Mitochondrial disease, often referred to as "mito" for short, is an umbrella term that encompasses a group of genetic conditions affecting mitochondria in cells, which are responsible for producing energy
. These diseases can impact various parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, muscles, heart, eyes, and ears
. There are over 350 genetic causes identified so far, and some types are more common than others
. Mitochondrial diseases occur when mitochondria cannot efficiently turn sugar and oxygen into energy, leading to cells not working correctly
. This can result in a wide range of symptoms, such as poor growth, loss of muscle coordination, muscle weakness, neurological problems like seizures, and autism spectrum disorder
. The severity and specific symptoms of mitochondrial diseases can vary greatly depending on the type and the affected organ systems
. Currently, there are no cures for mitochondrial diseases, but some treatments have proven effective in managing symptoms and preventing life- threatening complications
. Diagnosis and prognosis can be challenging due to the complexity of the disease and the wide range of symptoms
