Review Article
Mitochondria and reactive oxygen species

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2009.05.004Get rights and content
Under an Elsevier user license
open access

Abstract

Mitochondria are a quantitatively relevant source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the majority of cell types. Here we review the sources and metabolism of ROS in this organelle, including the conditions that regulate the production of these species, such as mild uncoupling, oxygen tension, respiratory inhibition, Ca2+ and K+ transport, and mitochondrial content and morphology. We discuss substrate-, tissue-, and organism-specific characteristics of mitochondrial oxidant generation. Several aspects of the physiological and pathological roles of mitochondrial ROS production are also addressed.

Abbreviations

mitoKATP
ATP-sensitive K+ channels
FCCP
carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone
COX
cytochrome c oxidase
ETC
electron transport chain
FMN
flavin mononucleotide
LDL
low-density lipoprotein
mtDNA
mitochondrial DNA
ΔΨ
mitochondrial inner membrane potential
MPT
mitochondrial permeability transition
NOS
nitric oxide synthase
UQ
oxidized coenzyme Q
ROS
reactive oxygen species
UQH2
reduced coenzyme Q
UQradical dot
semiquinone radical
SOD
superoxide dismutase

Keywords

Mitochondria
Oxidative stress
Free radicals
Respiration
Uncoupling
Electron transport chain
Energy metabolism

Cited by (0)