Mitochondrial mutagenesis in the brain in forensic and pathological research

Abstract

Accumulation of alterations to the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) would be expected to significantly impair the bioenergetic function of mitochondria in the affected host cells. Many of these changes have been associated with several specific diseases and the process of aging. These mutations may be the result of mitochondrial oxidative stress, which is increased with age of individuals and specific degenerative diseases. Our aim with this review is to summarize the recent literature on the occurrence of mtDNA alterations and its possible relation to age-depending degenerative processes with special regards to the brain. Additionally, we show how these alterations could be used in fields of pathology and forensic medicine.