measurement
Aging of C. elegans measurement possible with the use of FUDR.
Statistical Analysis
ANOVA run by SPSS followed by a Scheffe Post Hoc Test
Pelargonidin Chloride 100ug/ml
Pelargonidin Chloride 50ug/ml
Cyanidin Chloride 200ug/mg
n = 75
Cyanidin Chloride
50ug/ml
N= 75
Pelgargonidin Choride
N = 150
Cyanidin Choride
N = 150

13. Protocols for Measurement
Fruit polyphenol extracts is added to NGM agar plates of C. elegans on the first day of the lifespan assay
Lifespan scoring is initiated after hermaphrodites complete their final larval molt, on the first day of adulthood
Pharynx pumping rates are measured on days 4, 6, 8, and 10 of C. elegans adulthood

14. Protocols for Measurement
Pharynx contraction rate recorded with Motic Plus camera attached to a stereomicroscope
Pumps per minute measured

15. Doability
Motic Plus with Stereomicroscope available in lab for pharynx contraction observation
Fruit polyphenols are easily obtainable
C. elegans are easily obtainable and culturable

16. Budget
Vendor
Catalogue #
Page
Item
Item #
Quantity
Unit $$
Total $$
Carolina Science 2009 78
248
C. elegans N2 (wild type) NP 1
$10.95 (per culture)
$10.95
Caroline Science 2009
Nematode Growth Agar NP 5
$6.25 (per 135 ml bottle)
$31.25
n/a
Symmetry C18 Column, 3.5 µm, 4.6 x 75 mm
WAT066224
$543.00
Carolina Science Website
Methanol
874950
$5.75 per
500 mL
$5.75
Total Price: $590.95

17. Bibliography
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