Open AccessMild mitochondrial uncoupling in mice affects energy metabolism, redox balance and longevity
Author(s) -
Caldeira da Silva Camille C.,
Cerqueira Fernanda M.,
Barbosa Lívea F.,
Medeiros Marisa H. G.,
Kowaltowski Alicia J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
aging cell
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.103
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1474-9726
pISSN - 1474-9718
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2008.00407.x
Subject(s) - biology , caloric theory , uncoupling protein , mitochondrion , reactive oxygen species , mitochondrial ros , oxidative phosphorylation , respiratory chain , carbohydrate metabolism , biochemistry , endocrinology , medicine , brown adipose tissue , adipose tissue
Summary Caloric restriction is the most effective non‐genetic intervention to enhance lifespan known to date. A major research interest has been the development of therapeutic strategies capable of promoting the beneficial results of this dietary regimen. In this sense, we propose that compounds that decrease the efficiency of energy conversion, such as mitochondrial uncouplers, can be caloric restriction mimetics. Treatment of mice with low doses of the protonophore 2,4‐dinitrophenol promotes enhanced tissue respiratory rates, improved serological glucose, triglyceride and insulin levels, decrease of reactive oxygen species levels and tissue DNA and protein oxidation, as well as reduced body weight. Importantly, 2,4‐dinitrophenol‐treated animals also presented enhanced longevity. Our results demonstrate that mild mitochondrial uncoupling is a highly effective in vivo antioxidant strategy, and describe the first therapeutic intervention capable of effectively reproducing the physiological, metabolic and lifespan effects of caloric restriction in healthy mammals.