Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

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. Symptoms include poor growth, loss of muscle coordination, muscle weakness, visual problems, hearing problems, learning disabilities, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, neurological problems, autonomic dysfunction, and dementia.

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial Disorder