2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Feeding in Rats Mimics Physiologic Effects of Calorie Restriction

Calorie restriction (CR) extends the life span, slows the rate of aging, and delays the onset of many age-related diseases in short-lived laboratory species, primarily rodents. Although it is unknown if CR extends the life span in long-lived mammals, findings emerging from CR studies in rhesus monkeys agree with the extensive rodent literature that suggests this intervention can have beneficial effects in primates. Even if CR is shown to extend the life span in long-lived species, it is unlikely that the 30% to 40% reduction in intake used typically in this paradigm would become a widespread practice in humans. An alternative strategy may be to design interventions that "mimic" biologic effects of CR but do not significantly reduce food intake. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that administration of a glucose analogue, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) would mimic certain effects of CR. Specifically, we administered three doses (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% w/w) of 2-DG in the diet to male Fischer-344 rats. Rats fed 0.4% 2-DG weighed slightly less than controls and exhibited significant reductions in body temperature and fasting serum insulin levels. Our findings suggest that it might be possible to design interventions to mimic certain metabolic effects, and perhaps other beneficial effects of CR such as life span extension and retardation of physiologic aging.