Mitochondrial Health & Functions

The mitochondria are rod-shaped organelles that are considered to be the powerhouse of the cell by converting oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This microscopic part of the body ultimately provides fuel to organ systems and leads the way in accomplishing vital biological processes.

There are over 1,600 proteins coded by chromosomal genes known to be associated with mitochondria. Since humans have about 20,000 genes, that means that about 8% of all genes are associated with mitochondria and with energy. It is of interest that at a societal scale, about 8% of world-wide economic activity is also energy-related. The body works as its own society where every cell, organelle, tissue, organ, and organ system plays a role in maintaining homeostasis and fighting off pathogens and environmental toxins. It is safe to say that the mitochondria plays a major role in the body by balancing energy levels and maintaining cellular health.

If the mitochondria are not functioning properly, the body will begin to “run out of fuel” and symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle weakness/pains, loss of appetite, migraines, neurological abnormalities, sleep disorders, and digestive issues may occur. This is known as mitochondrial dysfunction.

The 5 Roles of the Mitochondria:

1. Production of ATP: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy currency of cells. This complex multistep process is essential for healthy cellular functions. In addition to providing energy, the breakdown of ATP serves a broad range of cell functions, including DNA/RNA synthesis. ATP synthesis utilizes energy obtained from multiple catabolic mechanisms, including cellular respiration, beta-oxidation, and ketosis -- all of which are important in a healthy individual.

ATP is also responsible for extracellular signalling that affects metabolic processes such as: metabolism, hormone balancing, and the mediation of neurotransmitters. ATP is co-stored and co-released among neurotransmitters, further supporting the concept that ATP is a necessary mediator of neurotransmission in both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. In essence, ATP plays a crucial part in regulating the nervous system.

The organ that consumes the most ATP is the brain. It consumes approximately twenty-five percent of the total energy available. A large amount of energy is spent on maintaining ion concentrations for proper neuronal signaling and synaptic transmission. If these processes are not functioning properly, mental disorders such as: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may occur. Without a significant amount of ATP, the body will feel weak and cellularly exhausted.

2. Calcium Homeostasis: In addition to their role in providing cellular energy, mitochondria fulfill a key function in cellular calcium management. Calcium homeostasis is led by buffering and shaping cytosolic calcium rises and also in determining cell fate by triggering and/or preventing apoptosis. It also helps control cell migration and regulates cytoskeletal dynamics. If this process is poorly executed, the development of neurodegenerative disorders and cancer is at a higher risk.

For example, the ability of cancer tumor cells to survive has been associated with unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics, as it has been demonstrated in lung, pancreatic, breast and oncocytic thyroid cancers, among others. Tumor cells develop mechanisms where alterations in mitochondrial metabolism inhibit the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, meaning that the body has an inability to kill and dispose of the cancer cells, especially if this process is not functioning.

3. Regulation of Innate Immunity: Innate immunity is the pre-established system that provides immediate defense to pathogenic infections and toxins. Research has shown that the mitochondria modulates oxidative stress as it defends cells from damage. The mitochondria has the ability to regulate the survival of immune cells and direct them to places that need extra care within the body.

If a person is dealing with gut dysbiosis, bacterial infections (SIBO, H. Pylori, Lyme Disease, C. Diff, etc.), viruses (EBV, HIV, SARS, etc.) parasites, mold, heavy metals, glyphosate, etc., their innate immunity is significantly lowered due to the extra stress caused by the pathogens/toxins invading the body. This creates an environment where even more infections can continue wreaking havoc on the body.

4.Programmed Cell Death: Programmed cell death is an orderly process where a cell’s contents are packaged into a “trash” membrane collection by immune cells to maintain cell numbers and sweep up damaged cells. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a major component of normal development, preservation of tissue homeostasis, and elimination of damaged cells. Interruptions to this healthy regulation are associated with the development of diseases such as cancer, and tissue damage after a stroke.

This process is commonly called apoptosis. In a healthy adult human, billions of cells die in the bone marrow and intestine every hour. Inappropriate apoptosis (either too little or too much) is a factor in many human conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic damage, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancer. Therefore, it is important to recognize the health of the mitochondria when recovering from chronic illnesses to ensure the safety of your cells!

5. Stem Cell Regulation: According to the Mayo Clinic, stem cells are the body’s raw materials that can develop into various types of cells and serve as a repair system for the body. Researchers believe that stem cell-based therapies may one day be used to treat serious illnesses such as paralysis and Alzheimer disease.

Mitochondria play a critical role in the interaction between cell survival and cell death. This process is particularly critical for stem cells, which need to preserve their quality over time to prevent disease and rapid aging. Among the mechanisms responsible for regulating cellular homeostatic responses, mitochondria are emerging as key players. Given their dynamic and multifaceted role in energy metabolism, redox, and calcium balance, as well as cell death, mitochondria appear at the interface between environmental cues and the control of epigenetic identity.

Is Mitochondrial Dysfunction Common in Chronic Illnesses?

Yes! Mitochondrial dysfunction is essentially linked to every chronic illness and autoimmune disease. When the body is in an unhealthy state, the cells lose energy; therefore, the mitochondria weaken and become sluggish.

According to a 2014 study, “loss of function in mitochondria, the key organelle responsible for cellular energy production, can result in the excess fatigue and other symptoms that are common complaints in almost every chronic disease.”

For example, those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome suffer from complete exhaustion. This study states that “at the cellular level, moderate to severe fatigue is related to loss of mitochondrial function and diminished production of ATP” due to bacterial infections, parasites, mold, heavy metals, environmental toxins, vitamin deficiencies, EMFs, NSAIDS/medications, etc.

Click here to read our in-depth article on mitochondrial dysfunction and treatment!

Click here to read our article on how to repair your mitochondria!

If you believe you are dealing with chronic illness, please contact a functional provider. Dr. Jaban Moore, a functional medicine provider, can help you if you are experiencing chronic symptoms.

Please reach out if you are interested in taking your health back! You can give our office a call at (816) 889-9801.