Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Real-time Monitoring of Mitochondrial Respiration in Cytokine-differentiated Human Primary T Cells
Published on: October 19, 2021
An investigation of the effects of MitoQ on human peripheral mononuclear cells
Shiva Marthandan1, Michael P Murphy, Ellen Billett
1Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Beulenbergstrasse 11, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
Abstract:
MitoQ is a ubiquinone derivative targeted to mitochondria which is known to have both antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties within mammalian cells. Previous research has suggested that the age-related increase in oxidative DNA damage in T lymphocytes might contribute to their functional decline with age. This paper describes the impact of mitoQ on unchallenged or oxidatively challenged ex vivo human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy 25-30 or 55-60 year old volunteers. When cells were challenged with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), following mitoQ treatment (0.1-1.0 microM), the ratio of reduced to oxidized forms of glutathione increased, the levels of oxidative DNA damage decreased and there was an increase in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Low levels of mitoQ (0.1 or 0.25 microM) had no impact on endogenous DNA damage, whilst higher levels (0.5 and 1.0 microM) of mitoQ significantly reduced endogenous levels of DNA damage. The results of this investigation suggest that mitoQ may have anti-immunosenescent potential.
Insights
MitoQ, an antioxidant, reduced oxidative DNA damage and improved mitochondrial function in human immune cells. This suggests MitoQ may combat age-related immune system decline.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial medicine
- Immunology
- Cellular aging
Background:
- Oxidative DNA damage in T lymphocytes increases with age, contributing to immune system decline.
- MitoQ is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant with anti-apoptotic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of MitoQ on ex vivo human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young and aged volunteers.
- To assess MitoQ's effects on oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial function.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 25-30 and 55-60 year olds were treated with MitoQ (0.1-1.0 microM).
- Cells were either unchallenged or challenged with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)).
- Assessed glutathione redox ratio, oxidative DNA damage, and mitochondrial membrane potential.
Main Results:
- MitoQ treatment increased the reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio in H(2)O(2)-challenged cells.
- Oxidative DNA damage decreased, and mitochondrial membrane potential increased following MitoQ treatment.
- Higher MitoQ concentrations (0.5-1.0 microM) significantly reduced endogenous DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- MitoQ demonstrates protective effects against oxidative stress in human immune cells.
- MitoQ may possess anti-immunosenescence properties, potentially mitigating age-related immune dysfunction.
