[Mitochondrial changes in neurodegenerative diseases].

There are many data suggesting the possible role of oxidative reactions mediated by free radicals in neurodegenerative disease. Because the mitochondrial respiratory chain exerts a protective role against these reactions, its dysfunction could contribute to 'oxidative stress'. There have been described alterations of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and mitochondrial genome in several neurodegenerative diseases, such as in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. This article focuses on a review of the current knowledge regarding this issue.