Increased life span from overexpression of superoxide dismutase in Caenorhabditis elegans is not caused by decreased oxidative damage

► sod-1 over-expression increases levels of cellular ROS and of molecular damage. ► sod-1 over-expression effects on lifespan are dependent on DAF-16 (FoxO) and HSF-1. ► Increased lifespan is partially suppressed by inactivation of ER stress mediators. ► sod-2 (MnSOD) over-expression effects on lifespan are dependent on DAF-16.