Publication Alert! IALH Research Fellow Hector Caruncho has co-authored a book chapter entitled Mitochondrial dysfunction and affective disorders: Focus on diet, exercise, and aging. Other authors include Josh Allen and Lisa Kalynchuk. The chapter was published in Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Nanotherapeutics: Aging, Diseases, and Nanotechnology-Related Strategies in Mitochondrial Medicine.
Abstract:
Affective disorders, including major depression and bipolar disorder, are thought to stem from alterations in neurotransmitter transduction pathways, but recent evidence implicates broader forms of dampened neural plasticity, inflammation, and points to a possible important role on mitochondrial alterations. Mitochondria modulate proper brain function by producing energy and regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Human and animal studies implicate deficient energy metabolism, increased production of reactive oxygen species and pro-apoptotic factors, and membrane permeability in the pathology of affective disorders. Exercise and improving one’s diet can improve mitochondrial function and mood. Studies investigating the effects of medications on mitochondria often reveal contradictory findings, in that their therapeutic or detrimental effects are dose dependent. Overall, several lines of research indicate that deficient mitochondrial activity is implicated in the pathology of affective disorders and suggest that novel compounds could be developed to target mitochondria, or that specific patterns of alterations could be identified as biomarkers to personalize treatment or aid in their diagnosis.
To read the full chapter, see DOI:10.1016/B978-0-323-85666-9.00017-6