Study of the effect of MitoQ on mitochondrial function in ageing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mechanistic study of the effect of mitoquinone (MitoQ) on mitochondrial oxidative capacity in ageing skeletal muscle
IRAS ID
238895
Contact name
Michael P. Frenneaux
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 2 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the supplement mitoquinone (MitoQ) improves muscle strength and metabolic function in older adults, as assessed using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.
Our muscles weaken as we age, with one important reason for this being that the mitochondria that provide energy to muscle cells become damaged and work less efficiently. The supplement MitoQ is an antioxidant that enters mitochondria to mop up damaging molecules, and this will theoretically restore normal mitochondrial function. This may ultimately help older people to remain mobile and independent for longer.
This is a placebo-controlled, random-order mechanistic study of oral MitoQ versus placebo, in cross-over fashion, in healthy deconditioned volunteers. It is funded by the Radiology department of Norfolk and Norwich University hospital, where all of the MRI scan will take place. We will recruit male and female participants aged 70 years and older; only those participants who perform 20 minutes or less of structured physical activity per week will be selected. Participants will undergo baseline assessments of six-minute-walk distance and knee extension strength, followed by MRI tests to assess their thigh muscle composition and metabolic function. They will then commence six weeks of oral MitoQ or placebo supplementation daily. This will be followed by a second set of functional tests and MRI scans to assess the participants' thigh muscles after supplementation. Then, after a two-week washout period, participants will commence daily supplementation of the alternative tablet (MitoQ or placebo) followed by a third and final set of functional and MRI tests. In total, each participant will be involved in the study for around 98 days.REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0173
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion