Mitochondrial disorders in chagasic cardiomyopathy.

The mitochondria play a complex multi-factorial role in the cell. Along with their primary role in energy (ATP) production, mitochondria generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that directly or indirectly affect several cellular functions. In this article, I review the molecular, structural and functional mitochondrial abnormalities reported in chagasic cardiomyopathy. I highlight current information about the potential etiology and the pathophysiological significance of mitochondrial dysfunction in chagasic cardiomyopathy and provide a brief background of mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetic pathways in cardiac growth and development.