Abstract
Mitochondria, according to the free radical theory of aging, are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results, presented in this paper, question the role of reactive oxygen species in contributing significantly to the extent of mitochondrial bioenergy degradation of the tissues, which can be correlated with mtDNA rearrangements. We report here that mtDNA rearrangements, including deletions and duplications, in tissues from human aged subjects, occur in levels ranging from very low in liver, to considerable in cardiac muscle, to almost total in skeletal muscle. The extent of mtDNA rearrangements is correlated at both the individual tissue and cell level with cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity as the exemplifier of cellular bioenergy capacity. Thus, the ROS proposal in its simplest form as it affects mtDNA and mitochondrial electron transport system is not supported by the available data.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
