Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025
High-resolution Respirometry to Measure Mitochondrial Function of Intact Beta Cells in the Presence of Natural Compounds
Published on: January 23, 2018
Targeting Mitochondria in Diabetes
Nina Krako Jakovljevic1, Kasja Pavlovic1, Aleksandra Jotic1
1Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), one of the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases, is often preceded by insulin resistance (IR), which underlies the inability of tissues to respond to insulin and leads to disturbed metabolic homeostasis. Mitochondria, as a central player in the cellular energy metabolism, are involved in the mechanisms of IR and T2D. Mitochondrial function is affected by insulin resistance in different tissues, among which skeletal muscle and liver have the highest impact on whole-body glucose homeostasis. This review focuses on human studies that assess mitochondrial function in liver, muscle and blood cells in the context of T2D. Furthermore, different interventions targeting mitochondria in IR and T2D are listed, with a selection of studies using respirometry as a measure of mitochondrial function, for better data comparison. Altogether, mitochondrial respiratory capacity appears to be a metabolic indicator since it decreases as the disease progresses but increases after lifestyle (exercise) and pharmacological interventions, together with the improvement in metabolic health. Finally, novel therapeutics developed to target mitochondria have potential for a more integrative therapeutic approach, treating both causative and secondary defects of diabetes.
Insights
Mitochondrial function declines with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and insulin resistance (IR). Interventions like exercise and medication improve mitochondrial capacity and metabolic health in T2D patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Diseases
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent metabolic disorder often preceded by insulin resistance (IR).
- Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism and are implicated in the pathogenesis of IR and T2D.
- Skeletal muscle and liver mitochondria significantly impact whole-body glucose homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human studies examining mitochondrial function in liver, muscle, and blood cells in the context of T2D.
- To identify interventions targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in IR and T2D.
- To highlight the utility of respirometry for assessing mitochondrial function and treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of human studies focusing on mitochondrial function in T2D.
- Analysis of data from studies employing respirometry to measure mitochondrial respiratory capacity.
- Compilation of information on lifestyle and pharmacological interventions impacting mitochondrial function.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial respiratory capacity is reduced in individuals with T2D.
- Decreased mitochondrial function correlates with disease progression.
- Lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise) and pharmacological treatments can improve mitochondrial function and metabolic health.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial respiratory capacity serves as a key metabolic indicator in T2D.
- Targeting mitochondria offers a promising therapeutic strategy for T2D.
- Novel therapeutics aimed at mitochondria may provide an integrative approach to managing diabetes and its related defects.
More Related Videos
09:40Phosphorus-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Measuring In Vivo Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity in Human Skeletal Muscle
Published on: January 19, 2017
07:04Author Spotlight: Assessment of Mitophagy Flux in Pancreatic β-Cells Using Effective and Robust Complementary Approaches
Published on: September 15, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
01:37Mitochondria
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes