Effects of Age and Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction on Mitochondrial Respiratory Complexes in the Hippocampus of Rats

Mitochondrial dysfunction is common in the brain with age. Prevention of mitochondrial at an early age may protect against neurodegeneration later life. Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) has been reported to be neuroprotective old rats, but its effect remains unknown for middle-aged animals. This study aimed determine TRF on activities respiratory chain complexes hippocampus rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: young control (3 months old), adult (12 supplemented palm kernel oil (PKO) as vehicle, and by gavage 200 mg/kg body weight/day 3 months. At end supplementation, complex I, I+III, II, II+III, III, IV, citrate synthase isolated mitochondria measured spectrophotometry. Complex II activity was higher, while lower than A decrease suggests loss mass intactness middle Interestingly, PKO-treated had I IV activities, higher I+III These findings indicate PKO modulated complexes. In TRF-treated restored have potential reverse deficiency.