Mitochondrial Uncoupling in Macrophages as a Strategy to Reduce Inflammation

Researchers here show that forcing mitochondrial uncoupling in macrophages can change their behavior to resolve inflammation. There are a range of therapeutic approaches that might achieve this goal, as mitochondrial uncoupling has been a target for drug discovery for some time, albeit largely for reasons other than the reduction of inflammation. Uncoupling in mitochondria disconnects their activity from the production of ATP to power cellular operations, leading to heat generation instead. This change influences many other cellular processes, largely in beneficial ways; uncoupling occurs during calorie restriction, and intermittently inducing uncoupling is a calorie restriction mimetic strategy, with accompanying benefits to long-term health. To what degree is a reduction in chronic inflammation in later life driving those benefits? That is an interesting question. Researchers have recently shown how inflammatory reactions can be resolved by changes to the metabolism of macrophages. Danger signals released by damaged cells during inflammation play a role during this process. 'Rewiring' the mitochondria in the macrophages protects them against overloading and can thus improve the way in which parts of damaged cells are eliminated and resolve the inflammatory reaction. Inflammation is a natural and vital response of our immune system to danger signals and tissue damage. Inflammatory processes help the body to eliminate the triggers, for example bacteria, and to initia...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs