Published in:
10-02-2023 | Diseases of the neuromuscular synapses and muscles
Genetics of Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy
Authors:
Atif Towheed, Amy C. Goldstein
Published in:
Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports
|
Issue 3/2023
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Primary mitochondrial disorders (PMD) are a heterogeneous group of individual genetic multi-systemic diseases that are challenging to diagnose and manage; currently, there is no cure or FDA-approved therapies for these progressive genetic syndromes. Among the many organs that may be affected by mitochondrial disorders, the heart is one of the most common, given its high energy requirements, leading to mitochondrial cardiomyopathies.
Recent Findings
Mitochondrial cardiomyopathies are due to underlying genetic defects in genes involved in mitochondrial functioning. These genes, which can be of nuclear or mitochondrial DNA, are either directly involved in the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation or play a role in other mitochondrial pathways such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication or maintenance of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Due to the high degree of variability and complexity, current therapeutic strategies are inadequately effective in treating mitochondrial cardiomyopathies. Further research, including longitudinal prospective natural history studies and large-scale randomized clinical trials, is warranted to determine the most effective therapeutic and pharmacologic strategies to address mitochondrial cardiomyopathies.
Summary
In this review, we present our current understanding of mitochondrial cardiomyopathies, diagnostic tools, and management.