Mitochondrial Dysfunction is Not a Causative Factor in the Pathogenesis of Obesity

The causal role of mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA mutagenesis in the etiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes remains equivocal. We revisited this controversy by measuring mtDNA copy number, protein content of mitochondrial respiratory chain subunits (COX –II and –IV) and mitochondrial COX activity in the vastus lateralis of lean and obese men (N=9/group). Obese men had significantly higher total body weight (44%) and fat mass (140%)...