Legal Medicine
Volume 5, Issue 1 , Pages 1-6, March 2003

Mitochondrial mutagenesis in the brain in forensic and pathological research

  • Nicole von Wurmb-Schwark

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +49-431-597-3600; fax: +49-431-597-3612
    • ,
  • Thorsten Schwark

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
    • ,
  • Christoph Meissner

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
    • ,
  • Manfred Oehmichen

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
    • Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany

Received 27 November 2002; received in revised form 5 December 2002; accepted 18 January 2003.

Abstract 

Accumulation of alterations to the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) would be expected to significantly impair the bioenergetic function of mitochondria in the affected host cells. Many of these changes have been associated with several specific diseases and the process of aging. These mutations may be the result of mitochondrial oxidative stress, which is increased with age of individuals and specific degenerative diseases.

Our aim with this review is to summarize the recent literature on the occurrence of mtDNA alterations and its possible relation to age-depending degenerative processes with special regards to the brain. Additionally, we show how these alterations could be used in fields of pathology and forensic medicine.

Keywords: Mitochondrial DNA, DNA degeneration, Forensic neuropathology, Aging

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1344-6223(03)00003-8

Legal Medicine
Volume 5, Issue 1 , Pages 1-6, March 2003

Article Tools