Testing the redox theory of aging under parasitism

Abstract

The redox theory of aging proposes that an oxidative imbalance, possibly amplified by infection, drives senescence. We experimentally evolved mosquitoes under early or late reproduction with or without parasite exposure, and quantified longevity, fecundity, and redox markers. Although selection generated the expected life-history divergence, there was only a poor non-linear association between a redox gradient and longevity. Thus, oxidative stress contributed to, but did not determine, the evolution of aging.