Molecular markers of mitochondrial intoxication

Mitochondria perform several biological functions in living organisms, such as ATP production; calcium, copper, and iron homeostasis; pyrimidine and steroid synthesis; thermogenesis; and calcium signaling. Xenobiotics have high affinity for compounds and present different potentials. When xenobiotics are present in the mitochondrial membrane, they lead to various disturbances and cause the organelle to collapse, altering the electron transport chain and resulting in loss of energy production and even cell death. Due to their structural and functional characteristics and because they can act as biosensors, mitochondria are important targets for assessing the toxicity of xenobiotics. Many methods, including colorimetry and fluorimetry, among others, can be used to clarify the mechanisms that induce mitochondrial damage and will be addressed throughout this chapter.