Mitochondria as agents of disease and as drug targets

Mitochondria fulfill a wide range of metabolic functions in addition to their crucial role in the energy-generating processes within the cell. For the past decades, the role of mitochondria in mediating complex physiological processes such as programmed cell death has been considerable interest. On the other hand, several mitochondrial dysfunctions have been associated with various pathological disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, AIDS and cancer. Within the therapy of some of these mitochondrial-related pathologies, structurally different pharmacological agents, including antitumors, immunosupressants, anesthetics etc, have been designed to specifically affect mitochondrial functions. In other cases, drugs (such as anti-viral drugs) with primary targets in other cellular locations were found to impair mitochondrial functions as side effects. The purpose of the present chapter is to outline the recent state of art of our knowledge on the role of mitochondria as agents of disease and as drug targets in selected cases. The following topics will be dealt with: I. The structure and function of mitochondria as the cell energy powerhouse II. Mitochondria as cell sensors in diseases due to their role in cell apoptosis III. Mitochondria as HIV-drug targets IV. Mitochondria as targets of vitamin of class B therapy