ISSN:
1468-2494
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The ambivalent consequences of mitochondrial stimulation on cellular activity have been well established. Mitochondria supply the cell with energy through a process of oxidative phosphorylation but thereby generate free radicals, resulting in the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the cytoplasm. We have investigated the impact of cellular senescence as well as UV irradiation, on the balance between these two activities.The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, DNA and protein synthesis in fibroblasts obtained from donors between 30 and 90 years of age appeared to be significantly influenced by the aging process. Both DNA and protein synthesis could be stimulated by increasing intracellular ATP levels. In-vitro senescent fibroblasts showed a reduction in the level of ATP as well as a shift in mitochondrial membrane potential. At the same time, there was an increase in intracellular hydrogen peroxide with increasing population doubling, indicating a clear dysfunction of the metabolic machinery in the mitochondria of senescent cells. To counteract this degradation of the energy pool, we treated cells with creatine, which is known to restore the pool of phosphocreatine in the mitochondria. Creatine treatment significantly increased cell survival after UV exposure, stimulated the repair of UVB-induced DNA damage in keratinocytes and caused a significant reduction in the number of sunburn cells in a UVB-exposed reconstituted skin model. These results clearly indicate that restoration of the energy pool in mitochondria increased cellular self-defense mechanism. These data show the important role played by the mitochondrial energy metabolism on the aging process, and indicate a possible therapy that can be used to counteract this negative effect. Treatment with creatine seems to provide the necessary boost to the cellular metabolism, which leads to an induction of a significant amount of protection and repair to human skin cells.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00230_4.x
Permalink
