Urolithin A Supplementation Improves Mitochondrial Function and Hematopoiesis in Mice

A number of supplement-based approaches have been demonstrated to modestly improve mitochondrial function with age. This includes the various ways to increase NAD levels using vitamin B3 derivatives, mitochondrially targeted antioxidants such as SkQ1, MitoQ, and SS-31, and other compounds such as urolithin A for which the mechanism causing improved mitochondrial function is not as well determined. There is an argument to be made that all of these compounds work because they in some way improve the operation of mitophagy, a mitochondrial quality control mechanism that senses worn and damaged mitochondria, before directing them to a lysosome for recycling. That sensing is complicated and incompletely understood, which makes it challenging to determine what exactly is going on under the hood. We do know that mitochondrial function and mitochondrial quality control are improved by the practice of calorie restriction, as well as by the exercise needed to maintain physical fitness. This might lead us to suspect that these approaches to improving mitochondrial function will have smaller effects on life span in long-lived humans than in short-lived mice, as that is exactly what happens in the case of calorie restriction. Meanwhile, we have no intuition as to the size of the outcomes that might be achieved via complete replacement of mitochondria, which is to my eyes the most promising approach to mitochondrial rejuvenation, or via allotopic expression, producing backup copies ...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs