Age-Dependent Loss of Mitochondrial Function in Epithelial Tissue Can Be Reversed by Coenzyme Q₁₀

Abstract

The process of aging is characterized by the increase of age-associated disorders as well as severe diseases. Due to their role in the oxidative phosphorylation and thus the production of ATP which is crucial for many cellular processes, one reason for this could be found in the mitochondria. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species damaged mitochondrial DNA and proteins can induce mitochondrial dysfunction within the electron transport chain. According to the “mitochondrial theory of aging,” understanding the impact of harmful external influences on mitochondrial function is therefore essential for a better view on aging in general, but the measurement of mitochondrial respiration in skin cells from cell cultures cannot completely reflect the real situation in skin. Here, we describe a new method to measure the mitochondrial respiratory parameters in epithelial tissue derived from human skin biopsies using a XF24 extracellular flux analyzer to evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10. We observed a decrease in mitochondrial respiration and ATP production with donor age corresponding to the “mitochondrial theory of aging.” For the first time ex vivo in human epidermis, we could show also a regeneration of mitochondrial respiratory parameters if the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol, was administered. In conclusion, an age-related decrease in mitochondrial respiration and ATP production was confirmed. Likewise, an increase in the respiratory parameters by the addition of coenzyme Q10 could also be shown. The fact that there is a significant effect of administered coenzyme Q10 on the respiratory parameters leads to the assumption that this is mainly caused by an increase in the electron transport chain. This method offers the possibility of testing age-dependent effects of various substances and their influence on the mitochondrial respiration parameters in human epithelial tissue.

Deficits in Mitochondrial Spare Respiratory Capacity Contribute to the Neuropsychological Changes of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…All correlations seen between the neuropsychological tests and MMP were no longer significant after controlling for age, education and brain reserve. Age, years of education and brain reserve can potentially confound the correlations between neuropsychological measurements and the fibroblast metabolic markers, as all three factors have been shown to affect either performance on neuropsychological tests [39,40] or mitochondrial function [41]. To control for the effect of these three covariates, a further analysis was performed taking these parameters into account.…”

Protective Effect of l-Hexaguluroic Acid Hexasodium Salt on UVA-Induced Photo-Aging in HaCaT Cells

“…The fact that the mitochondrial electron transport chain is the major ROS production site makes mitochondria the key target of oxidative damage. Therefore, the mitochondrial aging theory is associated with the free radical theory [15,47].…”

Aging-Related Disorders and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Critical Review for Prospect Mitoprotective Strategies Based on Mitochondrial Nutrient Mixtures

“…Several in vitro studies have reported the effects of ALA in rat cell cultures [ 41 , 42 ] and CoQ10 in human cells [ 43 , 44 ], consistently showing decreased ROS production and inflammation, as well as an increase in thiol production and an improvement in ETC. Polyphenols can exert antioxidant or prooxidant effects depending on the oxygen and glucose levels used in the cell culture.…”