Diseases

Mitochondrial Diseases

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Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctionalmitochondria, 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 or exercise intolerance, heart failure or rhythm disturbances, dementia, movement disorders, stroke-like episodes, deafness, blindness, droopy eyelids, limited mobility of the eyes, vomiting, and seizures

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 to adverse effects of drugs, infections, or other environmental causes