Affiliations: R&D, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Thomas Blatt, R&D,
Beiersdorf AG, Unnastrasse 48, D-20245 Hamburg, Germany. Tel.: +49 40 4909
6605; Fax: +49 40 4909 6770; E-mail: thomas.blatt@beiersdorf.com
Abstract: The functional loss of mitochondria represents an inherent part in
modern theories trying to explain the cutaneous aging process. The present
study shows significant age-dependent differences in mitochondrial function of
keratinocytes isolated from skin biopsies of young and old donors. Our data let
us postulate that energy metabolism shifts to a predominantly non-mitochondrial
pathway and is therefore functionally anaerobic with advancing age.
CoQ_{10} positively influences the age-affected cellular
metabolism and enables to combat signs of aging starting at the cellular level.
As a consequence topical application of CoQ10 is beneficial for human skin as
it rapidly improves mitochondrial function in skin in vivo.
