Mitochondria: It is all about energy

Abstract

Mitochondria play a key role in both health and disease. Their function is not limited to energy production but serves multiple mechanisms varying from iron and calcium homeostasis to the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as melatonin. They enable and influence communication at all physical levels through interaction with other organelles, the nucleus, and the outside environment. The literature suggests crosstalk mechanisms between mitochondria and circadian clocks, the gut microbiota, and the immune system. They might even be the hub supporting and integrating activity across all these domains. Hence, they might be the (missing) link in both health and disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to metabolic syndrome, neuronal diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, and inflammatory disorders. In this regard, diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and chronic pain are discussed. This review focuses on understanding the mitochondrial mechanisms of action that allow for the maintenance of mitochondrial health and the pathways toward dysregulated mechanisms. Although mitochondria have allowed us to adapt to changes over the course of evolution, in turn, evolution has shaped mitochondria. Each evolution-based intervention influences mitochondria in its own way. The use of physiological stress triggers tolerance to the stressor, achieving adaptability and resistance. This review describes strategies that could recover mitochondrial functioning in multiple diseases, providing a comprehensive, root-cause-focused, integrative approach to recovering health and treating people suffering from chronic diseases.

Outcomes of whole-body photobiomodulation on pain, quality of life, leisure physical activity, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and self-efficacy: a prospective randomized triple-blinded clinical trial with 6 months of follow-up

“…These alterations in turn can lead to disturbances in gut dysbiosis, heightened gut permeability, and disruptions in mitochondrial function within immune and glial cells ( Anderson and Maes, 2020 ; Wang et al, 2022 ). The reduction in gut microbiome-derived butyrate plays a role in dysregulating mitochondrial function, both directly and indirectly via increased ceramide levels and decreased melatonin and vagal function ( Anderson and Maes, 2020 ; Casanova et al, 2023 ). Consequently, dysregulation of circadian rhythms occurs, affecting the resetting of mitochondrial function in immune and glial cells across the circadian rhythm, as previously evidenced in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome ( Anderson and Maes, 2020 ).…”

Adhesive Capsulitis of the Ankle (Frozen Ankle): An Infrequent Syndrome

“…In this regard, the use of physiological stress as a trigger to improve mitochondrial functioning in multiple diseases in general and FA in particular, providing a comprehensive, rootcause-focused, integrative approach to recovering health, has been proposed. Clinical interventions such as nutritional (fermented food, phytomelatonin), cold and heat exposure, and breathing techniques should be further studied [49]. Additionally, more studies are needed to establish rigorous diagnostic criteria to clinically diagnose ACA, just like those in frozen shoulder.…”

From Viral Infection to Autoimmune Reaction: Exploring the Link between Human Herpesvirus 6 and Autoimmune Diseases

“…Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be an essential part of the development and progression of ME/CFS [ 141 ]. A study exploring the effects of HHV-6A reactivation on mitochondria demonstrated that HHV-6A induced mitochondrial fragmentation and the inhibition of several proteins important in amino and fatty acid oxidation and glucose metabolism in vitro.…”