Mitochondrial DNA and Neurodegeneration: Any Role for Dietary Antioxidants?

Abstract

The maintenance of the mitochondrial function is essential in preventing and counteracting neurodegeneration. In particular, mitochondria of neuronal cells play a pivotal role in sustaining the high energetic metabolism of these cells and are especially prone to oxidative damage. Since overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, dietary antioxidants have been suggested to counteract the detrimental effects of ROS and to preserve the mitochondrial function, thus slowing the progression and limiting the extent of neuronal cell loss in neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to their role in the redox-system homeostasis, mitochondria are unique organelles in that they contain their own genome (mtDNA), which acts at the interface between environmental exposures and the molecular triggers of neurodegeneration. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that mtDNA (including both genetics and, from recent evidence, epigenetics) might play relevant roles in modulating the risk for neurodegenerative disorders. This mini-review describes the link between the mitochondrial genome and cellular oxidative status, with a particular focus on neurodegeneration; moreover, it provides an overview on potential beneficial effects of antioxidants in preserving mitochondrial functions through the protection of mtDNA.

New Neuroprotective Effect of Lemon IntegroPectin on Neuronal Cellular Model

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Mitochondrial DNA copy number and trimethylamine levels in the blood: new insights on cardiovascular disease biomarkers

“…Thus, mtDNAcn changes have been proposed as an early biomarker of damage and mitochondrial dysfunction (Clay Montier et al, 2009; Malik and Czajka, 2013). Remarkably, since mtDNAcn changes have been associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic factors (Bordoni and Gabbianelli, 2020; Torres, 2018), mtDNAcn has been proposed as a potential biomarker for complex diseases, which are linked to both genetics and environmental exposures (Castellani et al, 2020).…”

Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation

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