Insights into the multifaceted roles of dietary proteins in aging: Evidence from Caenorhabditis elegans and macrophage models

• Whey and collagen significantly extend C. elegans ' lifespan and enhance motility. • Whey protein and collagen influence aging by modulating antioxidant and inflammatory responses. • Protein intake correlates with metabolic and gene expression changes in aging. Different dietary proteins have their health and nutritional effects. This study explored the effects of seven dietary proteins—myosin, myoglobin, collagen, hemoglobin, whey protein, egg white protein, and soy protein isolate—on longevity, motility, and antioxidant enzyme expression in Caenorhabditis elegans , as well as immune factor expression in mouse macrophages. Metabolomic analysis revealed protein-induced differential metabolites, with qPCR identifying associated genes. Notably, whey protein and collagen significantly extended nematode lifespan, improved motility, and regulated antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory factors, and metabolic pathways. These effects involved upregulating tryptophan metabolism while downregulating glycerophospholipid and nucleotide metabolism. Correlations between protein intake, metabolites, and gene expression highlighted new insights into dietary protein's role in health and aging. These findings advance understanding of protein function in aging and inform future nutritional and anti-aging strategies.