Diarylpropionitrile (DPN) is an estrogen receptor-β-specific agonist that has been linked to neuroprotection, preserving cognitive function with age, the suppression of anxiety-like behaviors, inhibition of cancer growth, and other positive properties. We hypothesized that DPN may have pro-longevity properties. DPN was administered via feed at a dose corresponding to approximately 3 mg/kg/day to ovariectomized female mice beginning at 7 months of age. Mice were followed for the duration of their lifespans while monitoring body mass, aspects of behavior, learning, memory, and frailty. DPN-treated mice gained more body mass over the first 2 years of age (17 months of the study). A test of voluntary running behavior at 24 months of age behavior revealed no deficits in DPN-treated mice, which were as likely as control mice to engage in extended bouts of wheel running, and did so at higher average speeds. DPN administration had anxiolytic-like effects when measured using an elevated plus maze at 9 months of age. A mouse frailty index was used to assess age-related changes. The correlation between age and frailty differed between control and DPN-treated mice. Overall, dietary DPN administration had some beneficial effects on the aging phenotype of ovariectomized female mice with few significant detrimental effects.
Keywords: Aging; Anxiety; Diarylpropionitrile; Estrogen receptor beta; Frailty; Lifespan.