Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing assesses how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their response to medications, and as such, is proving to be an important step towards personalized medicine [1]. By tailoring drug therapy to the patient’s genetic profile, PGx testing can enhance treatment efficacy, reduce adverse drug reactions, and improve overall patient outcomes. Despite its potential, the widespread adoption and insurance coverage of PGx testing currently remains limited. Many in the healthcare sector have expressed concerns about the lack of robust, high-quality evidence to demonstrate the clinical utility of PGx testing, and while numerous studies highlight the potential benefits, insurers and healthcare providers continue to request clear evidence for its cost-effectiveness as well as benefits to patients [2].
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The advancements in describing mitochondrial dysfunction have come about through novel approaches in metabolic analysis that are showing these organelles in a whole new light. This research has identified two types of mitochondrial dysfunctions- inherited mitochondrial dysfunction where deficiencies in mtDNA maintenance and function result in primary mitochondrial diseases (examples include Leigh syndrome, mitochondrial myopathy and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia) and then the more common pathologies such as cancer, heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with secondary mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Mitochondria are most often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell,” and play a crucial role in generating the energy required for various cellular functions. However, their influence extends far beyond mere energy production, and research is linking mitochondrial health with our biological aging as well as our susceptibility to many common diseases. In this blog we review the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in cellular health and aging, exploring their functions and the mechanisms by which they contribute to the aging process, and their emerging roles in disease onset and progression.
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With modern medicine, we now understand how cellular health is foundational for overall health and well-being. Every organ, tissue, and system rely on the proper functioning of individual cells. One of the crucial factors that can disrupt this delicate balance is known as oxidative stress. This phenomenon, often considered a double-edged sword, plays a pivotal role in the body’s cellular health. Several processes such as cell signaling, immune system defenses including phagocytosis, apoptosis and drug metabolism all rely on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), however, as we’ll see in this blog, ROS are potentially damaging and the oxidative stress that they can induce can be highly detrimental. This dual nature underscores the complexity of oxidative stress and its pivotal role in health and disease.
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