Webinars

Mitochondria is an organelle found in the cells of most eukaryotes and they use aerobic respiration to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of chemical energy in the cells. Mitochondria are involved in several human disorders like cardiac dysfunction, immune deficiency, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative disorders and chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue for example as can be found in cancer patients after therapy but as discussed in the last months and years also in Post/long Covid patients. Complex and chronic illnesses which accompany a dysfunction of the mitochondria are a growing health problem.
There is a whole variety of inborn mitochondrial diseases. They can practically concern every area of the mitochondrion. Acquired forms are more frequent than genetic mitochondrial diseases. For patients suffering from acquired mitochondrial diseases the analyses do not yield characteristic findings. The clinical patterns may vary considerably. Patients often complain about lack of energy, but also complaints similar to those of CFS, MCS or fibromyalgia can be observed. Acquired mitochondrial diseases are triggered by nitrosative and oxidative stress, which may damage the structure and genome of mitochondria, and lack of mitochondrial co-factors like for example co-enzyme Q10, riboflavine or niacin. In 2014 a method have described to test the mitochondrial function by measuring the oxygen consumptions of the cells. Determining this mitochondrial or bioenergetic health index or BHI thus takes on particular importance. Not only does it capture the state of the mitochondria, but it also enables clear statements with prognostic and diagnostic value.

Dopamine is a vital neurotransmitter that plays a central role in numerous physiological processes, including movement, motivation, reward, and the regulation of mood. Its significance in human health is underscored by its involvement in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and addiction. Dopamine is synthesized in dopaminergic neurons through a two-step process. Dopamine is metabolized primarily by two enzymes: Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) and Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT). Metabolites are excreted in the urine and can be measured to assess dopamine metabolism.
Dopamine is essential for coordinating movement, and its deficiency is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, dopamine dysregulation is implicated in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction. Emerging research indicates that peripheral dopamine plays a role in metabolic control, influencing energy metabolism and potentially linking to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Accurate assessment of dopamine levels is crucial for personalized medicine, enabling tailored therapeutic interventions. Personalized approaches can optimize dopamine replacement therapies in Parkinson’s disease, enhancing efficacy and minimizing side effects and assessing dopamine signaling pathways can aid in predicting susceptibility to disorders and addiction enabling early interventions and can guide to the development of personalized rehabilitation programs. In conclusion, dopamine’s multifaceted roles in human health underscore the importance of precise measurement and individualized assessment. Advancements in diagnostic technologies are paving the way for personalized medical approaches, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments related to dopaminergic function.