RESEARCH PAPER
Mitochondrial Function in Neurons and Glia in Health and Its Alteration in Parkinson's Disease: A Review.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mitochondria play an important role in maintaining redox balance, energy, calcium, and the viability of neurons. The mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the primary sources of glial activation and dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). The key biochemical elements of the pathogenesis of PD include impaired oxidative phosphorylation, elevated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and impaired mitophagy.
METHODS: This review is a synthesis and stringent evaluation of recent experimental, clinical and genetic studies relating mitochondrial dysfunction and Parkinson's disease (PD). We examined information on bioenergetics, mitochondrial dynamics, calcium homeostasis, and interactions between neurons and glia. The molecular and therapeutic importance of therapies, such as mitophagy modulators, bioenergetic enhancers, and mitochondrial antioxidants, was investigated. The absence of Complex I, excess ROS, mitochondrial DNA damage, and nonfunctioning fusionfission cycles leads to neurodegeneration. The glial metabolic abnormalities worsen the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, weakening the support of the neurons. The effects of impaired mitophagy are the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, and the effects of calcium overload disrupt energy metabolism. Neuroprotective effects of such substances as spermidine, urolithin A, resveratrol, αlipoic acid, MitoQ, SkQ1, or CoQ10 have been shown using preclinical research. Sacrifices such as exercising and proper dieting enable the mitochondria to perform better and become stronger.
DISCUSSION: Mitochondrial dysfunction enhances the progression of PD through oxidative stress, bioenergetic breakdown, and inflammatory signalling. Attention to these related systems is an entire way to alter the direction of a disease.
CONCLUSION: PD can be treated using an increase in mitochondrial quality control, redox regulation, and metabolic efficiency. Continued studies in the framework of precision medicine are required to validate the safety and effectiveness of mitochondrial-targeted medications.