https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26311426

Comment; Which came first, chicken, egg, Mitochondropathy or Neuroinflammation? A complex and probably interrelated problem!

Wilkins HMSwerdlow RH1.

Author information

1University of Kansas School of Medicine, MS 2012, Landon Center on Aging, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. rswerdlow@kumc.edu.

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation occur in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The causes of these pathologic lesions remain uncertain, but links between these phenomena are increasingly recognized. In this review, we discuss data that indicate mitochondria or mitochondrial components may contribute to neuroinflammation. While mitochondrial dysfunction could cause neuroinflammation, neuroinflammation could also cause mitochondrial dysfunction. However, based on the systemic nature of AD mitochondrial dysfunction as well as data from experiments we discuss, the former possibility is perhaps more likely. If correct, then manipulation of mitochondria, either directly or through manipulations of bioenergetic pathways, could prove effective in reducing metabolic dysfunction and neuroinflammation in AD patients. We also review some potential approaches through which such manipulations may be achieved.

Dr. Raymond Oenbrink