Perspective Diagnostic Marker of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics

Mitochondria are part of almost every eukaryotic cell, they carry out nutrient metabolism and energy production in the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria are involved in a number of cellular processes. Impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress are involved in the origin and development of many diseases. Blood cells are an available source of mitochondria. Respirometric analysis of blood cells enables investigation of mitochondrial mechanisms of pathogenesis of diseases associated with aging, including cancer, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Isolated platelets represent the simplest model for studying the bioenergetics of mitochondria in humans. High-resolution respirometry is a powerful tool for the analysis of mitochondrial function in human medicine. The latest knowledge in the field of respirometry of blood cells confirms that respirometric analysis of blood cell bioenergetics can be an important tool for translational research and clinical practice. Circulating blood cells, especially platelets, can be used to evaluate mitochondrial health, to monitor targeted therapy, but also to understand bioenergetic and metabolic reactions to physiological factors, pathological stressors and environmental burden.