What are the Cellular Effects of Calcium Overload?
Calcium overload can have several detrimental effects on cells:
1. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Excessive calcium can lead to the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), causing a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP depletion. 2. Oxidative Stress: Increased intracellular calcium can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage. 3. Activation of Deleterious Enzymes: Calcium can activate proteases, phospholipases, and endonucleases, which can degrade essential cellular components. 4. Apoptosis and Necrosis: Persistent calcium overload can trigger cell death pathways, including apoptosis and necrosis.
