Membrane fatty acid composition and longevity of mammals and birds

The fatty acid composition of membrane lipids varies systematically among species in a manner that is consistent with their metabolic rate and longevity. Because the susceptibility of fatty acids to peroxidation relates directly to their extent of unsaturation, it is possible to calculate a peroxidation index (PI) for membranes through characterization of their specific fatty acid composition. Long-living mammals and birds have membrane lipids with a lower PI than shorter-living species. Bird and mammal species with the same maximum life span also have membrane lipids with essentially the same PI. Exceptionally long-living mammals and birds usually have membrane lipids high in monounsaturates, but low in polyunsaturates, with the consequence that the PI of their membrane lipids is as low as expected for their respective longevity. Longevity variation within species (whether due to calorie-restriction, extended longevity associated with specific strains, queen-worker differences in honey bees or inherited longevity differences among humans) is also associated with differences in membrane composition and PI. Membrane composition is specific for each species and PI appears to generally be resistant to dietary manipulation. It is postulated that membrane fatty acid composition is an important influence on aging and the determination of maximum life span.