Aging is a process that we all experience and seem to fight. Recently, antioxidants have been suggested as a chemical fountain of youth that can keep us young and healthy. Through normal metabolism, cells that undergo oxidative phosphorylation produce oxidants such as superoxide ions and hydrogen peroxide. Oxidants are harmful to all parts of the cell and are linked to senescence. Many cells have evolved mechanisms to fight such oxidants. One of these mechanisms involves antioxidant proteins such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). SOD is a mitochondrial protein that fights oxidants produced during oxidative phosphorylation, which occurs within mitochondria. Other molecules have been shown to have an antioxidant effect within cells. Glutathione is an example of an antioxidant endogenous to human cells that is, like SOD, present within mitochondria. It has been shown that chlorophyll and other phytochemicals, specifically pigments found in plants, possess antioxidant abilities similar to glutathione. Diets rich in antioxidants including chlorophyll and carotenoids have been found to change glutathione concentrations in certain tissues of senescence-accelerated mice. Given that antioxidants affect glutathione concentrations, perhaps chlorophyll may affect other parts of the antioxidant pathways of mitochondria such as the enzymatic function of antioxidant proteins like SOD. The presence of chlorophyll may help reduce strain on SOD allowing the protein to work more efficiently, at a greater pace, and/or for a longer period of time. If this is true, a diet rich in chlorophyll may aid those with mitochondrial diseases and even extend the longevity of healthy individuals.

Effects of chlorophyll and other phytochemicals on the kinetics of superoxide dismutase

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.