Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Real-Time Measurement of the Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Profile of Neutrophils
09:39

Real-Time Measurement of the Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Profile of Neutrophils

Published on: June 2, 2023

2.1K

The role of mitochondria in rheumatic diseases

Yann L C Becker1,2,3, Bhargavi Duvvuri4, Paul R Fortin1,2,5

  • 1Centre de Recherche ARThrite-Arthrite, Recherche et Traitements, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.

Nature Reviews. Rheumatology
|September 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondria, the cell powerhouses, play a key role in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. Understanding mitochondrial dysfunction offers new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Mitochondria, originating from endosymbiosis, are crucial for cellular energy and apoptosis.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in autoimmune disease pathophysiology.
  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines and genetic defects can impair mitochondrial function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in rheumatic diseases.
  • To explore the interplay between mitochondria and both innate and adaptive immunity in autoimmunity.
  • To highlight the potential for mitochondria-targeted therapies and biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on mitochondrial roles in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
  • Analysis of mechanisms linking mitochondrial components to immune responses.
  • Examination of evidence for mitochondrial involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial components released extracellularly can trigger innate immune pro-inflammatory responses.
  • Antibodies targeting mitochondria suggest adaptive immune system involvement in autoimmune diseases.
  • Mitochondrial defects are linked to the pathogenesis of several rheumatic conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria are central players in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.
  • Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Mitochondria-derived biomarkers could advance understanding and management of rheumatic diseases.

More Related Videos

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue08:56

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue

Published on: May 17, 2018

9.2K
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

316

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
31
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
14.3K
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
46
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
26
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
11.9K
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...
14.9K