Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for the cell. Mitochondria are found in every cell of the human body except red blood cells. Mitochondria convert the energy of food molecules into the ATP that powers most cell functions. Mitochondrial diseases are often caused by genetics or mutations to the mitochondrial DNA that affect mitochondria function. Mitochondrial diseases take on unique characteristics both because of the way the diseases are often inherited and because mitochondria are so critical to cell function. The subclass of these diseases that have neuromuscular disease symptoms are often called a mitochondrial myopathy. Mitochondrial disorders are one of the most difficult set of diseases to cure according to doctors.  But researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have revealed positive results of a human drug tested on mice that may have the potential of curing adults and children suffering from mitochondrial diseases. Mitochondria are one of the most important parts of any living cell. It is the tiny structure that acts as a powerhouse for any animal or human cell. If therefore there is mitochondrial failure it may impair the functioning of many organs and organ systems of the body. Although mitochondrial disorders are very rare, there are hundreds of diseases that may occur due to mitochondria failure simply because each living cell possesses these powerhouses. 

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease