Bioenergetics and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging: Recent Insights for a Therapeutical Approach

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.

Cite this article as:

Romano Davide Antonino, Greco Eulalia, Vendemiale Gianluigi and Serviddio Gaetano, Bioenergetics and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging: Recent Insights for a Therapeutical Approach, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2014; 20 (18) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/13816128113196660700