Selenium-enriched Tropicoporus linteus mycelium enhances the anti-aging effect through antioxidant reactions in Drosophila melanogaster

Oxidative stress attacks cells, causing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, leading to aging and age-related diseases. The trace mineral selenium (Se) has the ability to protect against oxidative stress. The mushroom, Tropicoporus linteus (TL), has health-promoting properties; however, its ability to combat oxidative stress is still under investigation. In this study, we aimed to study whether TL and Se-enriched TL (Se-TL) possess antioxidant properties. We observed that the Se content in Se-TL mycelium was higher than that in TL mycelium. Both TL and Se-TL mycelia exhibited antioxidant activities in vitro. Both TL and Se-TL mycelium extended the lifespan of female Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). Under H2O2 conditions, TL or Se-TL mycelium increased the survival time of D. melanogaster, while Se-TL mycelium was more pronounced. Furthermore, TL and Se-TL mycelium modulated the antioxidant system, including non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defences in H2O2-treated D. melanogaster. Our data suggest that Se-TL is a promising functional food for modulating the antioxidant system against ROS-induced cellular damage, thus improving the anti-aging effect of TL.