How to re-energise old mitochondria without shooting yourself in the foot

In old humans and pathologies associated with mitochondrial mutations, deletions in mitochondrial DNA have been associated with failing function. Investigations have been reported where treatment with a number of micronutrients, such as coenzyme Q10, have been used to re-energise failing tissues. Bioenergy changes in ageing Drosophila have been observed which indicate similar changes in mitochondrial function in old age. Reserves of carbohydrate and fat fall and food intake rises. Biochemical changes include falling mitochondrial enzymes. Mitochondrial DNA contains increased amounts of sequences corresponding to deletions. Both coenzyme Q10 and nicotinamide in large doses successfully reversed bioenergy changes in aged Drosophila. However, only nicotinamide was able to reduce short term mortality and increase life span, whereas coenzyme Q10 increased mortality and reduced life span. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased in coenzyme Q10 treated flies, whereas nicotinamide reduced ROS production. It is suggested that ROS production may account for these longevity differences. Large doses of two micronutrients have been successful in reversing the age-associated bioenergy deficit in Drosophila. This response is similar to clinical reports of re-energising tissues where mitochondrial damage has been observed. However, this work highlights a danger for some micronutrients, such as coenzyme Q10, that clinical efficacy may be limited by increased ROS production.