A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Long-term intake of the illegal diet pill DNP reduces lifespan in a captive bird model
Authors: Stier Antoine, Bize Pierre, Massemin Sylvie, Criscuolo François
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part C: Toxicology and Pharmacology
Journal name in source: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP
Journal acronym: Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol
Article number: 108944
Volume: 242
ISSN: 1532-0456
eISSN: 1878-1659
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108944
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/Publication/51163246
2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP), a molecule uncoupling mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation from oxygen consumption, is illegally used by humans as a diet pill, but is nonetheless investigated as a potential human medicine against ‘metabesity’. Due to its proven acute toxicity and the scarceness of long-term studies on DNP administration in vertebrates, we determined the impact of a long-term DNP treatment (~4 mg.kg−1.day−1, i.e. within the range taken illegally by humans) on body mass, metabolism, ageing and lifespan in a captive bird model, the zebra finch. The chronic absorption of DNP over life (>4 years) led to a mild increase in energy expenditure (ca. +11% compared to control group), without significantly altering the normal slight increase in body mass with age. DNP did not significantly influence the alteration of physical performance, the rise in oxidative damage, or the progressive shortening of telomeres with age. However, DNP-treated individuals had a significantly shorter lifespan (ca. -21% in median lifespan compared to control group), thereby raising potential concerns about DNP use as a diet pill or medicine.
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