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Improvement of cognitive and motor performance with mitotherapy in aged mice
Zizhen Zhao1, Zhenyao Yu1, Yixue Hou1
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
Abstract:
Changes in mitochondrial structure and function are mostly responsible for aging and age-related features. Whether healthy mitochondria could prevent aging is, however, unclear. Here we intravenously injected the mitochondria isolated from young mice into aged mice and investigated the mitotherapy on biochemistry metabolism and animal behaviors. The results showed that heterozygous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of both aged and young mouse coexisted in tissues of aged mice after mitochondrial administration, and meanwhile, ATP content in tissues increased while reactive oxygen species (ROS) level reduced. Besides, the mitotherapy significantly improved cognitive and motor performance of aged mice. Our study, at the first report in aged animals, not only provides a useful approach to study mitochondrial function associated with aging, but also a new insight into anti-aging through mitotherapy.
Insights
Mitochondrial therapy using young mouse mitochondria improved aged mice
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Cellular Aging
Background:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in aging.
- The potential of healthy mitochondria to reverse aging remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of young mouse mitochondria administration (mitotherapy) on aged mice.
- To explore the impact on biochemical metabolism and animal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of mitochondria isolated from young mice into aged mice.
- Analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) coexistence, ATP levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- Assessment of cognitive and motor functions in treated aged mice.
Main Results:
- Coexistence of young and aged mouse mtDNA in tissues post-mitotherapy.
- Increased ATP content and reduced ROS levels in aged mice.
- Significant improvements in cognitive and motor performance.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial administration is a viable approach for studying aging-related mitochondrial function.
- Mitotherapy shows promise as a novel anti-aging strategy, improving metabolism and function in aged animals.
