“…However, mitochondria are now recognized as being critical components in the control of multiple key cellular processes, from apoptosis to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). For instance, mitochondrial by-products such as ROS impair the extent of adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, 32,33 and a known consequence of impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, such as that occurring in HALS, is an enhancement in ROS production. Several aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction present in adipose tissue from HALS patients, from abnormal respiratory chain activity due to mtDNA depletion to low levels of UCP2, a mitochondrial uncoupling protein involved in the control of ROS production, 17 may lead to permanent oxidative stress in adipose tissue.…”