Mitochondrion: A bridge linking aging and degenerative diseases

Aging is a natural process, characterized by progressive loss of physiological integrity, impaired function, and increased vulnerability to death. For centuries, people have been trying hard to understand the process of aging and find effective ways to delay it. However, limited breakthroughs have been made in anti-aging area. Since the hallmarks of aging were summarized in 2013, increasing studies focus on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and aging-related degenerative diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, osteoarthritis, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Accumulating evidence indicates that restoring mitochondrial function and biogenesis exerts beneficial effects in extending lifespan and promoting healthy aging. In this paper, we provide an overview of mitochondrial changes during aging and summarize the advanced studies in mitochondrial therapies for the treatment of degenerative diseases. Current challenges and future perspectives are proposed to provide novel and promising directions for future research.

Automated summary

Aging is a natural process characterized by physical decline and increased vulnerability to death. Despite efforts to understand and delay aging, limited progress has been made in the field of anti-aging. Recent studies have focused on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and related degenerative diseases, suggesting that restoring mitochondrial function can promote healthy aging. This paper provides an overview of mitochondrial changes during aging and summarizes advanced studies on mitochondrial therapies for degenerative diseases, offering novel directions for future research.