The role of mitochondria in the cellular mechanisms of lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure

Abstract

Mitochondria are one of the main sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and therefore they are actively involved in the regulation of cellular redox processes and ROS signalling. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in bioenergy metabolism and the pathogenesis of many lung diseases. The processes of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and their cellular functions are specific to different cells and tissues and can be heterogeneous even within a single cell due to the existence of subpopulations of mitochondria with distinct functional and structural properties. Mitochondrial function can change in response to changes in cellular metabolism. Damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) causes mitochondrial dysfunction, including disruption of the electron transport chain and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, damaged mtDNA also acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern that triggers inflammatory and immune responses.

Asbestos causes various lung diseases, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of which are not fully understood. Asbestos fibers can induce the production of mitochondrial ROS in lung epithelial cells and macrophages. This review article examines the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial functioning when exposed to asbestos, as well as the formation and damage of mtDNA, reactive oxygen species, the effect of asbestos on ultrastructural changes in lung tissue mitochondria, and the role of microRNA in the functional activity of mitochondria.