The role of mitochondrial DNA in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Diseases of the cardiovascular system keeps the lead among the main causes of invalidity, disability and mortality ofthe population. There is a steady increase in cardiovascular diseases, that is why the identification of new markers, that would allow calculating the risks of complications and associated pathological conditions, is one of the most important tasks of modern fundamental and applied medicine. The paper presents current information on the relationship between the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of mitochondrial DNA with the risk of organ failure. The reasons for the body's immune response to the mitochondrial DNA presence outside the cell are considered. The question of mitochondrial DNAs role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular pathology and inflammatory processes is highlighted. Contradictory information about the change in the amount of freely circulating mitochondrial DNA during the development of organ failure was revealed. However, all authors agree that the number of mitochondrial DNA copies indicates disorders associated with the provision of vital functions of cells, organs and tissues. The study shows that the level of freely circulating mitochondrial DNA in blood plasma, which is currently used to predict the development of complications and mortality in a number of different diseases, is a promising nonspecific marker of cytolytic processes. A comprehensive study of cytological, biochemical and molecular biological indicators at various (especially at early) stages of organ failure development, as well as during the cardiovascular diseases establishment, will provide new important information about the cellular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and will form the basis for the development of early diagnostic markers and new therapeutic schemes.