Proposed mitochondrial homeodynamics framework for ageing: review of mechanisms and interventions
This review proposes mitochondrial homeodynamics as a systems-level framework: ageing erodes maintenance, adaptation and recovery capacities in tissue- and context-specific ways. Exercise has the strongest human evidence; no mitochondrial intervention has been shown to slow ageing or extend lifespan in healthy humans. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The review proposes mitochondrial homeodynamics as a systems-level framework resting on maintenance, adaptation and recovery capacities. [1]
Ageing erodes these capacities in tissue- and context-specific ways, reducing physiological reserve and slowing recovery after stress. [1]
No mitochondrial intervention has been shown to slow ageing or extend lifespan in healthy humans. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Review (abstract only)
- Population / context
- Not specified in the abstract; the review discusses ageing biology and human intervention evidence generally.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 10, 2026
Proposed framework of three linked capacities
The review proposes mitochondrial homeodynamics as a systems-level framework for how mitochondria sustain bioenergetics, redox signalling, calcium handling, biosynthesis, apoptosis and stress responses. This ability rests not on static preservation but on three linked capacities: maintenance safeguards the mitochondrial genome, proteome and membrane integrity; adaptation adjusts metabolism and remodels network and cristae architecture to match changing demand; recovery restores function and reserve after challenge. These capacities emerge from quality control, network and cristae remodelling, biogenesis, mitophagy, retrograde stress signalling and inter-organelle communication. So defined, mitochondrial dysfunction becomes a measurable loss of capacity rather than a descriptive category.
Supporting source [1]
Ageing erodes capacities; intervention evidence is mixed
Ageing erodes these capacities in tissue- and context-specific ways, which reduces physiological reserve, slows recovery after stress and amplifies sterile inflammation. The review evaluates mechanisms, biomarkers and proposed interventions in turn. Exercise provides the strongest human evidence for coordinated mitochondrial and functional adaptation. Evidence for energy restriction, NAD+ precursors, mitophagy-supporting compounds and mitochondria-targeted agents remains heterogeneous and endpoint-specific. No mitochondrial intervention has been shown to slow ageing or extend lifespan in healthy humans, and movement of a biomarker towards a younger reference value does not establish rejuvenation.
Supporting source [1]
Abstract-only review; dynamic measures needed
This is a review, and only its abstract was available; the full text was not reviewed. The abstract states that progress will require dynamic measures of maintenance, adaptation and recovery, obtained in defined tissues and interpreted alongside clinically meaningful outcomes. It does not report a study population, sample size, follow-up or trial results. The framework is proposed, not validated, and the intervention statements are summary assessments rather than new human trial data.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. The abstract reports no study population, sample size, follow-up or trial results, and the framework is proposed rather than validated.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Chmielewski PP. · europepmc.org · September 10, 2026