Mitophagy Unveiled: Exploring the Nexus of Mitochondrial Health and Neuroendocrinopathy

Abstract

Mitochondria play a pivotal role in cellular metabolism, energy production, and apoptotic signaling, making mitophagy, the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria, crucial for mitochondrial health. Dysregulation of mitophagy has been implicated in various neuroendocrinopathies, yet the mechanisms linking these processes remain poorly understood. This review aims to explore the intersection between mitophagy and neuroendocrinopathy, addressing the critical gaps in knowledge regarding how mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of neuroendocrine disorders. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies published on mitophagy and neuroendocrinopathies, focusing on data that elucidate the pathways involved and the clinical implications of mitochondrial health in neuroendocrine contexts. Our findings indicate that altered mitophagy may lead to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, contributing to neuroendocrine dysregulation. We present evidence linking impaired mitochondrial clearance to disease models of conditions such as metabolic syndrome, depression, and stress-related disorders, highlighting the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting mitophagy. While significant advances have been made in understanding mitochondrial biology, the direct interplay between mitophagy and neuroendocrinopathies remains underexplored. This review underscores the necessity for further research to elucidate these connections, which may offer novel insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for treating maladaptive neuroendocrine responses.