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Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
The Electron Transport Chain01:30

The Electron Transport Chain

The electron transport chain or oxidative phosphorylation is an exothermic process in which free energy released during electron transfer reactions is coupled to ATP synthesis. This process is a significant source of energy in aerobic cells, and therefore inhibitors of the electron transport chain can be detrimental to the cell's metabolic processes.
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
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Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts...
Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction01:30

Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction

Drug–drug interactions can precipitate toxicity through multiple mechanisms. Absorption interactions alter how drugs enter the body, exemplified when ranitidine increases the absorption of basic drugs, while cholestyramine decreases the levels of propranolol. Protein binding interactions occur when drugs share the same binding sites on plasma proteins. Drugs like aspirin and warfarin, when bound in excess, can lead to increased free drug concentrations, enhancing the potential for...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions01:25

Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions

Drug interactions occur when the pharmacological effect of one drug is altered by another substance, either enhancing or diminishing its activity. The drug whose activity is altered is known as the object drug, and the substance causing the alteration is called the agent drug or the precipitant. The net effects of these interactions are mostly undesirable, leading to decreased effectiveness or increased adverse effects. In rare cases, interactions can be beneficial, such as the enhanced...
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Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides
08:39

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Published on: September 16, 2020

Drugs interfering with mitochondrial disorders.

Josef Finsterer1, Liane Segall

  • 1Neurological Department, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria. fifigs1@yahoo.de

Drug and Chemical Toxicology
|October 21, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) lack causal therapies. Avoiding drugs toxic to mitochondria is crucial for patient outcomes, as many common medications can worsen these conditions.

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Unveiling Xenobiotic Transport and Effects in Isolated Mitochondria: Insights from Respirometric and Enzymatic Assays

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) present significant therapeutic challenges due to the absence of causal treatments.
  • Current management strategies for MIDs encompass symptomatic measures, supportive agents, dietary adjustments, physiotherapy, and avoiding mitochondrion-toxic drugs.
  • Limited research exists on agents providing symptomatic or supportive therapy for MIDs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review agents that interfere with mitochondrial functions.
  • To highlight drugs known to be toxic to mitochondria and their potential impact on patients with MIDs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of agents affecting mitochondrial function.
  • Identification of common medications with known mitochondrion-toxic properties.
  • Analysis of potential adverse effects and clinical implications.

Main Results:

  • A wide array of drugs, including corticosteroids, valproic acid, statins, beta-blockers, and certain antibiotics, can be toxic to mitochondria.
  • These agents may cause specific adverse effects such as myopathies and neurological signs.
  • Some mitochondrion-toxic drugs may possess beneficial effects due to mitochondrial genetics peculiarities, necessitating careful monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • Avoiding or discontinuing mitochondrion-toxic drugs is vital for improving the clinical course and outcomes in patients with MIDs.
  • Close monitoring is essential when these drugs are deemed necessary despite their potential toxicity.