Advances in understanding mechanisms underlying mitochondrial structure and function damage by ozone

Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles found in eukaryotic cells. The integrity of mitochondrial structure and function determines cell destiny. Mitochondria are also the energy factories of cells. The production of energy is accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Generally, the production and consumption of ROS maintains a balance in cells. Ozone is a highly oxidizing, harmful substance in ground-level atmosphere. Ozone inha-lation causes oxidative injury owing to the generation of ROS, resulting in mitochondrial oxidative stress overload. Ox-idative damage to the mitochondria induces a vicious cycle of ROS production which might destroy mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial structure and function in cells. ROS can alter the phosphorylation of various signaling mole-cules, triggering a series of downstream signaling pathway reactions. These include inflammatory responses, pyropto-sis, autophagy, and apoptosis. Changes involving these molecular mechanisms may be related to the occurrence of disease. According to numerous epidemiological investigations, ozone exposure induces respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous system diseases in humans. In addition, these systems require large quantities of energy. Hence, the mi-tochondrial damage caused by ozone may act as a bridge between human diseases. However, the specific molecular mechanisms involved require further investigation. This review discusses our understanding of the structure and func-tion of mitochondria the mechanisms underlying ozone-induced mitochondrial damage.

Automated summary

Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles in eukaryotic cells that determine cell destiny and serve as energy factories. Inhalation of ozone, a highly oxidizing substance in the atmosphere, leads to mitochondrial oxidative stress overload, resulting in the destruction of mitochondrial structure and function and potentially causing various diseases. The specific molecular mechanisms involved in this process require further investigation.