Improving mitochondrial function with SS-31 reverses age-related redox stress and improves exercise tolerance in aged mice
Melhora da função mitocondrial com SS-31 reverte estresse redox relacionado à idade e melhora a tolerância ao exercício em camundongos idosos
Campbell MD, Duan J, Samuelson AT, Gaffrey MJ, Merrihew GE, Egertson JD, Wang L, Bammler TK, Moore RJ, White CC, Kavanagh TJ, Voss JG, Szeto HH, Rabinovitch PS, MacCoss MJ, Qian WJ, Marcinek DJ
Free Radic Biol Med
Summary
This preclinical study from the University of Washington investigated the effects of SS-31 (elamipretide) treatment for 8 weeks in aged mice (24 months), using comprehensive proteomic and functional approaches to assess the impact on muscle aging and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
The results demonstrated that SS-31 reversed the decline in maximal mitochondrial ATP production and restored oxidative phosphorylation coupling to levels comparable to young mice. There was a significant increase in muscle mass and improvement in treadmill exercise endurance, indicating concrete functional benefits.
- Mitochondrial redox stress, measured by cysteine oxidation in key proteins, was significantly reversed
- Proteomic analysis revealed normalization of signaling pathways associated with aging
- Exercise capacity improved ~20% in treated mice
- Effects were observed even when treatment was initiated at advanced age
A particularly interesting aspect was that benefits persisted even after a relatively short treatment period, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction in aging is partially reversible. The study reinforced the concept that SS-31, by stabilizing cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, may be a promising therapeutic strategy for sarcopenia and age-related functional decline.
Related Peptide
SS-31
Elamipretide, Bendavia
Mitochondria-targeted peptide with cardioprotective properties. Selectively binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane.