Findings from Osaka University show how removing reproductive cells affects life span in fish
Researchers from Osaka University in Japan investigated how hindering the production of gametes influences the life spans of male and female fish. The study results appeared in Science Advances, a well-regarded scientific journal.
In one part of the work, scientists isolated reproductive cells from a small turquoise killifish. This freshwater species matures within about two weeks and has a brief natural life, typically lasting only a few months. Gametes are the sex cells required for sexual reproduction. In vertebrates, sperm carries the male reproductive cells and eggs carry the female reproductive cells.
The team anticipated that removing germ cells would extend life expectancy for both sexes. Yet the outcome surprised them. Lifespan increased for male fish when germ cells were removed, while females without reproductive gametes showed a reduction in longevity. The results highlight a sex-specific response to the loss of reproductive capacity.
In a second stage of the investigation, researchers explored whether vitamin D supplementation could influence aging in these fish. The experiment yielded a notable 21 percent longer life expectancy for males and about 7 percent for females.
The scientists noted that the aging process observed in killifish bears similarities to aging in humans. They suggested that these findings could contribute to understanding why females in humans and some primates tend to outlive males.
Earlier discussions highlighted that certain lifestyle factors can impact longevity. While the current work focuses on cellular and hormonal factors, it adds a piece to the broader question of why sex differences appear in aging across species.