Effect of Fisetin on the Expression of Some Age-Related Genes

Aging is a natural process for living organisms, and cellular aging is referred to as senescence. During senescence, cells stop dividing but continue their metabolic activities and produce senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP), which can contribute to various health issues, including chronic diseases. Senolytic compounds specifically target and eliminate senescent cells. In this study, fisetin was applied to Drosophila melanogaster at doses of 0.002 and 0.005 M, and its effects were examined over different durations (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). The expression of aging-related genes dsir2, dFOXO, and dRPD3 was analyzed using RT-qPCR. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range post-hoc test. In addition to gene expression analyses, the results were supported by in silico approaches. Protein–protein interactions of the genes were examined using Cytoscape software, and digital expression profiles were generated using the TBtools program. The results indicate that high doses of fisetin in aged flies reduce the activity of the studied genes. The decrease in expression of the dRPD3 gene, in particular, suggests that fisetin administration in aged individuals may produce anti-aging effects similar to caloric restriction. Nonetheless, these observations should be further validated using complementary techniques and methodologies.