Chilly Friday morning with sunny skies expected in the afternoonRuling on abortion amendment expected on Monday
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. ————– 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 —————– Treatment: Research is ongoing. Vitamins – limited effectiveness. Membrane penetrating antioxidants – improve mitochondrial dysfunction Pyruvate – being investigated. Spindle transfer