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Results for “Mitochondria dysfunction”

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PubMed1981

Myocardial fibre calcification.

Three cases of myocardial fibre calcification found at post-mortem examination are described. In one case there was antemortem hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia and the case was clearly an example of metastatic calcification. In the other two cases there was ischaemic myocardial necrosis and calcification was seen in fibres which were not overtly necrotic, but which were both in proximity to (the majority) and remote from the necrotic zones. Since renal failure with hyperphosphataemia was present in both cases, these were considered to be examples of augmented (by the hyperphosphataemia) dystrophic calcification. The histological, histochemical and ultrastructural features were identical in the three cases. Hydroxyapatite formation was observed initially in mitochondria, followed by spillage of crystals into the cytosol and ultimately into the interstitium. It is suggested that the fundamental lesion is a dysfunction of the fibre membrane; the similarity of this reaction with the calcification seen in skeletal muscle fibres in various myopathies is noted and a unifying hypothesis of the mechanism of skeletal and cardiac muscle fibre calcification is thereby suggested.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

[Na+ overload-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury].

An accumulation of Na+ is induced in the ischemic myocardium, which is so-called "Na+ overload". The exact role of Na+ overload in the genesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unclear except for the role as a driving force of Ca2+ overload in the reperfused myocardium. Excessive activation of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) and Na+ channels may contribute to Na+ influx into the ischemic myocardium, resulting in sodium overload under ischemic conditions. A decrease in energy-producing ability of mitochondria in the ischemic myocardium is also observed in an ischemic duration-dependent manner. Attenuation of Na+ overload by an NHE inhibitor or a Na+ channel blocker preserved mitochondrial energy production in the ischemic myocardium and enhanced post-ischemic contractile recovery. To mimic Na+ overload in the ischemic myocardium, isolated mitochondria were incubated with sodium lactate, a possible end product of anaerobic glycolysis. Sodium lactate induced an irreversible reduction in the mitochondrial energy production. The mitochondrial damage induced by sodium lactate was not attenuated by the NHE inhibitor or the Na+ channel blocker, suggesting that these agents may indirectly preserve mitochondrial function in the ischemic myocardium. Taken together, Na+ overload in the ischemic myocardium may induce mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to contractile failure of the reperfused myocardium.

Humans↗

PubMed1991

Investigation of glycosylation processes in mitochondria and microsomal membranes from human skeletal muscle.

Glycoconjugates are directly involved in major skeletal muscle functions. As little is known about glycosylation processes in muscle, we investigated glycoconjugate synthesis in subcellular fractions from human skeletal muscle tissue. Mitochondria and microsomal membranes were prepared from muscle biopsies by thorough mechanical disruption and differential centrifugations. This procedure resulted in the isolation of intact mitochondria (1 mg protein/g muscle) and of a microsomal fraction (1.5 mg protein/g muscle). Glycosyltransferases were studied in both subcellular fractions using either dolichylmonophosphate as a polyprenic acceptor or chemically modified fetuin as a glycoprotein substrate. Our results provide evidence for high rates of glycosylation in muscle. The highest activities were obtained with GDP-mannose: dilichylmonophosphate mannosyltransferase, a key enzyme in glycosylation process (220 pmol/mg per h in mitochondria and 1,550 pmol/mg per h in microsomal membranes). Substantial individual variations were observed for dolichol pathway glycosyltransferases but low individual variations were found for glycosyltransferases involved in maturation of glycoproteins. The role which glycosylation defects may play in muscle dysfunction has yet to be defined.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1985

Maternally inherited mitochondrial myopathy and myoclonic epilepsy.

A family is described with familial myoclonic epilepsy associated with mitochondrial myopathy. The disorder follows a maternal inheritance pattern consistent with a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation. The large kindred permitted exclusion of autosomal dominant, recessive, and X-linked patterns of transmission. Several characteristics of the inheritance and variability of expression within the pedigree are consistent with recently acquired knowledge about the genetics of human mtDNA. The clinical spectrum of disease is compatible with a proportionality model of mutant and wild-type mtDNAs. Muscle biopsies of affected patients showed an increased number of abnormal muscle mitochondria. Serum levels of pyruvate or pyruvate and lactate were elevated. The most severely affected patient had constant myoclonic jerking, dementia, ataxia, spasticity, hearing loss, and hypoventilation. Cerebral dysfunction in patients with mild involvement was marked by prominent photic driving seen on electroencephalograms and high-amplitude visual and somatosensory evoked responses but no myoclonus, ataxia, or dementia. The individual clinical features of the disease worsen over time for all patients; however, mildly affected patients have not become moderately affected and moderately affected patients have not become severely affected.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Endothelial response to stress from exogenous Zn2+ resembles that of NO-mediated nitrosative stress, and is protected by MT-1 overexpression.

While nitric oxide (NO)-mediated biological interactions have been intensively studied, the underlying mechanisms of nitrosative stress with resulting pathology remain unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that NO exposure increases free zinc ions (Zn(2+)) within cells. However, the resulting effects on endothelial cell survival have not been adequately resolved. Thus the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of altered zinc homeostasis on endothelial cell survival. Initially, we confirmed the previously observed significant increase in free Zn(2+) with a subsequent induction of apoptosis in our pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) exposed to the NO donor N-[2-aminoethyl]-N-[2-hydroxy-2-nitrosohydrazino]-1,2-ethylenediamine. However, NO has many effects upon cell function and we wanted to specifically evaluate the effects mediated by zinc. To accomplish this we utilized the direct addition of zinc chloride (ZnCl(2)) to PAEC. We observed that Zn(2+)-exposed PAECs exhibited a dose-dependent increase in superoxide (O(2)(-).) generation that was localized to the mitochondria. Furthermore, we found Zn(2+)-exposed PAECs exhibited a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, loss of cardiolipin from the inner leaflet, caspase activation, and significant increases in TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells. Furthermore, using an adenoviral construct for the overexpression of the Zn(2+)-binding protein, metallothionein-1 (MT-1), we found either MT-1 overexpression or coincubation with a Zn(2+)-selective chelator, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylene-diamide, in PAECs significantly protected the mitochondria from both NO and Zn(2+)-mediated disruption and induction of apoptosis and cell death. In summary, our results indicate that a loss of Zn(2+) homeostasis produces mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death. We propose that regulation of Zn(2+) levels may represent a potential therapeutic target for disease associated with both nitrosative and oxidative stress.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2006

Accumulation of amyloid precursor protein in the mitochondrial import channels of human Alzheimer's disease brain is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the major intracellular lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the causative factors involved in the mitochondrial dysfunction in human AD are not well understood. Here we report that nonglycosylated full-length and C-terminal truncated amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulates exclusively in the protein import channels of mitochondria of human AD brains but not in age-matched controls. Furthermore, in AD brains, mitochondrially associated APP formed stable approximately 480 kDa complexes with the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 40 (TOM40) import channel and a super complex of approximately 620 kDa with both mitochondrial TOM40 and the translocase of the inner mitochondrial membrane 23 (TIM23) import channel TIM23 in an "N(in mitochondria)-C(out cytoplasm)" orientation. Accumulation of APP across mitochondrial import channels, which varied with the severity of AD, inhibited the entry of nuclear-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunits IV and Vb proteins, which was associated with decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity and increased levels of H2O2. Regional distribution of mitochondrial APP showed higher levels in AD-vulnerable brain regions, such as the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Mitochondrial accumulation of APP was also observed in the cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neuronal types in the category III AD brains. The levels of translocationally arrested mitochondrial APP directly correlated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, apolipoprotein genotype analysis revealed that AD subjects with the E3/E4 alleles had the highest content of mitochondrial APP. Collectively, these results suggest that abnormal accumulation of APP across mitochondrial import channels, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, is a hallmark of human AD pathology.

Alzheimer Disease↗

PubMed1998

Role of mitochondrial Ca2+ regulation in neuronal and glial cell signalling.

It is becoming increasingly clear that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake from and release into the cytosol has important consequences for neuronal and glial activity. Ca2+ regulates mitochondrial metabolism, and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release modulate physiological and pathophysiological cytosolic responses. In glial cells, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+ responses are faithfully translated into elevations in mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, which modifies cytosolic Ca2+ wave propagation and may activate mitochondrial enzymes. The location of mitochondria within neurones may partially determine their role in Ca2+ signalling. Neuronal death due to NMDA-evoked Ca2+ entry can be delayed by an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and mitochondrial dysfunction is being increasingly implicated in a number of neurodegenerative conditions. These findings are illustrative of an emerging realization by neuroscientists of the importance of mitochondrial Ca2+ regulation as a modulator of cellular energetics, endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release and neurotoxicity.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Defective hepatic mitochondrial respiratory chain in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Mitochondrial dysfunction might play a central role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aims of this study were to evaluate whether free fatty acid (FFA) transport into the mitochondria or the activity of mitochondria respiratory chain (MRC) complexes are impaired in NASH. In patients with NASH and control subjects, we measured free carnitine, short-chain acylcarnitine (SCAC) and long-chain acylcarnitine (LCAC) esters, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity, and MRC enzyme activity in liver tissue as well as serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), homeostatic metabolic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)), and body mass index (BMI). In patients with NASH, the LCAC/free carnitine ratio was significantly increased and the SCAC/free carnitine ratio was decreased. In patients with NASH, the activity of the MRC complexes was decreased to 63% +/- 20% (complex I), 58.5% +/- 16.7% (complex II), 70.6% +/- 10.3% (complex III), 62.5% +/- 13% (complex IV), and 42.4% +/- 9.1% (adenosine triphosphate synthase) of the corresponding control values. Activity of these complexes correlated significantly with serum TNF-alpha and HOMA(IR). Serum TNF-alpha (36.3 +/- 23.1 pg/mL), HOMA(IR) (4.5 +/- 2.38), and BMI (29.9 +/- 3.5 kg/m(2)) values were significantly increased in patients with NASH. In conclusion, activities of MRC complexes were decreased in liver tissue of patients with NASH. This dysfunction correlated with serum TNF-alpha, insulin resistance, and BMI values.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Sepsis.

Sepsis is an increasingly common problem, particularly among critically ill patients. Mechanisms by which sepsis induces organ dysfunction have not been elucidated. The coexisting findings (unique to sepsis) of metabolic acidosis yet increased tissue oxygen tensions suggest cellular availability but decreased use of oxygen (tissue dysoxia). Because mitochondria use more than 90% of total body oxygen consumption for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, a bioenergetic abnormality is implied. Cell and animal data have shown that nitric oxide (and its metabolites), produced in considerable excess in patients with sepsis, can affect oxidative phosphorylation by inhibiting several of its component respiratory enzymes. Human data are scarce. However, in skeletal muscle biopsies taken from patients with sepsis, we have recently demonstrated a relationship between increased nitric oxide production, antioxidant depletion, reduced respiratory chain complex I activity, and low ATP levels. These findings correlated with severity of disease and outcome and support the notion that mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in bioenergetic failure may be an important factor in the pathophysiology of sepsis-associated multiorgan failure. However, a reasonable argument can be made that the reduction in energy supply could represent a last-ditch adaptive response to ongoing inflammation, resulting in a cellular shutdown analogous to hibernation that allows eventual restoration of organ function and long-term survival in patients fit enough to survive the acute phase.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1992

Reactive oxygen and DNA damage in mitochondria.

During the last decade the importance of reactive oxygen species as major contributors to various types of cancer, heart diseases, cataracts, Parkinson's and other degenerative diseases that come with age, and to natural aging has become apparent. Mitochondria are the most important intracellular source of reactive oxygen. Mitochondrial DNA is heavily damaged by reactive oxygen at the bases, as indicated by the high steady-state level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, the presence of which causes mispairing and point mutations. Mitochondrial DNA is also oxidatively fragmented to a certain extent. Conceivably, such fragmentation relates to deletions found in mitochondrial DNA. Point mutations and deletions have recently been shown to be etiologically linked to several human diseases and natural aging. Future studies should address the causal relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, production of reactive oxygen species, and aging.

Aging↗

PubMed2003

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early manifestation of 1,1-dichloroethylene-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Hepatotoxicity induced by 1,1-dichloroethylene (DCE) is mediated by cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism to reactive intermediates, including the epoxide. We have tested the hypothesis that mitochondria are a primary target of toxicity by investigating dose- and time-dependent effects of DCE on mitochondrial respiration. Hepatotoxicity, as assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, was evaluated. We have also determined the effectiveness of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in protecting against respiratory perturbations and hepatotoxicity. Liver mitochondria were isolated 2 h after DCE (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 mg/kg) treatment. Glutamate (complex I)- and succinate (complex II)-supported mitochondrial respiration was assessed by measurement of state 3 (ADP-stimulated) and state 4 (resting) rates of oxygen consumption. The corresponding respiratory control ratios (RCRs, state 3/state 4) and ADP:O ratios were then calculated. A DCE dose of 125 mg/kg significantly inhibited glutamate- and succinate-supported state 3 respiration, leading to a significant reduction in corresponding RCRs and ADP:O ratios. In time-dependent studies, state 3 respiration rates and RCRs for glutamate-supported respiration were significantly decreased as early as 20 min after DCE (125 mg/kg) treatment, whereas those for succinate-supported respiration were significantly decreased at 90 min. Additionally, ADP:O ratios for glutamate-supported respiration were significantly decreased starting at 60 min, and those for succinate-supported respiration at 90 min. Alterations in mitochondrial function preceded significant increases in ALT activity, which was first manifested at 2 h. Pretreatment with NAC (1200 mg/kg) abrogated DCE-induced GSH depletion and inhibited disturbances in mitochondrial respiration. Moreover, NAC protected against increased ALT activity, suggesting that the protective effect of NAC is due to increased GSH for conjugation reactions and/or its antioxidant property. These results showed that DCE-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is an early event that preceded the onset of hepatotoxicity.

Acetylcysteine↗

PubMed2006

The inhibition of mitochondrial complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) by Zn2+.

NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) from bovine heart mitochondria is a highly complicated, membrane-bound enzyme. It is central to energy transduction, an important source of cellular reactive oxygen species, and its dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative and muscular diseases and in aging. Here, we describe the effects of Zn2+ on complex I to define whether complex I may contribute to mediating the pathological effects of zinc in states such as ischemia and to determine how Zn2+ can be used to probe the mechanism of complex I. Zn2+ inhibits complex I more strongly than Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, and Mn2+ to Cu2+ or Cd2+. It does not inhibit NADH oxidation or intramolecular electron transfer, so it probably inhibits either proton transfer to bound quinone or proton translocation. Thus, zinc represents a new class of complex I inhibitor clearly distinct from the many ubiquinone site inhibitors. No evidence for increased superoxide production by zinc-inhibited complex I was detected. Zinc binding to complex I is mechanistically complicated. During catalysis, zinc binds slowly and progressively, but it binds rapidly and tightly to the resting state(s) of the enzyme. Reactivation of the inhibited enzyme upon the addition of EDTA is slow, and inhibition is only partially reversible. The IC50 value for the Zn2+ inhibition of complex I is high (10-50 microm, depending on the enzyme state); therefore, complex I is unlikely to be a major site for zinc inhibition of the electron transport chain. However, the slow response of complex I to a change in Zn2+ concentration may enhance any physiological consequences.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Type II skeletal myofibers possess unique properties that potentiate mitochondrial H(2)O(2) generation.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in a number of skeletal muscle pathologies, most notably aging-induced atrophy and loss of type II myofibers. Although oxygen-derived free radicals are thought to be a primary cause of mitochondrial dysfunction, the underlying factors governing mitochondrial superoxide production in different skeletal myofiber types is unknown. Using a novel in situ approach to measure H(2)O(2) production (indicator of superoxide formation) in permeabilized rat skeletal muscle fiber bundles, we found that mitochondrial free radical leak (H(2)O(2) produced/O(2) consumed) is two- to threefold higher (P < 0.05) in white (WG, primarily type IIB fibers) than in red (RG, type IIA) gastrocnemius or soleus (type I) myofibers during basal respiration supported by complex I (pyruvate + malate) or complex II (succinate) substrates. In the presence of respiratory inhibitors, maximal rates of superoxide produced at both complex I and complex III are markedly higher in RG and WG than in soleus muscle despite approximately 50% less mitochondrial content in WG myofibers. Duplicate experiments conducted with +/-exogenous superoxide dismutase revealed striking differences in the topology and/or dismutation of superoxide in WG vs. soleus and RG muscle. When normalized for mitochondrial content, overall H(2)O(2) scavenging capacity is lower in RG and WG fibers, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity, which is largely responsible for H(2)O(2) removal in mitochondria, is similar in all three muscle types. These findings suggest that type II myofibers, particularly type IIB, possess unique properties that potentiate mitochondrial superoxide production and/or release, providing a potential mechanism for the heterogeneous development of mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Nuclear-encoded mitochondrial complex I gene expression is restored to normal levels by inhibition of unedited ATP9 transgene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Mitochondria play an important role during sporogenesis in plants. The steady state levels of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial complex I (nCI), PSST, TYKY and NADHBP transcripts increase in flowers of male-sterile plants with impairment of mitochondrial function generated by the expression of the unedited version of ATP9 (u-ATP9). This suggests a nuclear control of nCI genes in response to the mitochondrial flaw. To evaluate this hypothesis, transgenic plants carrying the GUS reporter gene, under the control of the PSST, TYKY and NADHBP promoters, were constructed. We present evidence that suppression by antisense strategy of the expression of u-ATP9 restores the normal levels of three nCI transcripts, indicating that the increase in PSST, TYKY and NADHBP in plants with a mitochondrial flaw occurs at the transcriptional level. The data presented here support the hypothesis that a mitochondrial dysfunction triggers a retrograde signaling which induce some nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. Moreover, these results demonstrate that this is a valuable experimental model for studying nucleus-mitochondria cross-talk events.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed2003

Liver failure caused by herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase plus ganciclovir therapy is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA depletion.

Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) converts ganciclovir (GCV) into an active compound, which can be incorporated into DNA molecules and terminate DNA synthesis. Gene transfer of HSV-tk followed by GCV administration has been used with success to treat experimental cancer and this strategy has entered into clinical trials. Although it is thought that the cytotoxic effect occurs mainly in tumoral dividing cells, where mitotic activity favors integration of the genotoxic compound into nuclear DNA, there are concerns of potential damage to normal nondividing cells. In the present work we have explored the mechanisms of HSV-tk/GCV toxicity and in particular whether this therapy may cause lesions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that the administration of GCV to rats injected with adenovirus encoding HSV-tk induced hepatocellular damage characterized by the presence of apoptotic bodies, ballooning of hepatocytes, and severe hepatic steatosis with mitochondria enlargement and cristae dissolution at the ultrastructural level. Remarkably, Southern blot analysis showed substantial reduction in the amount of mtDNA in the liver. Using radiolabeled GCV we could demonstrate incorporation of this compound into both nuclear and mtDNA in HSV-tk-transduced rat hepatocytic cell line MCA-RH7777 and subsequent alteration of mitochondrial function. Our observations confirm that GCV can damage both nuclear and mtDNA in cells transduced with HSV-tk and that this effect could be responsible for severe mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity in normal nondividing cells. These data are relevant for the design of clinical trials using adenoviral vectors encoding HSV-tk.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2004

Coenzyme Q10 and diabetic endotheliopathy: oxidative stress and the 'recoupling hypothesis'.

Increased oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus may underlie the development of endothelial cell dysfunction by decreasing the availability of nitric oxide (NO) as well as by activating pro-inflammatory pathways. In the arterial wall, redox imbalance and oxidation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) uncouples endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This results in decreased production and increased consumption of NO, and generation of free radicals, such as superoxide and peroxynitrite. In the mitochondria, increased redox potential uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in inhibition of electron transport and increased transfer of electrons to molecular oxygen to form superoxide and other oxidant radicals. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), a potent antioxidant and a critical intermediate of the electron transport chain, may improve endothelial dysfunction by 'recoupling' eNOS and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. CoQ supplementation may also act synergistically with anti-atherogenic agents, such as fibrates and statins, to improve endotheliopathy in diabetes.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2002

Effect of baicalein on apoptosis of the human Hep G2 cell line was induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.

The effects of baicalein on the human hepatoblastoma G2 (Hep G2) cell line were investigated in this study. By an SRB viability assay, we demonstrated that baicalein reduced the viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptotic features such as chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were observed in the baicalein-treated cells. During the process of apoptosis, we noticed a sequential dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and an apparent redistribution of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol in baicalein-treated cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial Bcl-2 protein represented a dramatic change in response to baicalein treatment. Altogether, our data suggested that the effect of baicalein on apoptosis of the human Hep G2 cell line was induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and Bcl-2 regulation.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2025

Genetic Landscape and Mitochondrial Metabolic Dysregulation in Patients Suffering From Severe Long COVID.

Long COVID represents a significant global health challenge with an unclear etiology. Alongside accumulating evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, a symptomatic overlap exists between long COVID and mitochondrial disorders. However, the genetic underpinnings of mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID have not been previously explored. We employed whole genome sequencing to analyze 13 patients with severe long COVID to identify genetic defects related to mitochondrial function. We performed extracellular bioenergetics flux analysis on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and proteomics to evaluate cellular bioenergetics and compared the results to those of healthy controls. Our investigation identified 10 variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic and 83 variants of unknown significance affecting a wide range of mitochondria-associated biological functions. Bioenergetics flux analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed an altered ATP production rate in four long COVID patients compared to healthy controls. This study presents initial evidence of a potential underlying genetic predisposition to mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID while demonstrating altered cellular energy capacity in a subset of these patients. These findings open avenues for further research into the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and pathology in patients suffering from long COVID and may pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Humans↗