BEYOND THE RODENT MODEL - CALORIE RESTRICTION IN RHESUS-MONKEYS

Lifespan extension and reduction of age-related disease by calorie res triction (CR) are among the most consistent findings in gerontological research. The well known effects of CR have been demonstrated many ti mes in rodents and other short-lived species. However, effects of CR o n aging in longer-lived species, more closely related to humans, were unknown until recently. Studies of CR and aging using nonhuman primate s (rhesus monkeys) were begun several years ago at the National Instit ute on Aging, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Maryland. These studies are beginning to yield useful data regardin g the effects of this nutritional intervention in primates. Several st udies from these ongoing investigations have shown that rhesus monkeys on CR exhibit physiological responses to CR that parallel findings in rodents. In addition, several potential biomarkers of aging are being evaluated and preliminary findings suggest the possibility that CR in rhesus monkeys could slow the rate of aging and reduce age-related di sease, specifically diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It will be se veral years before conclusive proof that CR slows aging and extends li fe span in primates is established, however, results from these exciti ng studies suggest the possibility that the anti-aging effects of CR r eported in rodents also occur in longer-lived species such as nonhuman primates, strenghtening the possibility that this nutritional interve ntion will also prove beneficial in longer-lived species, including hu mans.