Dysfunctional mitochondria elicit bioenergetic decline in the aged heart
Pasquale Mone, Esther Densu Agyapong, Giampaolo Morciano, Stanislovas S. Jankauskas, Antonio De Luca, Fahimeh Varzideh, Paolo Pinton, Gaetano Santulli
Abstract
Aging represents a complex biological progression affecting the entire body, marked by a gradual decline in tissue function, rendering organs more susceptible to stress and diseases. The human heart holds significant importance in this context, as its aging process poses life-threatening risks. It entails macroscopic morphological shifts and biochemical changes that collectively contribute to diminished cardiac function. Among the numerous pivotal factors in aging, mitochondria play a critical role, intersecting with various molecular pathways and housing several aging-related agents. In this comprehensive review, we provide an updated overview of the functional role of mitochondria in cardiac aging.