Mitochondrial Diseases

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transfer Mitochondria to the Cells with Virtually No Mitochondrial Function but Not with Pathogenic mtDNA Mutations

It has been reported that human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can transfer mitochondria to the cells with severely compromised mitochondrial function. We tested whether the reported intercellular mitochondrial transfer could be replicated in different types of cells or under different experimental c…
journals.plos.org

Mesenchymal stem cells can donate fresh mitochondria (batteries) to rejuvenate exhausted cells, but not cells with genetically defective mitochondria to begin with.

Like you can change an old worn-out iPhone 6 battery instead of trading-in for a new iPhone 7, but a Note 7 with an exchanged battery still explodes.

Bad news for those suffering from the rare mitochondrial diseases.

Mitochondrial Disorders Overview

Figure 1.

Mitochondrial diseases are a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that arise as a result of dysfunction of the mitochondrial…
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov|By Patrick F Chinnery

One good reason why awareness of the hereditary mitochondrial disorders is relevant to especially paediatric rheumatologists is because the symptoms mimic myopathies and myositis. It makes sense, since muscles are the most energy demanding tissue of the body.

Mitochondrial Diseases

Mitochondria make energy for your cells. Diseases can affect mitochondria, often causing nerve and muscle problems. Find out more.
medlineplus.gov