Abstract
In recent years, several studies have examined the multifaceted role of mitochondria in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), suggesting that, besides inflammation and demyelination, mitochondrial aberration is a crucial factor in mediating axonal degeneration, the latter being responsible for persistent disabilities in MS patients. Therefore, mitochondria have been recognized as a possible multiple sclerosis therapeutic target. Recently, mitochondrial transplantation has become a new term for the transfer of live mitochondria into damaged cells for the treatment of various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this hypothesis, we propose mitochondrial transplantation as a new, potentially applicable approach to counteract axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis.
Highlights
IntroductionAs these cells are highly dependent on oxidative energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction is known to be involved in several neurodegenerative diseases [1,2]
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), suggesting that, besides inflammation and demyelination, mitochondrial aberration is a crucial factor in mediating axonal degeneration, the latter being responsible for persistent disabilities in MS patients
We propose mitochondrial transplantation as a new, potentially applicable approach to counteract axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis
Summary
As these cells are highly dependent on oxidative energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction is known to be involved in several neurodegenerative diseases [1,2]. In MS patients, multiple studies have provided evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction [4,5], which correlates with axonal degeneration and disease progression [6,7]. The increase in mitochondria numbers and activity represents an attempt of 7 to alleviate the energy imbalance in the demyelinated axon (Figure 2).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have