Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an elusive condition that is difficult to detect. Many illnesses are related to this disorder, and the fundamental problem lies in the cells.

Mitochondrial Interference Explained

Mitochondrial dysfunction interferes with the body's ability to use energy. Sugars and oxygen fuel the cells of the body. Mitochondria are small compartments within cells that serve as a type of processing space for the fuels to work.

Consider the cell to be a vehicle.
The mitochondria are the engines that make the vehicles run.
If the engines are disrupted, the vehicles are unable to function properly.
Eventually, they break down.

Oxygen is a primary factor in the disruption of cell function. The mitochondrion is unable to process oxygen properly. Three factors might contribute to this problem:

toxic metabolites
free radicals
energy shortage

The cells fuel systems in the body. If a mitochondrial disorder exists in the liver, the person could see the signs of liver disease. Disruptions in the mitochondria can interfere with proper functioning of cells in a number of different systems of the body.

This disorder profoundly affects the muscular system. Symptoms are varied and range from very mild to severe. Individuals may feel weakness in the affected muscles. Some might lose control of the muscles.

The condition can affect the nervous system as well. Dysfunction in the nervous system manifests itself in various ways. The individual may have trouble in nearly every aspect of daily functioning.

A person who has a disruption in the nervous system caused by defective mitochondria has dysautonomia. Symptoms can appear in the individual's inability to digest foods properly. Automatic functions like temperature control and heart rate can also be affected along with a slew of other areas.

The brain is another area of considerable concern. Symptoms relate to the specific area of the brain that is affected. Some people experience seizures while others might have difficulty articulating words.

Mitochondrial Diseases and Autism

Autistic disorder may be associated with problems in the mitochondria. Some people with pervasive developmental disorders have a mitochondrial defect while others do not. Those who have both typically have other problems including epilepsy or movement disorders.

As for now, the state of having both conditions seems to be rare. Further research is necessary to determine how strong the link between autistic disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction is.

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