Mitochondrial diseases

Within all cells of the human body, mitochondria act as a powerhouse – collectively producing energy that is essential for life. When these mitochondria are defective, the result can take the form of a wide range of serious and debilitating illnesses. Signs and symptoms of mitochondrial diseases can include: fatigue, intolerance to exercise, muscle weakness and loss of muscle coordination, heart failure, diabetes, deafness, blindness, stunted growth, and learning disabilities (see figure below for details). Leigh Disease, MELAS , LHON and Friedreich Ataxia belong to the ever-expanding group of mitochondrial diseases.

Mitochondrial failure is usually the result of genetic defects in either the mitochondrial DNA or the nuclear DNA, but can also be caused by environmental factors, including adverse reactions to certain drugs. While it is possible to alleviate several clinical problems, including diabetes, there is still no cure for mitochondrial disease. That’s why at Khondrion, we strive to contribute all we can to finding a cure for mitochondrial diseases.