Publication Date:
2012-05-30
Description:
The continuing viability of the free-radical theory of ageing has been questioned following apparently incompatible recent results. We show by modelling positional effects of the generation and primary targets of reactive oxygen species that many of the apparently negative results are likely to be misleading. We conclude that there is instead a need to look more closely at the mechanisms by which free radicals contribute to age-related dysfunction in living systems. There also needs to be deeper understanding of the dynamics of accumulation and removal of the various kinds of molecular damage, in particular mtDNA mutations. Finally, the expectation that free-radical damage on its own might cause ageing needs to be relinquished in favour of the recognition that the free-radical theory is just one of the multiple mechanisms driving the ageing process. The free-radical theory is more complex than commonly recognized. Spatial effects need to be considered; e.g. mitochondrial DNA, a main target of ROS, is attached to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where most radicals are produced. This influences the likely effectiveness of antioxidants (AOx) and of turnover processes to control cellular damage.
Print ISSN:
0265-9247
Electronic ISSN:
1521-1878
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
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