Age-related changes in the redox status of the housefly, Musca domestica

Abstract The objective of this study was to further test the hypothesis that aging in the housefly is associated with increased oxidative stress. Age-related changes in the concentration of glutathione, NAD and NADP, which undergo oxidation-reduction reactions, and of H 2 O 2 , a potent cellular oxidant, were examined in the homogenates of adult male houseflies at 4, 8, 12 and 16 days of age. Sixteen days of age represents the beginning of the dying phase of the population when about 20% mortality usually occurs. Results indicate that the ratios of reduced/oxidized forms decline with age; H 2 O 2 concentration steadily increases with age. Results suggest that the intracellular redox potential of the housefly becomes progressively more pro-oxidizing or less reducing during the aging process.