Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and Mitochondrial Diseases

Learn about Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and other mitochondrial diseases in this 11-minute medical education video. Explore the unique characteristics of mitochondrial DNA mutations, including their higher mutation rates compared to nuclear DNA and exclusive maternal inheritance patterns. Understand the concept of heteroplasmy and its role in variable disease expression. Discover how mitochondrial diseases particularly affect tissues with high oxygen demands, focusing on conditions like MELAS, MERRF, and Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Gain specific insights into Leber hereditary optic neuropathy's impact on the retina and optic nerve, including its potential progression to vision loss. Perfect for medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and physician assistants seeking to enhance their knowledge of genetic disorders.