“Mitochondria retain bacterial traits due to their endosymbiotic origin, but host cells do not recognize them as foreign because the organelles are sequestered. However, the regulated release of mitochondrial factors into the cytosol can trigger cell death, innate immunity, and inflammation. This selective breakdown in the 2-billion-year-old endosymbiotic relationship enables mitochondria to act as intracellular signaling hubs. Mitochondrial signals include proteins, nucleic acids, phospholipids, metabolites, and reactive oxygen species, which have many modes of release from mitochondria, and of decoding the cytosol and nucleus. Because these mitochondrial signals probably contribute to the homeostatic role of inflammation, dysregulation of these processes may lead to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. A potential reason for the increased incidence of these diseases may be changes in mitochondrial function and signaling in response to such recent phenomena as obesity, dietary changes, and other environmental factors. Focusing on the mixed heritage of mitochondria therefore leads to predictions for future insights, research paths, and therapeutic opportunities.”

Thus, whereas mitochondria can be considered “the enemy within” the cell, evolution has used this strained relationship in intriguing ways, with increasing evidence pointing to the recent failure of endosymbiosis being critical for the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.

This paper clearly demonstrates how the Microbiome and Inflammation (Immune System) are linked by the Mitochondria, and that this originates from Nutrient Sensing. These 4 Hallmarks I believe are the primary cause of most of our chronic diseases of civilization that need to be prevented by reimagining what we humans should eat and drink.