Functional Medicine

The Mechanism Behind Cytokine Storm and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

The current urge to treat proinflammatory conditions such as the Covid-19 induced cytokine storm has positioned mitochondrial function in the central stage of scientific research. Indeed, impaired immune responses, elevated oxidative stress, and increased proinflammatory cytokines create a vicious cycle in which mitochondrial dysfunction prevails. Furthermore, this continuous state of inflammation leads to oxidative/inflammatory diseases like neurodegenerative disorders, cardiometabolic conditions, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and complications derived from Covid-19 pathology. Preserving mitochondrial function is possible by reducing oxidative stress, improving metabolic processes, and reducing the inflammatory response. Furthermore, the scientific literature supports the efficacy of melatonin, alone or in combination with micronutrients, to support mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress and prevent cytokine storms.

What is a Cytokine storm?

Cytokine storm is a medical term currently associated with the Covid-19 pathophysiology but is also present in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other viruses. This term describes a severe and damaging immune reaction accompanied by unlimited and uncontrolled production of proinflammatory cytokines.

The mechanism that starts the cytokines storm is when many white blood cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, and mast cells, release proinflammatory cytokines. This first mechanism, when modulated, coordinates an effective immune response and triggers a regulating inflammatory process that detects and resolves the infection. However, in a cytokine storm, the autoinduction of IL-1, which is capable of expressing its own gene and upregulating the production of IL-6 and TNF-a.

Furthermore, IL-6 creates a proinflammatory milieu by stimulating the differentiation of B-lymphocytes and T- cells as immunoglobulin-producing cells. In addition, TNF-a is responsible for the exaggerated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by T-cells and is a potent precursor of the NFkB pathway. Consequently, the activation of the NFkB cascade activates the secretion of IL-1Ξ² and TNF-a, creating a pro-oxidant state.

Cytokine storm and mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondria have multiple essential functions in the body:Β 

ATP synthesis, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production. Also, ATP synthesis depends on an intricate metabolic chain mediated by enzymes, which function is upregulated by cofactors (vitamins and minerals). Furthermore, an altered mitochondrial structure will affect its capacity to produce energy, leading to increased production of ROS and contributing to the development of inflammation.

Inflammatory mechanisms altering mitochondrial function:

  • Elevated circulatory proinflammatory cytokines are the cornerstone of mitochondrial dysfunction and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle of inflammation and elevated ROS production. Furthermore, an upregulated production of ROS leads to mitochondrial proteins, lipids, and membrane damage, meaning that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is directly affected by ROS. In addition, the excessive synthesis of iNOS during mitochondrial inflammation upregulates NO production and leads to reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production. Consequently, these mechanisms affect ATP production by interfering with the electron transport chain (ETC).
  • The upregulation of inflammatory processes due to elevated TNF-a and IL-1 concentration affects the enzymatic action of essential metabolic molecules, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and complex I and II. This inhibition has been reported in several cell types like cardiomyocytes, myocytes, and hepatocytes.
  • In addition, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) downregulates complex I, III, and IV of the ETC in hepatocytes, altering mitochondrial energy production.
  • Research reports that elevated concentration of TNF-a downregulates mitochondrial biogenesis by reducing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-Ξ³ coactivator 1Ξ± (PGC-1Ξ±).
  • Increased production of ROS leads to the activation of the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which acts as a sensor of mitochondrial dysfunction and is an activator of innate immune pathways. Furthermore, NLRP3 initiates Il-1B activation, resulting in reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS production, and a lower ATP synthesis.

An elevated inflammatory response, uncontrolled immune mechanisms, and mitochondrial dysfunction create a vicious cycle that promotes a cytokine storm. The mechanisms described in this article are pathways that can be downregulated using anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds such as melatonin. Furthermore, anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals act as metabolic enzymes and transport proteins cofactors to ensure adequate energy production and reduce ROS concentration. – Ana Paola RodrΓ­guez Arciniega, MS.

References:

MartΓ­n GimΓ©nez, Virna Margarita et al. β€œPotential Effects of Melatonin and Micronutrients on Mitochondrial Dysfunction during a Cytokine Storm Typical of Oxidative/Inflammatory Diseases.” Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)Β vol. 9,2 30. 14 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3390/diseases9020030

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

Β 

Online Appointments or Consultations: bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment

Β 

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form:Β bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-HistoryΒ 

Β 

Online Functional Medicine Assessment:Β bit.ly/functionmed

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "The Mechanism Behind Cytokine Storm and Mitochondrial Dysfunction" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Recent Posts

Bed Pilates: Exercises for Rehabilitation and Relaxation

Can Pilates exercise movements be performed in bed for individuals recovering from illness or injury?… Read More

December 6, 2024

The Complete Overview of MET Back Pain: Causes and Treatments

Can individuals experiencing back pain from various factors incorporate MET (muscle energy techniques) to restore… Read More

December 6, 2024

Waking Up with Heartburn: How to Get Relief

Individuals who wake up with a burning feeling in the chest or throat, along with… Read More

December 5, 2024

Athletes and Sleep: The Key to Performance and Recovery

Athletic individuals must train regularly, eat healthy, and rest properly to recover and perform their… Read More

December 4, 2024

Improve Movement and Prevent Back Injuries with the Hip Hinge

Can performing the hip hinge exercise movement help individuals with lower back pain? Hip Hinge… Read More

December 3, 2024

Sleeping with Lower Back Pain and Sciatica: Causes and Solutions

Sleeping with lower back pain and sciatica can be difficult and frustrating. What are ways… Read More

December 2, 2024