Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Dr. Sarah Myhill, MD states, "Chronic fatigue syndrome is the symptom caused by mitochondrial failure." The mitochondrion is the structure in the biological cell that supplies energy to the cell. Mitochondrial dysfunction can affect every cell of the body, including the cells of the heart.

CFS is Low Output Heart Failure Secondary to Mitochondrial Failure
By Dr. Sarah Myhill, MD

Abnormal Impedance Cardiography Predicts Symptom Severity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
by Arnold Peckerman, PhD, et al, The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, August 2003

(See Cardiac Insufficiency)

The source of the mitochondrial dysfunction may be the upregulation of the nitric oxide/peroxynitrite cycle, according to the theory developed by Dr. Martin Pall, PhD. (See Neural Sensitization Protocol)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a NO/ONOO¯ Cycle Disease
by Martin L. Pall, PhD

Dr. Paul Cheney, MD, discusses energy production in a portion of the following lecture. Measurements of mitochondrial function in CFS patients showed "significant derangement" that he describes as a generalized brown-out. This suggests to him a metabolic cause. (See Defects of Detoxification)

Lecture by Paul Cheney, MD, PhD, February 1999
Notes by Sue Bailey

Dr. David Bell describes reasons to believe that chronic fatigue syndrome, characterized by post-exertional malaise, is a type of mitochondrial disease (see Mitochondrial Cytopathy below) that has not been properly studied.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a Mitochondrial Disease?
by Dr. David S. Bell, MD

Mitochondrial Function

The following article discusses nutrients shown by scientific research to improve mitochondrial function (includes 56 references).

Mitochondria and the Evolution of Human Longevity
Life Extension Magazine, February 2006

The following article includes research about multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, neuropathy, and depression:

Why Aging Humans Need More Carnitine
by Julius G. Goepp, MD, Life Extension Magazine, September 2006

CoQ10's "Other" Health Benefits
by Sherry Kahn, Life Extension Magazine, February 2006

CoQ10's New Benefits
Life Extension Magazine, August 2006

Mitochondrial Damage

Medication-Induced Mitochondrial Damage and Disease
by John Neustadt and Dr. Steve Pieczenik, MD, July 17, 2008

Mitochondrial Cytopathy

Cleveland Clinical Journal of Medicine, July 2001

Cardiovascular Disease

Dr. Myhill's article above refers to cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra, who recommends the same supplements for mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart as he recommends for chronic fatigue syndrome. All forms of cardiovascular disease--coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy--respond to these supplements. Anyone with heart disease should not delay in obtaining Dr. Sinatra's book.

Book: The Sinatra Solution: Metabolic Cardiology
by Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, MD

Review of The Sinatra Solution
by Heidi Boudro, HeidiBoudro.com

How Many Americans Are Magnesium Deficient?
by William Faloon, Life Extension Magazine, September 2005

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