Title:Bioenergetics and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging: Recent Insights for a Therapeutical Approach
Volume: 20
Issue: 18
Author(s): Antonino Davide Romano, Eulalia Greco, Gianluigi Vendemiale and Gaetano Serviddio
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Aging, mitochondria, mitochondria targeted therapy, oxidative stress.
Abstract: The present review points out the role of oxidative stress in aging and the potential therapeutic targets of modern antioxidant
therapies.
Mitochondria are essential for several biological processes including energy production by generating ATP through the electron transport
chain (ETC) located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Due to their relevance in cellular physiology, defects in mitochondria are associated
with various human diseases.
Moreover, several years of research have demonstrated that mitochondria have a pivotal role in aging. The oxidative stress theory of aging
suggests that mitochondria play a key role in aging as they are the main cellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which indiscriminately
damage macromolecules leading to an age-dependent decline in biological function.
In this review we will discuss the mitochondrial dysfunction occurring in aging. In particular, we will focus on the novel mitochondria
targeted therapies and the new selective molecules and nanocarriers technology as potentially effective in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction
and diseases involving oxidative stress and metabolic failure.