More attention needed to tackle mitochondrial diseases: Experts

Manipal, Nov 13 (UNI) The scientists at the three-day Indo-US workshop on Mitochondrial Research and Medicine have stressed the urgent need focus more attention on mitochondrial diseases, which were playing a major in cancer, autoimmunity and regeneration.

Speaking at the inaugural of the workshop here last evening, Dr.

Robert Naviaux, President of Mitochondrial and Medicine Society stressed that disturbances in mitochondrial function were at the heart of several disorders including childhood and adult forms of mitochondrial diseases faced by the people around the world.

Diabetes, heart disease and obesity were now affecting nearly half of all adults in United States and spreading further.

Countries around the world urbanise and adopt lifestyle of the 'Computer Age' were witnessing a rising tide of these complex disorders, he observed.

There was need for working together towards a better understanding of the workings of the cells and to find solutions to this complex disease, he said.

He said that around the world, scientists from diverse disciplines were turning their attention towards mitochondria and physicists see it as quantum fuel cells, combining oxygen and hydrogen to make energy and water. Mitochondrial Medicine was the newest subspecialty in all of medicine.

The goal of the conference series was to bring together scientists and clinicians from the US and India to share cutting edge science and clinical experience that would help prevent and combat both childhood and adult forms of mitochondrial disease.

Dr. Lalji Singh, Director CCMB, Hyderabad cautioned that large number of people in India, particularly children was affected with mitochondrial diseases.

However, there was not much awareness about the diseases among the public as well as the clinicians which calls for the urgent need to spread the knowledge about this disease and its implication, he added.

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