Signs of Aging - Hair Loss and Wrinkles – Reversed

In exploring mtDNA reduction and also aging, these scientists stimulate a mutation in a POLG1 or the polymerase domain of mice, through the form of antibiotics called as doxycycline. This was established to the rodent's water and food. What doxycycline basically does is to deter the enzyme desired for the mitochondria to work; this (DN) dominant-negative mutation is identified to cause the depletion of an mtDNA.

Most of the earliest alterations observed in the mice at four weeks, were visible hair loss, lethargy or slowed movements, graying and reduced hair density. After a month, those wrinkled skin became noticeable, much more with the females than male mice. All of these may be classified as aging signs.

Exclusively, the pathology of a mouse-skin displayed excessive cells, solidifying of epidermis, inflammation and malfunctioning hair follicles, similar in features to the human senescence. Additionally, in this phase, the mice displayed a changed expression in the aging-associated markers of cells while displaying also the disruption between the metalloprotein enzymes with its inhibitor, wherein it is considered important to prevent wrinkling.

But, the examiners demonstrated that the induced phenotypic transformation might be reversed, when these mtDNAs was reloaded in mice.

The healthy mouse can be induced with the mutation that can cause mitochondrial reduction resulting in wrinkles and also hair loss. After some few months, the mtDNA or mitochondrial DNA was then reversed and their aging signs were observed to decrease.

In question, it was also observed that, when a gene was swap off, the mitochondrial role was restored and a smooth skin with the thick fur of a mouse returned. Actually, a mouse was discovered to be no difference from the healthy mouse of similar age.

This suggested that the mitochondria are reversible controllers of extrinsic and intrinsic aging, which Prof. Singh described as really surprising.

Reference:

Megha Rao, ‘Unprecedented’ Study Shows Signs Of Aging Can Be Reversed In Mice, 2018