Drug-based approaches to modulate mitochondrial condition in the case of atherosclerosis: focus on correction of mitochondria dysfunction

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can cause mitochondrial diseases. This review focuses on the main functions of mitochondria and the effect of mutations in mtDNA on the processes of mitophagy, mitodynamics and mitochondrial biogenesis. The main mitochondrial diseases associated with specific mutations in mtDNA are reviewed, with an emphasis on atherosclerosis. It is assumed that mtDNA mutations can provoke pathological changes in the intima of the human aorta and activate a specific immune response, ultimately leading to the development of atherosclerosis. Special attention is paid to the methods of targeted therapy of mitochondrial diseases with the use of antioxidants, mitodynamics modifiers, and phototheranostics.