The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ extends lifespan and improves healthspan of a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer disease

Li Fang Ng, Jan Gruber*, Irwin K. Cheah, Chong Kit Goo, Wei Fun Cheong, Guanghou Shui, Kim Ping Sit, Markus R. Wenk, Barry Halliwell

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

133 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

β-Amyloid (Aβ)-induced toxicity and oxidative stress have been postulated to play critical roles in the pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer disease (AD). We investigated the in vivo ability of a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, MitoQ, to protect against Aβ-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in a Caenorhabditis elegans model overexpressing human Aβ. Impairment of electron transport chain (ETC) enzymatic activity and mitochondrial dysfunction are early features of AD. We show that MitoQ extends lifespan, delays Aβ-induced paralysis, ameliorates depletion of the mitochondrial lipid cardiolipin, and protects complexes IV and I of the ETC. Despite its protective effects on lifespan, healthspan, and ETC function, we find that MitoQ does not reduce DCFDA fluorescence, protein carbonyl levels or modulate steadystate ATP levels or oxygen consumption rate. Moreover, MitoQ does not attenuate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) oxidative damage. In agreement with its design, the protective effects of MitoQ appear to be targeted specifically to the mitochondrial membrane and our findings suggest that MitoQ may have therapeutic potential for Aβ- and oxidative stress-associated neurodegenerative disorders, particularly AD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)390-401
Number of pages12
JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine
Volume71
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alzheimer disease
  • Caenorhabditis elegans
  • Cardiolipin
  • Complex IV
  • Cytochrome c oxidase
  • Electron transport chain
  • Free radicals
  • Healthspan
  • Lifespan
  • MitoQ
  • Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants
  • Oxidative stress
  • β-Amyloid peptides

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