Important note: Information in this article was accurate in August 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Inside nearly all of the body's cells are tiny power plants called mitochondria (Mt). To provide energy to cells, Mt "burn" fat and sugar. This process requires the help of other substances such as B-complex vitamins. When Mt have been damaged by drugs or when they don't have enough B-vitamins, they produce less-than-normal amounts of energy.
The instructions for making new Mt are found within their DNA or genetic material. This DNA appears to be extremely sensitive to damage. As well, Mt don't have a sophisticated DNA repair system, and damaged DNA results in mistakes or mutations during the production of new Mt. It's likely that a small number of mutations poses few problems. Over time, however, the level of mutations can build up and cause two basic problems:
A decreased power supply and far less than the normal amount of Mt result in a loss of power within a cell. When cells are not able to generate enough energy to maintain their health, they begin to malfunction and can die. Damaged Mt inside nerve cells may result in peripheral neuropathy (PN). As well, some researchers think that damaged Mt may be the cause of some of the problems associated with lipodystrophy syndrome.
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