Cellular resilience & homeostasis is the centre piece of longevity. It is the ability of different branches of our biology to work in synchrony to establish & maintain redox equilibrium.The key driving force of our cellular longevity is mitochondria- the furnace that provides energy currency-ATP to our cells, tissues & organs.While mitochondria efficiently produces ATP in the presence of oxygen via oxidative phosphorylation(OXPHOS), as a part of this energy generation process, free radicals/super oxides are also produced. These superoxides are harmful as they have 3 unpaired electrons. However, our body has an inbuilt mechanism wherein interaction between amino acids, microbiome & cellular environment secretes & influences production of specific antioxidants & enzymes-Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione, Glutathione peroxidase & Catalase that could travel inside the mitochondria to neutralise these super oxides.The mechanism involves multiple biochemical reactions. Your gut microbiome metabolises specific amino acids- Glutamate, Cysteine & glycine to influence their bioavailability. These amino acids are synthesised into glutathione in cytosol( inside the cells) from where it is transported to mitochondria via specific transporters that allows this negatively charged molecule to pass the inner mitochondrial membrane. The activity of these specific transporter proteins are indirectly influenced by Butyrate(gut microbial metabolites) via its metabolic & epigenetic impacts on cells & mitochondrial health.,Gut microbiome also codes for specific proteins that drive production of Superoxide dismutase. Specific gut microbes could increase the production of SOD via nutritional cooperation. It is important to note that only few antioxidants- SOD, Glutathione can pass the inner mitochondrial membraneInside the mitochondria, SOD with the help of co-factor manganese could convert super oxide into Hydrogen Peroxide(H2O2). Glutathione is oxidised by glutathione peroxidase which converts H2O2 into water, thereby neutralising super oxides. However, if you are deficient in manganese, SOD could partner with iron that could have pro-inflammatory effects & even rust mitochondria. However, when we cross the age of 30 years, our body’s ability to produce these antioxidants reduces & therefore we need exogenous consumption of these antioxidants or their precursors. We also have to make sure that our gut microbiome is balanced & performs beneficial functions to drive the synthesis of SOD & glutathione.Understanding your unique biochemistry & interaction between your gut microbiome & mitochondria is key to promote redox homeostasis.

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Citations https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1328324https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10216031/