The Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant MitoQ, Attenuates Exercise-Induced Mitochondrial DNA Damage

Abstract High-intensity exercise damages mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in skeletal muscle. Whether MitoQ - a redox active mitochondrial targeted quinone - can reduce exercise-induced mtDNA damage is unknown. In a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, twenty-four healthy male participants consisting of two groups (placebo; n=12, MitoQ; n=12) performed an exercise trial of 4 x 4-minute bouts at 90-95% of heart rate max. Participants completed an acute (20mg MitoQ or placebo 1-hour pre-exercise) and chronic (21 days of supplementation) phase. Blood and skeletal muscle were sampled immediately pre- and post-exercise and analysed for nuclear and mtDNA damage, lipid hydroperoxides, lipid soluble antioxidants, and the ascorbyl free radical. Exercise significantly increased nuclear and mtDNA damage across lymphocytes and muscle (P