Energy production is one of the eight areas that functional medicine evaluates in order to assess the web-like interconnections in the body/mind/spirit. Energy is the sine qua non of life. Except for green plants and some bacteria, all energy is derived by the orderly breakdown of simple organic compounds and the capture of the energy released. The primary energy producing pathways of the cell are of central importance in functional medicine. It is difficult, for example, to overstate the importance of the Krebs cycle cell metabolism. Not only does it play a central role in the oxidation of pyruvate for energy production, but it also serves as a source of precursors for the macromolecules that essential to life.
Mitochondria are the energy producers of the body. These tiny organelles are present in almost all cells, especially skeletal and cardiac muscle, and the nervous system. The relationship between mitochondria and the cells in which they reside is a unique interdependence. The theory that mitochondria were originally bacteria that formed a symbiotic union with early prokaryotic cells has come to be generally accepted. The list of clinical conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction is long and growing. In geriatric dogs, mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cardiac, renal, skeletal muscle, and nervous system disease. Since mitochondrial DNA is foreign to the dog, destruction of mitochondria activates the canine immune system which contributes to systemic inflammation. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be assessed by measuring metabolites of the Krebs cycle and other metabolic pathways which are excreted in urine. In addition to energy production the Organix Profile also assesses fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin and mineral status, neurotransmitter metabolism, oxidative damage and antioxidant status, and detoxification function. A broad assessment is important because of the interconnectedness of metabolic processes. Mitochondrial function can be supported by supplementation with N-acetylcysteine, CoQ10, l-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcarnitine, vitamin E, flavanoids, omega 3 fatty acids, pyrroloquinolone quinone- the first new vitamin discovered in 54 years. Improvement in kindey function, greater muscular strength, cardiac function, cognitive ability, and partial restoration of hearing is often seen in older dogs given mitochondrial support.
John B. Smith, DVM ♦ "The Dog Doctor" ♦ 734-213-7447 ♦1954 S. Industrial Ann Arbor, Mi 48104