Advances In Mitochondrial Medicine

Mitochondria are far more than the “powerhouse” of the cell as they have classically been described. In fact, mitochondria biological activities have progressively expanded to include not only various bioenergetic processes but also important biosynthetic pathways, calcium homeostasis and thermogenesis, cell death by apoptosis, several different signal transduction pathways mainly related to redox control of gene expression and so on. This functional and structural complexity may undergo important derangements so to justify the definition of ‘mitochondrial medicine’, which should include all the clinical consequences of congenital or acquired mitochondrial dysfunctions. There are actually a growing number of studies which assign a significant pathogenic role to damaged mitochondria in different diseases: ischemia/reperfusion injury, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer with its dramatic sequelae (i.e, metastasis), metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemias, just to mention a few of the most important pathologies. In this context, a further aspect that should not be disregarded is the interaction of pharmacological agents with mitochondria, not only in regard of the toxicological aspects but, above all, of the potential therapeutic applications. In fact, it is interesting to note that, while the properties of different so-called “mitoxicants” are well-known, the subtle linkages between drugs and mitochondria is still in need of a real pharmacological and therapeutic control at the clinical level. This lack of consideration can often lead to an underestimation of unwanted toxic effects but also of desirable therapeutic activities. A reevaluation of the potential clinical role of mitochondria could give a new light on some yet obscure aspects of human pathophysiology.

Mitochondria are far more than the “powerhouse” of the cell as they have classically been described. In fact, mitochondria biological activities have progressively expanded to include not only various bioenergetic processes but also important biosynthetic pathways, calcium homeostasis and thermogenesis, cell death by apoptosis, several different signal transduction pathways mainly related to redox control of gene expression and so on. This functional and structural complexity may undergo important derangements so to justify the definition of ‘mitochondrial medicine’, which should include all the clinical consequences of congenital or acquired mitochondrial dysfunctions. There are actually a growing number of studies which assign a significant pathogenic role to damaged mitochondria in different diseases: ischemia/reperfusion injury, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer with its dramatic sequelae (i.e, metastasis), metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemias, just to mention a few of the most important pathologies. In this context, a further aspect that should not be disregarded is the interaction of pharmacological agents with mitochondria, not only in regard of the toxicological aspects but, above all, of the potential therapeutic applications. In fact, it is interesting to note that, while the properties of different so-called “mitoxicants” are well-known, the subtle linkages between drugs and mitochondria is still in need of a real pharmacological and therapeutic control at the clinical level. This lack of consideration can often lead to an underestimation of unwanted toxic effects but also of desirable therapeutic activities. A reevaluation of the potential clinical role of mitochondria could give a new light on some yet obscure aspects of human pathophysiology.

Recent Advances in Mitochondrial Medicine and Coenzyme Q10 (eds. Anna Gvozdjáková, Germaine Cornélissen, Ram B Singh) is an updated version of a book Mitochondrial Medicine (ed. A. Gvozdjáková) published by Springer, The Netherlands, in 2008. International contributors and world specialists in Mitochondrial Medicine and Coenzyme Q10 provide up-to-date knowledge in mitochondrial physiology, and review the role played by mitochondria in relation to diseases, diagnosies and therapies pertinent to various fields of medicine. This monograph covers topics related to mitochondrial physiology, mitochondrial sirtuins, supercomplexes, chronobiology, epigenetics, genetics, neurology, cardiology, nephrology, immunology, diabetology, oncology, and reproductive medicine. A chapter on the history of coenzyme Q10 focuses on the work of Prof. Frederick L Crane, discoverer of coenzyme Q10, who died in 2015. Current diagnostic methods of mitochondrial disturbances are reviewed, including a new non-invasive approach using high-resolution respirometry in human blood cells. The effectiveness of supplementary therapies of mitochondrial disturbances is examined for the case of natural antioxidants, melatonin, high protein diet, omega-3-PUFA, omega-6-PUFA, natural mineral water sources and polarized light. Targeting mitochondrial therapy involves coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, ubiquinol), prospective mitochondrial replacement therapy and mitochondrial transplantation. This book is intended for general medical practitioners and specialists in various fields of medicine, including neurologists, cardiologists, geneticists, nephrologists, diabetologists, lipidologists, immunologists, oncologists, pharmacists, biochemists and nutritionists. Pre- and post-graduate education physicians, pharmacists and biochemists will also benefit from material covered in this monograph.

Mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) are designed to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases from mother to child. While MRTs, if effective, could satisfy a desire of women seeking to have a genetically related child without the risk of passing on mtDNA disease, the technique raises significant ethical and social issues. It would create offspring who have genetic material from two women, something never sanctioned in humans, and would create mitochondrial changes that could be heritable (in female offspring), and therefore passed on in perpetuity. The manipulation would be performed on eggs or embryos, would affect every cell of the resulting individual, and once carried out this genetic manipulation is not reversible. Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques considers the implications of manipulating mitochondrial content both in children born to women as a result of participating in these studies and in descendants of any female offspring. This study examines the ethical and social issues related to MRTs, outlines principles that would provide a framework and foundation for oversight of MRTs, and develops recommendations to inform the Food and Drug Administration's consideration of investigational new drug applications.

With information for patients and practitioners on optimizing mitochondrial function for greater health and longevity Why do we age? Why does cancer develop? What's the connection between heart failure and Alzheimer's disease, or infertility and hearing loss? Can we extend lifespan, and if so, how? What is the Exercise Paradox? Why do antioxidant supplements sometimes do more harm than good? Many will be amazed to learn that all these questions, and many more, can be answered by a single point of discussion: mitochondria and bioenergetics. In Mitochondria and the Future of Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Lee Know tells the epic story of mitochondria, the widely misunderstood and often-overlooked powerhouses of our cells. The legendary saga began over two billion years ago, when one bacterium entered another without being digested, which would evolve to create the first mitochondrion. Since then, for life to exist beyond single-celled bacteria, it's the mitochondria that have been responsible for this life-giving energy. By understanding how our mitochondria work, in fact, it is possible to add years to our lives, and life to our years. Current research, however, has revealed a dark side: many seemingly disconnected degenerative diseases have tangled roots in dysfunctional mitochondria. However, modern research has also endowed us with the knowledge on how to optimize its function, which is of critical importance to our health and longevity. Lee Know offers cutting-edge information on supplementation and lifestyle changes for mitochondrial optimization, such as CoQ10, D-Ribose, cannabinoids, and ketogenic dietary therapy, and how to implement their use successfully. Mitochondria and the Future of Medicine is an invaluable resource for practitioners interested in mitochondrial medicine and the true roots of chronic illness and disease, as well as anyone interested in optimizing their health.

This interactive clinical textbook takes a system- and case-based approach in understanding mitochondrial disorders in clinical practice.

Mitochondrial Diseases—Advances in Research and Treatment: 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyPaper™ that delivers timely, authoritative, and intensively focused information about Mitochondrial Diseases in a compact format. The editors have built Mitochondrial Diseases—Advances in Research and Treatment: 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Mitochondrial Diseases in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Mitochondrial Diseases—Advances in Research and Treatment: 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Nanotherapeutics: Aging, Diseases, and Nanotechnology-Related Strategies in Mitochondrial Medicine provides a comprehensive overview of mitochondrial dysfunction and current strategies for targeting the organelle. Based on the most current research, the editor lined up a team of worldwide experts to cover the most exciting research in the area, considering the impact through the human life span. This book is structured in two parts that provide a good balance of foundational and applied content. Part I deals with an overview of mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in the aging process, including metabolic diseases, neuro-affective and neurodegenerative disorders, sepsis, and toxicological aspects. Part II covers therapeutic substance delivery to mitochondria with a focus on cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and increasing the bioavailability of natural compounds of interest. Several nanoscale strategies are described. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Nanotherapeutics: Aging, Diseases, and Nanotechnology-Related Strategies in Mitochondrial Medicine is a complete resource for researchers in this exciting field. Its comprehensive coverage makes this book particularly interesting to bioscience researchers looking to understand the foundations of mitochondrial health throughout the human life span. Additionally, clinician researchers, medical doctors, nutritionists, pharmacologists, and sports scientists may be attracted to the detailed information on the organelle-targeted delivery strategies. Contains detailed information on mitochondrial dysfunction Reviews our current understanding of the role of mitochondria in aging Includes coverage of specific conditions, including sports and affective disorders, among others Discusses mitochondria targeted delivery of therapeutic compounds