Diseases

Mitochandrial Disease

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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, and convert the energy of food molecules into the atp that powers most cell functions.

SYMPTOMS

Muscle weakness.
Gastrointestinal disorders.
Neurological problems, such as seizures, and cardiac, liver or respiratory disease.
Developmental delay.
Poor growth.
Increased susceptibility to infection.

CAUSES

Mitochondrial disorders may be caused by mutations(acquired or inherited), in mitochondrial dna (mtdna), or in nuclear genes that code for mitochondrial components. They may also be the result of acquired mitochondrial dysfunction due toadverse effects of drugs, infections, or other environmental causes (see mesh).