Calf Muscle Strength in Patients Affected by Mitochondrial Diseases as Compared to Healthy Individuals

Mitochondrial disorders are a group of inherited disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. The proteins are encoded by genes from both the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the nucleus, making some of the disorders maternally inherited and some autosomal recessive or dominant.

The mitochondria are found in almost all cells in the body and are the main source of energy. The energy is produced through the electron transport chain, which is composed of four multi subunit complexes (I to IV). A mutation in one or more of these complexes is a typical cause of a mitochondrial disease.

Since the mitochondria are found in almost every cell, mitochondrial disease can give rise to symptoms from many organs. The symptoms depend on what kind of mutation the patient has, but usually includes muscular and neurological problems, as these cells have especially high energy needs.

It is believed that the muscle weakness in mitochondrial diseases is caused by the reduced ability to produce energy. However, recent research has suggested that there is a structural change in the muscles as well. The hypothesis is that this structural change in the muscles will affect its function.

The aim of the study is to investigate the relation between muscle strength and contractile cross sectional area (CCSA) in the calf of patients affected by mitochondrial diseases. In healthy individuals there is a close relation between strength and CCSA, as the strength will decrease according to a decrease in CCSA. In mitochondrial disease, the hypothesis is that there can be a disrupted relationship between strength and CCSA.