Mitochondria - The Powerhouse of the Cell
The Mitochondria - The Key to Understanding Chronic Disease, Illness, Aging, and Life.
Mitochondria are tiny structures called organelles found inside cells that convert food and oxygen into energy for the cell. [1]
They are complex living things found in most living organisms that play an important role in driving the complexity of life on the planet. [1]
Mitochondria have their own DNA, as well as a small set of genes distinct from those found in the cell nucleus. It has been proposed that mitochondria evolved from symbiotic aerobic bacteria that were incorporated into the cell more than two billion years ago. [1]
Over 1,000 proteins and a large number of metabolic substrates are required for normal mitochondrial function, which is maintained through constant bidirectional communication with the nucleus. [2]
What is the Purpose of Mitochondria
The mitochondria's primary function is to meet the cell's energy and metabolic demands through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. [2]
The mitochondria produce approximately 50kg of energy per day in a healthy person, of which the brain consumes approximately 6kg. [3] This could explain why the brain is frequently the first to show signs of mitochondrial dysfunction.
The mitochondria's primary function is to convert food (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and oxygen into a usable form of energy known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). [2]
Mitochondria are also essential for immune regulation, programmed cell death, calcium homeostasis, and stem cell regulation. In the event that the immune system is activated to fight an infection or chronic illness, the mitochondria shift from energy production to immune system support. [4]
In the process of producing ATP, the mitochondria generate carbon dioxide, water, and free radicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules capable of causing damage to your body. [2]
When mitochondria degrade, become damaged, or perform inefficiently, free radicals can accumulate in the cells, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. To prevent the damage caused by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the mitochondria require antioxidants. [4]
What Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction?
The mitochondria are susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and oxidative stress. [5]
According to research, the primary source of oxidative stress is the leakage of oxygen and high-energy electrons from the mitochondria. [5]
As a result of oxidative stress or free radical damage, the mitochondrial DNA undergoes structural changes, which have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation and disease. [6,7,8]
The following factors may cause mitochondrial dysfunction or damage: [2,5,9,10,11]
Mitochondrial DNA damage, mutations, deletions or impaired DNA replication
Genetic predisposition or susceptibility (especially ApoE4)
Environmental toxins and pollutants such as moulds, viral infections, toxic metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Cigarette smoke, alcohol and many prescription medications, such as NSAIDs, statins, antibiotics, anti-anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, chemotherapies, metformin etc
Adverse childhood events and traumatic stress
Nutritional deficiencies
Poor sleep quality, diet, and sedentary lifestyle
Sugar and processed foods (fructose-rich diet)
Inflammation and hyperglycaemia
Aging
Signs & Symptoms of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Chronic fatigue is directly related to mitochondrial dysfunction. It can be described as a complex sensation that manifests as a loss of overall energy with an inability to perform simple tasks. [13]
Although fatigue can be caused by a variety of psychological disorders, it is always related to the function of the mitochondria which are the cellular energy systems of the body. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be linked to almost every chronic disease. [13]
The latest research suggests that mitochondria play a key role in a range of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative conditions and complex diseases, including [1,2,4,7,8,12,13]
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Autoimmune conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome
Cardiovascular Diseases, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia
Migraine Headaches and Gastrointestinal Disorders
Neurobehavioral and psychiatric diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar and mood disorders
Altered mitochondrial function is a hallmark of many cancers including breast, prostate and colon cancers, and age-related pathologies, and has been shown to play a role in metastasis
Chronic infections: Lyme and mould
Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, ASD, Parkinson's)
Cancer
CVD
DM and metabolic syndrome
Kidney disease
Common pathways are chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
Depression
Are You Suffering From Chronic Fatigue? Request a Call Back to learn more.
DR ALAIN FRABOTTA is a highly qualified and experienced integrative chiropractor and functional medicine naturopathic doctor in Sydney since 1995.
With a specific interest in the treatment, prevention, and management of complex chronic diseases, such as mitochondrial dysfunction.
Alain provides a holistic, person-centred, multidisciplinary, solution-focused, results-driven approach.
He integrates chiropractic, naturopathic and functional medicine, nutrition, counselling, and coaching to help you bridge the gap between your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Alain is the leading integrative chiropractic and functional medicine naturopathic doctor in Sydney who wants to help you achieve your health and well-being goals as well as reach your full potential in life.
He is also dedicated to providing you with a personalised, targeted treatment approach that employs functional and genomic assessments to diagnose and optimise your health, well-being, and performance.
Learn more about DR ALAIN FRABOTTA
Treatment of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Fatigue can be caused by a multitude of factors. The foundation for making an accurate diagnosis is learning more about your presenting problem, obtaining an accurate medical, family, and social history, and performing a thorough physical examination.
Lab tests may also be required to provide a more detailed picture and diagnosis.
The next step is to develop a set of solutions. This includes providing a personalised patient-centred treatment approach that is specifically targeted to your needs, this includes allowing you to take the initiative to take responsibility for your health and make the needed behaviour changes.
This includes using a strengths-based, empowerment approach that emphasises your strengths and encourages a greater sense of agency, as well as facilitating your ability to become a part of the solution and be involved in your own health outcomes.
In collaboration with you the patient, a personalised treatment plan will be developed based on your examination and genetic profile.
Nutritional and lifestyle treatment can include the prescription of a variety of natural supplements with diet and lifestyle behavioural modifications to repair the function of the mitochondria and mitigate the damage associated with environmental and oxidative stress.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or feedback
+ REFERENCES
[1] Herst PM, Rowe MR, Carson GM, Berridge MV. Functional mitochondria in health and disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2017;8. doi:10.3389/fendo.2017.00296
[2] Srinivasan S, Guha M, Kashina A, Avadhani NG. Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial dynamics-The cancer connection. Biochim Biophys Acta Bioenerg. 2017;1858(8):602-614. doi:10.1016/j.bbabio.2017.01.004
[3] Kühlbrandt W. Structure and function of mitochondrial membrane protein complexes. BMC Biol. 2015;13(1):89. doi:10.1186/s12915-015-0201-x
[4] Bhatti JS, Bhatti GK, Reddy PH. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in metabolic disorders — A step towards mitochondria based therapeutic strategies. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis. 2017;1863(5):1066-1077. doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.11.010
[5] Pizzorno J. Mitochondria-fundamental to life and health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(2):8-15.
[6] Jang JY, Blum A, Liu J, Finkel T. The role of mitochondria in aging. J Clin Invest. 2018;128(9):3662-3670. doi:10.1172/JCI120842
[7] Reddy PH, Reddy TP. Mitochondria as a therapeutic target for aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2011;8(4):393-409. doi:10.2174/156720511795745401
[8] Lin MT, Beal MF. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases. Nature. 2006;443(7113):787-795. doi:10.1038/nature05292
[9] Breton CV, Song AY, Xiao J, et al. Effects of air pollution on mitochondrial function, mitochondrial DNA methylation, and mitochondrial peptide expression. Mitochondrion. 2019;46:22-29. doi:10.1016/j.mito.2019.04.001
[10] Du J, Zhu M, Bao H, et al. The role of nutrients in protecting mitochondrial function and neurotransmitter signaling: Implications for the treatment of depression, PTSD, and suicidal behaviors. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016;56(15):2560-2578. doi:10.1080/10408398.2013.876960
[11] Lieberman A, Curtis L. Mould exposure and mitochondrial antibodies. Altern Ther Health Med. 2020;26(6):44-47.
[12] Cadonic C, Sabbir MG, Albensi BC. Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. Mol Neurobiol. 2016;53(9):6078-6090. doi:10.1007/s12035-015-9515-5
[13] Nicolson GL. Mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic disease: Treatment with natural supplements. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(4):35-43.