日本食と健康 ∼主食の意義を探る∼

This study used senescence-accelerated prone mice (SAMP8) to examine the effects of a carbohydrate-restricted diet on aging and skin senescence, to determine how long-term carbohydrate restriction affects the aging process. Three-week-old male SAMP8 mice were divided into three groups after one week of preliminary feeding: one was given a controlled diet, another was given a high-fat diet, and the third was given a carbohydrate-restricted diet. Mice were fed ad libitum until they reached 50 weeks of age. Before the end of the test period, a grading test was used to evaluate visible aging in the mice. After the test period, serum and skin samples in mice were obtained and submitted for analysis. Results of the grading test demonstrated a significant progression of visible aging in the carbohydrate-restricted group, as well as a decreased survival rate. Histological examination of the skin revealed that the epidermis and dermis in the carbohydrate-restricted group had become thinner. Analysis of the mechanisms involved demonstrated an increase in serum interleukin-6, aggravated skin senescence, inhibition of skin autophagy, and activation of skin mTOR. Therefore, this study proved that a carbohydrate-restricted diet promoted skin senescence in senescence-accelerated mice.