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Abstract

The mitochondrion, the "power house of cell", plays a central role in energy-generating processes so called as ""master of life and death"". A decline in mitochondrial function plays a key role in the aging process and increases the incidence of age-related disorders. With advanced age, mitochondrial DNA volume, integrity and functionality decrease due to accumulation of mutations and oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In aged subjects, mitochondria are characterized by impaired function such as lowered oxidative capacity, reduced oxidative phosphorylation, decreased ATP production, significant increase in ROS generation, and diminished antioxidant defense. Antioxidant defense system, which is responsible for eliminating a wide range of oxidants, especially reactive oxygen species (ROS). As mitochondria are the major site for production of large amount of ROS, mitochondria-targeted antioxidant therapies have shown great effectiveness against the damage caused by enhanced ROS generation, is discussed in this review article.