Persistent organic pollutants are bioaccumulative and toxic to living organisms. Persistent substances may increase oxidative stress and start inflammatory processes, which are the major factors in the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases.
A clear link was found between mitochondrial dysfunction and the type 2 diabetes mellitus. A mutation in mitochondrial DNA beta-cells of pankreas leads to the worsening of insulin secretion, cell apoptosis and subsequent reduction of beta-cells.