Deceptively simple but simply deceptive – Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan studies: Considerations for aging and antioxidant effects

The nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ) is increasingly popular as a model organism for aging studies as well as for testing antioxidants and other compounds for effects on longevity. However, results in the literature are sometimes confusing and contradictory [1–4]. This review introduces C. elegans as a model organism, discusses aspects that make it attractive for aging and antioxidant research, and addresses some problems and potential artifacts.