Research Paper Volume 8, Issue 7 pp 1513—1539

Figure 7. A model explaining life span differences for worms fed E. coli vs. B. subtilis. CoQ-supplemented E. coli fed worms have lower ROS levels and a lower oxidation state than coQ-deficient B. subtilis fed worms. The lifelong antioxidant effect of coQ supplementation by the E. coli diet provokes detrimental alterations in the worm cellular REDOX homeostasis, which in turn lead to a decrease of C. elegans longevity. Increasing the ROS levels of E. coli fed worms by PQ treatment would increase the oxidation state of worms and rebalance the cellular REDOX homeostasis of E. coli fed worms. CoQ-deficient B. subtilis fed worms have higher ROS levels and a higher oxidation state than coQ-supplemented E. coli fed worms. The lack of coQ supplementation by the B. subtilis diet leads to worms with a balanced cellular REDOX homeostasis. Decreasing the ROS levels of B. subtilis fed worms by NAC treatment would decrease ROS levels and the oxidation state of worms and cause alterations in the cellular REDOX homeostasis of B. subtilis fed worms. Other E. coli factors (LPS, high folate synthesis, etc.) would also contribute to the life span difference between E. coli and B. subtilis fed worms.