Military Medicine and Mitochondria: A Strong Interest in Targeted Strategies and Therapeutics
During the 15th Annual Meeting of the World Mitochondria Society (WMS), taking place in Berlin, Germany, groundbreaking research on mitochondria-targeted medicine in military settings will be highlighted. This research, particularly focused on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and polytrauma, is of significant interest due to the high incidence of such injuries in combat, where multiple organs are affected by mechanical trauma, thermal injuries, or exposure to harmful agents such as chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials.
Mitochondria-targeted medicine has emerged as a crucial area for military medicine, especially for addressing TBI. Research from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research has emphasized the essential role of mitochondrial function in the acute phase following TBI. The research shows that TBI leads to bioenergetic failure and disruptions in calcium and redox balance, which are critical for recovery. The findings suggest that therapies aimed at restoring mitochondrial function may serve as an effective neuroprotective approach.
Moreover, the detection of mitochondria-specific markers in biofluids presents exciting opportunities for advancing diagnostics and therapeutics for TBI. These discoveries could lead to more accurate diagnoses and the development of personalized therapies that enhance recovery for military personnel.
"The potential to target mitochondrial function in TBI treatment opens new doors for more effective interventions, offering hope for improved outcomes for service members affected by combat injuries", said Dr. Jignesh Pandya, Director of Brain Trauma Bioenergetics, Metabolism & Neurotherapeutics Development and leading researcher on the project.
These findings, which underline the military's growing focus on mitochondria-centric therapeutic strategies, will be a focal point of discussion at the WMS Annual Meeting, attracting attention from the global scientific and medical community.
More about Dr. Pandya's talk at Targeting Mitochondria 2024.
About the World Mitochondria Society (WMS)
The World Mitochondria Society (WMS) is an international organization dedicated to advancing research on mitochondria and their role in health and disease. The society promotes global collaboration among scientists and medical professionals to accelerate breakthroughs in mitochondrial medicine, diagnostics, and therapies. The WMS Annual Meeting serves as a platform for presenting the latest scientific advancements and fostering dialogue on the future of mitochondrial research.
For more information on this research and its implications for military medicine, please contact the WMS (mitochondria[at]wms-site.com).
Speakers Line-up and other topics.
Abstracts to be presented
State of the Science Mitochondria Specific-Targets, Therapeutics and Biomarker Investigations following Traumatic Brain Injury in the US Military
Jignesh D. Pandya, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA
Access Abstract
Variation in Mitochondrial Functions across Vital Organs and Brain Sub-Regions in a Swine Model: A Novel Reference Targets forTBI and Polytrauma
Anke H. Scultetus, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA
Access Abstract
