Anti-Aging Medicine: Mitochondrial-Directed Antioxidants and Physical Activity

Mitochondria are an important source of reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial dysfunction accompanies the development of age-related human diseases. Increased production of reactive oxygen species contributes to muscle atrophy caused, for example, by physical inactivity. Many regulatory pathways involved in mitochondrial biogenesis are targets of anti-aging therapies. Active lifestyle and exercise prevent age-related damage to skeletal muscle mitochondria. Another way to correct the action of reactive oxygen species is the use of antioxidants directly targeted to the mitochondria. Treatment with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants attenuates mitochondrial degeneration, improves age-related skeletal muscle function, and protects muscles from atrophy. This review presents data on the use of mitochondrial-directed antioxidants and exercise to maintain the structural and functional state of mitochondria, and protect muscles from sarcopenia.