Healthy Kids: Mitochondrial Disease

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90-percent of the energy our bodies need, but thousands of people across America suffer from mitochondrial disease. Joining WINK News to talk about the disease and a local fundraiser to fight it are Andrew Anderson, Makenzie Lawrey and Dr. Annette St. Pierre-Mackoul.
What is Mitochondrial Disease?

A group of disorders caused by a dysfunctional mitochondria.
Mitochondria are in every cell of the body except blood cells.
Mitochondria = Powerhouse for energy (90% in body)
Inherited or mutations in genome or acquired
Symptoms can be mild to severe – >40 types
Affects 1/4000 children in the US by age 10 years.
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Symptoms:

Poor growth
Lack of muscle coordination and weakness
Visual problems
Hearing problems
Learning disabilities
Heart disease
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Gastrointestinal disorders
Respiratory disorders
Neurologic problems
Dementia
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Treatment:

Research is ongoing.
Vitamins – limited effectiveness.
Membrane penetrating antioxidants – improve mitochondrial dysfunction
Pyruvate – being investigated.
Spindle transfer

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