Using the experimental model C. elegans to in vivo deepen into the biomedical properties of the Romina strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) cultivar: A look into tau protein-related Alzheimer's disease, aging and redox biology

BACKGROUND: Romina strawberry cultivar is rich in bioactive compounds. Healthy properties of Romina have been only partially investigated. There are almost no information concerning aging and age-related diseases like Alzheimer's Disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate about the effects of a methanolic extract of the strawberry Romina cultivar on aging, redox biology, and tau protein-related aspects of AD in Caenorhabditis elegans. METHODS: Caenorhabditis elegans strains were treated with 100, 500 or 1000 mu g/mL of a methanolic extract of the Romina cultivar and evaluated for toxicity, lifespan, tau protein expression and redox biology markers. RESULTS: No toxicity was found. Tau expression was lower in nematodes treated with 500 and 1000 mu g/mL. All treatments induced higher lifespan than control. Lipofuscin expression was higher in old nematodes and the treatments led to a lower expression in young and old animals. Redox biology markers were improved by strawberry treatment in young and old animals, but the best results were found for different dosages depending on age. CONCLUSIONS: Romina cultivar presented promising effects concerning tau-related AD and longevity. Romina might be considered from the point of view of a proper regulation of redox biology, but considering that treatment conditions should be adjusted by age.