The health effects of dietary restriction have been recognized for most of the 20th century, yet little historic work was actually done extending the findings from rodents, where the phenomenon was first found, to other animal models (or humans). The reasons attributed to this historic lack of acceptance are three-fold; a lack of investigative methodology until relatively recent time, a lack of clear understanding of the working mechanisms, and conservative skepticism influenced by personal prejudice. Investigative methodology has tremendously increased in the last twenty years, including significant advances in computers, mathematical modeling, DNA and PCR analysis, and the development of strains of experimental animals having predictable genetic expression. The working mechanism of DR, while being seriously investigated, is still a scientific black box: you can see what goes in and what comes out, but what goes on inside the box is unknown. A lot of possible mechanisms have been discussed, and the leading contenders are that DR reduces exposure to oxidants and biological and environmental toxins, DR causes an increase in various enzymes that repair DNA and protein, and that DR stimulates tissue protein turnover, reducing the effects of accumulative protein damage. Regardless of mechanism, the observed data conclusively show DR slows ageing, extends lifespan, reduces cancers and the incidence of other diseases, and while it doesn't actually cure disease, it can help reduce symptoms and reduce the progression of the illness. Remember my post on hypotheses and analogs? The reason I posted it before the ad libitum posts was so those unfamiliar with (or needing serious review of) scientific method would understand the difference between data and hypotheses. For example, increased lifespan, reduced rates of cancer, and retarded ageing rates are all observations; that is, they are data. These are not hypothetical; they are real life observations. To explain WHY or HOW the data were generated, various hypotheses could be generated to explain what is going on within the "black box." Each member of the FML NEEDS to understand this fundamental truth: no study- -in the wild, captivity, or in the lab- -has falsified these observations of dietary restriction, because they are NOT hypotheses, but observations. They are data. Still, as already shown on the FML, personal prejudice plays an important role in DR studies. People tend to choose sides depending on their preconceptions, and will either run around like a cartoon clown with their hair on fire, screaming "Rapid oxidation is ONLY a scientific hypothesis!", or will suck the idea into their bosom, using it as a justification to fire-bomb Purina. Neither group so emotionally invested in their personal Dietary Dogma will gain much from this discussion. Similar prejudices are found within the scientific community. At a 1985 symposia on the subject, immediately after a debate on the lifespan extending effects of dietary restriction, gerontologists were asked for a show of hands to see who thought DR extended lifespan, and who didn't. It was immediately and graphically clear which group thought restricting diet wouldn't influence lifespan: most were clearly obese. I guess this shows that not only do armies walk on their stomachs, but, scientists think with theirs. The point here is in the face of personal prejudice, I cannot convince a single person ANYTHING, and I am NOT going to try. In fact, I am blowing both groups off, concentrating this discussion to those with an open mind, who recognize the only way we can improve the health and quality of life for our ferrets is to "Test everything. Keep the good, and discard the bad." In the next posts, we will do just that. We will ask questions regarding animal modeling, and discuss exactly WHY results in other species apply to ferrets. We will have an extended discussion of the possible health benefits of DR for ferrets. We will discuss the implications in quality of life and other ethical concerns regarding implementing a DR program. We will investigate safe methods of implementing dietary restriction for ferrets without having to invest in a home chemistry set and scanning electron microscope. We will discuss the ferret's unique physiology. Lastly, I will post a rather impressive list of references on the subject. On a personal note for those middle-of-the-road people who are interested in learning about dietary restriction in ferrets. I will endeavor to be as impartial as possible during these discussions, clearly labeling personal opinion as such. I suggest you read ALL remarks- -my own as well as those in opposition- -with a critical eye. Don't let emotional diatribes nor demands for impossible evidentiary proof to sway your opinion (you don't have to be able to explain gravity to know when you fall on your ass, you are proving a hypothesis). Read the argument, consider the evidence, judge the logic, and then, MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND! Don't let ME convince you, listen to the evidence. I adore ferrets, and I have a single overriding goal: to increase the quality their lives as much as they have mine. As evidence of my motivation (and qualification), recall *I* invented Bob's Chicken Gravy, it has withstood the test of time (and more than a few nutrition experts), and I have freely given it away without regard to profit or publicity, as I do with EVERYTHING I have ever posted on ferrets. I think the concept of dietary restriction is a key tool to achieving a better life in ferrets. All I ask is for those with an open mind to read these posts carefully and judge the argument based on data, facts, and logic rather than personal prejudice and dogmatic delusion. Bob C (in memory of Chrys) [Posted in FML issue 3954]