Science
About Mitochondria
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. Located in the cytoplasm of the cells, mitochondria generate energy via the synthesis of Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP). The density of the mitochondria in a cell may vary with each different organ type. Mitochondria are exceedingly dynamic and are stimulated by physiological stimuli.
Mitochondrial Disease vs Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Primary mitochondria diseases are the result of genetically inherited or spontaneous mutations in mitochondrial DNA nuclear DNA which lead to altered functions of the proteins or RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules that normally reside in mitochondria. This results in a chronic disorder characterized by the inability of the mitochondria to produce enough energy for proper cell or organ function.
Secondary mitochondrial disease is always related to another disorder or illness which causes mitochondria to malfunction despite the normal formation of mitochondria.
Mitochondrial dysfunction can occur as a result of other diseases, environmental toxins, and drugs. This generally leads to reduced ATP production and oxidative stress. Some of the disease states where mitochondrial dysfunction has been well studied are:
Nervous System
Autism, Dementia, developmental delays, seizures, neuropsychiatric disease, migraine, mental retardation, neuropathic pain, absent reflexes, weakness, dysautonomia, temperature instability.
Muscle
Weakness, hypotonia, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysmotility, diarrhea and constipation.
Eyes
Visual loss, optic atrophy, ptosis, deafness, acquired strabismus, ophthalmoplegia, retinitis pigmentosa.
Heart
Cardiomyopathy, cardiac conduction defects.
Ears
Hearing loss
Systemic
Chronic Fatigue, short stature, failure to gain weight.
Endocrine system
Type II diabetes, parathyroid failure.
Liver
Liver failure
Kidney
Renal tubular acidosisMitochondrial Dysfunction in Disease
Mitochondrial dysfunction can occur as a result of genetic defects or as a result of other diseases, toxins, and drugs. This will lead to reduced ATP production and oxidative stress. Some of the disease states where mitochondrial dysfunction has been well studied are Autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, mental retardation, obesity, and stroke.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell.
Located in the cytoplasm of the cells, mitochondria generate energy via the synthesis of Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP). The density of the mitochondria in a cell may vary with each different organ type based on the energy needs.