Non-pharmacological approaches towards treatments of mitochondrial disorders

Mitochondrial diseases are characterized by a high degree of genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity, but as a whole group, they represent one of the most common forms of inborn errors of metabolism. Treatment of these diseases is still very limited, despite massive body of ongoing research projects, which are focussed on new therapeutic approaches. Besides pharmacological methods, there are also non-pharmacological approaches such as certain diet regimens, physical activity or exposition to hypoxia. Due to their relatively generalized mechanism of action, these methods may offer benefits to a wider range of mitochondrial patients, despite different primary genetic defects. This work summarizes the existing knowledge about the use of exercise, ketogenic diet, and hypoxia application as possible therapeutic approaches towards the treatment of mitochondrial diseases. Keywords: mitochondria, mitochondrial diseases, therapy, exercise, ketogenic diet, hypoxi