Pathology of skeletal muscle in mitochondrial disorders

[Guest guest]

Interesting quote from a recent abstract.

Pathology of skeletal muscle in mitochondrial disorders Mitochondrion. 2004

Sep;4(5-6):441-52. Bourgeois JM, Tarnopolsky MA.

" Some cases of mitochondrial cytopathy may show no abnormalities on

histology or electron microscopy (i.e., LHON), whereas, other conditions can

mimic mitochondrial disease through secondary mitochondrial changes (i.e.,

inclusion body myositis). Athletes show evidence of increased mitochondrial

numbers but do not normally develop ragged red fibers or paracrystalline

inclusions. Aging is associated with an accumulation of mitochondrial

abnormalities and is an important factor to consider in the interpretation

of the sample. For example, biopsies in young children with mitochondrial

disease may be normal at the histological level and otherwise healthy older

adults can show mitochondrial changes such as ragged red and COX-negative

fibers. "

Demonstrates once again just how tricky interpretation of muscle tissue can

be. There can be significant mitochondrial enzyme deficiencies even without

any histologic or microscopic abnormalities. Or there can be mitochondrial

changes in muscle tissue of healthy older adults. No simple diagnostic

formulas here.

Barbara

[Guest guest]

Barbara

Thanks for sharing this. You always find such great stuff.

laurie

> Interesting quote from a recent abstract.

>

> Pathology of skeletal muscle in mitochondrial disorders Mitochondrion. 2004

> Sep;4(5-6):441-52. Bourgeois JM, Tarnopolsky MA.

>

> " Some cases of mitochondrial cytopathy may show no abnormalities on

> histology or electron microscopy