Fig. 2

Mitochondrial dysfunction and its association with neurodegenerative disorders. Several mitochondria abnormalities are characterized by a loss of efficiency in the electron transport chain (ETC) and dysfunction in ATP-synthesis machinery. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a consequence of the electron transport process, produced as a by-product of oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, structural anomalies might lead to an increased ROS production and the release of mitochondria-derived proapoptotic factors. These free radicals can damage cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA, including mtDNA, which entails dysfunctional mitochondria associated with aging, and essentially, all chronic diseases include neurodegenerative pathologies