Calorie restriction (CR) is known to extend lifespan among organisms with the putative mechanism underlying nitric oxide (NO)-enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis. However, whether NO maintains telomere intact that is implicated in life expectancy remains unknown. We report here the artemisinin derivative artesunate in a low concentration up-regulates mitochondrial SIRT3-SOD2 expression among global activation of antioxidative networks via the NO signaling cascade AMPK→Akt→eNOS→SIRT1→PGC-1α. While the NO donor sodium nitroprusside and the NO precursor L-arginine replicate the antioxidative responses, exogenous low-dose hydrogen peroxide also leads to attenuated oxidative stress. The tumor suppressor BRCA1 and other DNA repair partners are down-regulated after scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Upon treatment, telomere shortening is damped without telomerase up-regulation, highlighting telomere maintenance rather than telomere elongation. In conclusion, artesunate can mimic CR to activate antioxidative responses and alleviate telomere attrition via NO signaling, thereby maintaining the stability and integrity of chromosomes, which are the hallmarks of longevity.
Artemisinin mimics calorie restriction to trigger mitochondrial biogenesis and compromise telomere shortening in mice