Abstract: This study investigated the anti-aging effects of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus paracasei in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cell-free supernatants and cell lysates were obtained from Bifidobacterium bifidum subjected to gradient heat inactivation. The effects of these postbiotics on lifespan, fecundity, locomotion, lipofuscin, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and aging-related gene expression were examined. The results demonstrated that postbiotic intervention significantly enhanced locomotor activity, extended lifespan, reduced fecundity, and decreased the accumulation of ROS and lipofuscin. Furthermore, the postbiotics elevated the mRNA expression of SOD-3, SKN-1, and age-1, alleviated oxidative stress in aged nematodes, and improved their physiological status. In summary, the postbiotics delay aging by reducing oxidative stress in nematodes and regulating the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, providing a theoretical basis for the development and application of postbiotics.

Key words: postbiotics; anti-aging; Caenorhabditis elegans; oxidative stress