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Review
. 2025 Feb;480(2):721-731.
doi: 10.1007/s11010-024-05042-9. Epub 2024 Jun 4.

Mitophagy in relation to chronic inflammation/ROS in aging

Liang Kong  1   2 , Shuhao Li  1   2 , Yu Fu  1 , Qinyun Cai  1 , Xinyun Du  1 , Jingyan Liang  1   2 , Tan Ma  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Mitophagy in relation to chronic inflammation/ROS in aging

Liang Kong et al. Mol Cell Biochem. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Various assaults on mitochondria occur during the human aging process, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction. This mitochondrial dysfunction is intricately connected with aging and diseases associated with it. In vivo, the accumulation of defective mitochondria can precipitate inflammatory and oxidative stress, thereby accelerating aging. Mitophagy, an essential selective autophagy process, plays a crucial role in managing mitochondrial quality control and homeostasis. It is a highly specialized mechanism that systematically removes damaged or impaired mitochondria from cells, ensuring their optimal functioning and survival. By engaging in mitophagy, cells are able to maintain a balanced and stable environment, free from the potentially harmful effects of dysfunctional mitochondria. An ever-growing body of research highlights the significance of mitophagy in both aging and age-related diseases. Nonetheless, the association between mitophagy and inflammation or oxidative stress induced by mitochondrial dysfunction remains ambiguous. We review the fundamental mechanisms of mitophagy in this paper, delve into its relationship with age-related stress, and propose suggestions for future research directions.

Keywords: Aging; Chronic inflammation; Mitophagy; ROS.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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