The role of PGC-1α in mitochondrial transcription factors: A promising pathway in the treatments of mitochondrial diseases activated by Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Abstract

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), being a key transcription factor in mitochondrial biogenesis, interacts as a coactivator of several mitochondrial nuclear transcription factors, such as nuclear respiratory factor (NRF) 1 and 2, estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), as well as non-nuclear receptor myocyte-enhancing factor 2 (MEF-2). Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is a plant used in many countries, mainly in Asia, having strong activity in PGC-1α. A wide range of GP pharmacological properties has been reported, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, lipid metabolism modulator, and neuroprotective activity. The activation of PGC-1α by exogenous factors has become a promising strategy in the treatment of various pathologies, especially when focused on mitochondria. In our review, we found numerous benefits of GP in controlling age-associated metabolic diseases, mainly in diabetes type 2, fat liver, and obesity. Some studies have also reported that, due to the strong phosphorylation of AMP protein kinase (AMPK) exerted by GP, GP-treated mice showed a significant increase in Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA expression, a protein that acts directly on cellular aging processes. However, further studies in humans could provide more proof of its efficiency in diseases such as metabolic syndrome as well as any other pathology that involves changes in mitochondrial functions.