Abstract

Mitochondria are key organelles involved, among others, in the ATP synthesis. Mitochondrial physiology is strictly dependent on its integrity. Since ATP synthesis is necessary to many of the physiological processes in cells, changes in mitochondrial physiology and/or integrity are of particular importance to cell activity. Mitochondrial dysfunction could lead to apoptotic cell death, which is often associated with the release of “mitochondrial factors”, under these situations. Therefore, drugs targeting this organelle are of interest in the pharmacological and/or toxicological research field. In this sense, organochalcogens (especially organoselenium and organotellurium compounds) are known to have a variety of pharmacological and/or toxicological properties. However, data concerning its effects on mitochondrial activity are still limited. Indeed, the basic molecular mechanism(s) involved in their mitochondrial effect is a critical point that deserves further attention. In this mini-review we sought to discuss the current scenario about the effect of some organoselenium and organotellurium compounds on mitochondrial function/activity, to better understand/ correlate the pharmacological/toxicological activity associated with these molecules.

Keywords: Organochalcogens, selenium, tellurium, mitochondria, apoptosis.

Graphical Abstract