Mitochondria provide energy to all mammalian cells

Mitochondria produce energy from food via a process called oxidative phosphorylation.  Reactive oxygen species are a natural product of oxidative phosphorylation.  During times of stress or disease, these chemically reactive species cause damage to cell structures.  

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Mitochondrial DNA damage

Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation are common traits of many age-related diseases. Mitochondrial DNA damage accumulates to provoke many of these age-related diseases.  

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Mitochondrial DNA and inflammation

Mitochondrial DNA damage is the "upstream" common  link to inflammation.  The release of mtDNA fragments triggers multiple inflammatory pathways, exacerbating oxidative stress and mitchondrial dysfunction.  Neurodegenerative diseases are  associated with increased fragility and breakdown of mitochondrial DNA due to oxidative damage.  This results in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.

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