The role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology and treatment of common metabolic diseases in humans

Abstract

Common metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality worldwide. They are frequently associated with insulin resistance and altered mitochondrial functionality. Insulin-responsive tissues can show changes in mitochondrial features such as oxidative capacity, mitochondrial content, and turnover, which do not necessarily reflect abnormalities but rather adaptation to a certain metabolic condition. Lifestyle modifications and classic or novel drugs can modify these alterations and help to treat these metabolic diseases. This review addresses the role of mitochondria in human metabolic diseases and discusses potential future research directions.

Keywords: adipose tissue; mitophagy; oxidative phosphorylation; skeletal muscle; steatosis.