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Mitochondria and Aging

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Advances in Mitochondrial Medicine

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 942))

Abstract

Aging is a degenerative process that is associated with progressive accumulation of deleterious changes with time, reduction of physiological function and increase in the chance of disease and death. Studies in several species reveal a wide spectrum of alterations in mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with aging, including (1) increased disorganization of mitochondrial structure, (2) decline in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) function, (3) accumulation of mtDNA mutation, (4) increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and (5) increased extent of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. In this chapter, we outline the common alterations in mitochondria of the aging tissues and recent advances in understanding the role of mitochondrial H2O2 production and mtDNA mutation in the aging process and lifespan determination. In addition, we discuss the effect of caloric restriction on age-associated mitochondrial changes and its role in longevity. Taking these findings together, we suggest that decline in mitochondrial energy metabolism, enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress, and accumulation of mtDNA mutations are important contributors to human aging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong St., Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112, Republic of China

    Hsin-Chen Lee Ph.D.

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Yau-Huei Wei

  3. Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, Danshui, Taipei County, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Yau-Huei Wei

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  1. Hsin-Chen Lee Ph.D.
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  2. Yau-Huei Wei
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Correspondence to Hsin-Chen Lee Ph.D. .

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  1. School of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical B, Catholic University, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, 00168, Italy

    Roberto Scatena

  2. School of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical B, Catholic University, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, 00168, Italy

    Patrizia Bottoni

  3. School of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical B, Catholic University, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, 00168, Italy

    Bruno Giardina

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Lee, HC., Wei, YH. (2012). Mitochondria and Aging. In: Scatena, R., Bottoni, P., Giardina, B. (eds) Advances in Mitochondrial Medicine. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 942. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2869-1_14

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