Mitochondria: Key to Brain Health

Within every cell of the human body is a pool of structures called mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell (generating 90% of the body’s energy). In recent years mitochondria have been credited for brain health and optimal performance.

On the other hand, mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to a number of degenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to degenerative diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with diabetes, depression, anxiety, obesity, and ADHD. As well as age-related impairments including memory, vision, hearing, attention, and cognition.

With that said, in this article, we are going to do a deep dive into the structure and function of this critical structure.

What are mitochondria?

Mitochondria are oval-shaped structures (organelles) located within every cell in the human body.  The main function of these oval-shaped structures is to produce energy.

Mitochondria are the energy producers of the cell

Glucose enters the cell and is broken down before it enters the mitochondria. Once inside the mitochondria, the dismembered glucose molecule is converted into energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process is called oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS).

Fatty acids are also converted to ATP in the mitochondria via the same process but do not need to be broken down before entering the mitochondria.

Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is responsible for powering almost every cellular operation including muscle contraction (movement) and brain function.

The number of mitochondria within each cell varies depending on the energy requirements. For example, nerve cells (neurons) in the brain have a high concentration of mitochondria given the high energy requirement of brain tissue.

Reactive Oxygen Species: A byproduct of energy production

During this “energy-making process”, mitochondria release reactive oxygen species (ROS), a type of free radical. ROS is an unstable molecule with one unpaired electron. To become a stable molecule ROS must either steal an electron or give one away thus making another molecule unstable. In excess, ROS has the potential to cause damage. To prevent ROS from damaging the cell, there is something called the antioxidant defense system. The antioxidant defense system neutralizes these unstable molecules into “non-threatening” molecules. And all is right with the world 😊

Unfortunately, the antioxidant defense system is not limitless in its potential and if too much ROS is produced this can create an imbalance and will result in something called oxidative stress

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress is occurs when the antioxidant defense system is unable to keep up with the production of ROS.  This excess production of free radicals (ROS) can damage the cell’s DNA, lipids, and proteins. Oxidative stress also creates problems in the mitochondria causing less energy (ATP) production and overproducing ROS. I liken this to an old car where the car becomes “less efficient” and produces more exhaust.

Hence, oxidative stress is implicated in a variety of diseases.

Other mitochondrial functions

In addition to producing energy, mitochondria store calcium for cell signaling, generate heat, and mediate cell growth and death.

How do mitochondria maintain optimal performance and brain health?

Given the importance of mitochondria on cellular operations, there are mechanisms in place to ensure these vital structures are functioning at full capacity. The 3 processes are called fission, fusion, and mitochondrial biogenesis (making new mitochondria).

When a part of a mitochondria becomes weak or damaged, that part of the mitochondria is cut off and disposed. This process is called fission.

When a mitochondrion is “slowing down” or becoming less efficient, it will join another “aging mitochondria” through a process called fusion.

And no mitochondria will live forever and therefore, there is a process of creating new mitochondria called mitochondrial biogenesis.

Individuals with higher concentration of mitochondria have more energy and are overall healthier. For example, children have an extremely high concentration of mitochondria and are typically bundles of energy. On the other hand, older adults have fewer mitochondria, less energy, and higher prevalence of disease.

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