The mitochondrial concept involving ageing, proposes that age-associated mitochondrial defects tend to be manipulated through accumulations of mutations in the mitochondrial DNA. Abnormal mitochondrial function is one of the hallmarks involving ageing in many species, including humans. This is mostly because of the fact how the mitochondrion will be the so-called powerhouse of the cell as it produces energy in a process called cellular respiration.

Damage to the mitochondrial DNA brings about changes or mutations from the DNA string. Accumulation of these changes is actually associated with a reduced lifespan and early attack involving aging-related features such as weight and hair loss, curvature with the spine and osteoporosis.

These findings reveal that, contrary to the mitochondrial theory of aging, epigenetic regulation controls age-associated respiration defects in human fibroblast cell lines and if epigenic regulation controls aging in humans then glycine supplements giving our older population a new lease of life. Source: University of Tsukuba

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