Ceramides from sea red rice bran ameliorate oxidative stress and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by activating the p38/MAPK signaling pathway and regulating the gut microbiota

Sea red rice bran, a new salinity-tolerant sea rice by-product, contains high levels of ceramides (Cers), which are necessary to tap into their bioactivity for improving the health effects of the organism. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Cers on the improving the oxidative stress and lifespan of C. elegans, and the relationship of the interaction through the p38/MAPK signaling pathway and under the regulation of intestinal flora. The results showed that Cers treatment effectively reversed the oxidative damage caused by paraquat and hydrogen peroxide in C. elegans and reduced overexpression of ROS and accumulation of mitochondrial membrane damage. In addition, Cers intake successfully activated all gene targets of p38/MAPK signaling pathway, significantly promoted the migration of SKN-1 to the nucleus, and increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria such as Ruminoccus, AKKermansia, and Lactobacillus in the intestinal flora and effectively mitigated the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Therefore, these results indicate that Cers could be effectively in ameliorating the level of oxidative stress in the body, thereby increasing longevity and health indicators. Providing a theoretical basis for the prevention of aging-related chronic diseases and health care, and enhancing the high-value comprehensive utilization of sea red rice by-products.