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A brief accout of '''mitochondrial mitophagy'''. +
A brief accout of the '''sirtuin family'''. +
ASMRM 2020, Singapore, SG, 2021 +
ATSPB 2023, Hall in Tirol, Austria, 2023 +
AlgaEurope 2018, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2018 +
AlgaEurope 2020, Virtual Event, 2020, NextGen-O2k +
AlgaEurope 2022, Rome, IT, 2022 +
::: Version 2 ('''v2''') ''' … ::: Version 2 ('''v2''') '''2022-05-09''' [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/c/c8/Baglivo_2022_MitoFit-QC.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0018.v2]::: Version 1 (v1) 2022-05-05 [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/archive/c/c8/20220506062726%21Baglivo_2022_MitoFit-QC.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0018.v1] - [https://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/File:Baglivo_2022_MitoFit-QC.pdf »Link to all versions«][[File:Baglivo 2022 MitoFit QC graphical-abstract.png|right|300px|Graphical abstract]][[Baglivo 2022 Abstract Bioblast]]: Evaluation of instrumental reproducibility is a primary component of quality control to quantify the precision and limit of detection of analytical procedures. A pre-analytical instrumental standard operating procedure (SOP) is implemented in high-resolution respirometry consisting of: (''1'') a daily SOP-POS for air calibration of the polarographic oxygen sensor (POS) in terms of oxygen concentration ''c''O2 [µM]. This is part of the ''sensor test'' to evaluate POS performance; (''2'') a monthly SOP-BG starting with the SOP-POS followed by the ''chamber test'' quantifying the instrumental O2 background. The chamber test focuses on the slope d''c''O2/d''t'' [pmol∙s−1∙mL−1] to determine O2 consumption by the POS and O2 backdiffusion into the chamber as a function of ''c''O2 in the absence of sample. Finally, zero O2 calibration completes the sensor test. We applied this SOP in a 3-year study using 48 Oroboros O2k chambers. Stability of air and zero O2 calibration signals was monitored throughout intervals of up to 8 months without sensor service. Maximum drift over 1 to 3 days was 0.06 pmol∙s−1∙mL−1, without persistence over time since drift was <0.004 pmol∙s−1∙mL−1 for time intervals of one month, corresponding to a drift per day of 0.2 % of the signal at air saturation. Instrumental O2 background -d''c''O2/d''t'' was stable within ±1 pmol∙s−1∙mL−1 when measured at monthly intervals. These results confirm the instrumental limit of detection of volume-specific O2 flux at ±1 pmol∙s−1∙mL−1. The instrumental SOP applied in the present study contributes to the generally applicable internal quality control management ensuring the unique reproducibility in high-resolution respirometry. These results confirm the instrumental limit of detection of volume-specific O2 flux at ±1 pmol∙s−1∙mL−1. The instrumental SOP applied in the present study contributes to the generally applicable internal quality control management ensuring the unique reproducibility in high-resolution respirometry. +
::: Version 2 ('''v2''') ''' … ::: Version 2 ('''v2''') '''2022-07-07''' [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/5/54/Alencar_2022_MitoFit.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0009.v2]::: Version 1 (v1) 2022-04-07 [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/archive/5/54/20220707123437%21Alencar_2022_MitoFit.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0009.v1] - [https://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/File:Alencar_2022_MitoFit.pdf »Link to all versions«][[Oliveira 2022 Abstract Bioblast]]: The parasite ''Trypanosoma brucei'' is the causative agent of sleeping sickness and involves an insect vector and a mammalian host through its complex life-cycle. ''T. brucei'' mammalian bloodstream forms (BSF) exhibit unique metabolic features including: ''i)'' reduced expression and activity of mitochondrial enzymes; ''ii)'' respiration mediated by the glycerol phosphate shuttle (GPSh) and the ''Trypanosome'' alternative oxidase (TAO) that is intrinsically uncoupled from generation of mitochondrial membrane potential; ''iii)'' maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential by ATP hydrolysis through the reversal of F1Fo ATP synthase activity; ''iv)'' strong reliance on glycolysis to meet their energy demands; ''v)'' high susceptibility to oxidants. Here, we critically review the main metabolic features of BSF and provide a hypothesis to explain the unusual metabolic network and its biological significance for this parasite form. We postulate that intrinsically uncoupled respiration provided by GPSh-TAO system would act as a preventive antioxidant defense by limiting mitochondrial superoxide production and complementing the NADPH-dependent scavenging antioxidant defenses to maintain parasite redox balance. Given the uncoupled nature of the GPSh-TAO system, BSF would avoid programmed cell death processes by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential through the reversal of ATP synthase activity using the ATP generated by glycolysis. This unique “metabolic design” in BSF has no biological parallel outside of Trypanosomatids and highlights the enormous diversity of the parasite mitochondrial processes to adapt to distinct environments.parasite mitochondrial processes to adapt to distinct environments. +
::: Version 2 ('''v2''') ''' … ::: Version 2 ('''v2''') '''2022-07-19''' [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/d/d6/Roach_2022_MitoFit.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0023.v2]::: Version 1 (v1) 2022-06-03 [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/archive/d/d6/20220719153447%21Roach_2022_MitoFit.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0023.v1] - [https://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/File:Roach_2022_MitoFit.pdf »Link to all versions«][[Roach 2022 Abstract Bioblast]]: Tolerance of rapid changes in light intensity by photosynthetic organisms is facilitated by non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), a term with reference to quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, the technique used in its discovery. Mechanisms of NPQ include dissipating excess light energy to heat (qE), the reversible attachment of light-harvesting complexes (LHC) to photosystems (state transition / qT) and photoinhibition (qI). Chlorophyll is a ubiquitous pigment of photosynthetic organisms, found in LHC and the reaction centres of photosystem II and I (PSII; PSI). At room temperature, pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorescence protocols provide insights into PSII efficiency, thus a reasonable proxy for photosynthetic activity (carbon fixation), at least under optimal conditions. NPQ has a major impact on chlorophyll fluorescence intensity and is also quantified by PAM. Since NPQ mechanisms can occur simultaneously, they cause complexities in deciphering the signal. In algae, the ability for chlorophyll fluorescence in determining photosynthetic rates is not perfect, but it can still provide valuable information of processes affecting light harvesting. The aim of this report is to provide an overview of how various NPQ mechanisms in the model unicellular chlorophyte alga, ''Chlamydomonas reinhardtii'', as well as environmental conditions, affect chlorophyll fluorescence. I also propose a PAM protocol enabling the kinetics associated with each of the NPQ phases to be semi-quantified in under 20 min. h of the NPQ phases to be semi-quantified in under 20 min. +
::: Version 2 ('''v2''') ''' … ::: Version 2 ('''v2''') '''2022-08-16''' [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/5/5a/Gainutdinov_2022_MitoFit.pdf https://doi.org/10.26124/mitofit:2022-0015.v2]::: Version 1 (v1) 2022-04-21 [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/archive/5/5a/20220816100352%21Gainutdinov_2022_MitoFit.pdf https://doi.org/10.26124/mitofit:2022-0015]- [https://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/File:Gainutdinov_2022_MitoFit.pdf »Link to all versions«]Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, devastating, neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Common mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis are believed to be the disturbance of calcium homeostasis in the cell and dysfunction of mitochondria. Both factors mutually influence each other. As a result, chronic mitochondrial energy stress impairs fine cellular signaling and transport processes, leading to degeneration of motor neurons. In the current study we comparatively evaluated the cytosolic Ca2+ in healthy and ALS fibroblasts. We found that the mitochondrial calcium capacity in fibroblasts obtained from patients with sporadic (sALS) and familial (fALS) ALS differs between two subtypes and from that in healthy individuals. The changes of [Ca2+]cyt dynamics in ALS fibroblasts could be almost completely rescued by treatment with antioxidants (Trolox and CoQ10). These data confirm an important role of oxidative stress as a causative factor of mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS.portant role of oxidative stress as a causative factor of mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS. +
::: Version 2 ('''v2''') ''' … ::: Version 2 ('''v2''') '''2022-11-10''' [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/6/64/Ganguly_2022_MitoFit.pdf https://doi.org/10.26124/mitofit:2022-0013.v2]::: Version 1 (v1) 2022-04-19 [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/archive/6/64/20221110103433%21Ganguly_2022_MitoFit.pdf https://doi.org/10.26124/mitofit:2022-0013]- [https://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/File:Ganguly_2022_MitoFit.pdf »Link to all versions«]Ferroptosis has been identified as a type of regulated cell death triggered by a diverse set of agents with implications in various diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent and accompanied by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid oxidation products, a depletion of reduced glutathione, mitochondrial morphological alterations and the rupture of cell membrane; the process is inhibited by specific antioxidants like ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1 and by other general antioxidants like the iron-chelator deferoxamine, vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine. However, the mechanism of cell death in ferroptosis subsequent to the accumulation of ROS and lipid oxidation products is not clearly established. We show here that the classical mitochondrial Complex I inhibitor rotenone (0.5 µM) causes death of SH-SY5Y cells (a human neuroblastoma cell line) over a period of 48 h accompanied by mitochondrial membrane depolarization and intracellular ATP depletion. This is associated with an intracellular accumulation of ROS and the lipid oxidation product malondialdehyde or MDA and a decrease in reduced glutathione content. All these processes are inhibited very conspicuously by specific inhibitors of ferroptosis such as ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1. However, the decrease in Complex I activity upon rotenone-treatment of SH-SY5Y cells is not significantly recovered by ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1. When the rotenone-treated cells are analyzed morphologically by Hoechst 33258 and propidium iodide (PI) staining, a mixed picture is noticed with densely fluorescent and condensed nuclei indicating apoptotic death of cells (Hoechst 33258) and also significant numbers of necrotic cells with bright red nuclei (PI staining).ant numbers of necrotic cells with bright red nuclei (PI staining). +
::: Version 3 ('"v3"') '''20 … ::: Version 3 ('"v3"') '''2019-07-03''' [https://www.mitofit.org/images/1/15/Di_Marcello_2019_MitoFit_Preprint_Arch_doi_10.26214mitofitea19.MiPSchool.0005.v2.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:ea19.MiPSchool.0005.v2.pdf]::: Version 2 (v2) 2019-06-27 [https://www.mitofit.org/images/1/15/Di_Marcello_2019_MitoFit_Preprint_Arch_doi_10.26214mitofitea19.MiPSchool.0005.v2.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:ea19.MiPSchool.0005.v2.pdf]::: Version 1 (v1) 2019-06-15 [http://www.mitofit.org/images/0/09/Di_Marcello_2019_MitoFit_Preprint_Arch.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:ea19.MiPSchool.0005]Bioenergetics is the study of how living organisms acquire and transform energy to perform biological work. Energetic coupling between chloroplasts and mitochondria has been described in algae, demonstrating the good functionality and interaction between both organelles is necessary to maintain metabolic integrity. High-resolution respirometry (HRR) is widely used to assess mitochondrial respiration and other bioenergetics parameters in the biomedical field of mitochondrial research and its clinical applications. In our interdisciplinary study, we adapted the multimodal approach of the Oroboros O2k high-resolution respirometer to investigate algal bioenergetics for biotechnological purposes. - ''Extended abstract''gate algal bioenergetics for biotechnological purposes. - ''Extended abstract'' +
::: Version 3 ('''v3''') ''' … ::: Version 3 ('''v3''') '''2022-03-07''' [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/4/42/Pallag_2022_MitoFit_Proline.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0001.v3]::: Version 2 (v2) 2022-03-03 [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/archive/4/42/20220307085642%21Pallag_2022_MitoFit_Proline.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0001.v2]::: Version 1 (v1) 2022-03-02 [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/archive/4/42/20220303104356%21Pallag_2022_MitoFit_Proline.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2022-0001] - [https://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/File:Pallag_2022_MitoFit_Proline.pdf »Link to all versions«]In mitochondria expressing proline dehydrogenase (ProDH), oxidation of proline to pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) leads to transfer of electrons to ubiquinone supporting Complexes CIII and CIV, in turn generating the protonmotive force. Further catabolism of P5C forms glutamate that fuels the citric acid cycle yielding reducing equivalents sustaining oxidative phosphorylation. However, P5C and glutamate catabolism depend on CI activity due to NAD+ requirement. The extent of proline oxidation was established in isolated mitochondria of various mouse tissues by means of simultaneously measuring oxygen consumption, membrane potential, NADH and ubiquinone redox state using the NextGen-O2k (Oroboros Instruments) and correlated to ProDH activity and F1FO-ATPase directionality. In CI-inhibited mouse liver and kidney mitochondria exhibiting high levels of proline oxidation and ProDH activity, catabolism of proline generated a sufficiently high membrane potential maintaining F1FO-ATPase operation in forward mode. This was not observed when either CIII or CIV was inhibited, nor during anoxia. Fueling CIII and CIV with duroquinone partially reproduced the effects of proline. Excess glutamate could not reproduce the effects of proline, arguing that they are due to processes upstream of glutamate conversion from proline. The ProDH inhibitors L-tetrahydro-2-furoic acid and to lesser extent S-5-oxo-2-tetrahydrofurancarboxylic acid abolished all effects conferred by proline. It is concluded that proline catabolism through ProDH generates sufficient CIII and CIV proton pumping, supporting ATP production by F1FO-ATPase even when CI is inhibited. production by F1FO-ATPase even when CI is inhibited. +
::: Version 1 ('''v1''') '''2021-09-21''' … ::: Version 1 ('''v1''') '''2021-09-21''' [https://www.mitofit.org/images/1/16/Gnaiger_2021_MitoFit_BCA.pdf doi:10.26124/mitofit:2021-0008][[File:Gnaiger 2021 MitoFit BCA-graphical abstract.png|right|300px|Graphical abstract]]Cell respiration reflects mitochondrial fitness and plays a pivotal role in health and disease. Despite the rapidly increasing number of applications of cell respirometry to address current challenges in biomedical research, cross-references are rare between respirometric projects and platforms. Evaluation of accuracy and reproducibility between laboratories requires presentation of results in a common format independent of the applied method. When cell respiration is expressed as oxygen consumption rate in an experimental chamber, normalization is mandatory for comparability of results. Concept-driven normalization and regression analysis are key towards bioenergetic cluster analysis presented as a graphical tool to identify discrete data populations.In a meta-analysis of human skin fibroblasts, high-resolution respirometry and polarography covering cell senescence and the human age range are compared with multiwell respirometry. The common coupling control protocol measures ROUTINE respiration of living cells followed by sequential titrations of oligomycin, uncoupler, and inhibitors of electron transfer.Bioenergetic cluster analysis increases the resolution of outliers within and differences between groups. An outlier-skewness index is introduced as a guide towards logarithmic transformation for statistical analysis. Isolinear clusters are separated by variations in the extent of a quantity that correlates with the rate, whereas heterolinear clusters fall on different regression lines. Dispersed clusters are clouds of data separated by a critical threshold value. Bioenergetic cluster analysis provides new insights into mitochondrial respiratory control and a guideline for establishing a quality control paradigm for bioenergetics and databases in mitochondrial physiology. bases in mitochondrial physiology. +
::: Version 2 ('''v2''') '''2022-07-15''' … ::: Version 2 ('''v2''') '''2022-07-15''' [https://wiki.oroboros.at/images/4/44/Donnelly_2022_MitoFit_Hypoxia.pdf The ABC of hypoxia – what is the norm https://doi.org/10.26124/mitofit:2022-0025.v2]::: Version 1 (v1) 2022-06-28 - [https://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/File:Donnelly_2022_MitoFit_Hypoxia.pdf »Link to all versions«][[File:Oxia terms.png|right|250px]][[Donnelly 2022 Abstract Bioblast]]: Hypoxia is a condition of oxygen levels below normoxia and opposite to hyperoxia. We here define the normoxic reference state by three complementary precepts: ('''A''') ambient normoxia at sea level in the contemporary atmosphere and corresponding dissolved O2 concentration at air saturation of aqueous environments; ('''B''') biological compartmental O2 levels at ambient normoxia under physiological activity of healthy organisms in the absence of environmental stress (e.g. in a diving human, a stranded whale, a thermally stressed animal); and ('''C''') O2 levels above the control region, i.e., where the capacity for O2 consumption is not compromised by partial O2 pressure as evaluated by its kinetics. Conversely, the '''abc''' of hypoxia is concerned with deviations from these reference points caused by different mechanisms: ('''a''') ambient alterations of oxygen levels; ('''b''') biological O2 demand exceeding O2 supply under pathological or experimental limitations of convective O2 transport or O2 diffusion; and ('''c''') critical oxygen pressure in oxygen kinetics shifted by pathological and toxicological effects or environmental stress. The ABC of hypoxia may be of help in the design and interpretation of ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo'' experimental studies. ical effects or environmental stress. The ABC of hypoxia may be of help in the design and interpretation of ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo'' experimental studies. +
<big>'''Journal publication 2021-06- … <big>'''Journal publication 2021-06-30 in [https://www.bioenergetics-communications.org/index.php/bec/article/view/cardoso_2021_mgg »Bioenergetics Communications 2021.1«]'''</big>For the advanced study of mitochondrial function, high-resolution respirometry is extended by fluorometric measurement of ATP production using the fluorophore Magnesium Green™ (MgG). A common problem with several fluorescent dyes is the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. In the present study, a coupling control protocol was applied in combination with MgG to measure ATP production simultaneously with respiration for calculation of P»/O2 ratios. MgG at 1.1 µM did not affect respiration through the NADH-linked and succinate-linked pathways. Respiration was not inhibited in any of the coupling control states, hence coupling control efficiencies were not affected by MgG.tes, hence coupling control efficiencies were not affected by MgG. +
<big>'''Journal publication 2021-10- … <big>'''Journal publication 2021-10-06 in [https://www.bioenergetics-communications.org/index.php/bec/article/view/krako_jakovljevic_2021_pd »Bioenergetics Communications 2021.2«]'''</big>Mitochondrial function is known to be an important factor in maintaining cellular homeostasis and its dysregulation has become a hallmark for multiple disease conditions. This review aims to synthesise the extent of this knowledge by analysing changes of mitochondrial physiology parameters in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to evaluate the contribution of cellular models of PD in the field. The analysis provided here constitutes a platform for further elucidation of mitochondrial function parameters relative to factors that may potentiate disease progression.ve to factors that may potentiate disease progression. +
<big>'''Journal publication 2021-12- … <big>'''Journal publication 2021-12-08 in [[Vernerova 2021 Biomedicines |''Biomedicines'']]'''</big>[[File:Vernerova 2021 Mitofit PLT - graphical abstract.png|right|300px|Graphical abstract]] Multiple non-aggregatory functions of human platelets (PLT) are widely acknowledged, yet their functional examination is limited mainly due to a lack of standardized isolation and analytic methods. Platelet apheresis (PA) is an established clinical method for PLT isolation aiming at the treatment of bleeding diathesis in severe thrombocytopenia. On the other hand, density gradient centrifugation (DC) is an isolation method applied in research for the analysis of the mitochondrial metabolic profile of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in PLT obtained from small samples of human blood. We studied PLT obtained from 29 healthy donors by high-resolution respirometry for comparison of PA and DC isolates. ROUTINE respiration and electron transfer capacity of living PLT isolated by PA were significantly higher than in the DC group, whereas plasma membrane permeabilization resulted in a 57 % decrease of succinate oxidation in PA compared to DC. These differences were eliminated after washing the PA cells with phosphate buffer containing 10 mmol·L-1 EGTA, suggesting that several components, particularly Ca2+ and fuel substrates, were carried over into the respiratory assay from the serum in PA. A simple washing step was sufficient to enable functional mitochondrial analysis in subsamples obtained from PA.The combination of the standard clinical PA isolation procedure with PLT quality control and routine mitochondrial OXPHOS diagnostics meets an acute clinical demand in biomedical research of patients suffering from thrombocytopenia and metabolic diseases. h of patients suffering from thrombocytopenia and metabolic diseases. +
<big>'''Journal publication 2021-12- … <big>'''Journal publication 2021-12-21 in [https://www.bioenergetics-communications.org/index.php/bec/article/view/komlodi_2021_amr »Bioenergetics Communications 2021.4«]'''</big>[[File:Komlodi 2021 MitoFit AmR-O2 graphical abstract.png|right|300px|Graphical abstract]]The fluorometric Amplex UltraRed AmR assay is frequently used for quantitative assessment of hydrogen peroxide production. It is specific to H2O2, can be calibrated accurately, and allows continuous real-time measurement. Without correction for the background fluorescence slope, however, H2O2-independent formation of the fluorescent product UltroxRed (or resorufin) leads to artefacts.We analysed (''1'') the medium specificity of the background fluorescence slope of the AmR assay, and (''2'') the oxygen dependence of H2O2 flux in baker´s yeast ''Saccharomyces cerevisiae''. Apparent H2O2 flux, O2 concentration and O2 flux were measured simultaneously by high-resolution respirometry equipped with the fluorescence module. The apparent H2O2 flux of yeast showed a maximum under hypoxia when incubated in Dulbecco´s Phosphate Buffered Saline DPBS or KCl-medium. This hypoxic peak increased with the sequential number of normoxic-anoxic transitions. Even in the absence of yeast, the fluorescence slope increased at low O2 levels as a function of fluorescence intensity. The hypoxic peak was not observed in mitochondrial respiration medium MiR05.Therefore, the hypoxic peak was a medium-specific background effect unrelated to cell physiology. In MiR05, H2O2 production of yeast decreased linearly from hyperoxia to hypoxia, with a steep decline towards anoxia. Respiration and oxygen dependence expressed as ''p''50 of yeast were higher in MiR05 than DPBS. Respiration was a hyperbolic function of oxygen concentration in the low-oxygen range. The flux-dependence of oxygen affinity explained the higher ''p''50 in MiR05. /sub> of yeast were higher in MiR05 than DPBS. Respiration was a hyperbolic function of oxygen concentration in the low-oxygen range. The flux-dependence of oxygen affinity explained the higher ''p''50 in MiR05. +
<big>'''Peter Hochachka lecture'''&l … <big>'''Peter Hochachka lecture'''</big>Earth’s changing environment has been a major evolutionary force shaping the diversity of species both in the past and present. In particular, seasonal ice cover in northern latitudes has selected for hypoxia and anoxia tolerance in some species, such as freshwater turtles. At the northern reaches of their range North American western painted turtles spend 4 months or more buried in the mud bottom of ice covered lakes and ponds [1]. This offers a unique opportunity to understand how a vertebrate brain, an organ extremely sensitive to reduced oxygen availability in mammals, can function without oxygen [2]. Through oxidative phosphorylation mitochondria fuel the inherently high energetic demands of brain and in mammals mitochondria also play a key role in injury from hypoxic stress – including loss of calcium homeostasis and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to apoptosis and necrosis. Hypoxic or anoxic stress does not signal stress in turtle brain but rather protective mechanisms with the onset of anoxia. Indeed our data show that mitochondria play a key role in low oxygen signaling in turtle brain by a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and release of a relatively small but significant amount of calcium. The increase in cytosolic calcium signals a phosphatase based mechanism to decrease whole-cell glutamatergic (NMDA and AMPA) excitatory currents in pyramidal neurons. While in stellate neurons anoxia results in a large reduction in mitochondrial ROS production that increases the magnitude of GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission. The increased GABA activity produces a chloride based shunting current that “arrests” action potentials in pyramidal cells resulting in metabolic depression and neuroprotection.resulting in metabolic depression and neuroprotection. +
<big>'''[[Johansen K|Kjell Johansen]] … <big>'''[[Johansen K|Kjell Johansen]] lecture'''</big>Vertebrate hemoglobins (Hb) are exquisitely designed to transport O2 from the respiratory organs to the tissues, thereby safeguarding mitochondrial O2 supply and aerobic metabolism in the face of wide and independent variations in O2 tensions and temperature at the sites for loading and unloading of O2 [1-3]. In transporting O2, vertebrate Hbs (composed of 2 α and 2 β globin chains) switch between the T (tense, low O2-affinity, deoxygenated) structure that predominates in the tissues, and the R (relaxed, high-affinity, oxygenated) structure that predominates in the lungs and gills. The T-R shift is basic to cooperativity between the O2-binding heme groups that increases O2 (un)loading for a given change in O2 tension - and is reflected in the sigmoid shape of O2 binding curves. Hb’s in vivo O2 binding properties are a product of its intrinsic O2 affinity and its interaction with red cell allosteric effectors that decreases Hb-O2 affinity by stabilizing the T-structure. Apart from protons and CO2 (that facilitate O2 unloading in the acid tissues via the “Bohr-effect”) these effectors include chloride ions and organic phosphates [ATP in lower vertebrates, IPP (inositol pentaphosphate) in birds and DPG (diphosphoglycerate) in mammals]. The interaction with effectors varies between and within individual species and plays a key role in adjusting O2 transport in response to changes in environmental conditions, metabolic requirements, and mode of life. The decrease in Hb-O2 affinity with rising temperature mandated by the exothermic nature of heme oxygenation, enhances O2 unloading in warm tissues that require more O2, but may become maladaptive – and thus commonly is reduced - in regional heterothermic species where it may hamper O2 unloading (in cold extremities of arctic mammals) or cause excessive O2 release (in warm muscles, brains or eyes of fast-swimming fish).Based on case studies (Hbs from estivating fish, fast-swimming gamefish, high-altitude Andean frogs, geese that scale the Himalayas, Rocky Mountain Deer mice and Hb recreated from extinct mammoths [4-6]) the treatise analyses the molecular mechanisms for Hb’s role in securing mitochondrial O2 supply under stressful conditions - illustrating the key significance of molecular interactions to understanding physiological ecology. of molecular interactions to understanding physiological ecology. +
<big>MiP2013 Keynote by Sir John Wal … <big>MiP2013 Keynote by Sir John Walker</big>The lecture will be devoted to the topic of how the biological world supplies itself with energy to make biology work, and what medical consequences ensue when the energy supply chain in our bodies is damaged or defective. We derive our energy from sunlight, which, via photosynthesis in green plants, provides high energy components in the foods that we ingest. We harvest that energy, effectively by “burning” (oxidising) the high energy components, releasing cellular energy in a controlled way to generate the fuel of life, in the form of the molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (or ATP for short). The key steps in this process take place in the mitochondria inside the cells that make up our tissues. They serve as biological “power stations” that contain millions of tiny molecular turbines, the ATP synthase, that rotate rather like man-made turbines churning out the cellular fuel in massive quantities, which is then delivered to all parts of our bodies to provide the energy to make them function. Each of us makes and expends about 60 kg of this fuel every day of our lives. Defects in the fuel supply process are increasingly being recognised as important components of complex human diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration and neuromuscular diseases, and they may also be part of the process of ageing. The ATP synthases found in mitochondria, eubacteria and chloroplasts have many common features. Their overall architectures are similar, and they all consist of two rotary motors linked by a stator and a flexible rotor. When rotation of the membrane bound rotor is driven by proton motive force, the direction of rotation ensures that ATP is made from ADP and phosphate in the globular catalytic domain. When ATP serves as the source of energy and is hydrolysed in the catalytic domain, the rotor turns in the opposite sense and protons are pumped outwards through the membrane domain, and away from the catalytic domain. The lecture will describe the common features of their catalytic mechanisms. However, the ATP synthase from mitochondria, eubacteria and chloroplasts differ most fundamentally in the energy cost that is paid to make each ATP molecule. The most efficient ATP synthase is found in the mitochondria from multicellular animals. The ATP synthases in unicellular organisms, and chloroplasts, pay various higher costs that seem to reflect the supply of available energy in the biological niches that they inhabit. The ATP synthases also differ significantly in the way they are regulated. Eubacteria have evolved a range of mechanisms of regulation, and the chloroplast enzyme is rendered inactive by a redox mechanism in the hours darkness. Mitochondria contain an inhibitor protein, IF1, that inhibits ATP hydrolysis but not ATP synthesis. Its in vitro mechanism has been studied in great detail, but its in vivo role is mysterious, and suppression of expression of the protein appears not to influence respiration.In mitochondria the ATP synthase is organised in rows of dimers along the edges of the cristae, and as will be discussed, it has been suggested that the permeability transition pore involved in apoptosis resides in the dimeric enzyme.e involved in apoptosis resides in the dimeric enzyme. +
'''Lemieux H, Blier PU, Gnaig … '''Lemieux H, Blier PU, Gnaiger E (2017) Remodeling pathway control of mitochondrial respiratory capacity by temperature in mouse heart: electron flow through the Q-junction in permeabilized fibers. Sci Rep 7:2840, DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-02789-8.''' - [[Lemieux 2017 Sci Rep |»Bioblast link«]]* Accepted for publication: 2017-04-18* [http://rdcu.be/tgpY Sci Rep Open Access]: 2017-06-06://rdcu.be/tgpY Sci Rep Open Access]: 2017-06-06 +
'''Oroboros Distributor Meeting'''. Innsbruck, Austria; 2019 Jul 01-03. +
'''Oroboros distributor training'''. Innsbruck, Austria; 2023 Apr 24-25. +
'''Oroboros distributor training'''. Innsbruck, Austria; 2023 Nov 07-09. +
: » [[MiP2015]] - all abstracts in alphabetical order and programme sessions. : » [[MiP2015 Abstracts in the MiPMap]] - sort by MiP''areas'', species, tissues, diseases, ... +
1H-NMR experiments … 1H-NMR experiments have determined intracellular O2 consumption (''V''O2) with oxymyoglobin (MbO2) desaturation kinetics in human calf muscle during plantar flexion exercise at 0.75, 0.92, and 1.17 Hz with a constant load. At the onset of muscle contraction, myoglobin (Mb) desaturates rapidly. The desaturation rate constant of approximately 30 s reflects the intracellular ''V''O2. Although Mb desaturates quickly with a similar time constant at all workload levels, its final steady-state level differs. As work increases, the final steady-state cellular ''P''O2 decreases progressively. After Mb desaturation has reached a steady state, however, ''V''O2 continues to rise. On the basis of current respiratory control models, the analysis in the present report reveals two distinct ''V''O2 phases: an ADP-independent phase at the onset of contraction and an ADP-dependent phase after Mb has reached a steady state. In contrast to the accepted view, the initial intracellular ''V''O2 shows that oxidative phosphorylation can support up to 36 % of the energy cost, a significantly higher fraction than expected. Partitioning of the energy flux shows that a 31 % nonoxidative component exists and responds to the dynamic energy utilization-restoration cycle (which lasts for only milliseconds) as postulated in the glycogen shunt theory. The present study offers perspectives on the regulation of respiration, bioenergetics, and Mb function during muscle contraction.ration cycle (which lasts for only milliseconds) as postulated in the glycogen shunt theory. The present study offers perspectives on the regulation of respiration, bioenergetics, and Mb function during muscle contraction. +
A new reaction which occurs in oxida … A new reaction which occurs in oxidative phosphorylation associated with the electron transport system has been observed in rat liver mitochondria with α-ketoglutarate, β-hydroxybutyrate, and succinate as substrates. This reaction manifests itself by a replacement of O18 with normal oxygen in inorganic phosphate labeled with O18 and parallels the phosphorylation which is associated with the oxidation. The number of molecules of inorganic phosphate which participate in this reaction, calculated on the basis that a monoester of phosphate is involved, is several times higher than the number of high energy phosphate bonds that can be formed. The reaction does not occur at the substrate level oxidation of α-ketoglutarate and the evidence suggests that it occurs at every step in the electron transport system. This phosphate turnover reaction occurs only when phosphorylation is proceeding. Dinitrophenol suppresses the reaction. The omission of Mg++ or adenylic acid also suppresses the reaction. The reaction is abolished when succinate oxidation is catalyzed by a succinic oxidase preparation containing no phosphorylating system. The possibility that the reaction is due to a direct reaction of ATP, hydrolytic or otherwise, is eliminated. Various mechanisms which are consistent with the findings are discussed.stent with the findings are discussed. +
A simplified procedure for preparing … A simplified procedure for preparing mitochondria suspensions from isotonic sucrose homogenates has been described. These preparations exhibit high rates of net 7 minute phosphorus formation from adenylic acid during the oxidation of α-ketoglutarate in the absence of inhibitors such as fluoride, and show very low dephosphorylating activities. It has been possible to study the complete phosphorylation of AMP in this system and to interpret the characteristics of this process on the basis of adenosinediphosphate as primary phosphate acceptor and the presence of a myokinase in mitochondria. The activity of this transphosphorylase has been directly determined and is of considerable magnitude. It has also been demonstrated that probably all of the myokinase is associated with the mitochondrial fraction. The changes in the characteristics of oxidative phosphorylation and adenosinetriphosphatase activity as the result of incubation of the enzyme at 28° in the absence of substrates have been studied. The inactivation of the phosphorylation system by aging has been considered in two phases, an initial lag phase which is completely reversible in short aging experiments and a permanent reduction in activity observed with more severely aged mitochondria. The initial very low ATPase activity of the mitochondria was increased to appreciable magnitudes by aging. All the characteristics of aging were prevented to a large extent by AMP, ADP, or ATP. a large extent by AMP, ADP, or ATP. +
A thermodynamically improbable reductio … A thermodynamically improbable reduction of pyridine nucleotide caused by the addition of succinate to isolated mitochondria has been demonstrated. The material so reduced exhibits kinetic responses, some of which can suggest its consideration as a member of the respiratory chain, but a quantitative examination of the kinetics of oxidation and reduction shows that only a small portion of the total respiratory activity in succinate oxidation passes through the diphosphopyridine nucleotide-linked pathway. The nature of the reduction product has been examined in heart, liver, and guinea pig kidney mitochondria and is found to be material absorbing at 340 mµ and having a fluorescence emission maximum at 440 mµ. Direct chemical assays on kidney mitochondria indicate that the reduced material is diphosphopyridine nucleotide. A preliminary evaluation of various hypotheses to explain this result leads us tentatively to reject hypotheses based upon a single pool of mitochondrial pyridine nucleotide in which diphosphopyridine nucleotide and succinate compete for oxidizing equivalents from the cytochrome chain. Further indication of the complexities of this reaction is that respiration can be initiated by succinate without measurable pyridine nucleotide reduction and that a transition from aerobiosis in state 3 to anaerobiosis (state 5) can lead to a higher oxidation level of pyridine nucleotide than was observed aerobically in state 4. These observations suggest that the presence of adenosine 5’-diphosphate inhibits pyridine nucleotide reduction under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and support the possibility that an energy-linked reaction may be involved.nergy-linked reaction may be involved. +
A 28-year-old former amateur cyclist demon … A 28-year-old former amateur cyclist demonstrated a sudden exercise intolerance and impairment in muscle function since March 2008 without clinical explanation. The main symptom was a decreased ergometric aerobic capacity by 50%. A specific defect of mitochondrial glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) was indicated by lack of ADP stimulation in the presence of glutamate and subsequent rescue of respiration after addition of malate.e of respiration after addition of malate. +
A 2×2 factorial design was used to evaluat … A 2×2 factorial design was used to evaluate possible preservation of mitochondrial functions in two cardioprotective experimental models, remote ischemic preconditioning and streptozotocin-induced ''diabetes mellitus'', and their interaction during ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) of the heart. Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control (C), streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM), preconditioned (RPC) and preconditioned streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM+RPC). RPC was conducted by 3 cycles of 5-min hind-limb ischemia and 5-min reperfusion. DM was induced by a single dose of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin. Isolated hearts were exposed to ischemia/reperfusion test according to Langendorff. Thereafter mitochondria were isolated and the mitochondrial respiration was measured. Additionally, the ATP synthase activity measurements on the same preparations were done. Animals of all groups subjected to I/R exhibited a decreased state 3 respiration with the least change noted in DM+RPC group associated with no significant changes in state 2 respiration. In RPC, DM and DM+RPC group, no significant changes in the activity of ATP synthase were observed after I/R injury. These results suggest that the endogenous protective mechanisms of RPC and DM do preserve the mitochondrial function in heart when they act in combination.ion in heart when they act in combination. +
A 3-year-old girl presented with severe ep … A 3-year-old girl presented with severe epilepsy in the context of ''Borrelia'' infection. After ceftriaxone/lidocaine administration, she showed secondarily generalized focal crises that led to neurological and motor sequelae. Genetic studies identified in the patient two heterozygous POLG mutations (c.2591A>G; p.Asn864Ser and c.3649G>C; p.Ala1217Pro). Through analysis of POLG activity in cultured fibroblasts, we confirmed that the mutations altered the mtDNA turnover. Moreover, patient fibroblasts were more sensitive than controls in the presence of a mitochondrial replication-affecting drug, the antiretroviral azidothymidine. To test if ceftriaxone treatment could worsen the deleterious effect of the patient mutations, toxicity assays were performed. Cell toxicity, without direct effect on mitochondrial respiratory function, was detected at different antibiotic concentrations. The clinical outcome, together with the different ''in vitro'' sensitivity to ceftriaxone among patient and control cells, suggested that the mitochondrial disease symptoms were hastened by the infection and were possibly worsened by the pharmacological treatment. This study underscores the benefit of early genetic diagnosis of the patients with mitochondrial diseases, since they may be a target group of patients especially vulnerable to environmental factors. especially vulnerable to environmental factors. +
A Kinase Interacting Protein 1 (AKIP1) is … A Kinase Interacting Protein 1 (AKIP1) is a signalling adaptor that promotes mitochondrial respiration and attenuates mitochondrial oxidative stress in cultured cardiomyocytes. We sought to determine whether AKIP1 influences mitochondrial function and the mitochondrial adaptation in response to exercise ''in vivo''. We assessed mitochondrial respiratory capacity, as well as electron microscopy and mitochondrial targeted-proteomics in hearts from mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of AKIP1 (AKIP1-TG) and their wild type (WT) littermates. These parameters were also assessed after four weeks of voluntary wheel running. In contrast to our previous ''in vitro'' study, respiratory capacity measured as state 3 respiration on palmitoyl carnitine was significantly lower in AKIP1-TG compared to WT mice, whereas state 3 respiration on pyruvate remained unaltered. Similar findings were observed for maximal respiration, after addition of FCCP. Mitochondrial DNA damage and oxidative stress markers were not elevated in AKIP1-TG mice and gross mitochondrial morphology was similar. Mitochondrial targeted-proteomics did reveal reductions in mitochondrial proteins involved in energy metabolism. Exercise performance was comparable between genotypes, whereas exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy was significantly increased in AKIP1-TG mice. After exercise, mitochondrial state 3 respiration on pyruvate substrates was significantly lower in AKIP1-TG compared with WT mice, while respiration on palmitoyl carnitine was not further decreased. This was associated with increased mitochondrial fission on electron microscopy, and the activation of pathways associated with mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. This study suggests that AKIP1 regulates the mitochondrial proteome involved in energy metabolism and promotes mitochondrial turnover after exercise. Future studies are required to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings and whether the mitochondrial changes are required for the AKIP1-induced physiological cardiac growth.KIP1-induced physiological cardiac growth. +
A Mitochondrial Festival in the Spirit of … A Mitochondrial Festival in the Spirit of [[Gentle Science]] <div style="padding:0px;border: 1px solid #aaaaaa;margin-bottom:0px;margin-right:10px"><div style="font-size:100%;font-weight:bold;padding:0.2em;padding-right: 0.4em;padding-left: 0.4em;background-color:#eeeeee;border-bottom:1px solid #aaaaaa;text-align:left;">[[Image:O2k-support system.jpg|right|150px|link=http://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/O2k-technical_support_and_open_innovation|O2k-technical support and open innovation]]: <big>Open the '''pdf document''' above.</big></div><div style="background-color:#ffffff;padding-top:0.2em;padding-right: 0.4em;padding-bottom: 0.2em;padding-left: 0.4em;">::::» Current O2k-series: '''[https://www.oroboros.at/index.php/product-category/products/o2k-packages/ NextGen-O2k Series XB and O2k Series J]'''::::» Current software versions DatLab 8.0: [[MitoPedia: DatLab]]::::* ''Further details:'' '''» [[MitoPedia: O2k-Open Support]]'''</div></div>itoPedia: O2k-Open Support]]''' </div> </div> +
A WHO expert consultation addressed the de … A WHO expert consultation addressed the debate about interpretation of recommended body-mass index (BMI) cut-off points for determining overweight and obesity in Asian populations, and considered whether population-specific cut-off points for BMI are necessary. They reviewed scientific evidence that suggests that Asian populations have different associations between BMI, percentage of body fat, and health risks than do European populations. The consultation concluded that the proportion of Asian people with a high risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is substantial at BMIs lower than the existing WHO cut-off point for overweight (> or =25 kg/m2). However, available data do not necessarily indicate a clear BMI cut-off point for all Asians for overweight or obesity. The cut-off point for observed risk varies from 22 kg/m2 to 25 kg/m2 in different Asian populations; for high risk it varies from 26 kg/m2 to 31 kg/m2. No attempt was made, therefore, to redefine cut-off points for each population separately. The consultation also agreed that the WHO BMI cut-off points should be retained as international classifications. The consultation identified further potential public health action points (23.0, 27.5, 32.5, and 37.5 kg/m2) along the continuum of BMI, and proposed methods by which countries could make decisions about the definitions of increased risk for their population.tions of increased risk for their population. +
A better understanding of the molecular ba … A better understanding of the molecular basis of polycation-mediated impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics might improve the design and synthesis of more efficient and safer polymeric transfectants. Here we utilize the phosphorylation control protocol for studying the effect of polycations on mitochondrial respiration in intact mammalian cells using Oxygraph-2k (OROBOROS). The protocol offers an opportunity to comprehensively monitor mitochondrial respiration through consecutive additions of various cell membrane permeable compounds that alter mitochondrial respiration, thus providing useful information on different states of mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to analyze the data obtained with the phosphorylation control protocol and how to calculate the respiratory flux ratios, which can be used as indicators of respiratory functionality and mitochondrial health.ry functionality and mitochondrial health. +
A blue diode PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulati … A blue diode PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) fluorometer was used to measure rapid Photosynthesis (P) versus Irradiance (E) curves (P vs. E curves) in ''Synechococcus'' (classical cyanobacteria), ''Prochlorothrix'' (prochlorophyta), ''Chlorella'' (chlorophyta), ''Rhodomonas'' (cryptophyta), ''Phaeodactylum'' (bacillariophyta), ''Acaryochloris'' (Chl d/a cyanobacteria) and Subterranean Clover (''Trifolium subterraneum'', Papilionaceae, Angiospermae). Effective quantum yield (Phi(PSII)) versus irradiance curves could be described by a simple exponential decay function (Phi(PSII) = Phi(PSII, maxe(-kE)) although Log/Log transformation was sometimes found to be necessary to obtain the best fits. Photosynthesis was measured as relative Electron Transport Rate (rETR) standardised on a chlorophyll basis. P versus E curves were fitted to the waiting-in-line function (an equation of the form P = P(max) x k x E x e(-kE)) allowing half-saturating and optimal irradiances (E(optimum)) to be estimated. The second differential of the equation shows that at twice optimal light intensities, there is a point of inflection in the P versus E curve. Photosynthesis is inhibited 26.4% at this point of inflection. The waiting-in-line model was found to be a very good descriptor of photosynthetic light saturation curves and superior to hyperbolic functions with an asymptotic saturation point (Michaelis-Menten, exponential saturation and hyperbolic tangent). The exponential constants (k) of the Phi(PSII) versus E and P versus E curves should be equal because rETR is directly proportional to Phi(PSII) x E. The conventionally calculated Non-Photochemical Quenching (NPQ) in Synechococcus was not significantly different to zero but NPQ versus E curves for the other algae could be fitted to an exponential saturation model. The kinetics of NPQ does not appear to be related to the kinetics of Phi(PSII) or rETR.ated to the kinetics of Phi(PSII) or rETR. +
A burgeoning literature has attributed var … A burgeoning literature has attributed varied physiological effects to hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a product of eukaryotic sulfur amino acid metabolism. Protein persulfidation represents a major focus of studies elucidating the mechanism underlying H2S signaling. On the contrary, the capacity of H2S to induce reductive stress by targeting the electron transport chain (ETC) and signal by reprogramming redox metabolism has only recently begun to be elucidated. Recent Advances: In contrast to the nonspecific reaction of H2S with oxidized cysteines to form protein persulfides, its inhibition of complex IV represents a specific mechanism of action. Studies on the dual impact of H2S as an ETC substrate and an inhibitor have led to the exciting discovery of ETC plasticity and the use of fumarate as a terminal electron acceptor. H2S oxidation combined with complex IV targeting generates mitochondrial reductive stress, which is signaled through the metabolic network, leading to increased aerobic glycolysis, glutamine-dependent reductive carboxylation, and lipogenesis. Critical Issues: Insights into H2S-induced metabolic reprogramming are ushering in a paradigm shift for understanding the mechanism of its cellular action. It will be critical to reevaluate the physiological effects of H2S, for example, cytoprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, through the framework of metabolic reprogramming and ETC remodeling by H2S. Future Directions: The metabolic ramifications of H2S in other cellular compartments, for example, the endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleus, as well as the intersections between hypoxia and H2S signaling are important future directions that merit elucidation. future directions that merit elucidation. +
A by-product of mitochondrial substrate ox … A by-product of mitochondrial substrate oxidation and electron transfer to generate cellular energy (ATP) is reactive oxygen species (ROS). Superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are the proximal ROS produced by the mitochondria. Because low levels of ROS serve critical regulatory roles in cell physiology while excessive levels or inappropriately localized ROS result in aberrant physiological states, mitochondrial ROS need to be tightly regulated. While it is known that regulation of mitochondrial ROS involves balancing the rates of production and removal, the effects of stressors on these processes remain largely unknown. To illuminate how stressors modulate mitochondrial ROS homeostasis, we investigated the effects of temperature and cadmium (Cd) on H2O2 emission and consumption in rainbow trout liver mitochondria. We show that H2O2 emission rates increase with temperature and Cd exposure. Energizing mitochondria with malate-glutamate or succinate increased the rate of H2O2 emission; however, Cd exposure imposed different patterns of H2O2 emission depending on the concentration and substrate. Specifically, mitochondria respiring on malate-glutamate exhibited a saturable graded concentration-response curve that plateaued at 5 μM while mitochondria respiring on succinate had a biphasic concentration-response curve characterized by a spike in the emission rate at 1 μM Cd followed by gradual diminution at higher Cd concentrations. To explain the observed substrate- and concentration-dependent effects of Cd, we sequestered specific mitochondrial ROS-emitting sites using blockers of electron transfer and then tested the effect of the metal. The results indicate that the biphasic H2O2 emission response imposed by succinate is due to site IIF but is further modified at sites IQ and IIIQo. Moreover, the saturable graded H2O2 emission response in mitochondria energized with malate-glutamate is consistent with effect of Cd on site IF. Additionally, Cd and temperature acted cooperatively to increase mitochondrial H2O2 emission suggesting that increased toxicity of Cd at high temperature may be due to increased oxidative insult. Surprisingly, despite their clear stimulatory effect on H2O2 emission, Cd, temperature and bioenergetic status did not affect the kinetics of mitochondrial H2O2 consumption; the rate constants and half-lives for all the conditions tested were similar. Overall, our study indicates that the production processes of rainbow trout liver mitochondrial H2O2 metabolism are highly responsive to stressors and bioenergetics while the consumption processes are recalcitrant. The latter denotes the presence of a robust H2O2 scavenging system in liver mitochondria that would maintain H2O2 homeostasis in the face of increased production and reduced scavenging capacity.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.The latter denotes the presence of a robust H2O2 scavenging system in liver mitochondria that would maintain H2O2 homeostasis in the face of increased production and reduced scavenging capacity. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. +
A causal link between non-ischaemic heart … A causal link between non-ischaemic heart failure (HF) and humoral autoimmunity against G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) remains unclear except for Chagas' cardiomyopathy. Uncertainty arises from ambiguous reports on incidences of GPCR autoantibodies, spurious correlations of autoantibody levels with disease activity, and lack of standardization and validation of measuring procedures for putatively cardio-pathogenic GPCR autoantibodies. Here, we use validated and certified immune assays presenting native receptors as binding targets. We compared candidate GPCR autoantibody species between HF patients and healthy controls and tested associations of serum autoantibody levels with serological, haemodynamic, metabolic, and functional parameters in HF.Ninety-five non-ischaemic HF patients undergoing transcatheter endomyocardial biopsy and 60 healthy controls were included. GPCR autoantibodies were determined in serum by IgG binding to native receptors or a cyclic peptide (for β1AR autoantibodies). In patients, cardiac function, volumes, and myocardial structural properties were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; right heart catheterization served for determination of cardiac haemodynamics; endomyocardial biopsies were used for histological assessment of cardiomyopathy and determination of cardiac mitochondrial oxidative function by high-resolution respirometry.Autoantibodies against β1 adrenergic (β1AR) , M5-muscarinic (M5AR), and angiotensin II type 2 receptors (AT2R) were increased in HF (all P < 0.001). Autoantibodies against α1 -adrenergic (α1 AR) and angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) were decreased in HF (all P < 0.001). Correlation of alterations of GPCR autoantibodies with markers of cardiac or systemic inflammation or cardiac damage, haemodynamics, myocardial histology, or left ventricular inflammation (judged by T2 mapping) were weak, even when corrected for total IgG. β1 AR autoantibodies were related inversely to markers of left ventricular fibrosis indicated by T1 mapping (r = -0.362, P < 0.05) and global longitudinal strain (r = -0.323, P < 0.05). AT2R autoantibodies were associated with improved myocardial mitochondrial coupling as measured by high-resolution respirometry in myocardial biopsies (r = -0.352, P < 0.05). In insulin-resistant HF patients, AT2R autoantibodies were decreased (r = -.240, P < 0.05), and AT1R autoantibodies were increased (r = 0.212, P < 0.05).GPCR autoantibodies are markedly altered in HF. However, they are correlated poorly or even inversely to haemodynamic, metabolic, and functional markers of disease severity, myocardial histology, and myocardial mitochondrial efficiency. These observations do not hint towards a specific cardio-pathogenic role of GPCR autoantibodies and suggest that further investigations are required before specific therapies directed at GPCR autoantibodies can be clinically tested in non-ischaemic HF.rected at GPCR autoantibodies can be clinically tested in non-ischaemic HF. +
A cellular model of cardiomyocytes (H9c2 c … A cellular model of cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cell line) and mitochondria isolated from mouse liver were used to understand the drug action of BPDZ490 and BPDZ711, two benzopyran analogues of the reference potassium channel opener cromakalim, on mitochondrial respiratory parameters and swelling, by comparing their effects with those of the parent compound cromakalim. For these three compounds, the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was determined by high-resolution respirometry (HRR) and their impact on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling was investigated. Cromakalim did not modify neither the OCR of H9c2 cells and the ATP production nor the Ca-induced swelling. By contrast, the cromakalim analogue BPDZ490 (1) induced a strong increase of OCR, while the other benzopyran analogue BPDZ711 (2) caused a marked slowdown. For both compounds, 1 displayed a biphasic behavior while 2 still showed an inhibitory effect. Both compounds 1 and 2 were also found to decrease the ATP synthesis, with pronounced effect for 2, while cromakalim remained without effect. Overall, these results indicate that cromakalim, as parent molecule, does not induce per se any direct effect on mitochondrial respiratory function neither on whole cells nor on isolated mitochondria whereas both benzopyran analogues 1 and 2 display totally opposite behavior profiles, suggesting that compound 1, by increasing the maximal respiration capacity, might behave as a mild uncoupling agent and compound 2 is taken as an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron-transfer chain.the mitochondrial electron-transfer chain. +
A central characteristic of many types of … A central characteristic of many types of cancer is altered energy metabolism processes such as enhanced glucose uptake and glycolysis and decreased oxidative metabolism. The regulation of energy metabolism is an elaborate process involving regulatory proteins such as HIF (pro-metastatic protein), which reduces oxidative metabolism, and some other proteins such as tumour suppressors that promote oxidative phosphorylation. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins play a pivotal role in metabolism regulation. STAT3 and STAT5 are essential regulators of cytokine- or growth factor-induced cell survival and proliferation, as well as the crosstalk between STAT signalling and oxidative metabolism. Several reports suggest that the constitutive activation of STAT proteins promotes glycolysis through the transcriptional activation of hypoxia-inducible factors and therefore, the alteration of mitochondrial activity. It seems that STAT proteins function as an integrative centre for different growth and survival signals for energy and respiratory metabolism. This review summarises the functions of STAT3 and STAT5 in the regulation of some metabolism-related genes and the importance of oxygen in the tumour microenvironment to regulate cell metabolism, particularly in the metabolic pathways that are involved in energy production in cancer cells.lved in energy production in cancer cells. +
A characteristic pattern of organization w … A characteristic pattern of organization was found with the help of the electron microscope in sectioned animal mitochondria irrespective of the species providing the specimen and of the cell type examined.Each mitochondrion was found to possess:# A limiting membrane.# A mitochondrial matrix that appears structureless at present levels of resolution.# A system of internal ridges (cristae mitochondriales) that protrude from the inside surface of the membrane towards the interior of the organelles. In many mitochondria the cristae are perpendicular to the long axis of the organelles and occur in series within which they lie parallel to one another at more or less regular intervals.In favorable electron micrographs the mitochondrial membrane appears to be double and the cristae appear to be folds of a second, internal mitochondrial membrane.a second, internal mitochondrial membrane. +
A chronic high fat diet results in hepatic … A chronic high fat diet results in hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and induction of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation (FAO); whether specific inhibition of peroxisomal FAO benefits mitochondrial FAO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism remains unclear. In this study a specific inhibitor for the rate-limiting enzyme involved in peroxisomal FAO, [[acyl-CoA oxidase]]-1 (ACOX1) was developed and used for the investigation of peroxisomal FAO inhibition upon mitochondrial FAO and ROS metabolism. Specific inhibition of ACOX1 by 10,12-tricosadiynoic acid increased hepatic mitochondrial FAO via activation of the SIRT1-AMPK (adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase) pathway and proliferator activator receptor α and reduced hydrogen peroxide accumulation in high fat diet-fed rats, which significantly decreased hepatic lipid and ROS contents, reduced body weight gain, and decreased serum triglyceride and insulin levels. Inhibition of ACOX1 is a novel and effective approach for the treatment of high fat diet- or obesity-induced metabolic diseases by improving mitochondrial lipid and ROS metabolism.ng mitochondrial lipid and ROS metabolism. +
A close link between Ca2+</s … A close link between Ca2+, ATP level, and neurogenesis is apparent; however, the molecular mechanisms of this relationship have not been completely elucidated. Transient elevations of cytosolic Ca2+ may boost ATP synthesis, but ATP is also consumed by ion pumps to maintain a low Ca2+ in cytosol. In differentiation process plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) is considered as one of the major players for Ca2+ homeostasis. From four PMCA isoforms, the fastest PMCA2 and PMCA3 are expressed predominantly in excitable cells. In the present study we assessed whether PMCA isoform composition may affect energy balance in differentiating PC12 cells. We found that PMCA2-downregulated cells showed higher basal O2 consumption, lower NAD(P)H level, and increased activity of ETC. These changes associated with higher [Ca2+]c resulted in elevated ATP level. Since PMCA2-reduced cells demonstrated greatest sensitivity to ETC inhibition, we suppose that the main source of energy for PMCA isoforms 1, 3, and 4 was oxidative phosphorylation. Contrary, cells with unchanged PMCA2 expression exhibited prevalence of glycolysis in ATP generation. Our results with PMCA2- or PMCA3-downregulated lines provide an evidence of a novel role of PMCA isoforms in regulation of bioenergetic pathways, and mitochondrial activity and maintenance of ATP level during PC12 cells differentiation.soforms in regulation of bioenergetic pathways, and mitochondrial activity and maintenance of ATP level during PC12 cells differentiation. +
A common metabolic change in cancer is the … A common metabolic change in cancer is the acquisition of glycolytic phenotypes. Increased expression of glycolytic enzymes is considered as one contributing factor. The role of mitochondrial defects in acquisition of glycolytic phenotypes has been postulated but remains controversial. Here we show that functional defects in mitochondrial respiration could be induced by oncogenic H-RasQ61L transformation, even though the mitochondrial contents or mass was not reduced in the transformed cells. First, mitochondrial respiration, as measured by mitochondrial oxygen consumption, was suppressed in NIH-3T3 cells transformed with H-RasQ61L. Second, oligomycin or rotenone did not reduce the cellular ATP levels in the H-RasQ61L transformed cells, suggesting a diminished role of mitochondrial respiration in the cellular energy metabolism. Third, inhibition of glycolysis with iodoacetic acid reduced ATP levels at a much faster rate in H-RasQ61L transformed cells than in the vector control cells. The reduction of cellular ATP levels was reversed by exogenously added pyruvate in the vector control cells but not in H-RasQ61L transformed cells. Finally when compared to the HRasQ61L transformed cells, the vector control cells had increased resistance toward glucose deprivation. The increased resistance was dependent on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation since rotenone or oligomycin abolished the increased survival of the vector control cells under glucose deprivation. The results also suggest an inability of the H-RasQ61L transformed cells to reactivate mitochondrial respiration under glucose deprivation. Taken together, the data suggest that mitochondrial respiration can be impaired during transformation of NIH-3T3 cells by oncogeneic H-RasQ61L.can be impaired during transformation of NIH-3T3 cells by oncogeneic H-RasQ61L. +
A complete kinetic analysis of the forward … A complete kinetic analysis of the forward mitochondrial creatine kinase reaction was conducted to define the mechanism for its rate enhancement when coupled to oxidative phosphorylation. Two experimental systems were employed. In the first, ATP was produced by oxidative phosphorylation. In the second, heart mitochondria were pretreated with rotenone and oligomycin, and ATP was regenerated by a phosphoenolpyruvate-pyruvate kinase system. Product inhibition studies showed that oxidative phosphorylation did not effect the binding of creatine phosphate to the enzyme. Creatine phosphate interacted competitively with both ATP and creatine, and the E · MgATP · CrP dead-end complex was not readily detected. In a similar manner, the dissociation constants for creatine were not influenced by the source of ATP: ''K''ib = 29 mM; ''K''b = 5.3 mM, and the maximum velocity of the reaction was unchanged: ''V''1 = 1 μmol/min/mg. Slight differences were noted for the dissociation constant (''K''ia) of MgATP from the binary enzyme complex, E · MgATP. The values were 0.75 and 0.29 mM in the absence and presence of respiration. However, a 10-fold decrease in the steady-state dissociation constant (''K''a) of MgATP from the ternary complex, E · MgATP · creatine, was documented: 0.15 mM with exogenous ATP and 0.014 mM with oxidative phosphorylation. Since ''K''ia × ''K''b does not equal ''K''a × ''K''ib under respiring conditions, the enzyme appears to be altered from its normal rapid-equilibrium random binding kinetics to some other mechanism by its coupling to oxidative phosphorylation.its coupling to oxidative phosphorylation. +
A complete understanding of the role of th … A complete understanding of the role of the liver in burn-induced hypermetabolism is lacking. We investigated the acute effect of severe burn trauma on liver mitochondrial respiratory capacity and coupling control as well as the signaling events underlying these alterations.Male BALB/c mice (8-12 weeks) received full-thickness scald burns on ∼30% of the body surface. Liver tissue was harvested 24 hours post injury. Mitochondrial respiration was determined by high-resolution respirometry. Citrate synthase activity was determined as a proxy of mitochondrial density. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received full-thickness scald burns to ∼60% of the body surface. Serum was collected 24 hours post injury. HepG2 cells were cultured with serum-enriched media from either sham or burn treated rats. Protein levels were analyzed via western blot.Mass-specific (p = 0.01) and mitochondrial-specific (p = 0.01) respiration coupled to ATP production significantly increased in the liver after burn. The respiratory control ratio for ADP (p = 0.04) and the mitochondrial flux control ratio (p = 0.03) were elevated in the liver of burned animals. Complex III and Complex IV protein abundance in the liver increased after burn by 17% and 14%, respectively. Exposure of HepG2 cells to serum from burned rats increased the pAMPKα:AMPKα ratio (p < 0.001) and levels of SIRT1 (p = 0.01), Nrf2 (p < 0.001), and PGC1α (p = 0.02).Severe burn trauma augments respiratory capacity and function of liver mitochondria, adaptations that augment ATP production. This response may be mediated by systemic factors that activate signaling proteins responsible for regulating cellular energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. +
A complex was reconstituted with hydrophob … A complex was reconstituted with hydrophobic proteins from bovine heart mitochondrial membranes, cytochrome c, cytochrome oxidase, phospholipids, and coupling factors. These vesicular structures catalyzed oxidative phosphorylation with reduced N-methylphenazinium methyl sulfate as substrate.ylphenazinium methyl sulfate as substrate. +
A compound with promising anticancer prope … A compound with promising anticancer properties, 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) is a synthetic derivative of a pyruvate molecule; however, its toxicity in non-malignant cells has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, we elected to study the effects of 3-BP on primary hepatocytes in monolayer cultures, permeabilized hepatocytes and isolated mitochondria. After a 1-h treatment with 100 μM 3-BP cell viability of rat hepatocytes was decreased by 30 % as measured by the WST-1 test (p < 0.001); after 3-h exposure to ≥200 μM 3-BP lactate dehydrogenase leakage was increased (p < 0.001). Reactive oxygen species production was increased in the cell cultures after a 1-h treatment at concentrations ≥100 μmol/l (p < 0.01), and caspase 3 activity was increased after a 20-h incubation with 150 μM and 200 μM 3-BP (p < 0.001). This toxic effect of 3-BP was also proved using primary mouse hepatocytes. In isolated mitochondria, 3-BP induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential during a 10-min incubation both with Complex I substrates glutamate + malate or Complex II substrate succinate, although this decrease was more pronounced with the latter. We also measured the effect of 3-BP on respiration of isolated mitochondria. ADP-activated respiration was inhibited by 20 μM 3-BP within 10 min. Similar effects were also found in permeabilized hepatocytes of both species.so found in permeabilized hepatocytes of both species. +
A comprehensive assessment of skeletal mus … A comprehensive assessment of skeletal muscle ultrastructure and mitochondrial bioenergetics has not been undertaken in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This study aimed to systematically assess skeletal muscle mitochondrial phenotype in young adults with type 1 diabetes.Physically active, young adults (men and women) with type 1 diabetes (HbA1c 63.0 ± 16.0 mmol/mol [7.9% ± 1.5%]) and without type 1 diabetes (control), matched for sex, age, BMI and level of physical activity, were recruited (''n'' = 12/group) to undergo vastus lateralis muscle microbiopsies. Mitochondrial respiration (high-resolution respirometry), site-specific mitochondrial H2O2 emission and Ca2+ retention capacity (CRC) (spectrofluorometry) were assessed using permeabilised myofibre bundles. Electron microscopy and tomography were used to quantify mitochondrial content and investigate muscle ultrastructure. Skeletal muscle microvasculature was assessed by immunofluorescence.Mitochondrial oxidative capacity was significantly lower in participants with type 1 diabetes vs the control group, specifically at Complex II of the electron transport chain, without differences in mitochondrial content between groups. Muscles of those with type 1 diabetes also exhibited increased mitochondrial H2O2 emission at Complex III and decreased CRC relative to control individuals. Electron tomography revealed an increase in the size and number of autophagic remnants in the muscles of participants with type 1 diabetes. Despite this, levels of the autophagic regulatory protein, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPKαThr172), and its downstream targets, phosphorylated Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (p-ULK1Ser555) and p62, was similar between groups. In addition, no differences in muscle capillary density or platelet aggregation were observed between the groups.Alterations in mitochondrial ultrastructure and bioenergetics are evident within the skeletal muscle of active young adults with type 1 diabetes. It is yet to be elucidated whether more rigorous exercise may help to prevent skeletal muscle metabolic deficiencies in both active and inactive individuals with type 1 diabetes.rigorous exercise may help to prevent skeletal muscle metabolic deficiencies in both active and inactive individuals with type 1 diabetes. +
A computational model for the ATP-ADP stea … A computational model for the ATP-ADP steady-state exchange rate mediated by adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) versus mitochondrial membrane potential dependence in isolated rat liver mitochondria is presented. The model represents the system of three ordinary differential equations, and the basic components included are ANT, F(0)/F(1)-ATPase, and the phosphate carrier. The model reproduces quantitatively the relationship between mitochondrial membrane potential and the ATP-ADP steady-state exchange rate mediated by the ANT operating in the forward mode, with the assumption that the phosphate carrier functions under rapid equilibrium. Furthermore, the model can simulate the kinetics of experimentally measured data on mitochondrial membrane potential titrated by an uncoupler. Verified predictions imply that the ADP influx rate is highly dependent on the mitochondrial membrane potential, and in the 0-100 mV range it is close to zero, owing to extremely low matrix ATP values. In addition to providing theoretical values of free matrix ATP and ADP, the model explains the diminished ADP-ATP exchange rate in the presence of nigericin, a condition in which there is hyperpolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane at the expense of the mitochondrial Delta pH gradient; the latter parameter influences matrix inorganic phosphate and ATP concentrations in a manner also described.concentrations in a manner also described. +
A computational model for the mitochondria … A computational model for the mitochondrial respiratory chain that appropriately balances mass, charge, and free energy transduction is introduced and analyzed based on a previously published set of data measured on isolated cardiac mitochondria. The basic components included in the model are the reactions at Complexes I, III, and IV of the electron transport system, ATP synthesis at F1FO ATPase, substrate transporters including adenine nucleotide translocase and the phosphate-hydrogen co-transporter, and cation fluxes across the inner membrane including fluxes through the K+/H+ antiporter and passive H+ and K+ permeation. Estimation of 16 adjustable parameter values is based on fitting model simulations to nine independent data curves. The identified model is further validated by comparison to additional datasets measured from mitochondria isolated from rat heart and liver and observed at low oxygen concentration. To obtain reasonable fits to the available data, it is necessary to incorporate inorganic-phosphate-dependent activation of the dehydrogenase activity and the electron transport system. Specifically, it is shown that a model incorporating phosphate-dependent activation of Complex III is able to reasonably reproduce the observed data. The resulting validated and verified model provides a foundation for building larger and more complex systems models and investigating complex physiological and pathophysiological interactions in cardiac energetics.stigating complex physiological and pathophysiological interactions in cardiac energetics. +
A computational model of mitochondrial met … A computational model of mitochondrial metabolism and electrophysiology is introduced and applied to analysis of data from isolated cardiac mitochondria and data on phosphate metabolites in striated muscle in vivo. This model is constructed based on detailed kinetics and thermodynamically balanced reaction mechanisms and a strict accounting of rapidly equilibrating biochemical species. Since building such a model requires introducing a large number of adjustable kinetic parameters, a correspondingly large amount of independent data from isolated mitochondria respiring on different substrates and subject to a variety of protocols is used to parameterize the model and ensure that it is challenged by a wide range of data corresponding to diverse conditions. The developed model is further validated by both in vitro data on isolated cardiac mitochondria and in vivo experimental measurements on human skeletal muscle. The validated model is used to predict the roles of NAD and ADP in regulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle dehydrogenase fluxes, demonstrating that NAD is the more important regulator. Further model predictions reveal that a decrease of cytosolic pH value results in decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and a corresponding drop in the ability of the mitochondria to synthesize ATP at the hydrolysis potential required for cellular function. potential required for cellular function. +
A considerable part of previous studies ab … A considerable part of previous studies about tumor bioenergetics were performed on several ''in vitro'' models with the conclusion that cancer cells present increased rates of glucose consumption and metabolize it to lactate even in the presence of O2 – a phenomenon called “Warburg effect”. ''In vitro'' studies cannot give the correct information about the functional activity and significance of OXPHOS versus glycolysis in malignancies and ignore host factors, which could exert significant effects. In our study we compare respiratory parameters of two very prevalent human tumors: breast cancer (HBC) and colorectal cancer (HCC).Primary tumor samples were provided by the Oncology and Hematology Clinic at the North Estonia Medical Centre and were analysed immediately after surgery. In this work we investigated mitochondrial respiration of tumor and control tissues ''in situ'' using the skinned sample technique [1,2]. Rates of O2 consumption were assayed at 25 °C by an Oxygraph-2k high-resolution respirometer (Oroboros Instruments, Innsbruck Austria). The solubility of oxygen at 25 °C was taken as 240 nmol/ml. All respiration rates were normalized per mg dry weight of tissue.Multiple substrate-inhibitor titration protocol was used for the measurement of respiratory capacities of different respiratory chain (RC) segments (Fig. 1). To analyze these changes, the respiration rates for different RC complexes and ratios of respiration rates for different substrates were calculated. The HBC is not accompanied with suppression of complex I-dependent respiration as it is shown in colorectal cancer.Apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and maximal rate of respiration (Vm) for ADP were calculated to characterize the affinity of mitochondria for exogenous ADP (permeability of mitochondrial outer membrane). Healthy colon tissue displayed low affinity for ADP (apparent Michaelis-Menten constant Km=256 ± 3 µM), whereas the affinity for ADP of tumor mitochondria (Km=93.6 ± 7.7 µM) and nearby tissue (junction area between cancer and normal mucosa) (Km=84.9 ± 9.9 µM) is significantly higher. Average Km value for HBC tissue samples was similar - 114.8±13.6 μM. Differences in Vmax correspond, to large extent, to the differences in number of mitochondria in these cell types. Measured rates of O2 consumption (normalized to Vm) were plotted vs. ADP concentration in medium as double reciprocal Lineweaver–Burk plots (Figure 2 A,B). This data is showing that formation of colorectal cancer is associated with relative changes in the activities of individual respiratory chain complexes which may be the result of mitochondrial DNA mutations and/or variations in the assembly of respiratory chain supercomplexes.Two subpopulations of mitochondria in HBC (Fig 2B) confirm the theory of two-compartment metabolism (“reversed Warburg”) proposed by several groups of cancer research [3,4]. During formation of HCC colon smooth muscle can participate in the carcinogenesis like energy reservoir and mitochondria lose the diffusion restrictions in the outer membrane. From all these results we can conclude that each type of cancer has its own special bioenergetic fingerprint.onclude that each type of cancer has its own special bioenergetic fingerprint. +
A constant provision of adenosine triphosp … A constant provision of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is of necessity for cardiac contraction. If the heart progresses towards failure following a myocardial infarction (MI) it may undergo metabolic alterations that have the potential to compromise its ability to meet energetic demands. The main focus of this dissertation was to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation to mitigate abnormalities in energy metabolism that contribute to ATP synthesis post-MI in the presence and absence of diet-induced insulin resistance. C57BL/6 mice were chow or high-fat fed prior to induction of a MI via chronic ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Post-ligation, MSCs were transplanted via intramyocardial injection. Serial echocardiography was performed prior to and up to 28 days post-MI to evaluate cardiac systolic function. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps coupled with the administration of isotopic tracers were employed post-MI to assess systemic insulin sensitivity and insulin-mediated, tissue-specific substrate uptake in the conscious, unrestrained mouse. High-resolution respirometry was utilized to evaluate cardiac mitochondrial function in saponinpermeabilized cardiac fibers. Western blotting was completed to assist in identifying molecular mechanisms through which the MSC therapy may modulate cardiac and systemic metabolic phenotypes. The improved systolic performance in MSC-treated mice was associated with a lessening of non-pathological ''in vivo'' insulin-stimulated cardiac glucose uptake. The changes in glucose uptake may have been via the MSC-mediated alterations in fatty acid availability/utilization. MSC therapy preserved fatty acid uptake in the absence of diet-induced insulin resistance. Conversely, the cell-based treatment reduced circulating nonesterified fatty acid concentration in high-fat fed mice. Additionally, potential impairments in insulin signalling may have been minimized as indicated by conservation of the p-Akt/Akt ratio. Down-stream of glucose uptake, the administration of MSCs conferred protective effects to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, maximal function and mitochondrial content. Conclusions: The experiments conducted in this dissertation provide insight into the utility of MSC transplantation as a metabolic therapy for the metabolic perturbations that characterize insulin resistance in the infarcted heart. Also, these studies propose potential mechanisms of action that lead to an enhanced energetic and functional state in the infarcted heart following MSC transplantation.rcted heart following MSC transplantation. +
A cornerstone of modern biomedical researc … A cornerstone of modern biomedical research is the use of mouse models to explore basic pathophysiological mechanisms, evaluate new therapeutic approaches, and make go or no-go decisions to carry new drug candidates forward into clinical trials. Systematic studies evaluating how well murine models mimic human inflammatory diseases are nonexistent. Here, we show that, although acute inflammatory stresses from different etiologies result in highly similar genomic responses in humans, the responses in corresponding mouse models correlate poorly with the human conditions and also, one another. Among genes changed significantly in humans, the murine orthologs are close to random in matching their human counterparts (e.g., R(2) between 0.0 and 0.1). In addition to improvements in the current animal model systems, our study supports higher priority for translational medical research to focus on the more complex human conditions rather than relying on mouse models to study human inflammatory diseases.dels to study human inflammatory diseases. +
A decline in mitochondrial function and bi … A decline in mitochondrial function and biogenesis as well as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important determinants of aging. With advancing age, there is a concomitant reduction in circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that is closely associated with neuronal aging and neurodegeneration. In this study, we investigated the effect of the decline in IGF-1 signaling with age on astrocyte mitochondrial metabolism and astrocyte function and its association with learning and memory.Learning and memory was assessed using the radial arm water maze in young and old mice as well as tamoxifen-inducible astrocyte-specific knockout of IGFR (GFAP-CreTAM/igfrf/f). The impact of IGF-1 signaling on mitochondrial function was evaluated using primary astrocyte cultures from igfrf/f mice using AAV-Cre mediated knockdown using Oroboros respirometry and Seahorse assays.Our results indicate that a reduction in IGF-1 receptor (IGFR) expression with age is associated with decline in hippocampal-dependent learning and increased gliosis. Astrocyte-specific knockout of IGFR also induced impairments in working memory. Using primary astrocyte cultures, we show that reducing IGF-1 signaling via a 30-50% reduction IGFR expression, comparable to the physiological changes in IGF-1 that occur with age, significantly impaired ATP synthesis. IGFR deficient astrocytes also displayed altered mitochondrial structure and function and increased mitochondrial ROS production associated with the induction of an antioxidant response. However, IGFR deficient astrocytes were more sensitive to H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, IGFR deficient astrocytes also showed significantly impaired glucose and Aβ uptake, both critical functions of astrocytes in the brain.Regulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function and redox status by IGF-1 is essential to maintain astrocytic function and coordinate hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. Age-related astrocytic dysfunction caused by diminished IGF-1 signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated cognitive pathologies.Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.cognitive pathologies. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. +
A decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial … A decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle size and function during knee osteoarthritis (OA). We have recently reported that 12-weeks of dietary rapamycin (Rap, 14 ppm), with or without metformin (Met, 1000 ppm), increased plasma glucose and OA severity in male Dunkin Hartley (DH) guinea pigs, a model of naturally occurring, age-related OA. The purpose of the current study was to determine if increased OA severity after dietary Rap and Rap+Met was accompanied by impaired skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial respiration and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) emissions were evaluated in permeabilized muscle fibers via high-resolution respirometry and fluorometry using either a saturating bolus or titration of ADP. Rap and Rap+Met decreased complex I (CI)-linked respiration and tended to increase ADP sensitivity, consistent with previous findings in patients with end-stage OA. The decrease in CI-linked respiration was accompanied with lower CI protein abundance. Rap and Rap+Met did not change mitochondrial H2O2 emissions. There were no differences between mitochondrial function in Rap versus Rap+Met suggesting that Rap was likely driving the change in mitochondrial function. This is the first inquiry into how lifespan extending treatments Rap and Rap+Met can influence skeletal muscle mitochondria in a model of age-related OA. Collectively, our data suggest that Rap with or without Met inhibits CI-linked capacity and increases ADP sensitivity in DH guinea pigs that have greater OA severity.ed capacity and increases ADP sensitivity in DH guinea pigs that have greater OA severity. +
A decline in the oxygen cost of exercise e … A decline in the oxygen cost of exercise enhances exercise tolerance and performance. Substantial research has shown that dietary nitrate lowers the oxygen cost of exercise in sedentary humans; however, the metabolic determinants regarding how dietary nitrate influences oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle is not known. We addressed this gap in knowledge by employing a zebrafish (''Danio rerio'') model to study the effect of nitrate and nitrite supplementation. We hypothesize that zebrafish treated with nitrate and nitrite will respond with a decrease in oxygen consumption during exercise. We exposed zebrafish to 606.9 mg/L sodium nitrate (100 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen), 19.5 mg/L sodium nitrite (13 mg/liter nitrite-nitrogen), and control (no treatment) conditions. Using a Sievers Nitric Oxide Analyzer, we confirmed treatment by quantifying nitrate and nitrite levels in fish water before and after treatment, and in fish blood. We subjected these animals to a swim test to determine the effect of nitrate and nitrite treatment on oxygen consumption and found that nitrate exposure decreased, while nitrite exposure increased, the oxygen cost of exercise. To determine whether mitochondrial function could explain the differing effect of nitrate and nitrite on oxygen consumption, we isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria from each group and analyzed oxygen consumption using high resolution respirometry. Isolated mitochondria, exposed to various substrates of respiration exhibited no change in oxygen consumption, or ATP production during uncoupled states of respiration. We found no significant differences in the ratio of ADP:O, or mitochondrial proteins citrate synthase and ATP5A as a result of exposure. Future research will explore other aspects of energy metabolism and utilization to describe mechanisms that explain the differential oxygen consumption observed during nitrate and nitrite treatment.rved during nitrate and nitrite treatment. +
A decline in α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase … A decline in α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) activity has been associated with neurodegeneration. Provision of succinyl-CoA by KGDHC is essential for generation of matrix ATP (or GTP) by substrate-level phosphorylation catalyzed by succinyl-CoA ligase. Here, we demonstrate ATP consumption in respiration-impaired isolated and ''in situ'' neuronal somal mitochondria from transgenic mice with a deficiency of either dihydrolipoyl succinyltransferase (DLST) or dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (DLD) that exhibit a 20-48 % decrease in KGDHC activity. Import of ATP into the mitochondrial matrix of transgenic mice was attributed to a shift in the reversal potential of the adenine nucleotide translocase toward more negative values due to diminished matrix substrate-level phosphorylation, which causes the translocase to reverse prematurely. Immunoreactivity of all three subunits of succinyl-CoA ligase and maximal enzymatic activity were unaffected in transgenic mice as compared to wild-type littermates. Therefore, decreased matrix substrate-level phosphorylation was due to diminished provision of succinyl-CoA. These results were corroborated further by the finding that mitochondria from wild-type mice respiring on substrates supporting substrate-level phosphorylation exhibited ∼30 % higher ADP-ATP exchange rates compared to those obtained from DLST+/- or DLD+/- littermates. We propose that KGDHC-associated pathologies are a consequence of the inability of respiration-impaired mitochondria to rely on "in-house" mitochondrial ATP reserves. on "in-house" mitochondrial ATP reserves. +
A decrease in blood lactate levels (Lac) & … A decrease in blood lactate levels (Lac) >10% during the first hours of resuscitation in sepsis is associated with better outcomes, but the mechanisms are unclear. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between the time course of Lac, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial respiration during experimental sepsis.Original data from two previously published studies were reanalyzed. In cohort 1, pigs were randomized to be resuscitated for 48 h starting at 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively, after fecal peritonitis induction (n = 8 each). Animals were categorized according to the decrease in Lac during the first 6 h of resuscitation (early if ≥10% [Lac ≥10%] or late if <10% or increased [Lac <10%]), and systemic hemodynamics, inflammatory parameters, and mitochondrial function were compared between groups. In a second group of animals with fecal peritonitis and 24 h of resuscitation (n = 16, cohort 2), abdominal regional Lac exchange was measured, and animals were categorized according to the decrease in Lac as in cohort 1.Overall mortality was 20% (4 of 20) in the Lac ≥10% group and 60% (12 of 20) in the Lac <10% group (p = 0.022). In cohort 1, systemic hemodynamics were similar in the Lac ≥10% (n = 13) and Lac <10% (n = 11) groups. Plasma interleukin-6 levels increased during unresuscitated sepsis and decreased during resusciation in both groups, but they were lower at study end in the Lac ≥10% group (p = 0.047). Complexes I and II maximal (state 3) and resting (state 4) isolated brain mitochondrial respiration at study end was higher in the Lac ≥10% group than in the Lac <10% group, whereas hepatic, myocardial, and skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration was similar in both groups. In cohort 2, mesenteric, total hepatic, and renal blood flow at study end was higher in the Lac ≥10% group (n = 7) than in the Lac <10% group (n = 9), despite similar cardiac output. Hepatic lactate influx and uptake in the Lac ≥10% group were approximately 1.5 and 3 times higher, respectively, than in the Lac <10% group (p = 0.066 for both).A decrease in Lac >10% during early resuscitation (6 h) after abdominal sepsis is associated with lower levels of plasma interleukin-6 and improved brain but not hepatic or muscle mitochondrial respiration. Blood flow redistribution to abdominal organs in animals with early decrease in Lac concentrations increases the potential to both deliver and extract Lac.ncentrations increases the potential to both deliver and extract Lac. +
A decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (O … A decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is characteristic of many cancer types and, in particular, of clear cell renal carcinoma (CCRC) deficient in von Hippel–Lindau (''vhl'') gene. In the absence of functional pVHL, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1-α and HIF2-α subunits are stabilized, which induces the transcription of many genes including those involved in glycolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. Transfection of these cells with ''vhl'' is known to restore HIF-α subunit degradation and to reduce glycolytic genes transcription. We show that such transfection with vhl of 786-0 CCRC (which are devoid of HIF1-α) also increased the content of respiratory chain subunits. However, the levels of most transcripts encoding OXPHOS subunits were not modified. Inhibition of HIF2-α synthesis by RNA interference in pVHL-deficient 786-0 CCRC also restored respiratory chain subunit content and clearly demonstrated a key role of HIF in OXPHOS regulation. In agreement with these observations, stabilization of HIF-α subunit by CoCl2 decreased respiratory chain subunit levels in CCRC cells expressing pVHL. In addition, HIF stimulated ROS production and mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase content. OXPHOS subunit content was also decreased by added H2O2. Interestingly, desferrioxamine (DFO) that also stabilized HIF did not decrease respiratory chain subunit level. While CoCl2 significantly stimulates ROS production, DFO is known to prevent hydroxyl radical production by inhibiting Fenton reactions. This indicates that the HIF-induced decrease in OXPHOS is at least in part mediated by hydroxyl radical production.IF-induced decrease in OXPHOS is at least in part mediated by hydroxyl radical production. +
A dedicated website for sharing biology pa … A dedicated website for sharing biology papers before peer review leaves journals divided. What are biologists so afraid of? Physicists, mathematicians and social scientists routinely post their research to preprint servers such as arXiv.org before publication, yet few life scientists follow suit. A website that goes live this week is hoping to change that. The site, bioRχiv.org, launched by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press in New York, bills itself as “the preprint server for biology”. It will operate similarly to arXiv, with scientists depositing papers as soon as they are ready to share them, weeks or months before formal publication.weeks or months before formal publication. +
A density in algal suspension causes a sig … A density in algal suspension causes a significant change in the intensity and spectral composition of light reaching individual cells. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence allow us to observe any general changes in the bioenergetic status of photosynthesis. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of cultivation density on the PSII photochemical efficiency of three species of algae (Chlorella vulgaris, Botryococcus braunii and Chlorella emersonii), each with a different rate of growth - high, medium and low - respectively. The cell density of algae in suspension differentiated through the cultivation time (2, 4, and 8days) and the spectral composition of light. The results showed that the density of cultivation led to change in the photosynthetic apparatus of algae. The differences described between each day of cultivation (2, 4, and 8) in the kinetics of chlorophyll a fluorescence intensity in cells of the algal strains under study probably resulted from the different phases of growth of these cultures. In addition the results showed the beneficial effect of far red light on the photosynthetic apparatus and the growth of biomass in investigated algal strains. of biomass in investigated algal strains. +
A disturbed energy metabolism in pancreati … A disturbed energy metabolism in pancreatic acinar cells is discussed as factor contributing to the development of acute pancreatitis (AP). In this study, we investigated to what extent the mitochondrial ATP producing capacity is impaired in the pancreatic tissue of rats with experimental AP. For preparation of mitochondria from rat pancreas, routine isolation procedures (tissue homogenization and differential centrifugation) were applied. Mitochondria were isolated from rats with edematous pancreatitis produced by hyperstimulation with caerulein, and from rats with mild necrotizing acute pancreatitis. The latter form of AP was induced by a temporary occlusion of the biliary pancreatic duct accompanied by a simultaneous intravenous injection of caerulein plus secretin and an intraabdominal administration of ethanol. As functional parameters of oxidative phosphorylation, the respiration rate, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activity of the complex I of the respiratory chain were determined. Mitochondria from rats with caerulein AP showed an enhanced respiration (61% vs. saline control) and a diminished membrane potential (-17 mV) if respiring with succinate in the non-phosphorylating state. This indicates an increased proton leak across the mitochondrial inner membrane. In the mild necrotizing AP, mitochondria were characterized by a decreased respiration with NAD(+)-linked substrates (-33% vs. sham-operated animals). This inhibition of respiration was confirmed by the reduced activity measured for the NADH-cytochrome c reductase (-32%). In both models of experimental AP the potency of mitochondria to produce ATP was significantly diminished. The stronger impairment of mitochondrial functions were found in the necrotizing form of AP. Reactive oxygen species may lead to the observed alterations--to the enhanced permeability of the mitochondrial inner membrane as well as to the inhibition of the complex I of the respiratory chain.of the complex I of the respiratory chain. +
A failing heart shows severe energy insuff … A failing heart shows severe energy insufficiency, and it is presumed that this energy shortage plays a critical role in the development of cardiac dysfunction. However, little is known about the mechanisms that cause energy metabolic alterations in the failing heart. Here, we show that the novel RING-finger protein 207 (RNF207), which is specifically expressed in the heart, plays a role in cardiac energy metabolism. Depletion of RNF207 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) leads to a reduced cellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Consistent with this result, we observed here that the expression of RNF207 was significantly reduced in mice with common cardiac diseases including heart failure. Intriguingly, proteomic approaches revealed that RNF207 interacts with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), which is considered to be a key regulator of mitochondria function, as an RNF207-interacting protein. Our findings indicate that RNF207 is involved in ATP production by cardiomyocytes, suggesting that RNF207 plays an important role in the development of heart failure. role in the development of heart failure. +
A field of inquiry may be said to have com … A field of inquiry may be said to have come of age when conclusions initially viewed as remarkable or even unbelievable are accepted as commonplace. Study of the biology of the superoxide anion radical and of related free radicals, and the defenses thereto, has now reached this happy state of maturity. Superoxide and even hydroxyl radicals are now known to be produced in living systems, and elaborate systems of defense and repair, which minimize the ravages of these reactive species, have been described. New members of the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase families of defensive enzymes are being found, as are new targets that are modified by O·̄2. In addition, the involvement of O·̄2 in both physiological and pathological processes is being established. A weighty tome would be needed to encompass a comprehensive coverage of this field of study. This review will describe only aspects of the biology of oxygen radicals that currently engage the interest of the writer. Hopefully they will also be of interest to the reader. Other recent reviews may serve to fill the gaps in this one.ws may serve to fill the gaps in this one. +
A fraction composed of an arabinan-rich pe … A fraction composed of an arabinan-rich pectin was extracted from acerola fruit (''Malpighia emarginata'') and named ACWS. This fraction presented 93% of total carbohydrate, relative molecular weight of 7.5×104g/mol, galacturonic acid, arabinose, galactose, xylose and rhamnose in 52.1:32.4:7.2:4.8:3.5 molar ratio and had its structure confirmed by NMR analysis. The anti-fatigue activity of ACWS was evaluated using the weight load swim test on trained mice. ACWS was orally administered at doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg for 28days. Plasma biochemical parameters, respiration of permeabilized skeletal muscle fibers, and GSH levels and lipoperoxidation in the brain (pre-frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and hypothalamus) were determined. ACWS could lengthen the swimming time, increase the plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, lactate, and the GSH levels in the hippocampus at all tested doses. The mitochondrial respiratory capacity of the skeletal muscle was increased at middle and high ACWS doses. This study provides strong evidence that ''M. emarginata'' pectic polysaccharide supplementation has anti-fatigue activity, can modify the kinetics of energy substrates (carbohydrate and fat) mobilization and the respiratory capacity of the skeletal muscle, as well the antioxidant status in the hippocampus of ACWS treated animals.ant status in the hippocampus of ACWS treated animals. +
A functional population of adipocyte precu … A functional population of adipocyte precursors, termed adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs), is crucial for proper adipose tissue (AT) expansion, lipid handling, and prevention of lipotoxicity in response to chronic positive energy balance. We previously showed that obese human subjects contain a dysfunctional pool of ASCs. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying abnormal ASC function might lead to therapeutic interventions for prevention of lipotoxicity by improving the adipogenic capacity of ASCs.Using epigenome-wide association studies, we explored the impact of obesity on the methylation signature of human ASCs and their differentiated counterparts. Mitochondrial phenotyping of lean and obese ASCs was performed. ''TBX15'' loss- and gain-of-function experiments were carried out and western blotting and electron microscopy studies of mitochondria were performed in white AT biopsies from lean and obese individuals.We found that DNA methylation in adipocyte precursors is significantly modified by the obese environment, and adipogenesis, inflammation, and immunosuppression were the most affected pathways. Also, we identified ''TBX15'' as one of the most differentially hypomethylated genes in obese ASCs, and genetic experiments revealed that ''TBX15'' is a regulator of mitochondrial mass in obese adipocytes. Accordingly, morphological analysis of AT from obese subjects showed an alteration of the mitochondrial network, with changes in mitochondrial shape and number.We identified a DNA methylation signature in adipocyte precursors associated with obesity, which has a significant impact on the metabolic phenotype of mature adipocytes. metabolic phenotype of mature adipocytes. +
A fundamental metabolic feature of cancero … A fundamental metabolic feature of cancerous tissues is high glucose consumption. The rate of glucose consumption in a cancer cell can be 10-15 times higher than in normal cells. Isolation and cultivation of tumor cells in vitro highlight properties that are associated with intensive glucose utilization, the presence of minimal oxidative metabolism, an increase in lactate concentrations in the culture medium and a reduced rate of oxygen consumption. Although glycolysis is suggested as a general feature of malignant cells and recently identified as a possible contributing factor to tumor progression, several studies highlight distinct metabolic characteristics in some tumors, including a relative decrease in avidity compared to glucose and/or a glutamine dependency of lactate and even proliferative tumor cells. The aim of this review is to determine the particularities in the energy metabolism of cancer cells, focusing on the main nutritional substrates, such as glucose and glutamine, evaluating lactate dehydrogenase as a potential marker of malignancy and estimating activators and inhibitors in cancer treatment.vators and inhibitors in cancer treatment. +
A genetic bottleneck explains the marked c … A genetic bottleneck explains the marked changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy that are observed during the transmission of pathogenic mutations, but the precise timing of these changes remains controversial, and it is not clear whether selection has a role. These issues are important for the genetic counseling of prospective mothers and for the development of treatments aimed at disease prevention. By studying mice transmitting a heteroplasmic single-base-pair deletion in the mitochondrial tRNA(Met) gene, we show that the extent of mammalian mtDNA heteroplasmy is principally determined prenatally within the developing female germline. Although we saw no evidence of mtDNA selection prenatally, skewed heteroplasmy levels were observed in the offspring of the next generation, consistent with purifying selection. High percentages of mtDNA genomes with the tRNA(Met) mutation were linked to a compensatory increase in overall mitochondrial RNA levels, ameliorating the biochemical phenotype and explaining why fecundity is not compromised.plaining why fecundity is not compromised. +
A geneticist's decision not to publish his … A geneticist's decision not to publish his finalized preprint in a journal gets support from scientists online. Preprint papers posted on servers such as [[arXiv]] and [[bioRxiv]] are designed to get research results out for discussion before they are formally peer reviewed and published in journals. But for some scientists, the term is now a misnomer — their preprint papers will never be submitted for formal publication.never be submitted for formal publication. +
A greater capacity of endogenous matrix an … A greater capacity of endogenous matrix antioxidants has recently been hypothesized to characterize mitochondria of long-lived species, curbing bursts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in this organelle. Evidence for this has been obtained from studies comparing the long-lived naked mole rat to laboratory mice. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the longest-lived metazoan, the marine bivalve ''Arctica islandica'' (MLSP=507 y), with shorter-lived and evolutionarily related species. We used a recently developed fluorescent technique to assess mantle and gill tissue mitochondria's capacity to consume hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in multiple physiological states ''ex vivo''. Depending on the type of respiratory substrate provided, mitochondria of ''Arctica islandica'' could consume between 3-14 times more H2O2 than shorter-lived species. These findings support the contention that a greater capacity for the elimination of ROS characterizes long-lived species, a novel property of mitochondria thus far demonstrated in two key biogerontological models from distant evolutionary lineages.s far demonstrated in two key biogerontological models from distant evolutionary lineages. +
A growing body of evidence implicates smal … A growing body of evidence implicates small G-proteins [e.g., Cdc42 and Rac1] in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion [GSIS] in the islet beta-cell. These signaling proteins undergo post-translational modifications [e.g., prenylation] at their C-terminal cysteine residue and appear to be essential for the transport and fusion of insulin-containing secretory granules with the plasma membrane and the exocytotic secretion of insulin. However, potential regulation of the prenylating enzymes by physiological insulin secretogues [e.g., glucose] has not been investigated thus far. Herein, we report immunological localization, sub-cellular distribution and regulation of farnesyltransferases [FTases] and geranylgeranyltransferase [GGTase] by glucose in insulin-secreting INS 832/13 beta-cells and normal rat islets. Our findings suggest that an insulinotropic concentration of glucose [20mM] markedly stimulated the expression of the alpha-subunits of FTase/GGTase-1, but not the beta-subunits of FTase or GGTase-1 without significantly affecting the predominantly cytosolic distribution of these holoenzymes in INS 832/13 cells and rodent islets. Under these conditions, glucose significantly stimulated [2.5- to 4.0-fold over basal] the activities of both FTase and GGTase-1 in both cell types. Together, these findings provide the first evidence to suggest that GSIS involves activation of the endogenous islet prenyltransferases by glucose, culminating in the activation of their respective G-protein substrates, which is necessary for cytoskeletal rearrangement, vesicular transport, fusion and secretion of insulin.ransport, fusion and secretion of insulin. +
A growing body of evidence suggests that n … A growing body of evidence suggests that neurodegeneration in Alzheimer‘s disease (AD) is related to extracellular and intracellular accumulation of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ), mitochondrial dysfunction, increased neuronal loss, however the molecular pathways from Aβ to the main pathological hallmarks of AD are still elusive. Aβ molecules tend to aggregate and form complexes of varying size - from small soluble oligomers, bigger protofibrils and large insoluble fibrils. It is commonly assumed that formation of Aβ fibrils is the crucial event in the pathogenesis of AD. However, there is accumulating evidence that soluble oligomers are the most cytotoxic forms of Aβ though it is still unclear particles of which size and morphology exert most neurotoxicity. In our study we aimed to investigate a link between the size of soluble Aβ oligomers and their toxicity to rat cerebellar granule cells (CGC), cortical neurons and other non-neuronal cells. Variation in conditions during ''in vitro'' oligomerization of Aβ1-42 resulted in peptide assemblies with different particle size. Small oligomeric forms of Aβ1-42 with a particle z-height of 1-2 nm (as measured by atomic force microscopy) were found to be the most toxic species, inducing rapid neuronal necrosis at submicromolar concentrations, whereas the bigger aggregates (above 4-5 nm) did not cause detectable neuronal death. Aβ1-42 oligomers, monomers and fibrils were non-toxic to glial cells in CGC cultures or macrophage J774 cells. Small oligomers of Aβ exhibited tendency to bind to the phospholipid vesicles which composition was similar to reported neuronal plasma membrane composition. In contrast, bigger, non-toxic oligomers did not bind to phospholipid vesicles.We also found that mitochondrial respiratory functions were not affected by Aβ1-42 irrespective of the aggregate state: monomers, oligomers or fibrils of Aβ at concentrations up to 2 µM did not inhibit state 3 and state 4 respiration of isolated brain mitochondria and did not cause permeabilization of mitochondrial outer membrane as measured by the exogenous cytochrome c test on mitochondrial respiration. This suggests that Aβ1-42 at pathophysiologically relevant concentrations has no acute effect on mitochondria.In conclusion, our data demonstrate that small oligomers of Aβ at submicromolar concentrations induce rapid neuronal necrosis most likely due to the effect on neuronal plasma membranes, whereas bigger aggregates are not directly toxic to neurons.regates are not directly toxic to neurons. +
A growing body of evidence supports a role … A growing body of evidence supports a role of the gut microbiota in regulating diverse physiological processes, including neural function and metabolism via the gut-brain axis. Infantile spasms syndrome is an early-onset epileptic encephalopathy associated with perturbed brain mitochondrial bioenergetics. Employing a neonatal rat model of infantile spasms, mitochondria respirometry and biochemical analyses, the present study reveals that gut microbiota manipulation by diet, antibiotics and probiotics have the potential to enhance hippocampal mitochondrial bioenergetics. Although preliminary in nature, our data reveal that microbial manipulation that regulates brain mitochondrial function may be a novel strategy for the treatment of epileptic disorders. for the treatment of epileptic disorders. +
A growing body of research is investigatin … A growing body of research is investigating the potential contribution of mitochondrial function to the etiology of type 2 diabetes. Numerous ''in vitro'', in situ, and ''in vivo'' methodologies are available to examine various aspects of mitochondrial function, each requiring an understanding of their principles, advantages, and limitations. This review provides investigators with a critical overview of the strengths, limitations and critical experimental parameters to consider when selecting and conducting studies on mitochondrial function. ''In vitro'' (isolated mitochondria) and in situ (permeabilized cells/tissue) approaches provide direct access to the mitochondria, allowing for study of mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox function under defined substrate conditions. Several experimental parameters must be tightly controlled, including assay media, temperature, oxygen concentration, and in the case of permeabilized skeletal muscle, the contractile state of the fibers. Recently developed technology now offers the opportunity to measure oxygen consumption in intact cultured cells. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides the most direct way of assessing mitochondrial function ''in vivo'' with interpretations based on specific modeling approaches. The continuing rapid evolution of these technologies offers new and exciting opportunities for deciphering the potential role of mitochondrial function in the etiology and treatment of diabetes.in the etiology and treatment of diabetes. +
A hallmark of improved metabolic control i … A hallmark of improved metabolic control is a reduced free ADP requirement fora given workload (increased ADP sensitivity). In contrast to ''in vivo'' data, in situ assessments suggest that mitochondrial ADP sensitivity is decreased following exercise training, implying external regulat ion that is not recapitulated in situ. One previously unexplored regulator is palmitoyl-CoA (P-CoA), a lipid metabolism intermediate that inhibits the mitochondrial ADP transport protein adenine nucleotide transferase (ANT). This thesis: 1) established reduced mitochondrial ADP sensitivity following exercise trainingin middle aged males using permeabilized muscle fibre bundles (PmFB), 2) determined a methodology to evaluate ADP kinetics in PmFB in the presence of P-CoA, and 3) found increased mitochondrial ADP sensitivity in the presence of P-CoA following training. These data suggest that P- CoA is a key regulator of oxidative phosphorylation and direct future exploration of mitochondrial function towards the control of ADP transport via ANT and the effects of exercise on the P-CoA-ANT interaction. of exercise on the P-CoA-ANT interaction. +
A hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is β-c … A hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is β-cell dysfunction and the eventual loss of functional β-cell mass. Therefore, mechanisms that improve or preserve β-cell function could be used to improve the quality of life of individuals with T2D. Studies have shown that monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric cocoa flavanols have different effects on obesity, insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. We hypothesized that these cocoa flavanols may have beneficial effects on β-cell function. INS-1 832/13 derived β-cells and primary rat islets cultured with a monomeric catechin-rich cocoa flavanol fraction demonstrated enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, while cells cultured with total cocoa extract, oligomeric, or polymeric procyanidin-rich fractions demonstrated no improvement. The increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the presence of the monomeric catechin-rich fraction corresponded with enhanced mitochondrial respiration, suggesting improvements in β-cell fuel utilization. Mitochondrial complex III, IV and V components were upregulated after culture with the monomer-rich fraction, corresponding with increased cellular ATP production. The monomer-rich fraction improved cellular redox state and increased glutathione concentration, which corresponds with Nrf2 nuclear localization and expression of Nrf2 target genes, including NRF-1 and GABPA, essential genes for increasing mitochondrial function. We propose a model by which monomeric cocoa catechins improve the cellular redox state, resulting in Nrf2 nuclear migration and upregulation of genes critical for mitochondrial respiration, and, ultimately, enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and β-cell function. These results suggest a mechanism by which monomeric cocoa catechins exert their effects as an effective complementary strategy to benefit T2D patients.ementary strategy to benefit T2D patients. +
A hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is β-c … A hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is β-cell dysfunction and the eventual loss of functional β-cell mass. Therefore, mechanisms that improve or preserve β-cell function could be used to improve the quality of life of individuals with T2D. Studies have shown that monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric cocoa flavanols have different effects on obesity, insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. We hypothesized that these cocoa flavanols may have beneficial effects on β-cell function. INS-1 832/13-derived β-cells and primary rat islets cultured with a monomeric catechin-rich cocoa flavanol fraction demonstrated enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, while cells cultured with total cocoa extract and with oligomeric or polymeric procyanidin-rich fraction demonstrated no improvement. The increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the presence of the monomeric catechin-rich fraction corresponded with enhanced mitochondrial respiration, suggesting improvements in β-cell fuel utilization. Mitochondrial complex III, IV and V components are up-regulated after culture with the monomer-rich fraction, corresponding with increased cellular ATP production. The monomer-rich fraction improved cellular redox state and increased glutathione concentration, which corresponds with nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) nuclear localization and expression of Nrf2 target genes including nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) and GA binding protein transcription factor alpha subunit (GABPA), essential genes for increasing mitochondrial function. We propose a model by which monomeric cocoa catechins improve the cellular redox state, resulting in Nrf2 nuclear migration and up-regulation of genes critical for mitochondrial respiration, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and ultimately improved β-cell function. These results suggest a mechanism by which monomeric cocoa catechins exert their effects as an effective complementary strategy to benefit T2D patients.Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
A high intake of dietary fat has been sugg … A high intake of dietary fat has been suggested to diminish mitochondrial functioning in skeletal muscle, possibly attributing to muscular fat accumulation. Here we show however, that an 8-week high-fat dietary intervention did not affect intrinsic functioning of rat skeletal muscle mitochondria assessed by respirometry, neither on a carbohydrate- nor on a lipid-substrate. Interestingly, PPARGC1A protein increased by approximately 2-fold upon high-fat feeding and we observed inconsistent results on different markers of mitochondrial density. Mitochondrial ROS production, assessed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy remained unaffected. Intramyocellular lipid levels increased significantly illustrating that a reduced innate mitochondrial function is not a prerequisite for intra-muscular fat accumulation.isite for intra-muscular fat accumulation. +
A high-fat diet induces obesity in mice, l … A high-fat diet induces obesity in mice, leading to insulin resistance, decreased mitochondrial function, and increased apoptosis in the hippocampus, which eventually result in memory loss. The present study investigated the effect of physical exercise on memory, hippocampal mitochondrial function, and apoptosis in mice with in insulin resistance caused by obesity due to high-fat diet. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (CON), control and exercise (CON + EX), high fat diet (HFD), and high fat diet and exercise (HFD + EX). After receiving a high-fat (60%) diet for 20 weeks to induce obesity, the animals were subjected to an exercise routine 6 times per week, for 12 weeks. The exercise duration and intensity gradually increased over 4-week intervals. Hippocampal memory was examined using the step-down avoidance task. Mitochondrial function and apoptosis were also examined in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus. We found that obesity owing to a high-fat diet induced insulin resistance and caused a decrease in memory function. Insulin resistance also caused a decrease in mitochondrial function in the hippocampus by reducing Ca2+ retention and O2, respiration, increasing the levels of H2O2, and Cyp-D, and mPTP opening. In addition, apoptosis in the hippocampus increased owing to decreased expression of Bcl-2 and increased expression of Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 and TUNEL-positive cells. In contrast, physical exercise led to reduced insulin resistance, improved mitochondrial function, and reduced apoptosis in the hippocampus. The results suggest that physiological stimulations such as exercise improve hippocampal function and suppress apoptosis, potentially preventing the memory loss associated with obesity-induced insulin resistance.potentially preventing the memory loss associated with obesity-induced insulin resistance. +
A high-fat diet leads to an accumulation o … A high-fat diet leads to an accumulation of lipid in skeletal muscle, and the development of both mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. Recently, our lab reported that lipid overload leads to elevated H2O2 emission from muscle mitochondria, and that mitochondrial-targeted scavenging of H2O2 completely prevents the development of high fat diet-induced insulin resistance. These findings raise the possibility that interventions which acutely restore cellular metabolic balance in muscle may also acutely restore insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity can be restored in skeletal muscle of high-fat fed rats by creating an acute deficit in metabolic balance via 2 h low-intensity treadmill exercise or 16 h fasting. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (125-150g) were either maintained on a standard high carbohydrate- diet or fed a high-fat (60%) diet for 6 weeks and divided into three groups the day before the study: one group was maintained on the normal high-fat diet, another group was fasted overnight (16 h), and a third group completed a single 2 h bout of low-intensity treadmill exercise (10 m/min) and then were given normal overnight ad libitum access to the high-fat diet. Oral glucose tolerance tests were administrated to assess insulin action. Red gastrocnemius muscles were harvested and permeabilized fibers prepared for determination of mitochondrial respiratory function and H2O2 emission. A single 16 h fast significantly (P<0.05) improved insulin sensitivity in rats maintained on a high-fat diet (P<0.05). Oxygen consumption rate in permeabilized fibers in response to submaximal and maximal ADP concentration when supported exclusively with complex I substrates were not different among groups. However, when respiration was supported by fatty acids (palmitoylcarnitine plus malate, complex I + II substrates), high-fat diet plus exercise group showed higher (P<0.05) rates compared with high-fat diet group. There were no significant differences in H2O2 emission among the 4 groups. In conclusion, a single 16 h overnight fast is sufficient to restore insulin sensitivity in high fat diet-induced insulin resistant rats, providing evidence that insulin action in muscle is acutely sensitive to the metabolic state of cells. A single bout of low-intensity treadmill exercise in high-fat fed rats failed to restore insulin action but increased ADP-stimulated respiratory capacity, providing evidence of an as yet unidentified regulatory mechanism of the respiratory system. Somewhat surprisingly however, neither fasting nor exercise altered the H2O2 emitting potential in permeabilized fibers, suggesting that further work is required to better understand the factors influencing mitochondrial function and their potential link to insulin sensitivity.lized fibers, suggesting that further work is required to better understand the factors influencing mitochondrial function and their potential link to insulin sensitivity. +
A high-resolution mtDNA phylogenetic tree … A high-resolution mtDNA phylogenetic tree allowed us to look backward in time to investigate purifying selection. Purifying selection was very strong in the last 2,500 years, continuously eliminating pathogenic mutations back until the end of the Younger Dryas (∼11,000 years ago), when a large population expansion likely relaxed selection pressure. This was preceded by a phase of stable selection until another relaxation occurred in the out-of-Africa migration. Demography and selection are closely related: expansions led to relaxation of selection and higher pathogenicity mutations significantly decreased the growth of descendants. The only detectible positive selection was the recurrence of highly pathogenic nonsynonymous mutations (m.3394T>C-m.3397A>G-m.3398T>C) at interior branches of the tree, preventing the formation of a dinucleotide STR (TATATA) in the MT-ND1 gene. At the most recent time scale in 124 mother-children transmissions, purifying selection was detectable through the loss of mtDNA variants with high predicted pathogenicity. A few haplogroup-defining sites were also heteroplasmic, agreeing with a significant propensity in 349 positions in the phylogenetic tree to revert back to the ancestral variant. This nonrandom mutation property explains the observation of heteroplasmic mutations at some haplogroup-defining sites in sequencing datasets, which may not indicate poor quality as has been claimed.© 2015 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.s has been claimed. © 2015 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC. +
A high-resolution oxygraph is a device for … A high-resolution oxygraph is a device for measuring cellular oxygen consumption in a closed-chamber system with very high resolution and sensitivity in biological samples (intact and permeabilized cells, tissues or isolated mitochondria). The high-resolution oxygraph device is equipped with two chambers and uses polarographic oxygen sensors to measure oxygen concentration and calculate oxygen consumption within each chamber. Oxygen consumption rates are calculated using software and expressed as picomoles per second per number of cells. Each high-resolution oxygraph chamber contains a stopper with injection ports, which makes it ideal for substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor titrations or detergent titration protocols for determining effective and optimum concentrations for plasma membrane permeabilization. The technique can be applied to measure respiration in a wide range of cell types and also provides information on mitochondrial quality and integrity, and maximal mitochondrial respiratory electron transport system capacity.ratory electron transport system capacity. +
A highly active DPNH-cytochrome c reductas … A highly active DPNH-cytochrome c reductase has been isolated from beef-heart mitochondria. The best preparations of the enzyme catalyze the reduction by DPNH of approx. 50–60 μmoles cytochrome c/min/mg protein at 38°. The enzymic activity is completely inhibited by Amytal, p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate, antimycin A, SN-5949 or 2-nonyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide, and is stimulated by EDTA. The preparation contains DPNH flavoprotein, cytochromes b and c1, Coenzyme Q and non-heme iron and is essentially free of succinic-cytochrome c reductase as well as cytochrome oxidase activity.se as well as cytochrome oxidase activity. +
A homozygous mutation in the complex III c … A homozygous mutation in the complex III chaperone BCS1L causes GRACILE syndrome (intrauterine growth restriction, aminoaciduria, cholestasis, hepatic iron overload, lactacidosis). In control and patient fibroblasts we localized BCS1L in inner mitochondrial membranes. In patient liver, kidney, and heart BCS1L and Rieske protein levels, as well as the amount and activity of complex III, were decreased. Major histopathology was found in kidney and liver with cirrhosis and iron deposition, but of iron-related proteins only ferritin levels were high. In placenta from a GRACILE fetus, the ferrooxidases ceruloplasmin and hephaestin were upregulated suggesting association between iron overload and placental dysfunction.n iron overload and placental dysfunction. +
A key component of scientific communicatio … A key component of scientific communication is sufficient information for other researchers in the field to reproduce published findings. For computational and data-enabled research, this has often been interpreted to mean making available the raw data from which results were generated, the computer code that generated the findings, and any additional information needed such as workflows and input parameters. Many journals are revising author guidelines to include data and code availability. This work evaluates the effectiveness of journal policy that requires the data and code necessary for reproducibility be made available postpublication by the authors upon request. We assess the effectiveness of such a policy by (i) requesting data and code from authors and (ii) attempting replication of the published findings. We chose a random sample of 204 scientific papers published in the journal Science after the implementation of their policy in February 2011. We found that we were able to obtain artifacts from 44 % of our sample and were able to reproduce the findings for 26 %. We find this policy—author remission of data and code postpublication upon request—an improvement over no policy, but currently insufficient for reproducibility.urrently insufficient for reproducibility. +
A key enzyme in brain glutamate homeostasi … A key enzyme in brain glutamate homeostasis is glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) which links carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism mediating glutamate degradation to CO2 and expanding tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle capacity with intermediates, i.e. anaplerosis. Humans express two GDH isoforms, GDH1 and 2, whereas most other mammals express only GDH1. hGDH1 is widely expressed in human brain while hGDH2 is confined to astrocytes. The two isoforms display different enzymatic properties and the nature of these supports that hGDH2 expression in astrocytes potentially increases glutamate oxidation and supports the TCA cycle during energy-demanding processes such as high intensity glutamatergic signaling. However, little is known about how expression of hGDH2 affects the handling of glutamate and TCA cycle metabolism in astrocytes. Therefore, we cultured astrocytes from cerebral cortical tissue of hGDH2-expressing transgenic mice. We measured glutamate uptake and metabolism using [3 H]glutamate, while the effect on metabolic pathways of glutamate and glucose was evaluated by use of 13 C and 14 C substrates and analysis by mass spectrometry and determination of radioactively labeled metabolites including CO2 , respectively. We conclude that hGDH2 expression increases capacity for uptake and oxidative metabolism of glutamate, particularly during increased workload and aglycemia. Additionally, hGDH2 expression increased utilization of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) during aglycemia and caused a general decrease in oxidative glucose metabolism. We speculate, that expression of hGDH2 allows astrocytes to spare glucose and utilize BCAAs during substrate shortages. These findings support the proposed role of hGDH2 in astrocytes as an important fail-safe during situations of intense glutamatergic activity.uations of intense glutamatergic activity. +
A key tenet of the oxidative stress theory … A key tenet of the oxidative stress theory of aging is that levels of accrued oxidative damage increase with age. Differences in damage generation and accumulation therefore may underlie the natural variation in species longevity. We compared age-related profiles of whole-organism lipid peroxidation (urinary isoprostanes) and liver lipid damage (malondialdehyde) in long living naked mole-rats [maximum lifespan (MLS) > 28.3 years] and shorter-living CB6F1 hybrid mice (MLS approximately 3.5 years). In addition, we compared age-associated changes in liver non-heme iron to assess how intracellular conditions, which may modulate oxidative processes, are affected by aging. Surprisingly, even at a young age, concentrations of both markers of lipid peroxidation, as well as of iron, were at least twofold (P < 0.005) greater in naked mole tats than in mice. This refutes the hypothesis that prolonged naked mole-rat longevity is due to superior protection against oxidative stress. The age-related profiles of all three parameters were distinctly species specific. Rates of lipid damage generation in mice were maintained throughout adulthood, while accrued damage in old animals was twice that of young mice. In naked mole-rats, urinary isoprostane excretion declined by half with age (P < 0.001), despite increases in tissue iron (P < 0.05). Contrary to the predictions of the oxidative stress theory, lipid damage levels did not change with age in mole-rats. These data suggest that the patterns of age-related changes in levels of markers of oxidative stress are species specific, and that the pronounced longevity of naked mole-rats is independent of oxidative stress parameters.le-rats is independent of oxidative stress parameters. +
A kinetic analysis of oxygen uptake was ca … A kinetic analysis of oxygen uptake was carried out in order to investigate the role of ubiquinone pool behaviour in plant mitochondria. The interaction of the external NADH dehydrogenase with either the cytochrome system or the cyanide-insensitive oxidase was examined under various conditions. The involvement of a ubiquinone pool can be deduced from the shape of the titration curve as the appropriate oxidase system is inhibited, by antimycin A for the cytochrome system and salicylhydroxamic acid for the cyanide-insensitive oxidase, at different activities of the NADH dehydrogenase. In the absence of a specific inhibitor, the turnover of the external NADH dehydrogenase was adjusted using a novel NADH-generating system involving the recycling of a low concentration of NAD+ by added glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the presence of substrate. The results show that ubiquinone pool behaviour is observed between the external NADH dehydrogenase and either the cytochrome b-c1 complex or the cyanide-insensitive oxidase. However, there is a substantial departure from pool behaviour during the simultaneous operation of both oxidases.e simultaneous operation of both oxidases. +
A lack of physical activity associates wit … A lack of physical activity associates with decreased mitochondrial capacity and is a major cause underlying metabolic dysregulation and preventable diseases in modern societies. In contrast, an active lifestyle supports enhanced mitochondrial capacities and reduces the risk of degenerative diseases. Despite this well-known relation between health and mitochondrial function, there is no regimented, quantitative system, or database organised to routinely test, compare and monitor mitochondrial capacities within individuals or populations. Every study of mitochondrial (mt) function and disease in human tissues and cells is faced with Evolution, Age, Gender, Lifestyle and Environment ([[EAGLE]]) as essential background conditions characterizing the individual patient, subject, study group, species, tissue or – to some extent - cell line. Only a large and well-coordinated network can manage to generate the necessary number of consistent data to address the complexity of EAGLE. Using [[high-resolution respirometry]], the [[K-Regio MitoFit]] and [[MitoEAGLE]] initiatives develop novel lab standards and diagnostic methods for monitoring of a mitochondrial fitness score. SOPs are elaborated for sample preparation, respiratory evaluation and data documentation. Fresh and cryopreserved cells obtained non-invasively from blood samples broaden the scope for respirometric mitochondrial diagnosis.for respirometric mitochondrial diagnosis. +
A lack of physical activity associates wit … A lack of physical activity associates with decreased mitochondrial capacity and is a major cause underlying metabolic dysregulation and preventable diseases in modern societies. In contrast, an active lifestyle supports enhanced mitochondrial capacities and reduces the risk of degenerative diseases. Despite this well-known relation between health and mitochondrial function, there is no regimented, quantitative system, or database organised to routinely test, compare and monitor mitochondrial capacities within individuals or populations. Using high-resolution respirometry, the MitoFit and MitoEAGLE initiatives will develop novel lab standards and diagnostic methods for the monitoring of a mitochondrial fitness score. To this end, SOPs will be worked out regarding sample preparation, respiratory evaluation and data documentation. Fresh and cryopreserved cells obtained noninvasively from blood samples will serve as models, the latter allowing samples to be collected for later analysis, thereby broadening the scope for respirometric investigations.This approach will then be expanded to all sorts of human tissues and cells of interest and assess aspects relating to Evolution, Age, Gender, Lifestyle and Environment (EAGLE) as essential background conditions characterizing the individual patient, subject, study group, and/or species. The huge scope of this endeavour requires an international network of laboratories capable of generating the necessary number of consistent data to address the complexity of EAGLE. Coping with the mass of the expected data necessitates a dedicated MitoEAGLE knowledge management network developing harmonization protocols towards generating a rigorously monitored data repository on mitochondrial respiratory function. The resulting MitoEAGLE data management system will enable to interrelate results of a large number of studies, to interpret pathological phenotypes, and to set results into the multidimensional context of EAGLE.nto the multidimensional context of EAGLE. +
A large conductance potassium (BKCa) chann … A large conductance potassium (BKCa) channel opener, NS1619 (1,3-dihydro-1- [2-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-benzimidazole-2-one), is well known for its protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the exact mode of its action remains unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of NS1619 on endothelial cells. The endothelial cell line EA.hy926, guinea pig hearts and submitochondrial particles isolated from the heart were used. In the isolated guinea pig hearts, which were perfused using the Langendorff technique, NS1619 caused a dose-dependent increase in coronary flow that was inhibited by L-NAME. In EA.hy926 cells, NS1619 also caused a dose-dependent increase in the intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca(2+)]i, as measured using the FURA-2 fluorescent probe. Moreover, NS1619 decreased the oxygen consumption rate in EA.hy926 cells, as assessed using a Clark-type oxygen electrode. However, when NS1619 was applied in the presence of oligomycin, the oxygen consumption increased. NS1619 also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, as measured using a JC-1 fluorescent probe in the presence and absence of oligomycin. Additionally, the application of NS1619 to submitochondrial particles inhibited ATP synthase. In summary, NS1619 has pleiotropic actions on EA.hy926 cells and acts not only as an opener of the BKCa channel in EA.hy926 cells but also as an inhibitor of the respiratory chain component, sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase, which leads to the release of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, NS1619 has the oligomycin-like property of inhibiting mitochondrial ATP synthase.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. +
A large number of enzyme systems are exami … A large number of enzyme systems are examined for the diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathies including the pyruvate dehidrogenase complex, tricarboxylic-acid-cycle enzymes and respiratory chain complexes. This investigation can be carried out in frozen tissue. For the study of oxidative phosphorilation in intact mitochondria, fresh muscle tissue is required, and isolation of mitochondria from large amounts of tissue (at least 500-1000 mg) is necessary. For ethical reason this imposes a serious limitation, especially in paediatric patients. Radiochemical measurements of oxidation rates in various substrates in 600 g supernatant from 100-300 mg amounts of muscle tissue has partly overcome this problem. (Bookelman ''et.al''., 1978). Owing to the low yield, the danger of selective isolation of different mitochondrial populations exists. In addition, since isolated mitochondria removed from their natural environment are more or less unstable, there is a possibility of artefacts. Recently, investigation of saponin-skinned muscle fibers by polarographic methods was reported for cardiac (Veksler ''et. al''., 1987) and human muscle tissue. In such permeabilized fibers, study of mitochondrial respiratory control is possible as in isolated mitochondria but without the disadvantages mentioned above (Letellier ''et.al''., 1992; Kunz ''et.al''., 1993).We investigated saponin-skinned muscle fibers in three patients suspected of a mitochondrial encephalo-myopathy. For our studies we used a specially developed respirometer with a sensitivity ten times higher than the established instruments (Kunz ''et.al''., 1993).ished instruments (Kunz ''et.al''., 1993). +
A large number of industrially relevant en … A large number of industrially relevant enzymes depend upon nicotinamide cofactors, which are too expensive to be added in stoichiometric amounts. Existing NAD(P)H-recycling systems suffer from low activity, or the generation of side products. H₂-driven cofactor regeneration has the advantage of 100% atom efficiency and the use of H₂ as a cheap reducing agent, in a world where sustainable energy carriers are increasingly attractive. The state of development of H₂-driven cofactor-recycling systems and examples of their integration with enzyme reactions are summarized in this article. The O₂-tolerant NAD⁺-reducing hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha is a particularly attractive candidate for this approach, and we therefore discuss its catalytic properties that are relevant for technical applications.t are relevant for technical applications. +
A library of thirty-two quinolinequinones … A library of thirty-two quinolinequinones (QQs) with various amine substituents at the 6- and 7-positions were synthesised efficiently and in good yields for evaluation as potential anti-tuberculosis agents. ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' growth inhibition assays demonstrated that QQs bearing moderate length alkyl chains (i.e. heptylphenylamino- and octylamino-QQs), and aryl groups (i.e. phenylethylamino- and benzylamino-QQs) exhibited encouraging inhibitory activity, while QQ analogue 7-chloro-6-propargylamino-quinoline-5,8-dione (16b) had excellent inhibitory activity (MIC = 8 μM). The cLogP values and redox activities of the QQs were determined, and neither readout correlated with the anti-mycobacterial activities of the compounds. Notwithstanding, mode of action studies of 16b revealed that treatment of ''M. tuberculosis'' with this compound led to activation of NADH-dependent oxygen consumption suggesting a redox cycling mechanism. To this end, the promising anti-mycobacterial activity of several QQs and their ability to perturb oxygen management leading to an uncontrolled respiratory burst, as identified in this work and by others, demonstrates the merit of further optimising the anti-mycobacterial activity of this readily synthesised class of compound.Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.right © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd. +
A limited decrease in mitochondrial membra … A limited decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential can be beneficial for cells, especially under some pathological conditions, suggesting that mild uncouplers (protonophores) causing such an effect are promising candidates for therapeutic uses. The great majority of protonophores are weak acids capable of permeating across membranes in their neutral and anionic forms. In the present study, protonophorous activity of a series of derivatives of cationic rhodamine 19, including dodecylrhodamine (C(12)R1) and its conjugate with plastoquinone (SkQR1), was revealed using a variety of assays. Derivatives of rhodamine B, lacking dissociable protons, showed no protonophorous properties. In planar bilayer lipid membranes, separating two compartments differing in pH, diffusion potential of H(+) ions was generated in the presence of C(12)R1 and SkQR1. These compounds induced pH equilibration in liposomes loaded with the pH probe pyranine. C(12)R1 and SkQR1 partially stimulated respiration of rat liver mitochondria in State 4 and decreased their membrane potential. Also, C(12)R1 partially stimulated respiration of yeast cells but, unlike the anionic protonophore FCCP, did not suppress their growth. Loss of function of mitochondrial DNA in yeast (grande-petite transformation) is known to cause a major decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential. We found that petite yeast cells are relatively more sensitive to the anionic uncouplers than to C(12)R1 compared with grande cells. Together, our data suggest that rhodamine 19-based cationic protonophores are self-limiting; their uncoupling activity is maximal at high membrane potential, but the activity decreases membrane potentials, which causes partial efflux of the uncouplers from mitochondria and, hence, prevents further membrane potential decrease.vents further membrane potential decrease. +
A major international movement is in progr … A major international movement is in progress to extend metrication using the International System of Units. Significantly involved is the field of medicine. Extensive changes adopted abroad now appear in foreign medical literature, and physicians in the United States commonly are unprepared to interpret medical information from abroad because the data are reported in unfamiliar terms. The system has broad immediate and future implications to American physicians.uture implications to American physicians. +
A major unanswered question regarding the … A major unanswered question regarding the dispersal of modern humans around the world concerns the geographical site of the first human steps outside of Africa. The "southern coastal route" model predicts that the early stages of the dispersal took place when people crossed the Red Sea to southern Arabia, but genetic evidence has hitherto been tenuous. We have addressed this question by analyzing the three minor west-Eurasian haplogroups, N1, N2, and X. These lineages branch directly from the first non-African founder node, the root of haplogroup N, and coalesce to the time of the first successful movement of modern humans out of Africa, ∼60 thousand years (ka) ago. We sequenced complete mtDNA genomes from 85 Southwest Asian samples carrying these haplogroups and compared them with a database of 300 European examples. The results show that these minor haplogroups have a relict distribution that suggests an ancient ancestry within the Arabian Peninsula, and they most likely spread from the Gulf Oasis region toward the Near East and Europe during the pluvial period 55-24 ka ago. This pattern suggests that Arabia was indeed the first staging post in the spread of modern humans around the world.Copyright © 2012 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.shed by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
A medium of containing high levels of pota … A medium of containing high levels of potassium chloride (KCl) is commonly used when assessing respiratory function of isolated mitochondria from various tissues. However, the measured intracellular [K+] in kidney proximal tubular cells is about 60 mM and in cardiac myocytes approximately 130 mM. Therefore, the use of a similar media [K+] for all tissues seems unsupported. Here we investigated the effect of different [K+] on respiratory function in mitochondria isolated from kidney cortex and heart of healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats.Oxygen consumptions and the respiratory control ratios (RCR) were measured using respiratory medias containing [K+] of 15, 37, 81, 111 and 146 mM. In all measurements, the media contained (in mM): 1 EGTA, 20 HEPES, 5 MgCl2, 5 KPO4- and 1 g/l bovine serum albumin. pH was adjusted to 7.4 and the osmolarity to 330 mosm/kg HK2O using a 1:3 ratio of sucrose and mannitol.The RCR of kidney cortex mitochondria decreased when the [K+] was elevated compared to the media containing 15 mM K+ (5.2±0.2 vs. 2.5±0.2, 3.7±0.2, 3.9±0.2, 3.0±0.1, respectively). However, RCR of heart mitochondria was lowest at 37 mM (3.9±0.3) and was highest at 146 mM K+ (10.1±0.45). A two-way ANOVA showed that kidney cortex mitochondria have a different sensitivity towards K+ compared to heart mitochondria (interaction P<0.05, treatment P<0.05, group P<0.05). Glibenclamide (100 µM), an inhibitor of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel, increased RCR in kidney cortex mitochondria at 15 mM K+ (+32%), but significantly more at 146 mM K+ (+47%). Blockade of the voltage-gated K+ channel by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 1 mM) together with glibenclamide improved RCR by +73% at 146 mM K+. Neither of the applied K+-channel blockers had any effect on the RCR of heart mitochondria. Mitochondria swelling at increasing [K+] were observed in kidney cortex mitochondria, measured as loss of absorbance at 540 nm.Kidney cortex mitochondria in K+-based media are non-functional in [K+] ranging from 37-146 mM. Heart mitochondria do not display K+-sensitivity to the same degree, but rather increase respiratory function with increasing [K+]. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a tissue specific difference in mitochondria K+-channels may explain these differences. The present study therefore demonstrates the importance of choosing a correct ''in vitro media'' to ensure a high quality of mitochondria research.urthermore, we demonstrated that a tissue specific difference in mitochondria K+-channels may explain these differences. The present study therefore demonstrates the importance of choosing a correct ''in vitro media'' to ensure a high quality of mitochondria research. +
A method for low-level, low-potential elec … A method for low-level, low-potential electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide using a chemically activated redox mediator is presented. This method is unique in that it utilizes a mediator, Amplex Red, which is only redox-active when chemically oxidized by H2O2 in the presence of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP). When employed in concert with microelectrode square wave voltammetry to optimize sensing at ultralow concentrations (<1 microM), this method exhibits marked improvements in analytical sensitivity and detection limits (limit of detection as low as 8 pM) over existing protocols. Sensing schemes incorporating both freely diffusing and immobilized HRP are evaluated, and the resulting analytical sensitivities are 1.22 +/- 0.04 and (2.1 +/- 0.6) x 10(-1) microA/(microM mm2), respectively, for peroxide concentrations in the high picomolar to low micromolar range. A second linear region exists for lower peroxide concentrations. Furthermore, quantitative enzyme kinetics analysis using Michaelis-Menten parameters is possible through interpretation of data collected in this scheme. Km values for soluble and immobilized HRP were 84 +/- 13 and 504 +/- 19 microM, respectively. This method is amenable to any biological detection scheme that generates hydrogen peroxide as a reactive product.ates hydrogen peroxide as a reactive product. +
A method for treating a microbial infection in a subject includes administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition which has a therapeutically effective amount of an antimicrobial peptide containing a derivative of P-113. +
A mild inhibition of mitochondrial respira … A mild inhibition of mitochondrial respiration extends the life span of many organisms, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. One environmental condition that reduces rates of respiration is hypoxia (low oxygen). Thus, it is possible that mechanisms that sense oxygen play a role in the longevity response to reduced respiration. The hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1 is a highly conserved transcription factor that activates genes that promote survival during hypoxia. In this study, we show that inhibition of respiration in C. elegans can promote longevity by activating HIF-1. Through genome-wide screening, we found that RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of many genes encoding respiratory-chain components induced hif-1-dependent transcription. Moreover, HIF-1 was required for the extended life spans of clk-1 and isp-1 mutants, which have reduced rates of respiration. Inhibiting respiration appears to activate HIF-1 by elevating the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that ROS are increased in respiration mutants and that mild increases in ROS can stimulate HIF-1 to activate gene expression and promote longevity. In this way, HIF-1 appears to link respiratory stress in the mitochondria to a nuclear transcriptional response that promotes longevity.iptional response that promotes longevity. +
A moderate elevation of reactive oxygen sp … A moderate elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a mild inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain have been associated with a health promotion and a lifespan extension in several animal models of aging. Here, we tested whether this phenomenon called mitohormesis could be mediated by L-lactate. The treatment with 5 mM L-lactate significantly increased H2O2 production and slightly inhibited the respiration in cultured skin fibroblasts and in isolated mitochondria. The L-lactate exposure was associated with oxidation of intracellular glutathione, phosphorylation of 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC1α) transcription. A replicative aging of fibroblasts (L0) with a constant (LC), or intermittent 5 mM L-lactate (LI) in media showed that the high-passage LI fibroblasts have higher respiration, lower H2O2 release, and lower secretion of L-lactate compared to L0 and LC. This protection against mitochondrial dysfunction in LI cells was associated with lower activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), less signs of cellular senescence, and increased autophagy compared to L0 and LC. In conclusion, we demonstrated that intermittent but not constant exposure to L-lactate triggers mitohormesis, prevents aging-associated mitochondrial dysfunction, and improves other markers of aging. prevents aging-associated mitochondrial dysfunction, and improves other markers of aging. +
A moderate reduction of body temperature c … A moderate reduction of body temperature can induce a remarkable lifespan extension. Here we examine the link between cold temperature, germ line fitness and organismal longevity. We show that low temperature reduces age-associated exhaustion of germ stem cells (GSCs) in ''Caenorhabditis elegans'', a process modulated by thermosensory neurons. Notably, robust self-renewal of adult GSCs delays reproductive aging and is required for extended lifespan at cold temperatures. These cells release prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to induce cbs-1 expression in the intestine, increasing somatic production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule that prolongs lifespan. Whereas loss of adult GSCs reduces intestinal cbs-1 expression and cold-induced longevity, application of exogenous PGE2 rescues these phenotypes. Importantly, tissue-specific intestinal overexpression of cbs-1 mimics cold-temperature conditions and extends longevity even at warm temperatures. Thus, our results indicate that GSCs communicate with somatic tissues to coordinate extended reproductive capacity with longevity.nded reproductive capacity with longevity. +
A morphological hallmark of the failing hu … A morphological hallmark of the failing human heart is a devastative autophagic degradation of cellular structures starting from the perinuclear region, proposed to actively shift the heart into a decompensated state [1]. We studied heart samples from different species, i.e. a mouse model of cardiac specific expression of MCP1 that autonomously develops heart failure [2], hibernating Syrian hamsters [3] and a pig model of mitochondrial dysfunction exposed to hyperbaric oxygen.Our data reveal an age-dependent increase of perinuclear degradation in mouse hearts that occurred prior to the onset of cardiac dysfunction. These center core-like lesions in the myofibrillar compartment are most likely the end-stage result of a vicious cycle that starts with a physiological response to lowered levels of cardiac workload. Accordingly we found that in hibernating Syrian hamsters under conditions of depressed metabolism interfibrillar mitochondria are reversibly silenced whilst subsarcolemmal mitochondria remain more active. Central remodeling of cardiomyocyte compartments is a phenomenon primarily known in the hibernating myocardium [4]. Here we show in pig hearts that the isolated impairment of the interfibrillary compartment can be fully re-activated upon treatment with hyperbaric oxygen.We conclude that differential compartment regulation by switching the activity status of mitochondrial sub-populations from on to off and vice versa might provide a hitherto unnoticed flexible on-demand plasticity in cardiomyocytes. Such alterations make proper myofibril contraction in the silenced compartment unlikely. Silenced mitochondria can be re-activated on demand. Only long-lasting mitochondrial silencing, e.g. upon chronic cardiac overload, might increase the risk of adverse cardiomyocyte remodeling. risk of adverse cardiomyocyte remodeling. +
A new criterion is utilized for the interp … A new criterion is utilized for the interpretation of flow-force relationships in rat liver mitochondria. The criterion is based on the view that the nature of the relationship between the H+/O ratio and the membrane potential can be inferred from the relationship between ohmic-uncoupler-induced extra respiration and the membrane potential. Thus a linear relationship between extra respiration and membrane potential indicates unequivocally the independence of the H+/O ratio from the membrane potential and the leak nature of the resting respiration [Brand, Chien, and Diolez (1994) Biochem. J. 297, 27-29]. On the other hand, a non-linear relationship indicates that the H+/O ratio is dependent on the membrane potential. The experimental assessment of this relationship in the presence of an additional ohmic leak, however, is rendered difficult by both the uncoupler-induced depression of membrane potential and the limited range of dependence of the H+/O ratio on the membrane potential. We have selected conditions, i.e. incubation of mitochondria at low temperatures, where the extent of non-linearity is markedly increased. It appears that the nature of the resting respiration of mitochondria in vitro is markedly dependent on the temperature: at low temperatures the percentage of resting respiration due to membrane leak decreases and that due to intrinsic uncoupling of the proton pumps increases. uncoupling of the proton pumps increases. +
A novel method exploiting the differential … A novel method exploiting the differential affinity of ADP and ATP to Mg(2+) was developed to measure mitochondrial ADP-ATP exchange rate. The rate of ATP appearing in the medium after addition of ADP to energized mitochondria, is calculated from the measured rate of change in free extramitochondrial [Mg2+] reported by the membrane-impermeable 5K+ salt of the Mg2+-sensitive fluorescent indicator, Magnesium Green, using standard binding equations. The assay is designed such that the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is the sole mediator of changes in [Mg2+] in the extramitochondrial volume, as a result of ADP-ATP exchange. We also provide data on the dependence of ATP efflux rate within the 6.8-7.8 matrix pH range as a function of membrane potential. Finally, by comparing the ATP-ADP steady-state exchange rate to the amount of the ANT in rat brain synaptic, brain nonsynaptic, heart and liver mitochondria, we provide molecular turnover numbers for the known ANT isotypes. and liver mitochondria, we provide molecular turnover numbers for the known ANT isotypes. +
A novel method useful in drug screening. T … A novel method useful in drug screening. The method is useful for testing effects of substances on the mitochondria, notably toxic or beneficial effects of drug substances or candidate drug substances. The method is based on measurement in live human mitochondria ''ex vivo'', but in a setting as near the ''in vivo'' situation as possible. The method is also useful for testing substances impact on the mitochondrial respiration. The method can be used to i) screening and selection of early or late stage drug candidates in cells derived from blood from healthy individuals or in so-called buffy coat, which is a concentrated solution of platelets and white blood cells, ii) testing a patient's sensitivity to a known mitochondrial toxicant, iii) analysing mitochondrial drug toxicity in clinical trials, and/or iv) analysing beneficial effects of drugs intended to improve mitochondrial function.ntended to improve mitochondrial function. +
A nucleic acid sequence encoding the yeast … A nucleic acid sequence encoding the yeast NDI1 protein of SEQ ID NO: 542 or a functional variant thereof having at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 2 is described. The nucleic acid sequence comprises at least 50 codons which are codon optimised compared with the sequence of yeast NDI1 gene of SEQ ID NO: 1. An immune optimised functional variant of the yeast NDI1 protein of SEQ ID NO: 542 having at least 90% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 542 is also described, and includes at least one amino acid change selected from the group consisting of L194F, K283E, K9R, S142N, L501M, L402I, A386S, S85K, F89H, L93M, K195E, L18M, K213E, K372E, L258F, K510E, L158M, R478Q, L482M. K372E, L258F, K510E, L158M, R478Q, L482M. +
A number of functions for coenzyme Q (CoQ) … A number of functions for coenzyme Q (CoQ) have been established during the years but its role as an effective antioxidant of the cellular membranes remains of dominating interest. This compound is our only endogenously synthesized lipid soluble antioxidant, present in all membranes and exceeding both in amount and efficiency that of other antioxidants. The protective effect is extended to lipids, proteins and DNA mainly because of its close localization to the oxidative events and the effective regeneration by continuous reduction at all locations. Its biosynthesis is influenced by nuclear receptors which may give the possibility, in the future, by using agonists or antagonists, of reestablishing the normal level in deficiencies caused by genetic mutations, aging or cardiomyopathy. An increase in CoQ concentration in specific cellular compartments in the presence of various types of oxidative stress appears to be of considerable interest.ss appears to be of considerable interest. +
A number of genes have been linked to fami … A number of genes have been linked to familial forms of the fatal motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Over 150 mutations within the gene encoding superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been implicated in ALS, but why such mutations lead to ALS-associated cellular dysfunction is unclear. In this study, we identify how ALS-linked SOD1 mutations lead to changes in the cellular health of the yeast ''Saccharomyces cerevisiae''. We find that it is not the accumulation of aggregates but the loss of Sod1 protein stability that drives cellular dysfunction. The toxic effect of Sod1 instability does not correlate with a loss of mitochondrial function or increased production of reactive oxygen species, but instead prevents acidification of the vacuole, perturbs metabolic regulation and promotes senescence. Central to the toxic gain-of-function seen with the SOD1 mutants examined was an inability to regulate amino acid biosynthesis. We also report that leucine supplementation results in an improvement in motor function in a ''Caenorhabditis elegans'' model of ALS. Our data suggest that metabolic dysfunction plays an important role in Sod1-mediated toxicity in both the yeast and worm models of ALS.© 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.ublished by The Company of Biologists Ltd. +
A phylogenetic analysis of 1125 global hum … A phylogenetic analysis of 1125 global human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences permitted positioning of all nucleotide substitutions according to their order of occurrence. The relative frequency and amino acid conservation of internal branch replacement mutations was found to increase from tropical Africa to temperate Europe and arctic northeastern Siberia. Particularly highly conserved amino acid substitutions were found at the roots of multiple mtDNA lineages from higher latitudes. These same lineages correlate with increased propensity for energy deficiency diseases as well as longevity. Thus, specific mtDNA replacement mutations permitted our ancestors to adapt to more northern climates, and these same variants are influencing our health today.variants are influencing our health today. +
A preprint is a complete scientific manusc … A preprint is a complete scientific manuscript (often one also being submitted to a peer-reviewed journal) that is uploaded by the authors to a public server without formal review. After a brief inspection to ensure that the work is scientific in nature, the posted scientific manuscript can be viewed without charge on the Web.Conclusions: Preprints could play important roles in accelerating scientific progress; they could serve the needs and foster the careers of scientists; and, in cooperation with existing journals, they could enhance the current system for communicating results and ideas in the life sciences. However, preprints are relatively new to biology, and many questions remain unanswered. Will funding agencies encourage the use of preprint servers? Will all journals accept manuscripts for publication after they have been disseminated as preprints? Will the life sciences community find ways to make biology preprints easily discoverable? And will researchers themselves decide to submit, cite, and evaluate work presented in preprint form? The cooperative spirit displayed by the attendees at ASAPbio gives hope that these complex issues, as well as others that limit the communication of scientific ideas and results, can be addressed in a productive and thoughtful manner.sed in a productive and thoughtful manner. +
A preprint is a scholarly manuscript poste … A preprint is a scholarly manuscript posted by the author(s) in an openly accessible platform, usually before or in parallel with the peer review process. While the sharing of manuscripts via preprint platforms has been common in some disciplines (such as physics and mathematics) for many years, uptake in other disciplines traditionally had been low, possibly influenced by differences in research culture and strong opposition by some journal publishers [1]. The landscape has evolved rapidly in other fields in recent years, however, thanks to the launch of additional, discipline-specific preprint platforms and increased support by funders and initiatives such as ASAPBio[2, 3].ers and initiatives such as ASAPBio[2, 3]. +
A previous critique of the term facultative invertebrate anaerobiosis focused on the duration of anoxia. An addition, important, yet much neglected aspect is dicussed here, namely the extent and quantification of the 'anaerobic' condition. +
A previous phylogenetic analysis among 15 … A previous phylogenetic analysis among 15 taxa of the teleost fish ''Fundulus'' suggested that there should be thermal-adaptive differences in heart metabolism among populations. To test this hypothesis, the rate of oxygen consumption and the activities of all 11 glycolytic enzymes were measured in isolated heart ventricle from two populations of ''Fundulus heteroclitus''. Heart ventricular metabolism is greater in a northern population versus a southern population of these fish. Analysis of the amount of glycolytic enzymes indicates that 87% of the variation in cardiac metabolism within and between populations is explained by the variation in three enzymes (pyruvate kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase). These enzymes are the same three enzymes that were predicted to be important based on previously determined phylogenetic patterns of expression. Our data indicate that near-equilibrium enzymes, as well as classically defined rate-limiting enzymes, can also influence metabolism.ng enzymes, can also influence metabolism. +
A procedure has been developed for the pre … A procedure has been developed for the preparation of microbial biomass of standard, defined quality suitable for the determination of elemental composition and enthalpy of combustion. Furthermore methods for the determination of residual moisture and ash content of biomass samples have been established. The results indicate that samples should be prepared in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) state and that residual moisture content should be determined immediately prior to sample preparation for combustion calorimetry and elemental analysis. Results from such analysis should then be related to material which is first freeze- dried and subsequently oven dried (100 °C for 24 hours) as reference state. The method outlined here for microbial biomass should prove suitable for biological samples from a wide variety of sources including both pure proteins, fats etc. as well as cells and tissues.s, fats etc. as well as cells and tissues. +
A protein determination method which invol … A protein determination method which involves the binding of Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 to protein is described. The binding of the dye to protein causes a shift in the absorption maximum of the dye from 465 to 595 nm, and it is the increase in absorption at 595 nm which is monitored. This assay is very reproducible and rapid with the dye binding process virtually complete in approximately 2 min with good color stability for 1 hr. There is little or no interference from cations such as sodium or potassium nor from carbohydrates such as sucrose. A small amount of color is developed in the presence of strongly alkaline buffering agents, but the assay may be run accurately by the use of proper buffer controls. The only components found to give excessive interfering color in the assay are relatively large amounts of detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, Triton X-100, and commercial glassware detergents. Interference by small amounts of detergent may be eliminated by the use of proper controls. eliminated by the use of proper controls. +
A protein factor, designated as Factor B, … A protein factor, designated as Factor B, was extracted from lyophilized acetone-washed bovine heart mitochondria and purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose. Centrifugation in a sucrose density gradient showed that the activity of the purified factor was closely associated with a symmetrical protein peak comprising approximately 70% of the protein. Its molecular weight was estimated to be 32,000, using hemoglobin and cytochrome c as markers. Factor B produces several-fold stimulation of ATP-driven NAD reduction, and of net phosphorylation coupled to NADH or succinate oxidation in ammonia particles. The stimulation of ATP-driven NAD reduction activity exceeds that given by an optimal amount of oligomycin, and in the presence of a saturation level of Factor B, oligomycin stimulation disappears. Also, Factor B stimulation is evident in urea-depleted particles which have been supplemented by Factor A. These particles show no stimulation by oligomycin. The results suggest that Factor B may participate in the energy transfer reactions between the respiratory chain and the terminal step resulting in ATP synthesis. terminal step resulting in ATP synthesis. +
A recent seminal paper implicated ischemia … A recent seminal paper implicated ischemia-related succinate accumulation followed by succinate driven-reactive oxygen species formation as key driver of ischemia reperfusion injury. Although the data show that the mechanism is universal for all organs tested (kidney, liver, heart and brain), a remaining question is to what extend these observations for mouse translate to man. We here show that succinate accumulation is not a universal event during ischemia, and does not occur during renal graft procurement, in fact tissue succinate content progressively decreases with advancing graft ischemia time (p<0.007). Contrasting responses were also found with respect to mitochondrial susceptibility towards ischemia and reperfusion, with rodent mitochondria robustly resistant towards warm ischemia, but human and pig mitochondria being highly susceptible to warm ischemia (p<0.05). These observations suggest that succinate-driven reactive oxygen formation does not occur in the context of kidney transplantation. In fact absent allantoin release from the reperfused grafts suggests minimal oxidative stress during clinical reperfusion.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. +
A review was conducted of studies that ass … A review was conducted of studies that assessed the effects of acute bouts of physical activity on adults' cognitive performance. Three groups of studies were constituted on the basis of the type of exercise protocol employed. Each group was then evaluated in terms of information-processing theory. It was concluded that submaximal aerobic exercise performed for periods up to 60 min facilitate specific aspects of information processing; however, extended exercise that leads to dehydration compromises both information processing and memory functions. The selective effects of exercise on cognitive performance are explained in terms of Sanders' [Acta Psychol. 53 (1983) 61] cognitive-energetic model.. 53 (1983) 61] cognitive-energetic model. +
A screen has been performed of possible in … A screen has been performed of possible inhibitors of the quinol oxidation sites of the two terminal oxidases of ''Escherichia coli'', cytochromes bo and bd. Aurachin C and its analogues were found to be particularly effective inhibitors of both enzymes, whereas aurachin D and its analogues displayed a selectivity for inhibition of cytochrome bd. In addition, a tridecyl derivative of stigmatellin was found to inhibit cytochrome bo at concentrations which were without significant effect on cytochrome bd. Titration of membrane-bound cytochromes bo and bd with aurachin C gave an observed dissociation constant in the range of 10-8 M. A similar observed dissociation constant was determined for aurachin D inhibition of cytochrome bd. For both enzymes, their kinetic behavior during a series of substrate pulses indicates that it is reduction of the enzyme by quinol, and not reaction with oxygen, which is inhibited. It is concluded that the aurachins are powerful inhibitors of the quinol oxidation sites of bacterial cytochromes bo and bd. The effects of aurachin C on cytochrome bo were investigated in more detail. The number of inhibitor binding sites on the purified enzyme was determined by titration to be 0.6 per enzyme. At an inhibitorloxidase ratio of 1.0, electron donation into the enzyme from added quinol is extremely slow, making it very unlikely that there is more than one quinone-reactive site. Aurachin C caused a potent inhibition of electron donation from a pulse of quinol. In contrast, it was without effect on cyanide or carbon monoxide binding to the reduced enzyme, on cyanide binding to the oxidized enzyme, on the optical spectra of the heme groups, or on the kinetics of oxygen reduction after photolysis of carbon monoxide from the reduced enzyme. We conclude that binding of aurachin C specifically inhibits the quinol oxidation site and does not directly affect the properties of the binuclear center.irectly affect the properties of the binuclear center. +
A simple method for the accurate determina … A simple method for the accurate determination of free [Ca] in ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)-buffered Ca solutions is described. This method is useful for calibration of Ca macro- and microelectrodes to low free [Ca] and should improve the reliability of calculated free [Ca] in more complex solutions. Briefly, free [Ca] in Ca-EGTA solutions is measured with a Ca electrode, bound Ca is calculated, and Scatchard and double-reciprocal plots are resolved for the total [EGTA] and the apparent Ca-EGTA association constant (K'Ca) in the solutions used. The free [Ca] is then recalculated using the determined parameters, giving a more accurate knowledge of the free [Ca] in these solutions and providing an accurate calibration curve for the Ca electrode. These solutions can then be used to calibrate other Ca electrodes (e.g., Ca microelectrodes) or the calibrated Ca electrode can be used to measure free [Ca] in solutions containing multiple metal ligands. This method allows determination of free [Ca], K'Ca, and total [EGTA] in the actual solutions used regardless of pH, temperature, or ionic strength. It does not require accurate knowledge of K'Ca or EGTA purity and circumvents many potential errors due to assumption of binding parameters. K'Ca was found to be 2.45 +/- 0.04 X 10(6) M-1 in 100 mM KCl, 10 mM N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid, and 1 mM EGTA at pH 7.00 and 23 degrees C. Total [EGTA] varied with supplier but was always less than quoted. supplier but was always less than quoted. +
A simple method to cryogenically preserve … A simple method to cryogenically preserve hepatocyte monolayers is currently not available but such a technique would facilitate numerous applications in the field of biomedical engineering, cell line development, and drug screening. We investigated the effect of trehalose and dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) in cryopreservation of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells in suspension and monolayer formats. HepG2 cell monolayers were incubated for 24 h at varying concentrations of trehalose (50-150 mM) prior to cryopreservation to identify the optimum concentration for such preincubation. When trehalose alone was used as the cryoprotective agent (CPA), cells in monolayer format did not survive freezing while cells in suspension demonstrated 14% viability 24 h after thawing. Only 6-13% of cells in monolayers survived freezing in cell culture medium supplemented with 10% Me2SO, but 42% of cells were recovered successfully if monolayers were preincubated with 100 mM trehalose prior to freezing in the Me2SO supplemented medium. Interestingly, for cells frozen in suspension in presence of 10% Me2SO, metabolic activity immediately following thawing did not change appreciably compared to unfrozen control cells. Finally, Raman spectroscopy techniques were employed to evaluate ice crystallization in the presence and absence of trehalose in freezing solutions without cells because crystallization may alter the extent of injury observed in cell monolayers. We speculate that biomimetic approaches of using protective sugars to preserve cells in monolayer format will facilitate the development of techniques for long-term preservation of human tissues and organs in the future.of human tissues and organs in the future. +
A simple spectrophotometric assay was deve … A simple spectrophotometric assay was developed for peroxisomal fatty [[acyl-CoA oxidase]] activity. The assay, based on the H2O2-dependent oxidation of leuco-dichlorofluorescein catalysed by exogenous [[peroxidase]], is more sensitive than methods previously described. By using mouse liver samples, cofactor requirements were assessed and a linear relationship was demonstrated between dye oxidation and enzyme concentration. By using this assay on subcellular fractions, palmitoyl-CoA oxidase activity was localized for the first time in microperoxisomes of rat intestine. The assay was also adapted to measure D-amino acid oxidase activity, demonstrating the versatility of this method for measuring activity of other H2O2-producing oxidases.g activity of other H2O2-producing oxidases. +
A simple, accurate and rapid voltammetric … A simple, accurate and rapid voltammetric method has been developed for the quantitative determination of coenzyme Q10. Studies with direct current voltammetry were carried out using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.86). A well-defined oxidation peak of CoQ10 was obtained at -0.600 V vs Ag/AgCl. The magnitude of the oxidation peak current has been found to be related to the concentration of the coenzyme over the range of (2·10-5 to 2·10-4 M) (''r'' = 0.991). Antioxidant activity of CoQ10 was investigated.) (''r'' = 0.991). Antioxidant activity of CoQ10 was investigated. +
A single high-fat meal acutely increases s … A single high-fat meal acutely increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial H2O2 emitting potential (mEH2O2), shifts the intracellular redox environment to a more oxidized state, and increases circulating markers of oxidative stress. Bioenergetically, this implies an acute lipid load may elevate the reducing pressure/membrane potential ({Delta}{Psi}m) within mitochondria and, conversely, that even a mild increase in energy expenditure may be sufficient to prevent these effects. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats received an oral lipid gavage (20% intralipid, 45 Kcal/kg lean body mass) or water followed either by 2h of rest or 1h of rest plus 1h of low intensity treadmill exercise (15 m/min, 0% grade). Permeabilized fiber bundles were prepared from red gastrocnemius muscle for testing mitochondrial function. In rats receiving lipid, {Delta}{Psi}m and mEH2O2 were higher (P<0.05) and calcium retention capacity (mCa2+RC, an index of resistance to mitochondrial permeability transition) was lower under state IV and/or "clamped" ADP-stimulated state III conditions. All three effects were prevented when lipid gavage was followed by low-intensity exercise. Respiratory capacity was unaffected by any of the interventions. These findings provide evidence that mitochondrial {Delta}{Psi}m, mEH2O2, and mCa2+RC are acutely affected by nutritional overload in skeletal muscle, but can be prevented by low intensity exercise. NIH DK073488ented by low intensity exercise. NIH DK073488 +
A single missense mutation at position 159 … A single missense mutation at position 159 of coenzyme Q9 (COQ9) (G→A; rs109301586) has been associated with genetic variation in fertility in Holstein cattle, with the A allele associated with higher fertility. COQ9 is involved in the synthesis of coenzyme COQ10, a component of the electron transport system of the mitochondria. Here we tested whether reproductive phenotype is associated with the mutation and evaluated functional consequences for cellular oxygen metabolism, body weight changes, and ovarian function. The mutation in COQ9 modifies predicted tertiary protein structure and affected mitochondrial respiration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The A allele was associated with low resting oxygen consumption and high electron transport system capacity. Phenotypic measurements for fertility were evaluated for up to five lactations in a population of 2273 Holstein cows. There were additive effects of the mutation (P < 0.05) in favor of the A allele for pregnancy rate, interval from calving to conception, and services per conception. There was no association of genotype with milk production or body weight changes ''postpartum''. The mutation in COQ9 affected ovarian function; the A allele was associated with increased mitochondrial DNA copy number in oocytes, and there were overdominance effects for COQ9 expression in oocytes, follicle number, and antimullerian hormone concentrations. Overall, results show how a gene involved in mitochondrial function is associated with overall fertility, possibly in part by affecting oocyte quality.possibly in part by affecting oocyte quality. +
A small portion of the oxygen consumed by … A small portion of the oxygen consumed by aerobic cells is converted to superoxide anion at the level of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. If produced in excess, this harmful radical is considered to impair cellular structures and functions. Damage at the level of mitochondria have been reported after ischemia and reperfusion of organs. However, the complexity of the ''in vivo'' system prevents from understanding and describing precise mechanisms and locations of mitochondrial impairment. An ''in vitro'' model of isolated-mitochondria anoxia-reoxygenation is used to investigate superoxide anion generation together with specific damage at the level of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Superoxide anion is detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping with POBN-ethanol. Mitochondrial respiratory parameters are calculated from oxygen consumption traces recorded with a Clark electrode. Respiring mitochondria produce superoxide anion in unstressed conditions, however, the production is raised during postanoxic reoxygenation. Several respiratory parameters are impaired after reoxygenation, as shown by decreases of phosphorylating and uncoupled respiration rates and of ADP/O ratio and by increase of resting respiration. Partial protection of mitochondrial function by POBN suggests that functional damage is related and secondary to superoxide anion production by the mitochondria ''in vitro''.oduction by the mitochondria ''in vitro''. +
A suboptimal prenatal environment can affe … A suboptimal prenatal environment can affect organogenesis and the natural development of an individual by epigenetic modifications of the genome. While these changes are permanent, it is common not to see any pathological effects until adulthood. The impact of nutritional insults during development has been well-studied in a wide variation of physiological systems. Less studied however, are the effects of hypoxic developmental insults. To this end, our aim is to investigate the long-term effects of prenatal hypoxia on cardiovascular metabolism of adult offspring. We have utilised spectrophotometry to investigate mitochondrial enzyme activity combined with high resolution respirometry to investigate ''in vivo'' mitochondrial efficiency and production of reactive oxygen species. With these methods we aim to identify changes in myocardial mitochondrial energy production, taking a step towards understanding the effect of intrauterine hypoxia on cardiac energetics. Pregnant mice were placed in hypoxic chambers with 14% O2 from gestational day 3-19 and reared in normoxia until six months of age. Heart tissue was harvested and enzymatic activity of citrate synthase and mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Complexes I-IV was measured using spectrophotometry. High-resolution respirometry lets us further investigate the status of the mitochondria, with emphasis on oxygen consumption and ROS production. Preliminary data show promising differences between treatment and control groups, as well as sexual dimorphism regarding response and effect. We hope to be able to identify possible mechanistic changes, on a cellular level, that underlie the pathological cardiovascular phenotype associated with intrauterine hypoxia.scular phenotype associated with intrauterine hypoxia. +
A substantial body of evidence indicates t … A substantial body of evidence indicates that pharmacological activation of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mKATP) in the heart is protective in conditions associated with ischemia/reperfusion injury. Several mechanisms have been postulated to be responsible for cardioprotection, including the modulation of mitochondrial respiratory function. The aim of the present study was to characterize the dose-dependent effects of novel synthetic benzopyran analogues, derived from a BMS-191095, a selective mKATP opener, on mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in isolated rat heart mitochondria. Mitochondrial respiratory function was assessed by high-resolution respirometry, and H2O2 production was measured by the Amplex Red fluorescence assay. Four compounds, namely KL-1487, KL-1492, KL-1495, and KL-1507, applied in increasing concentrations (50, 75, 100, and 150 μmol/L, respectively) were investigated. When added in the last two concentrations, all compounds significantly increased State 2 and 4 respiratory rates, an effect that was not abolished by 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 100 μmol/L), the classic mKATP inhibitor. The highest concentration also elicited an important decrease of the oxidative phosphorylation in a K(+) independent manner. Both concentrations of 100 and 150 μmol/L for KL-1487, KL-1492, and KL-1495, and the concentration of 150 μmol/L for KL-1507, respectively, mitigated the mitochondrial H2O2 release. In isolated rat heart mitochondria, the novel benzopyran analogues act as protonophoric uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation and decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner.ylation and decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner. +
A tight relationship is described between … A tight relationship is described between mitochondrial respiratory capacity of human skeletal muscle and physical fitness, which quantifies the decline of respiratory function as the result of a sedentary life style in the progression towards obesity [1]. Tissue-OXPHOS capacity is the capacity of oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle, which is the product of mitochondrial density and respiratory intensity (structure times function; i.e. mitochondrial marker per tissue mass times OXPHOS capacity per mitochondrial marker). Tissue-OXPHOS capacity per unit wet weight [pmol O2∙s-1∙mg-1] is measured directly in permeabilized muscle fibres, and high-resolution respirometry provides a routine approach under physiological conditions (37 °C; Complex I+II substrate combination) with minimal amounts of tissue biopsy (1 to 3 mg wet weight per assay) [2].In healthy subjects varying from athletic to sedentary life styles, tissue-OXPHOS capacity of vastus lateralis increases linearly with maximum aerobic ergometric performance (''V''O2max) and declines steeply with body mass index (BMI=body mass per body height squared [kg/m2]) in the range of 180 to 60 pmol O2∙s-1∙mg-1. The tissue-OXPHOS/BMI relationship spans from endurance athletes and physically active subjects (normal BMI 20-25), overweight individuals (BMI 25-30) with predominantly sedentary life style, to obese patients who are qualified as healthy controls in studies of type 2 diabetes (BMI >30). Total muscle tissue is unchanged or increases rather than decreases with higher BMI, whereas over-proportionally reduced mitochondrial density per muscle mass explains the loss of aerobic ergometric performance in the sedentary life style and development of obesity. Mitochondrial quality (OXPHOS capacity per mitochondrial marker) is largely maintained, but fatty acid oxidation capacity and coupling control decline as a result of diminishing exercise [2]. Specific mitochondrial injuries accumulate as a consequence of reduced mitochondrial density and correspondingly low mitochondrial turnover. Based on the tissue-OXPHOS/BMI relationship and integrating known mechanisms responsible for dysregulation of mitochondrial biosynthesis under conditions of chronic low-grade inflammation, low mitochondrial density is a primary risk factor related to a wide range of degenerative diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The health benefits are emphasized of maintaining muscle mitochondrial density high, particularly with progressive age, as achieved by a physically active and nutritionally normal life style. The diagnostic perspective gained from analysis of mitochondrial competence after exercise training2 challenges the definition of the control group [3]: Are sedentary subjects healthy? Contribution to K-Regio ''[[MitoCom_O2k-Fluorometer|MitoCom Tyrol]]''.1. [[Gnaiger 2009 Int J Biochem Cell Biol|Gnaiger E (2009) Capacity of oxidative phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle. New perspectives of mitochondrial physiology. Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 41: 1837–1845.]]2. [[Pesta_2011_AJP|Pesta D, Hoppel F, Macek C, Messner H, Faulhaber M, Kobel C, Parson W, Burtscher M, Schocke M, Gnaiger E (2011) Similar qualitative and quantitative changes of mitochondrial respiration following strength and endurance training in normoxia and hypoxia in sedentary humans. Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00285.2011]]3. Martin B, Ji S, Maudsley S, Mattson MP (2010) "Control" laboratory rodents are metabolically morbid: why it matters. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 107: 6127-6133.ttson MP (2010) "Control" laboratory rodents are metabolically morbid: why it matters. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 107: 6127-6133. +
A variety of lifestyles developed in human … A variety of lifestyles developed in human populations to cope with the environmental and socioeconomic conditions in the inhabited areas of our world. Extremes at high altitude and latitude impose stress conditions which require adjustments in physiological performance or limit permanent settlements. Modern strength and endurance training regimes may be closely linked to a variety of traditional life styles. Diversity is nature’s treasure and the subject of comparative physiology [1].The Polar Inuit of Thule and Qaarnaak in Greenland are among the northernmost populations. This human heritage of a culture and physiological type is endangered not only by a historical politically forced limitation of their territory, but by the current effects of global environmental pollution and climate change, causing social destabilization and a shift towards an unhealthy sedentary in contrast to the traditional active life style of Inuit hunters. The uncoupling hypothesis for mitochondrial haplogroups of arctic populations suggests that lower coupling of mitochondrial respiration to ATP production was selected for in favour of higher heat dissipation as an adaptation to cold climates through a higher mitochondrial proton leak [2]. Our studies show that mitochondrial coupling control in skeletal muscle of Inuit haplogroups is identical to Danes from western Europe haplogroups, such that biochemical coupling efficiency was preserved across variations in muscle fibre type and lifestyle [3]. Unexpectedly, total capacity of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the leg of the Inuit hunters was lower compared to untrained Danes. In line with this apparent ‘mitochondrial paradox’, total OXPHOS capacity decreased in the Danes during 42 days of active skiing on the sea ice in northern Greenland. The Inuit had a higher capacity to oxidize fat substrate in skeletal muscle which increased in Danes approaching the level of the Inuit. A common pattern emerges of mitochondrial acclimatization and evolutionary adaptation in humans at high latitude and high altitude [3-4]: In these environments, economy of locomotion is optimized by preservation of biochemical coupling efficiency at modest mitochondrial density, when ''V''O2max and sustained submaximum performance are not dependent on peripherally increased capacities of oxidative phosphorylation.lly increased capacities of oxidative phosphorylation. +
A variety of mitochondria-targeted small m … A variety of mitochondria-targeted small molecules have been invented to manipulate mitochondrial redox activities and improve function in certain disease states. 3-Hydroxypropyl-triphenylphosphonium-conjugated imidazole-substituted oleic acid (TPP-IOA) was developed as a specific inhibitor of cytochrome c peroxidase activity that inhibits apoptosis by preventing cardiolipin oxidation and cytochrome c release to the cytosol. Here we evaluate the effects of TPP-IOA on oxidative phosphorylation in isolated mitochondria and on mitochondrial function in live cells. We demonstrate that, at concentrations similar to those required to achieve inhibition of cytochrome c peroxidase activity, TPP-IOA perturbs oxidative phosphorylation in isolated mitochondria. In live SH-SY5Y cells, TPP-IOA partially collapsed mitochondrial membrane potential, caused extensive fragmentation of the mitochondrial network, and decreased apparent mitochondrial abundance within 3h of exposure. Many cultured cell lines rely primarily on aerobic glycolysis, potentially making them less sensitive to small molecules disrupting oxidative phosphorylation. We therefore determined the anti-apoptotic efficacy of TPP-IOA in SH-SY5Y cells growing in glucose or in galactose, the latter of which increases reliance on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP supply. The anti-apoptotic activity of TPP-IOA that was observed in glucose media was not seen in galactose media. It therefore appears that, at concentrations required to inhibit cytochrome c peroxidase activity, TPP-IOA perturbs oxidative phosphorylation. In light of these data it is predicted that potential future therapeutic applications of TPP-IOA will be restricted to highly glycolytic cell types with limited reliance on oxidative phosphorylation.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. +
A wide variety of studies have reported so … A wide variety of studies have reported some form of non-chemical or non-aqueous communication between physically isolated organisms, eliciting changes in cellular proliferation, morphology, and/or metabolism. The sources and mechanisms of such signalling pathways are still unknown, but have been postulated to involve vibration, volatile transmission, or light through the phenomenon of ultraweak photon emission. Here, we report non-chemical communication between isolated mitochondria from MCF7 (cancer) and MCF10A (non-cancer) cell lines. We found that mitochondria in one cuvette stressed by an electron transport chain inhibitor, antimycin, alters the respiration of mitochondria in an adjacent, but chemically and physically separate cuvette, significantly decreasing the rate of oxygen consumption compared to a control (p = <0.0001 in MCF7 and MCF10A mitochondria). Moreover, the changes in O2-consumption were dependent on the origin of mitochondria (cancer vs. non-cancer) as well as the presence of "ambient" light. Our results support the existence of non-chemical signalling between isolated mitochondria. The experimental design suggests that the non-chemical communication is light-based, although further work is needed to fully elucidate its nature.work is needed to fully elucidate its nature. +
A yeast deletion mutation in the nuclear-e … A yeast deletion mutation in the nuclear-encoded gene, AFO1, which codes for a mitochondrial ribosomal protein, led to slow growth on glucose, the inability to grow on glycerol or ethanol, and loss of mitochondrial DNA and respiration. We noticed that afo1- yeast readily obtains secondary mutations that suppress aspects of this phenotype, including its growth defect. We characterized and identified a dominant missense suppressor mutation in the ATP3 gene. Comparing isogenic slowly growing rho-zero and rapidly growing suppressed afo1- strains under carefully controlled fermentation conditions showed that energy charge was not significantly different between strains and was not causal for the observed growth properties. Surprisingly, in a wild-type background, the dominant suppressor allele of ATP3 still allowed respiratory growth but increased the petite frequency. Similarly, a slow-growing respiratory deficient afo1- strain displayed an about twofold increase in spontaneous frequency of point mutations (comparable to the rho-zero strain) while the suppressed strain showed mutation frequency comparable to the repiratory-competent WT strain. We conclude, that phenotypes that result from afo1- are mostly explained by rapidly emerging mutations that compensate for the slow growth that typically follows respiratory deficiency.tations that compensate for the slow growth that typically follows respiratory deficiency. +
ACTN3 has been labelled as the ‘gene for s … ACTN3 has been labelled as the ‘gene for speed’ due to the increased frequency of the R allele encoding the α-actinin-3 protein in elite sprint athletes compared to the general population. The results of the first study of this thesis demonstrate that elite athletes who express α-actinin-3 (ACTN3 RR genotype) have faster sprint times compared to those who do not express α-actinin-3 (ACTN3 XX genotype). Further analysis indicates that the ACTN3 genotype accounts for 0.92% in sprint speed amongst elite 200-m athletes. In study two, the same quantitative genetic epidemiological design applied to elite endurance athletes, showed no evidence that a trade-off existed. The endurance athletes with the ACTN3 XX genotype were no faster than those who express the α-actinin-3 protein. These results added to literature that it is unlikely the ACTN3 XX genotype to offer an advantage for endurance performance. While ACTN3 genotype does not appear to influence endurance performance in athletes, studies in mice that completely lack the α-actinin-3 protein suggest the ACTN3 genotype influences the adaptive response to endurance exercise. Based on these findings, the aim of study 3 was to investigate if ACTN3 genotype influences exercise-induced changes in the content of genes and proteins associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. At baseline, there was a compensatory greater α-actinin-2 protein content in ACTN3 XX vs ACTN3 RR participants (p=0.018) but there were no differences in the endurance-related phenotypes measured. There was a main effect of genotype (p=0.006), without a significant interaction effect, for RCAN1-4 or significant exercise-induced expression of genes associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. Together, these results suggest that ACTN3 genotype has a small but significant influence on sprint speed amongst elite sprint athletes. However, loss of α-actinin-3 protein is not associated with higher values for endurance-related phenotypes, endurance performance, or a greater adaptive response to a single session of high-intensity endurance exercise.sion of high-intensity endurance exercise. +
ADF/cofilin family proteins are essential … ADF/cofilin family proteins are essential regulators of actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Recent evidence also implicates cofilin in the regulation of mitochondrial function. Here, we identify new functional surfaces of cofilin that are linked with mitochondrial function and stress responses in the budding yeast ''S. cerevisiae''. Our data links surfaces of cofilin that are involved in separable activities of actin filament disassembly or stabilisation, to the regulation of mitochondrial morphology and the activation status of Ras respectively. Importantly, charge alterations to conserved surfaces of cofilin that do not interfere with its actin regulatory activity leads to a dramatic increase in respiratory function that triggers a retrograde signal to up-regulate a battery of ABC transporters and concurrent metabolic changes that support multi-drug resistance. We hypothesise that cofilin functions within a novel bio-sensing system that connects the cytoskeleton and mitochondrial function to environmental challenge.drial function to environmental challenge. +
ADP is generally accepted as a key regulat … ADP is generally accepted as a key regulator of oxygen consumption both in isolated mitochondria and in permeabilized fibers from skeletal muscle. The present study explored inorganic phosphate in a similar regulatory role. Saponin permeabilized fibers and isolated mitochondria from type-I and type-II muscle from male Wistar rats were prepared. Respiration was measured while the medium Pi concentration was gradually increased. The apparent Km values for Pi were 607 ± 17 µM and 405 ± 15 μM (P < 0.0001) for type-I and type-II fibers, respectively. For isolated mitochondria the values were significantly lower than type-1 permeabilized fibers, 338 ± 130 μM and 235 ± 30 μM (P < 0.05), but not different with respect to fiber type. The reason for this difference in Km values in the permeabilized muscle is unknown, but a similar pattern has been observed for K m of ADP. Our data indicate that phosphate may play a role in regulation of oxygen consumption ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo''.oxygen consumption ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo''. +
AIM/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was … AIM/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to investigate mitochondrial function, fibre-type distribution and substrate oxidation during exercise in arm and leg muscles in male postobese (PO), obese (O) and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control (C) subjects. The hypothesis of the study was that fat oxidation during exercise might be differentially preserved in leg and arm muscles after weight loss.METHODS: Indirect calorimetry was used to calculate fat and carbohydrate oxidation during both progressive arm-cranking and leg-cycling exercises. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from musculus deltoideus (m. deltoideus) and m. vastus lateralis muscles. Fibre-type composition, enzyme activity and O2 flux capacity of saponin-permeabilized muscle fibres were measured, the latter by high-resolution respirometry.RESULTS: During the graded exercise tests, peak fat oxidation during leg cycling and the relative workload at which it occurred (FatMax) were higher in PO and O than in C. During arm cranking, peak fat oxidation was higher in O than in C, and FatMax was higher in O than in PO and C. Similar fibre-type composition was found between groups. Plasma adiponectin was higher in PO than in C and O, and plasma leptin was higher in O than in PO and C.CONCLUSIONS: In O subjects, maximal fat oxidation during exercise and the eliciting relative exercise intensity are increased. This is associated with higher intramuscular triglyceride levels and higher resting non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations, but not with differences in fibre-type composition, mitochondrial function or muscle enzyme levels compared with Cs. In PO subjects, the changes in fat oxidation are preserved during leg, but not during arm, exercise. during leg, but not during arm, exercise. +
AIM: Low levels of physical activity and c … AIM:Low levels of physical activity and cardio respiratory fitness are both associated with higher risk of all-cause and disease-specific mortality. The purpose of this study is to examine obesity and fitness of the female staff of Ardebil Azad University in the northwest of Iran.METHODS:Thirty seven staff (medium age: 32.97+/-5.81 year, height: 158.21+/-5.88 cm, Body Mass Index [BMI]: 26.59+/-4.02 kg/m(2)) of Ardebil Azad University participated in this study voluntarily. Primary measurements of interest in the present study were height, BMI, subcutaneous skin folds, and cardio respiratory fitness determined by 1 609 meter (one mile) walk test.RESULTS:The subjects of the present study are more obese than some other population (fat percentage: 28.68+/-5.33) and cardio respiratory fitness of them is rather low (VO(2max): 33.43+/-6.90 mL/kg/min).CONCLUSION:Social/lifestyle factors such as the level of education, marital status, exercise, dietary and smoking habits may be related to overweight/obesity and cardio respiratory fitness in female staff of Ardebil Azad University.n female staff of Ardebil Azad University. +
AIM: Mitochondrial function has previously … AIM: Mitochondrial function has previously been studied in ageing, but never in humans matched for maximal oxygen uptake (V·O2max). Furthermore, the influence of ageing on mitochondrial substrate sensitivity is not known.METHODS: Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity and mitochondrial substrate sensitivity was measured by respirometry in young (23±3 years) and middle-aged (53±3 years) male subjects with similar V·O2max. Protocols for respirometry included titration of substrates for complexI (glutamate), complexII (succinate) and both (octanoyl-carnitine) for calculation of substrate sensitivity (C(50) ). Myosin Heavy Chain (MHC) isoforms, citrate synthase (CS) and β-hydroxy-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD) activity, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, protein levels of complexes I-V and antioxidant defense system (manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)) was measured.RESULTS: No differences were found in maximal mitochondrial respiration or C(50) with glutamate (2.0±0.3 and 1.8±0.3 mmol/l), succinate (3.7±0.2 and 3.8±0.4 mmol/l) or octanoyl-carnitine (47±8 and 56±7 μmol/l) in young and middle-aged subjects, respectively. Normalising mitochondrial respiration to mtDNA young subjects had a higher (P<0.05) respiratory capacity per mitochondrion compared to middle-aged subjects. HAD activity and mtDNA per mg tissue were higher in middle-aged compared to young subjects. Middle-aged had a higher MHC I isoform and a lower MHC IIX isoform content compared to young subjects.CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial substrate sensitivity is not affected by ageing. When young and middle-aged men are carefully matched for V·O2max, mitochondrial respiratory capacity is also similar. However, per mitochondrion respiratory capacity was lower in middle-aged compared to young subjects. Thus, when matched for V·O2max middle-aged seems to require a higher mitochondrial content than young subjects.er mitochondrial content than young subjects. +
AIM: Several mechanisms have been targeted … AIM: Several mechanisms have been targeted as culprits of weight gain during antihyperglycaemic treatment in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). These include reductions in glucosuria, increased food intake from fear of hypoglycaemia, the anabolic effect of insulin, decreased metabolic rate and increased efficiency in fuel usage. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that mitochondrial efficiency increases as a result of insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes.METHODS: We included ten patients with T2DM (eight males) on oral antidiabetic treatment, median age: 51.5 years (range: 39-67) and body mass index (BMI): 30.1 +/- 1.2 kg/m2 (mean +/- s.e.). Muscle biopsies from m. vastus lateralis and m. deltoideus were obtained before and after seven weeks of intensive insulin treatment, and mitochondrial respiration was measured using high-resolution respirometry. State 3 respiration was measured with the substrates malate, pyruvate, glutamate, succinate and ADP. State 4o was measured with addition of oligomycine. An age, sex and BMI-matched control group was also included.RESULTS: HbA1c improved significantly and the patients gained on average 3.4 +/- 0.9 kg. Before treatment, respiratory control ratios (RCRs) of the T2DM were lower than the obese controls [2.6 vs. 3.2 (p < 0.05)], but RCR returned to the levels of the control subjects during treatment. Average state 4o of arm and leg declined by 14% (p < 0.05) during insulin treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Tight glycaemic control leads to reductions in inner mitochondrial membrane leak and increased efficiency of mitochondria. This change in mitochondrial physiology could contribute to the weight gain seen with antihyperglycaemic treatment.ght gain seen with antihyperglycaemic treatment. +
AIM: The resting metabolic rate (RMR) vari … AIM: The resting metabolic rate (RMR) varies among pregnant women. The factors responsible for this variability are unknown. This study aimed to assess the influence of the prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) on the RMR during late pregnancy.METHODS: RMR, height, weight, and total (TEE) and activity (AEE) energy expenditures were measured in 46 healthy women aged 31 ± 5 years (mean ± SD) with low (<19.8), normal (19.8-26.0), and high (>26.0) prepregnancy BMI at 38.2 ± 1.5 weeks of gestation (t(gest)) and 40 ± 7 weeks postpartum (t(post)) (''n'' = 27).RESULTS: The mean t(gest) RMR for the low-, normal-, and high-BMI groups was 1,373, 1,807, and 2,191 kcal/day, respectively (''p'' = 0.001). The overall mean t(gest) RMR was 316 ± 183 kcal/day (21%), higher than the overall mean t(post) value and this difference was correlated with gestational weight gain (''r'' = 0.78, ''p'' < 0.001). The scaled metabolic rate by allometry (RMR/kilograms⁰·⁷³) was similar in the low-, normal-, and high-BMI groups, respectively (''p'' = 0.45). Changes in t(gest) TEE closely paralleled changes in t(gest) RMR (''r'' = 0.84, 'p'' < 0.001). AEE was similar among the BMI groups.CONCLUSION: The RMR is significantly increased in the third trimester of pregnancy. The absolute gestational RMR is higher in women with high prepregnancy BMI due to increased body weight. The scaled metabolic rate (RMR/kilograms⁰·⁷³) is similar among the BMI groups of pregnant women.⁷³) is similar among the BMI groups of pregnant women. +
AIM: To describe the methods used to const … AIM: To describe the methods used to construct the WHO Child Growth Standards based on length/height, weight and age, and to present resulting growth charts.METHODS: The WHO Child Growth Standards were derived from an international sample of healthy breastfed infants and young children raised in environments that do not constrain growth. Rigorous methods of data collection and standardized procedures across study sites yielded very high-quality data. The generation of the standards followed methodical, state-of-the-art statistical methodologies. The Box-Cox power exponential (BCPE) method, with curve smoothing by cubic splines, was used to construct the curves. The BCPE accommodates various kinds of distributions, from normal to skewed or kurtotic, as necessary. A set of diagnostic tools was used to detect possible biases in estimated percentiles or z-score curves.RESULTS: There was wide variability in the degrees of freedom required for the cubic splines to achieve the best model. Except for length/height-for-age, which followed a normal distribution, all other standards needed to model skewness but not kurtosis. Length-for-age and height-for-age standards were constructed by fitting a unique model that reflected the 0.7-cm average difference between these two measurements. The concordance between smoothed percentile curves and empirical percentiles was excellent and free of bias. Percentiles and z-score curves for boys and girls aged 0-60 mo were generated for weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, weight-for-length/height (45 to 110 cm and 65 to 120 cm, respectively) and body mass index-for-age.CONCLUSION: The WHO Child Growth Standards depict normal growth under optimal environmental conditions and can be used to assess children everywhere, regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic status and type of feeding.socio-economic status and type of feeding. +
AIM: To study whether the phenotypical cha … AIM: To study whether the phenotypical characteristics (exercise intolerance; reduced spontaneous activity) of the AMPKα2 kinase-dead (KD) mice can be explained by a reduced mitochondrial respiratory flux rates (JO(2) ) in skeletal muscle. Secondly, the effect of the maturation process on JO(2) was studied.METHODS: In tibialis anterior (almost exclusively type 2 fibres) muscle from young (12-17 weeks, n = 7) and mature (25-27 weeks, n = 12) KD and wild-type (WT) (12-17 weeks, n = 9; 25-27 weeks, n = 11) littermates, JO(2) was quantified in permeabilized fibres ex vivo by respirometry, using a substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor-titration (SUIT) protocol: malate, octanoyl carnitine, ADP and glutamate (GMO(3) ), + succinate (GMOS(3) ), + uncoupler (U) and inhibitor (rotenone) of complex I respiration. Citrate synthase (CS) activity was measured as an index of mitochondrial content.RESULTS: Citrate synthase activity was highest in young WT animals and lower in KD animals compared with age-matched WT. JO(2) per mg tissue was lower (P < 0.05) in KD animals (state GMOS(3) ). No uncoupling effect was seen in any of the animals. Normalized oxygen flux (JO(2) /CS) revealed a uniform pattern across the SUIT protocol with no effect of KD. However, JO(2) /CS was higher [GMO(3) , GMOS(3) , U and rotenone (only WT)] in the mature compared with the young mice - irrespective of the genotype (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Exercise intolerance and reduced activity level seen in KD mice may be explained by reduced JO(2) in the maximally coupled respiratory state. Furthermore, an enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation capacity per mitochondrion is seen with the maturation process.tochondrion is seen with the maturation process. +
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: High-fat, high-sucrose d … AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: High-fat, high-sucrose diet (HF)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels are implicated in skeletal muscle insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we investigated whether mitochondrial ROS sequestering can circumvent HF-induced oxidative stress; we also determined the impact of any reduced oxidative stress on muscle insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function.METHODS: The Skulachev ion (plastoquinonyl decyltriphenylphosphonium) (SkQ), a mitochondria-specific antioxidant, was used to target ROS production in C2C12 muscle cells as well as in HF-fed (16 weeks old) male C57Bl/6 mice, compared with mice on low-fat chow diet (LF) or HF alone. Oxidative stress was measured as protein carbonylation levels. Glucose tolerance tests, glucose uptake assays and insulin-stimulated signalling were determined to assess muscle insulin sensitivity. Mitochondrial function was determined by high-resolution respirometry.RESULTS: SkQ treatment reduced oxidative stress in muscle cells (-23% p < 0.05), but did not improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake under insulin-resistant conditions. In HF mice, oxidative stress was elevated (56% vs LF p < 0.05), an effect completely blunted by SkQ. However, HF and HF+SkQ mice displayed impaired glucose tolerance (AUC HF up 33%, p < 0.001; HF+SkQ up 22%; p < 0.01 vs LF) and disrupted skeletal muscle insulin signalling. ROS sequestering did not improve mitochondrial function.CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION:SkQ treatment reduced muscle mitochondrial ROS production and prevented HF-induced oxidative stress. Nonetheless, whole-body glucose tolerance, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, muscle insulin signalling and mitochondrial function were not improved. These results suggest that HF-induced oxidative stress is not a prerequisite for the development of muscle insulin resistance.site for the development of muscle insulin resistance. +
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Increased oxygen consump … AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Increased oxygen consumption results in kidney tissue hypoxia, which is proposed to contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Oxidative stress causes increased oxygen consumption in type 1 diabetic kidneys, partly mediated by uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2)-induced mitochondrial uncoupling. The present study investigates the role of UCP-2 and oxidative stress in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and kidney function in db/db mice as a model of type 2 diabetes.METHODS: Mitochondrial oxygen consumption, glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria were investigated in db/db mice and corresponding controls with and without coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) treatment.RESULTS: Untreated db/db mice displayed mitochondrial uncoupling, manifested as glutamate-stimulated oxygen consumption (2.7 ± 0.1 vs 0.2 ± 0.1 pmol O(2) s(-1) [mg protein](-1)), glomerular hyperfiltration (502 ± 26 vs 385 ± 3 μl/min), increased proteinuria (21 ± 2 vs 14 ± 1, μg/24 h), mitochondrial fragmentation (fragmentation score 2.4 ± 0.3 vs 0.7 ± 0.1) and size (1.6 ± 0.1 vs 1 ± 0.0 μm) compared with untreated controls. All alterations were prevented or reduced by CoQ10 treatment. Mitochondrial uncoupling was partly inhibited by the UCP inhibitor GDP (-1.1 ± 0.1 pmol O(2) s(-1) [mg protein](-1)). UCP-2 protein levels were similar in untreated control and db/db mice (67 ± 9 vs 67 ± 4 optical density; OD) but were reduced in CoQ10 treated groups (43 ± 2 and 38 ± 7 OD).CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: db/db mice displayed oxidative stress-mediated activation of UCP-2, which resulted in mitochondrial uncoupling and increased oxygen consumption. CoQ10 prevented altered mitochondrial function and morphology, glomerular hyperfiltration and proteinuria in db/db mice, highlighting the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and the benefits of preventing increased oxidative stress. of preventing increased oxidative stress. +
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Calorie restriction is an … AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Calorie restriction is an essential component in the treatment of obesity and associated diseases. Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) act as natural hypolipidaemics, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and could prevent the development of obesity and insulin resistance. We aimed to characterise the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of the combination treatment with LC n-3 PUFA and 10% calorie restriction in the prevention of obesity and associated disorders in mice.METHODS: Male mice (C57BL/6J) were habituated to a corn-oil-based high-fat diet (cHF) for 2 weeks and then randomly assigned to various dietary treatments for 5 weeks or 15 weeks: (1) cHF, ad libitum; (2) cHF with LC n-3 PUFA concentrate replacing 15% (wt/wt) of dietary lipids (cHF + F), ad libitum; (3) cHF with calorie restriction (CR; cHF + CR); and (4) cHF + F + CR. Mice fed a chow diet were also studied. RESULTS: We show that white adipose tissue plays an active role in the amelioration of obesity and the improvement of glucose homeostasis by combining LC n-3 PUFA intake and calorie restriction in cHF-fed mice. Specifically in the epididymal fat in the abdomen, but not in other fat depots, synergistic induction of mitochondrial oxidative capacity and lipid catabolism was observed, resulting in increased oxidation of metabolic fuels in the absence of mitochondrial uncoupling, while low-grade inflammation was suppressed, reflecting changes in tissue levels of anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, namely 15-deoxy-Δ(12,15)-prostaglandin J(2) and protectin D1.CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: White adipose tissue metabolism linked to its inflammatory status in obesity could be modulated by combination treatment using calorie restriction and dietary LC n-3 PUFA to improve therapeutic strategies for metabolic syndrome.apeutic strategies for metabolic syndrome. +
AIMS: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a maj … AIMS: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major factor in heart failure (HF). A pronounced variability of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) defects is reported to occur in severe acquired cardiomyopathies without a consistent trend for depressed activity or expression. The aim of this study was to define the defect in the integrative function of cardiac mitochondria in coronary microembolization-induced HF.METHODS AND RESULTS:Studies were performed in the canine coronary microembolization-induced HF model of moderate severity. Oxidative phosphorylation was assessed as the integrative function of mitochondria, using a comprehensive variety of substrates in order to investigate mitochondrial membrane transport, dehydrogenase activity and electron-transport coupled to ATP synthesis. The supramolecular organization of the mitochondrial ETC also was investigated by native gel electrophoresis. We found a dramatic decrease in ADP-stimulated respiration that was not relieved by an uncoupler. Moreover, the ADP/O ratio was normal, indicating no defect in the phosphorylation apparatus. The data point to a defect in oxidative phosphorylation within the ETC. However, the individual activities of ETC complexes were normal. The amount of the supercomplex consisting of complex I/complex III dimer/complex IV, the major form of respirasome considered essential for oxidative phosphorylation, was decreased.CONCLUSIONS:We propose that the mitochondrial defect lies in the supermolecular assembly rather than in the individual components of the ETC.n in the individual components of the ETC. +
AIMS: We investigated the effects of mit … AIMS: We investigated the effects of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) on nuclear factor (erythroid 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2) transcription factor activity during Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) infection and determined whether enhancing the mtROS scavenging capacity preserved the heart function in Chagas disease.RESULTS: C57BL/6 wild type (WT, female) mice infected with Tc exhibited myocardial loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, complex II (CII)-driven coupled respiration, and ninefold increase in mtROS production. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that Tc infection resulted in an ROS-dependent decline in the expression, nuclear translocation, antioxidant response element (ARE) binding, and activity of NFE2L2, and 35-99% decline in antioxidants' (gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthase [γGCS], heme oxygenase-1 [HO1], glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit [GCLM], thioredoxin (Trx), glutathione S transferase [GST], and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 [NQO1]) expression. An increase in myocardial and mitochondrial oxidative adducts, myocardial interventricular septum thickness, and left ventricle (LV) mass, a decline in LV posterior wall thickness, and disproportionate synthesis of collagens (COLI/COLIII), αSMA, and SM22α were noted in WT.Tc mice. Overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in cultured cells (HeLa or cardiomyocytes) and MnSODtg mice preserved the NFE2L2 transcriptional activity and antioxidant/oxidant balance, and cardiac oxidative and fibrotic pathology were significantly decreased in MnSODtg.Tc mice. Importantly, echocardiography finding of a decline in LV systolic (stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction) and diastolic (early/late peak filling ratio, myocardial performance index) function in WT. Tc mice was abolished in MnSODtg. Tc mice. Innovation and Conclusion: The mtROS inhibition of NFE2L2/ARE pathway constitutes a key mechanism in signaling the fibrotic gene expression and evolution of chronic cardiomyopathy. Preserving the NFE2L2 activity arrested the mitochondrial and cardiac oxidative stress, cardiac fibrosis, and heart failure in Chagas disease.osis, and heart failure in Chagas disease. +
AIMS: 1) determine whether exercise induce … AIMS: 1) determine whether exercise induced increases in muscle mitochondrial volume density (MitoVD ) is related to enlargement of existing mitochondria or de novo biogenesis, 2) establish if measures of mitochondrial-specific enzymatic activities are valid biomarkers for exercise induced increases in MitoVD .METHOD: Skeletal muscle samples were collected from twenty-one healthy males prior to and following 6 weeks of endurance training. Transmission electron microscopy was used for estimation of mitochondrial densities and profiles. Biochemical assays, western blotting and high resolution respirometry were applied to detect changes in specific mitochondrial functions.RESULT: MitoVD increased with 55 ± 9% (''P'' < 0.001), whereas the number of mitochondrial profiles per area of skeletal muscle remained unchanged following training. Citrate synthase activity (CS) increased (44 ± 12%, ''P'' < 0.001) however, there were no functional changes in oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OXPHOS, CI+IIP ) or cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity. Correlations were found between MitoVD and CS (''P''=0.01; ''r''=0.58), OXPHOS, CI+CIIP (''P''=0.01; ''r''=0.58) and COX (''P''=0.02; ''r''=0.52) before training, after training a correlation was found between MitoVD and CS activity only (''P''=0.04; ''r''=0.49). Intrinsic respiratory capacities decreased (''P'' < 0.05) with training when respiration was normalized to MitoVD. This was not the case when normalized to CS activity although the percentage change was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: MitoVD was increased by inducing mitochondrial enlargement rather than de novo biogenesis. CS activity may be appropriate to track training induced changes in MitoVD.priate to track training induced changes in MitoVD. +
AIMS: Although exercise training induces h … AIMS: Although exercise training induces hypertrophy with improved contractile function, the effect of exercise on myocardial substrate metabolism and cardiac efficiency is less clear. High intensity training has been shown to produce more profound effects on cardiovascular function and aerobic capacity than isocaloric low and moderate intensity training. The aim of the present study was to explore metabolic and mechanoenergetic changes in the heart following endurance exercise training of both high and moderate intensity.METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6J mice were subjected to 10 wk treadmill running, either high intensity interval training (HIT) or distance-matched moderate intensity training (MIT), where HIT led to a pronounced increase in maximal oxygen uptake. Although both modes of exercise were associated with a 10% increase in heart weight-to-body weight ratio, only HIT altered cardiac substrate utilization, as revealed by a 36% increase in glucose oxidation and a concomitant reduction in fatty acid oxidation. HIT also improved cardiac efficiency by decreasing work-independent myocardial oxygen consumption. In addition, it increased cardiac maximal mitochondrial respiratory capacity.CONCLUSION: This study shows that high intensity training is required for induction of changes in cardiac substrate utilization and energetics, which may contribute to the superior effects of high compared with moderate intensity training in terms of increasing aerobic capacity.g in terms of increasing aerobic capacity. +
AIMS: Although statins are the most widely … AIMS: Although statins are the most widely used cholesterol-lowering agents, they are associated with a variety of muscle complaints. The goal of this study was to characterize the effects of statins on the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway induced by mitochondrial oxidative stress in skeletal muscle using human muscle biopsies as well as ''in vivo'' and ''in vitro'' models.RESULTS:Statins increased mitochondrial H2O2 production, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and TUNEL staining in deltoid biopsies of patients with statin-associated myopathy. Furthermore, atorvastatin treatment for two weeks at 10 mg/kg/day in rats increased H2O2 accumulation, and mRNA levels and immunostaining of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as TUNEL staining and caspase 3 cleavage in glycolytic (plantaris) skeletal muscle but not in oxidative (soleus) skeletal muscle, which has a high antioxidative capacity. Atorvastatin also decreased the GSH/GSSG ratio, but only in glycolytic skeletal muscle. Co-treatment with the antioxidant quercetin at 25 mg/kg/d abolished these effects in plantaris. An ''in vitro'' study with L6 myoblasts directly demonstrated the link between mitochondrial oxidative stress following atorvastatin exposure and activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway.INNOVATION:Treatment with atorvastatin is associated with mitochondrial oxidative stress, which activates apoptosis and contributes to myopathy. Glycolytic muscles are more sensitive to atorvastatin than oxidative muscles, which may be due to the higher antioxidative capacity in oxidative muscles.CONCLUSION:There is a link between statin-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway in glycolytic skeletal muscle, which may be associated with statin-associated myopathy.ay in glycolytic skeletal muscle, which may be associated with statin-associated myopathy. +
AIMS: Metabolic syndrome induces cardiac d … AIMS: Metabolic syndrome induces cardiac dysfunction associated with mitochondria abnormalities. As low levels of carbon monoxide (CO) may improve myocardial and mitochondrial activities, we tested whether a CO-releasing molecule (CORM-3) reverses metabolic syndrome-induced cardiac alteration through changes in mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and autophagy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice were fed with normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) for twelve weeks. Then, mice received two intraperitoneal injections of CORM-3 (10 mg x kg(-1)), with the second one given 16 hours after the first. Contractile function in isolated hearts and mitochondrial parameters were evaluated 24 hours after the last injection. Mitochondrial population was explored by electron microscopy. Changes in mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis and autophagy were assessed by western-blot and RT-qPCR. Left ventricular developed pressure was reduced in HFD hearts. Mitochondria from HFD hearts presented reduced membrane potential and diminished ADP-coupled respiration. CORM-3 restored both cardiac and mitochondrial functions. Size and number of mitochondria increased in the HFD hearts but not in the CORM-3-treated HFD group. CORM-3 modulated HFD-activated mitochondrial fusion and biogenesis signalling. While autophagy was not activated in the HFD group, CORM-3 increased the autophagy marker LC3-II. Finally, ''ex vivo'' experiments demonstrated that autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine abolished the cardioprotective effects of CORM-3. CONCLUSION: CORM-3 may modulate pathways controlling mitochondrial quality, thus leading to improvements of mitochondrial efficiency and HFD-induced cardiac dysfunction.iency and HFD-induced cardiac dysfunction. +
AIMS: The recent development of a rat mode … AIMS: The recent development of a rat model that closely resembles the metabolic syndrome allows to study the mechanisms of amelioration of the syndrome by exercise training. Here, we compared the effectiveness for reducing cardiovascular risk factors by exercise training programmes of different exercise intensities.METHODS AND RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome rats were subjected to either continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME) or high-intensity aerobic interval training (AIT). AIT was more effective than CME at reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors linked to the metabolic syndrome. Thus, AIT produced a larger stimulus than CME for increasing maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max; 45 vs. 10%, ''P'' < 0.01), reducing hypertension (20 vs. 6 mmHg, ''P'' < 0.01), HDL cholesterol (25 vs. 0%, ''P'' < 0.05), and beneficially altering metabolism in fat, liver, and skeletal muscle tissues. Moreover, AIT had a greater beneficial effect than CME on sensitivity of aorta ring segments to acetylcholine (2.7- vs. 2.0-fold, ''P'' < 0.01), partly because of intensity-dependent effects on expression levels of nitric oxide synthase and the density of caveolae, and a greater effect than CME on the skeletal muscle Ca2+ handling (50 vs. 0%, ''P'' < 0.05). The two exercise training programmes, however, were equally effective at reducing body weight and fat content.CONCLUSION: High-intensity exercise training was more beneficial than moderate-intensity exercise training for reducing cardiovascular risk in rats with the metabolic syndrome. This was linked to more superior effects on VO2max, endothelial function, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters in several tissues. These results demonstrate that exercise training reduces the impact of the metabolic syndrome and that the magnitude of the effect depends on exercise intensity.of the metabolic syndrome and that the magnitude of the effect depends on exercise intensity. +
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a c … AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of both lifespan and health across multiple model organisms. β-Guanidinopropionic acid (GPA) is an endogenous AMPK activator previously shown to improve metabolic function in young and obese mice. In this study, we tested whether age of administration significantly affects the physiological outcomes of GPA administration in mice. We report that intervention starting at 7-8 months (young) results in activation of AMPK signaling and a phenotype consisting of lower body mass, improved glucose control, enhanced exercise tolerance, and altered mitochondrial electron transport chain flux similar to previous reports. When GPA treatment is started at 18-19 months (old), the effect of GPA on AMPK signaling is blunted compared to younger mice despite similar accumulation of GPA in skeletal muscle. Even so, GPA administration in older animals delayed age-related declines in lean mass, improved measures of gait performance and circadian rhythm, and increased fat metabolism as measured by respiratory exchange ratio. These results are likely partially driven by the relative difference in basal function and metabolic plasticity between young and old mice. Our results suggest that age-related declines in AMPK sensitivity may limit potential strategies targeting AMPK signaling in older subjects and suggest that further research and development is required for AMPK activators to realize their full potential.ctivators to realize their full potential. +
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a h … AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric complex, composed of a catalytic subunit (α) and two regulatory subunits (β and γ), that works as a cellular energy sensor. The existence of multiple heterotrimeric complexes provides a molecular basis for the multiple roles of this highly conserved signaling system. The AMPKγ3 subunit is predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle, mostly in type II glycolytic fiber types. We determined whether the AMPKγ3 subunit has a role in signaling pathways that mediate mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. We provide evidence that overexpression or ablation of the AMPKγ3 subunit does not appear to play a critical role in defining mitochondrial content in resting skeletal muscle. However, overexpression of a mutant form (R225Q) of the AMPKγ3 subunit (Tg-AMPKγ3225Q) increases mitochondrial biogenesis in glycolytic skeletal muscle. These adaptations are associated with an increase in expression of the co-activator [[PGC-1α]] and several transcription factors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, including NRF-1, NRF-2, and TFAM. Succinate dehydrogenase staining, a marker of the oxidative profile of individual fibers, was also increased in transversal skeletal muscle sections of white gastrocnemius muscle from Tg-AMPKγ3225Q mice, independent of changes in fiber type composition. In conclusion, a single nucleotide mutation (R225Q) in the AMPK gamma3 subunit is associated with mitochondrial biogenesis in glycolytic skeletal muscle, concomitant with increased expression of the co-activator [[PGC-1α]] and several transcription factors that regulate mitochondrial proteins, without altering fiber type composition. and several transcription factors that regulate mitochondrial proteins, without altering fiber type composition. +
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a h … AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric complex, composed of a catalytic subunit (α) and two regulatory subunits (β and γ), which act as a metabolic sensor to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. A mutation in the γ3 subunit (AMPKγ3(R225Q)) increases basal AMPK phosphorylation, while concomitantly reducing sensitivity to AMP. AMPKγ3(R225Q) (γ3(R225Q)) transgenic mice are protected against dietary-induced triglyceride accumulation and insulin resistance. We determined whether skeletal muscle-specific expression of AMPKγ3(R225Q) prevents metabolic abnormalities in leptin-deficient ob/ob (ob/ob-γ3(R225Q)) mice. Glycogen content was increased, triglyceride content was decreased, and diacylglycerol and ceramide content were unaltered in gastrocnemius muscle from ob/ob-γ3(R225Q) mice, whereas glucose tolerance was unaltered. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in extensor digitorum longus muscle during the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp was increased in lean γ3(R225Q) mice, but not in ob/ob-γ3(R225Q) mice. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation was increased in gastrocnemius muscle from γ3(R225Q) mutant mice independent of adiposity. Glycogen and triglyceride content were decreased after leptin treatment (5 days) in ob/ob mice, but not in ob/ob-γ3(R225Q) mice. In conclusion, metabolic improvements arising from muscle-specific expression of AMPKγ3(R225Q) are insufficient to ameliorate insulin resistance and obesity in leptin-deficient mice. Central defects due to leptin deficiency may override any metabolic benefit conferred by peripheral overexpression of the AMPKγ3(R225Q) mutation.rexpression of the AMPKγ3(R225Q) mutation. +
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a m … AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic fuel gauge conserved along the evolutionary scale in eukaryotes that senses changes in the intracellular AMP/ATP ratio. Recent evidence indicated an important role for AMPK in the therapeutic benefits of metformin, thiazolidinediones and exercise, which form the cornerstones of the clinical management of type 2 diabetes and associated metabolic disorders. In general, activation of AMPK acts to maintain cellular energy stores, switching on catabolic pathways that produce ATP, mostly by enhancing oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis, while switching off anabolic pathways that consume ATP. This regulation can take place acutely, through the regulation of fast post-translational events, but also by transcriptionally reprogramming the cell to meet energetic needs. Here we demonstrate that AMPK controls the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism in mouse skeletal muscle by acting in coordination with another metabolic sensor, the NAD+-dependent type III deacetylase SIRT1. AMPK enhances SIRT1 activity by increasing cellular NAD+ levels, resulting in the deacetylation and modulation of the activity of downstream SIRT1 targets that include the [[PGC-1alpha|peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1alpha]] and the forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) and O3 (FOXO3a) transcription factors. The AMPK-induced SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of these targets explains many of the convergent biological effects of AMPK and SIRT1 on energy metabolism.ts of AMPK and SIRT1 on energy metabolism. +
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a s … AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy status that acts directly on cell proliferation and on transition from anaerobic to aerobic metabolic state. Our group showed that the activated form of AMPK (pAMPK) is overexpressed in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases by immunohistochemistry. AMPK presents anti proliferative effects, so the biological meaning of AMPK activation in thyroid tumor cells and the consequences of its further activation on PTC metabolism is not known. We used the PTC-derived BCPAP cell line to analyze cellular responses to a further stimulation of AMPK with the pharmacological activator 5-aminoimidazole-4 carboxamide ribonucleoside (1 mM AICAR). Cell viability was measured by MTT, and apoptosis was analyzed by the expression of Annexin V by Muse cell analyser. ROS was measured by DCFHD probe by FACS. Oxygen consumption was measured using high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros). Hexokinase (HK) tertiary structure was evaluated on a spectrofluorometer (Jasco).BCPAP cells constitutively express high pAMPK levels, which correlates with the high glucose consumption rate (2 fold) and lactate production (2 fold), but lower oxygen consumption (30%) in these cells when compared to the nontumoral NTHYori cell line. AICAR exposure further stimulated these metabolic parameters, but decreased BCPAP cell viability (4 fold), with increased (1.5 fold) production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). HK is an enzyme of the glycolysis pathway that, upon binding to mitochondria, protects against ROS. We observed an increase in HK activity (1.4 fold) produced by AICAR, but not in its association with HK-mitochondrial activity. Purified HK experiments confirmed that ROS (100 μM Z2O2) alters the tertiary structure of HK decreasing its mitochondrial binding. The presence of NAC prevented cell death induced by AICAR treatment. Overall, these results suggest that, despite the upregulation of glucose metabolism by AMPK, chronic activation of the enzyme with AICAR increases ROS levels promoting a negative regulation of HK-mitochondrial binding. The further increase in ROS production induced by AICAR might play a role in the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. AICAR might play a role in the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. +
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an … AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor activated by increases in [AMP] or by oxidant stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS]). Hypoxia increases cellular ROS signaling, but the pathways underlying subsequent AMPK activation are not known. We tested the hypothesis that hypoxia activates AMPK by ROS-mediated opening of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. Hypoxia (1.5% O2) augments cellular ROS as detected by the redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP) but does not increase the [AMP]/[ATP] ratio. Increases in intracellular calcium during hypoxia were detected with Fura2 and the calcium-calmodulin fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor YC2.3. Antioxidant treatment or removal of extracellular calcium abrogates hypoxia-induced calcium signaling and subsequent AMPK phosphorylation during hypoxia. Oxidant stress triggers relocation of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor, to the plasma membrane. Knockdown of STIM1 by short interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuates the calcium responses to hypoxia and subsequent AMPK phosphorylation, while inhibition of L-type calcium channels has no effect. Knockdown of the AMPK upstream kinase LKB1 by siRNA does not prevent AMPK activation during hypoxia, but knockdown of CaMKKβ abolishes the AMPK response. These findings reveal that hypoxia can trigger AMPK activation in the apparent absence of increased [AMP] through ROS-dependent CRAC channel activation, leading to increases in cytosolic calcium that activate the AMPK upstream kinase CaMKKβ. activate the AMPK upstream kinase CaMKKβ. +
ATAD3 is a vital ATPase of the inner mitoc … ATAD3 is a vital ATPase of the inner mitochondrial membrane of pluri-cellular eucaryotes with largely unknown functions. Invalidation of ATAD3 blocks organism development at early stages requiring mitochondrial mass increase. Since ATAD3 knock-down (KD) in C. elegans inhibits first of all the development of adipocyte-like intestinal tissue, we used mouse adipocyte model 3T3-L1 cells to analyze ATAD3 functions during adipogenesis. By stable and transient modulation of ATAD3 expression in adipogenesis-induced 3T3-L1 cells, we show that (i) an increase in ATAD3 is preceding mitochondrial biogenesis and remodelling; (ii) down-regulation of ATAD3 inhibits adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and impedes overexpression of many mitochondrial proteins; (iii) ATAD3 re-expression rescues the phenotype of ATAD3 KD, and (iv) differentiation and lipogenesis are accelerated by ATAD3 overexpression, but inhibited by expression of a dominant-negative mutant. We further show that the ATAD3 KD phenotype is not due to altered insulin signal, but involves a limitation of mitochondrial biogenesis and remodelling linked to Drp1. These results demonstrate that ATAD3 is limiting for ''in vitro'' adipogenesis and lipogenesis.''in vitro'' adipogenesis and lipogenesis. +
ATP can be produced in the cytosol by glyc … ATP can be produced in the cytosol by glycolytic conversion of glucose (GLC) into pyruvate (PYR). The latter can be metabolized into lactate (LAC), which is released by the cell, or taken up by mitochondria to fuel ATP production by the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Altering the balance between glycolytic and mitochondrial ATP generation is crucial for cell survival during mitoenergetic dysfunction, which is observed in a large variety of human disorders including cancer [1].To gain insight into the kinetic properties of this adaptive mechanism we here determined how acute (30 min) inhibition of OXPHOS affected cytosolic GLC homeostasis. GLC dynamics were analyzed in single living C2C12 myoblasts expressing the fluorescent biosensor FLII12Pglu-700µδ6 (FLII, [2]). Following ''in situ'' FLII calibration, the kinetic properties of GLC uptake (V1) and GLC consumption (V2) were determined independently and used to construct a minimal mathematical model of cytosolic GLC dynamics [3].After validating the model, it was applied to quantitatively predict V1 and V2 at steady-state (i.e. when V1=V2=Vsteady-state) in the absence and presence of OXPHOS inhibitors. Integrating model predictions with experimental data on LAC production, cell volume and oxygen consumption revealed that glycolysis and mitochondria equally contribute to cellular ATP production in control myoblasts. Inhibition of OXPHOS induced a 2-fold increase in Vsteady-state and glycolytic ATP production flux. Both in the absence and presence of OXPHOS inhibitors, GLC was consumed at near maximal rates, meaning that GLC consumption is rate-limiting under steady-state conditions.Taken together, we here demonstrate that OXPHOS inhibition increases steady-state GLC uptake and consumption in C2C12 myoblasts [3]. The latter activation fully compensates for the reduction in mitochondrial ATP production, thereby maintaining the balance between cellular ATP supply and demand. The underlying mechanistic aspects and further consequences of this phenomenon [e.g. 4,5] are currently investigated.non [e.g. 4,5] are currently investigated. +
ATP can be produced in the cytosol by glyc … ATP can be produced in the cytosol by glycolytic conversion of glucose (GLC) into pyruvate. The latter can be metabolized into lactate, which is released by the cell, or taken up by mitochondria to fuel ATP production by the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Altering the balance between glycolytic and mitochondrial ATP generation is crucial for cell survival during mitoenergetic dysfunction, which is observed in a large variety of human disorders including cancer. To gain insight into the kinetic properties of this adaptive mechanism we determined here how acute (30 min) inhibition of OXPHOS affected cytosolic GLC homeostasis. GLC dynamics were analyzed in single living C2C12 myoblasts expressing the fluorescent biosensor FLII(12)Pglu-700μδ6 (FLII). Following ''in situ'' FLII calibration, the kinetic properties of GLC uptake (V1) and GLC consumption (V2) were determined independently and used to construct a minimal mathematical model of cytosolic GLC dynamics. After validating the model, it was applied to quantitatively predict V1 and V2 at steady-state (i.e., when V1 = V2 = Vsteady-state) in the absence and presence of OXPHOS inhibitors. Integrating model predictions with experimental data on lactate production, cell volume, and O2 consumption revealed that glycolysis and mitochondria equally contribute to cellular ATP production in control myoblasts. Inhibition of OXPHOS induced a twofold increase in Vsteady-state and glycolytic ATP production flux. Both in the absence and presence of OXPHOS inhibitors, GLC was consumed at near maximal rates, meaning that GLC consumption is rate-limiting under steady-state conditions. Taken together, we demonstrate here that OXPHOS inhibition increases steady-state GLC uptake and consumption in C2C12 myoblasts. This activation fully compensates for the reduction in mitochondrial ATP production, thereby maintaining the balance between cellular ATP supply and demand.Copyright © 2015 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.shed by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
ATP decreases rapidly during ischemia. It … ATP decreases rapidly during ischemia. It is then degraded to adenosine, which moves to the extracellular space and activates adenosine receptors (ADOR). ADOR play a unique role in cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion injury, because their activation is responsible for cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning.onditioning and ischemic postconditioning. +
ATP depletion and succinate accumulation d … ATP depletion and succinate accumulation during ischemia lead to oxidative damage to mammalian organs upon reperfusion. In contrast, freshwater turtles survive weeks of anoxia at low temperatures without suffering from oxidative damage upon reoxygenation, but the mechanisms are unclear. To determine how turtles survive prolonged anoxia, we measured ~80 metabolites in hearts from cold-acclimated (5 °C) turtles exposed to 9 days anoxia and compared the results with those for normoxic turtles (25 °C) and mouse hearts exposed to 30 min of ischemia. In turtles, ATP and ADP decreased to new steady-state levels during fasting and cold-acclimation and further with anoxia, but disappeared within 30 min of ischemia in mouse hearts. High NADH/NAD+ ratios were associated with succinate accumulation in both anoxic turtles and ischemic mouse hearts. However, succinate concentrations and succinate/fumarate ratios were lower in turtle than in mouse heart, limiting the driving force for production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon reoxygenation in turtles. Furthermore, we show production of ROS from succinate is prevented by re-synthesis of ATP from ADP. Thus, maintenance of an ATP/ADP pool and low succinate accumulation likely protects turtle hearts from anoxia/reoxygenation injury and suggests metabolic interventions as a therapeutic approach to limit ischemia/reperfusion injury in mammals.roach to limit ischemia/reperfusion injury in mammals. +
ATP is the most universal and essential en … ATP is the most universal and essential energy molecule in cells. This is due to its ability to store cellular energy in form of high-energy phosphate bonds, which are extremely stable and readily usable by the cell. This energy is key for a variety of biological functions such as cell growth and division, metabolism, and signaling, and for the turnover of biomolecules. Understanding how ATP is produced and hydrolyzed with a spatiotemporal resolution is necessary to understand its functions both in physiological and in pathological contexts. In this review, first we will describe the organization of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, the main molecular motor for ATP production in mitochondria. Second, we will review the biochemical assays currently available to estimate ATP quantities in cells, and we will compare their readouts, strengths, and weaknesses. Finally, we will explore the palette of genetically encoded biosensors designed for microscopy-based approaches, and show how their spatiotemporal resolution opened up the possibility to follow ATP levels in living cells.lity to follow ATP levels in living cells. +
ATP produced by the mitochondrial FoF1-ATP … ATP produced by the mitochondrial FoF1-ATP synthase represents a major source of energy for aerobic organisms. Unsurprisingly, ATP synthase deficiencies are associated with severe pathologic phenotypes. To shed light on the functional consequences of ATP synthase deficiencies, we utilised a model of HEK293 cell line and explored the effect of RNAi mediated knockdown of the three subunits (γ, δ and ε) forming the central stalk of the enzyme connecting Fo and F1 domains.For functional evaluations of ATP synthase deficiencies, 10 stable knockdown clones with down-regulated subunits γ (ATP5C1 gene), δ (ATP5D gene), or ε (ATP5E gene) have been selected. The protein content of ATP synthase subunit α among the knockdown clones covers the range of 40–100 % as compared to controls. Further characterization of these clones revealed 2–78 % oligomycin-sensitive ATPase hydrolytic activity that parallels a decrease in the content of fully assembled ATP synthase complex.Two aspects of cellular energetics have been examined in detail, specifically respiration and glycolysis, using the Seahorse XFe24 analyser. Our results indicate that the clones with less than 30 % of residual ATPase activity switched their metabolism to enhanced glycolysis. There is a decrease in their basal respiration rate relatively to their respiratory capacity (47 vs 61 % in controls) and in parallel, their basal glycolytic rates utilise by up to 20 % more of their glycolytic capacity. These findings clearly demonstrate metabolic adaptations of these cells. On the other hand, the clones with more than 30 % residual ATPase activity displayed a change neither in the respiration nor in their basal glycolytic rate. In the case of ATP synthase deficiency, the mitochondrial membrane potential is expected to rise, which would then stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Indeed, the γ knockdown clones with a very low residual ATPase activity exhibit elevated ROS production. With respect to the role of the oxidative stress in ATP synthase deficiencies, we aim to examine oxidative damage of cell structures and the content of antioxidant enzymes.In conclusion, using these model clones, we are planning on investigating the effect of ATP synthase deficiency on the mitochondrial energetics, oxidative stress, energy state, and cell viability and define the threshold residual activity of ATP synthase for the presentation of pathological phenotype. At this moment, our data suggest that the threshold for metabolic remodelling equals to approximately 30 % of ATPase activity. to approximately 30 % of ATPase activity. +
ATP synthase (F1Fo) is a rotary molecular … ATP synthase (F1Fo) is a rotary molecular engine that harnesses energy from electrochemical-gradients across the inner mitochondrial membrane for ATP synthesis. Despite the accepted tenet that F1Fo transports exclusively H+, our laboratory has demonstrated that, in addition to H+, F1Fo ATP synthase transports a significant fraction of ΔΨm-driven charge as K+ to synthesize ATP. Herein, we utilize a computational modeling approach as a proof of principle of the feasibility of the core mechanism underlying the enhanced ATP synthesis, and to explore its bioenergetic consequences. A minimal model comprising the 'core' mechanism constituted by ATP synthase, driven by both proton (PMF) and potassium motive force (KMF), respiratory chain, adenine nucleotide translocator, Pi carrier, and K+/H+ exchanger (KHEmito) was able to simulate enhanced ATP synthesis and respiratory fluxes determined experimentally with isolated heart mitochondria. This capacity of F1Fo ATP synthase confers mitochondria with a significant energetic advantage compared to K+ transport through a channel not linked to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). The K+-cycling mechanism requires a KHEmito that exchanges matrix K+ for intermembrane space H+, leaving PMF as the overall driving energy of OxPhos, in full agreement with the standard chemiosmotic mechanism. Experimental data of state 4➔3 energetic transitions, mimicking low to high energy demand, could be reproduced by an integrated computational model of mitochondrial function that incorporates the 'core' mechanism. Model simulations display similar behavior compared to the experimentally observed changes in ΔΨm, mitochondrial K+ uptake, matrix volume, respiration, and ATP synthesis during the energetic transitions at physiological pH and K+ concentration. The model also explores the role played by KHEmito in modulating the energetic performance of mitochondria. The results obtained support the available experimental evidence on ATP synthesis driven by K+ and H+ transport through the F1Fo ATP synthase.+ transport through the F1Fo ATP synthase. +
ATP synthase (F1F&l … ATP synthase (F1Fo) synthesizes daily our body's weight in ATP, whose production-rate can be transiently increased several-fold to meet changes in energy utilization. Using purified mammalian F1Fo-reconstituted proteoliposomes and isolated mitochondria, we show F1Fo can utilize both Δ''Ψ''mt-driven H+- and K+-transport to synthesize ATP under physiological pH = 7.2 and K+ = 140 mEq/L conditions. Purely K+-driven ATP synthesis from single F1Fo molecules measured by bioluminescence photon detection could be directly demonstrated along with simultaneous measurements of unitary K+ currents by voltage clamp, both blocked by specific Fo inhibitors. In the presence of K+, compared to osmotically-matched conditions in which this cation is absent, isolated mitochondria display 3.5-fold higher rates of ATP synthesis, at the expense of 2.6-fold higher rates of oxygen consumption, these fluxes being driven by a 2.7:1 K+: H+ stoichiometry. The excellent agreement between the functional data obtained from purified F1Fo single molecule experiments and ATP synthase studied in the intact mitochondrion under unaltered OxPhos coupling by K+ presence, is entirely consistent with K+ transport through the ATP synthase driving the observed increase in ATP synthesis. Thus, both K+ (harnessing Δ''Ψ''mt) and H+ (harnessing its chemical potential energy, Δ''μ''H) drive ATP generation during normal physiology.istent with K+ transport through the ATP synthase driving the observed increase in ATP synthesis. Thus, both K+ (harnessing Δ''Ψ''mt) and H+ (harnessing its chemical potential energy, Δ''μ''H) drive ATP generation during normal physiology. +
ATP synthase (F1F&l … ATP synthase (F1Fo) synthesizes daily our body’s weight in ATP, whose production-rate can be transiently increased several-fold. Using purified mammalian F1Fo-reconstituted proteoliposomes and isolated mitochondria, we show that F1Fo utilizes both H+- and K+-transport (because of >106-fold K+ excess vs H+) to drive ATP synthesis with the H+:K+ permeability of ~106:1. F1Fo can be upregulated by endogenous survival-related proteins (Bcl-xL, Mcl-1) and synthetic molecules (diazoxide, pinacidil) to increase its chemo-mechanical efficiency via IF1. Increasing K+- and H+-driven ATP synthesis enables F1Fo to operate as a primary mitochondrial K+-uniporter regulating energy supply-demand matching, and as the recruitable mitochondrial KATP-channel that can limit ischemia-reperfusion injury. Isolated mitochondria in the presence of K+ can sustain ~3.5-fold higher ATP-synthesis-flux (vs K+ absence) driven by a 2.7:1 K+:H+ stoichiometry with unaltered OxPhos coupling. Excellent agreement between F1Fo single-molecule and intact-mitochondria experiments is consistent with K+-transport through ATP synthase driving a major fraction of ATP synthesis. (vs K+ absence) driven by a 2.7:1 K+:H+ stoichiometry with unaltered OxPhos coupling. Excellent agreement between F1Fo single-molecule and intact-mitochondria experiments is consistent with K+-transport through ATP synthase driving a major fraction of ATP synthesis. +
ATP synthase is regulated so as to prevent … ATP synthase is regulated so as to prevent futile hydrolysis of ATP when the transmembrane proton electrochemical gradient, delta mu H+, falls. Mitochondria and chloroplasts have different mechanisms for inhibition of ATP synthase: by binding an inhibitor protein, and by stabilization of the ADP-inhibited state by making an intramolecular disulphide bond, respectively. The recently determined structure of bovine F1-ATPase is locked in a conformation that probably represents the ADP-inhibited state of the enzyme.nts the ADP-inhibited state of the enzyme. +
ATP synthases produce ATP by rotary cataly … ATP synthases produce ATP by rotary catalysis, powered by the electrochemical proton gradient across the membrane. Understanding this fundamental process requires an atomic model of the proton pathway. We determined the structure of an intact mitochondrial ATP synthase dimer by electron cryo-microscopy at near-atomic resolution. Charged and polar residues of the a-subunit stator define two aqueous channels, each spanning one half of the membrane. Passing through a conserved membrane-intrinsic helix hairpin, the lumenal channel protonates an acidic glutamate in the c-ring rotor. Upon ring rotation, the protonated glutamate encounters the matrix channel and deprotonates. An arginine between the two channels prevents proton leakage. The steep potential gradient over the sub-nm inter-channel distance exerts a force on the deprotonated glutamate, resulting in net directional rotation.te, resulting in net directional rotation. +
ATP, the energy exchange factor that conne … ATP, the energy exchange factor that connects anabolism and catabolism, is required for major reactions and processes that occur in living cells, such as muscle contraction, phosphorylation and active transport. ATP is also the key molecule in extracellular purinergic signaling mechanisms, with an established crucial role in inflammation and several additional disease conditions. Here, we describe detailed protocols to measure the ATP concentration in isolated living cells and animals using luminescence techniques based on targeted luciferase probes. In the presence of magnesium, oxygen and ATP, the protein luciferase catalyzes oxidation of the substrate luciferin, which is associated with light emission. Recombinantly expressed wild-type luciferase is exclusively cytosolic; however, adding specific targeting sequences can modify its cellular localization. Using this strategy, we have constructed luciferase chimeras targeted to the mitochondrial matrix and the outer surface of the plasma membrane. Here, we describe optimized protocols for monitoring ATP concentrations in the cytosol, mitochondrial matrix and pericellular space in living cells via an overall procedure that requires an average of 3 d. In addition, we present a detailed protocol for the in vivo detection of extracellular ATP in mice using luciferase-transfected reporter cells. This latter procedure may require up to 25 d to complete.cedure may require up to 25 d to complete. +
ATP-dependent proteases are currently emer … ATP-dependent proteases are currently emerging as key regulators of mitochondrial functions. Among these proteolytic systems, Lon protease is involved in the control of selective protein turnover in the mitochondrial matrix. In the absence of Lon, yeast cells have been shown to accumulate electron-dense inclusion bodies in the matrix space, to loose integrity of mitochondrial genome and to be respiratory deficient. In order to address the role of Lon in mitochondrial functionality in human cells, we have set up a HeLa cell line stably transfected with a vector expressing a shRNA under the control of a promoter which is inducible with doxycycline. We have demonstrated that reduction of Lon protease results in a mild phenotype in this cell line in contrast with what have been observed in other cell types such as WI-38 fibroblasts. Nevertheless, deficiency in Lon protease led to an increase in ROS production and to an accumulation of carbonylated protein in the mitochondria. Our study suggests that Lon protease has a wide variety of targets and is likely to play different roles depending of the cell type.ifferent roles depending of the cell type. +
ATPase Inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is an end … ATPase Inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is an endogenous regulator of mitochondrial ATP synthase, which is involved in cellular metabolism. Although great progress has been made, biological roles of IF1 and molecular mechanisms of its action are still to be elucidated. Here, we show that IF1 is present in pancreatic β-cells, bound to the ATP synthase also under normal physiological conditions. IF1 silencing in model pancreatic β-cells (INS-1E) increases insulin secretion over a range of glucose concentrations. The left-shifted dose-response curve reveals excessive insulin secretion even under low glucose, corresponding to fasting conditions. A parallel increase in cellular respiration and ATP levels is observed. To conclude, our results indicate that IF1 is a negative regulator of insulin secretion involved in pancreatic β-cell glucose sensing.lved in pancreatic β-cell glucose sensing. +
AUTOOXIDATION reactions of highly reduced … AUTOOXIDATION reactions of highly reduced organic compounds are a source of reactive oxygen species that contribute to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH; g-glutamylcysteinylglycine) are added to organ preservation solutions to reduce oxidative stress.1,2 GSH is unstable, however, in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution in the presence of oxygen.3 To our knowledge, no reports are available on the stability of GSH in other organ preservation solutions, such as histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) or Celsior solution. The present study reports for the first time a quantitative comparison of autooxidation of GSH in a variety of established preservation solutions, demonstrating in particular the high stability of GSH in HTK solution.nstrating in particular the high stability of GSH in HTK solution. +
AVRO - Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 2018 +
Abcam Mitochondria Meeting 2014, London, UK; [http://www.abcam.com/index.html?pageconfig=resource&rid=16185&viapagetrap=mitochondriafeb Abcam Mitochondria Meeting 2014] +
Aberrant histone methylation profile is re … Aberrant histone methylation profile is reported to correlate with the development and progression of NAFLD during obesity. However, the identification of specific epigenetic modifiers involved in this process remains poorly understood. Here, we identify the histone demethylase Plant Homeodomain Finger 2 (Phf2) as a new transcriptional co-activator of the transcription factor Carbohydrate Responsive Element Binding Protein (ChREBP). By specifically erasing H3K9me2 methyl-marks on the promoter of ChREBP-regulated genes, Phf2 facilitates incorporation of metabolic precursors into mono-unsaturated fatty acids, leading to hepatosteatosis development in the absence of inflammation and insulin resistance. Moreover, the Phf2-mediated activation of the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) further reroutes glucose fluxes toward the pentose phosphate pathway and glutathione biosynthesis, protecting the liver from oxidative stress and fibrogenesis in response to diet-induced obesity. Overall, our findings establish a downstream epigenetic checkpoint, whereby Phf2, through facilitating H3K9me2 demethylation at specific gene promoters, protects liver from the pathogenesis progression of NAFLD.rom the pathogenesis progression of NAFLD. +
Aberrant mitochondrial energy transfer und … Aberrant mitochondrial energy transfer underlies prevalent chronic health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial transplantation represents an innovative strategy aimed at restoring favorable metabolic phenotypes in cells with dysfunctional energy metabolism. While promising, significant barriers to ''in vivo'' translation of this approach abound, including limited cellular uptake and recognition of mitochondria as foreign. The objective is to functionalize isolated mitochondria with a biocompatible polymer to enhance cellular transplantation and eventual ''in vivo'' applications. Herein, it is demonstrated that grafting of a polymer conjugate composed of dextran with triphenylphosphonium onto isolated mitochondria protects the organelles and facilitates cellular internalization compared with uncoated mitochondria. Importantly, mitochondrial transplantation into cancer and cardiovascular cells has profound effects on respiration, mediating a shift toward improved oxidative phosphorylation, and reduced glycolysis. These findings represent the first demonstration of polymer functionalization of isolated mitochondria, highlighting a viable strategy for enabling clinical applications of mitochondrial transplantation.ications of mitochondrial transplantation. +
Abnormal hemoglobins can have major conseq … Abnormal hemoglobins can have major consequences for tissue delivery of oxygen. Correct diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies with altered oxygen affinity requires a determination of hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve (ODC), which relates the hemoglobin oxygen saturation to the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood. Determination of the ODC of human hemoglobin is typically carried out under conditions in which hemoglobin is in equilibrium with O2 at each partial pressure. However, in the human body due to the fast transit of RBCs through tissues hemoglobin oxygen exchanges occur under non-equilibrium conditions. We describe the determination of non-equilibrium ODC, and show that under these conditions Hb cooperativity has two apparent components in the Adair, Perutz, and MWC models of Hb. The first component, which we call sequential cooperativity, accounts for ∼70% of Hb cooperativity, and emerges from the constraint of sequential binding that is shared by the three models. The second component, which we call conformational cooperativity, accounts for ∼30% of Hb cooperativity, and is due either to a conformational equilibrium between low affinity and high affinity tetramers (as in the MWC model), or to a conformational change from low to high affinity once two of the tetramer sites are occupied (Perutz model).two of the tetramer sites are occupied (Perutz model). +
Abnormal tau protein aggregation in the br … Abnormal tau protein aggregation in the brain is a hallmark of tauopathies, such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer's disease. Substantial evidence has been linking tau to neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be clearly identified. Mitochondria are paramount organelles in neurons, as they provide the main source of energy (adenosine triphosphate) to these highly energetic cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction was identified as an early event of neurodegenerative diseases occurring even before the cognitive deficits. Tau protein was shown to interact with mitochondrial proteins and to impair mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics, leading to neurotoxicity. In this review, we discuss in detail the different impacts of disease-associated tau protein on mitochondrial functions, including mitochondrial transport, network dynamics, mitophagy and bioenergetics. We also give new insights about the effects of abnormal tau protein on mitochondrial neurosteroidogenesis, as well as on the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria coupling. A better understanding of the pathomechanisms of abnormal tau-induced mitochondrial failure may help to identify new targets for therapeutic interventions.new targets for therapeutic interventions. +
Abnormalities in cancer metabolism represe … Abnormalities in cancer metabolism represent potential targets for cancer therapy. We have recently identified a natural compound Quambalarine B (QB), which inhibits proliferation of several leukemic cell lines followed by cell death. We have predicted ubiquinone binding sites of mitochondrial respiratory complexes as potential molecular targets of QB in leukemia cells. Hence, we tracked the effect of QB on leukemia metabolism by applying several omics and biochemical techniques. We have confirmed the inhibition of respiratory complexes by QB and found an increase in the intracellular AMP levels together with respiratory substrates. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by QB triggered reprogramming of leukemic cell metabolism involving disproportions in glycolytic flux, inhibition of proteins O-glycosylation, stimulation of glycine synthesis pathway, and pyruvate kinase activity, followed by an increase in pyruvate and a decrease in lactate levels. Inhibition of mitochondrial complex I by QB suppressed folate metabolism as determined by a decrease in formate production. We have also observed an increase in cellular levels of several amino acids except for aspartate, indicating the dependence of Jurkat (T-ALL) cells on aspartate synthesis. These results indicate blockade of mitochondrial complex I and II activity by QB and reduction in aspartate and folate metabolism as therapeutic targets in T-ALL cells. Anti-cancer activity of QB was also confirmed during ''in vivo'' studies, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this natural compound.peutic potential of this natural compound. +
Abnormalities in mitochondrial function un … Abnormalities in mitochondrial function under diabetic conditions can lead to deficits in function of cortical neurons and their support cells exhibiting a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. We aimed to assess mitochondrial respiration rates and membrane potential or H2O2 generation simultaneously and expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics, ROS scavenging and AMPK/SIRT/PGC-1α pathway activity in cortex under diabetic conditions.Cortical mitochondria from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rats or mice, and aged-matched controls were used for simultaneous measurements of mitochondrial respiration rates and mitochondrial membrane potential (mtMP) or H2O2 using Oroboros oxygraph. Measurements of enzymatic activities of respiratory complexes were performed using spectophotometry. Protein levels in cortical mitochondria and homogenates were determined by Western blotting.Mitochondrial coupled respiration rates and FCCP-induced uncoupled respiration rates were significantly decreased in mitochondria of cortex of STZ-diabetic rats compared to controls. The mtMP in the presence of ADP was significantly depolarized and succinate-dependent respiration rates and H2O2 were significantly diminished in cortical mitochondria of diabetic animals compared to controls, accompanied with reduced expression of CuZn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase. The enzymatic activities of Complex I, II, and IV and protein levels of certain components of Complex I and II, mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), P-AMPK, SIRT2 and PGC-1α were significantly diminished in diabetic cortex.Deficits in mitochondrial function, dynamics, and antioxidant capabilities putatively mediated through sub-optimal AMPK/SIRT/PGC-1α signaling, are involved in the development of early sub-clinical neurodegeneration in the cortex under diabetic conditions.Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.degeneration in the cortex under diabetic conditions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. +
Abnormalities in the Tri-Carboxylic-Acid ( … Abnormalities in the Tri-Carboxylic-Acid (TCA) cycle have been documented in dementia. Through network analysis, TCA cycle metabolites could indirectly reflect known dementia-related abnormalities in biochemical pathways, and key metabolites might be associated with prognosis. This study analyzed TCA cycle metabolites as predictors of cognitive decline in a mild dementia cohort and explored potential interactions with the diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) or Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and APOE-ε4 genotype. We included 145 mild dementia patients (LBD = 59; AD = 86). Serum TCA cycle metabolites were analyzed at baseline, and partial correlation networks were conducted. Cognitive performance was measured annually over 5-years with the Mini-mental State Examination. Longitudinal mixed-effects Tobit models evaluated each baseline metabolite as a predictor of 5-years cognitive decline. APOE-ε4 and diagnosis interactions were explored. Results showed comparable metabolite concentrations in LBD and AD. Multiple testing corrected networks showed larger coefficients for a negative correlation between pyruvate - succinate and positive correlations between fumarate - malate and citrate - Isocitrate in both LBD and AD. In the total sample, adjusted mixed models showed significant associations between baseline citrate concentration and longitudinal MMSE scores. In APOE-ε4 carriers, baseline isocitrate predicted MMSE scores. We conclude that, in mild dementia, serum citrate concentrations could be associated with subsequent cognitive decline, as well as isocitrate concentrations in APOE-ε4 carriers. Downregulation of enzymatic activity in the first half of the TCA cycle (decarboxylating dehydrogenases), with upregulation in the latter half (dehydrogenases only), might be indirectly reflected in serum TCA cycle metabolites' networks. in serum TCA cycle metabolites' networks. +
About two decades ago, West and coworkers … About two decades ago, West and coworkers established a model which predicts that metabolic rate follows a three quarter power relationship with the mass of an organism, based on the premise that tissues are supplied nutrients through a fractal distribution network. Quarter power scaling is widely considered a universal law of biology and it is generally accepted that were in-vitro cultures to obey allometric metabolic scaling, they would have more predictive potential and could, for instance, provide a viable substitute for animals in research. This paper outlines a theoretical and computational framework for establishing quarter power scaling in three-dimensional spherical constructs in-vitro, starting where fractal distribution ends. Allometric scaling in non-vascular spherical tissue constructs was assessed using models of Michaelis Menten oxygen consumption and diffusion. The models demonstrate that physiological scaling is maintained when about 5 to 60% of the construct is exposed to oxygen concentrations less than the Michaelis Menten constant, with a significant concentration gradient in the sphere. The results have important implications for the design of downscaled in-vitro systems with physiological relevance.itro systems with physiological relevance. +
Abstract: The mitochondrial response to ch … Abstract: The mitochondrial response to changes of cytosolic calcium concentration has a strong impact on neuronal cell metabolism and viability. We observed that Ca2+ additions to isolated rat brain mitochondria induced in potassium ion containing media a mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and an accompanying increase of mitochondrial respiration. These Ca2+ effects can be blocked by iberiotoxin and charybdotoxin, well known inhibitors of large conductance potassium channel (BKCa channel). Furthermore, NS1619 – a BKCa channel opener – induced potassium ion–specific effects on brain mitochondria similar to those induced by Ca2+. These findings suggest the presence of a calcium-activated, large conductance potassium channel (sensitive to charybdotoxin and NS1619), which was confirmed by reconstitution of the mitochondrial inner membrane into planar lipid bilayers. The conductance of the reconstituted channel was 265 pS under gradient (50/450 mM KCl) conditions. Its reversal potential was equal to 50 mV, which proved that the examined channel was cation-selective. We also observed immunoreactivity of anti-β4 subunit (of the BKCa channel) antibodies with ~26 kDa proteins of rat brain mitochondria. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the predominant occurrence of anti-β4 subunit in neuronal mitochondria. We hypothesize that the mitochondrial BKCa channel represents a calcium sensor, which can contribute to neuronal signal transduction and survival.hannel represents a calcium sensor, which can contribute to neuronal signal transduction and survival. +
Academic publishers claim that they add va … Academic publishers claim that they add value to scholarly communications by coordinating reviews and contributing and enhancing text during publication. These contributions come at a considerable cost: US academic libraries paid $1.7 billion for serial subscriptions in 2008 alone. Library budgets, in contrast, are flat and not able to keep pace with serial price inflation. We have investigated the publishers’ value proposition by conducting a comparative study of pre-print papers from two distinct science, technology, and medicine corpora and their final published counterparts. This comparison had two working assumptions: (1) If the publishers’ argument is valid, the text of a pre-print paper should vary measurably from its corresponding final published version, and (2) by applying standard similarity measures, we should be able to detect and quantify such differences. Our analysis revealed that the text contents of the scientific papers generally changed very little from their pre-print to final published versions. These findings contribute empirical indicators to discussions of the added value of commercial publishers and therefore should influence libraries’ economic decisions regarding access to scholarly publications.egarding access to scholarly publications. +
Academic publishing is undergoing a highly … Academic publishing is undergoing a highly transformative process, and many established rules and value systems that are in place, such as traditional peer review (TPR) and preprints, are facing unprecedented challenges, including as a result of post-publication peer review. The integrity and validity of the academic literature continue to rely naively on blind trust, while TPR and preprints continue to fail to effectively screen out errors, fraud, and misconduct. Imperfect TPR invariably results in imperfect papers that have passed through varying levels of rigor of screening and validation. If errors or misconduct were not detected during TPR's editorial screening, but are detected at the post-publication stage, an opportunity is created to correct the academic record. Currently, the most common forms of correcting the academic literature are errata, corrigenda, expressions of concern, and retractions or withdrawals. Some additional measures to correct the literature have emerged, including manuscript versioning, amendments, partial retractions and retract and replace. Preprints can also be corrected if their version is updated. This paper discusses the risks, benefits and limitations of these forms of correcting the academic literature.rms of correcting the academic literature. +
Acceleration of glycolysis is a characteri … Acceleration of glycolysis is a characteristic of neoplasia. Previous studies have shown that a metabolic shift occurs in many tumors and correlates with a negative prognosis. The present study aimed to investigate the glycolytic profile of thyroid carcinoma cell lines. We investigated glycolytic and oxidative parameters of two thyroid carcinoma papillary cell lines (BCPAP and TPC1) and the non-tumor cell line NTHY-ori. All carcinoma cell lines showed higher rates of glycolysis efficiency, when compared to NTHY-ori, as assessed by a higher rate of glucose consumption and lactate production. The BCPAP cell line presented higher rates of growth, as well as elevated intracellular ATP levels, compared to the TPC1 and NTHY-ori cells. We found that glycolysis and activities of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) regulatory enzymes were significantly different among the carcinoma cell lines, particularly in the mitochondrial hexokinase (HK) activity which was higher in the BCPAP cells than that in the TPC1 cell line which showed a balanced distribution of HK activity between cytoplasmic and mitochondrial subcellular localizations. However, TPC1 had higher levels of glucose‑6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, suggesting that the PPP is elevated in this cell type. Using high resolution respirometry, we observed that the Warburg effect was present in the BCPAP and TPC1 cells, characterized by low oxygen consumption and high reactive oxygen species production. Overall, these results indicate that both thyroid papillary carcinoma cell lines showed a glycolytic profile. Of note, BCPAP cells presented some relevant differences in cell metabolism compared to TPC1 cells, mainly related to higher mitochondrial-associated HK activity.gher mitochondrial-associated HK activity. +
Acclimatization and High Altitude Illness - Facts and Myths, Brixen Dolomites, IT +
Acclimatization to high altitude relies on … Acclimatization to high altitude relies on adjustments of cellular metabolism that optimize oxygen use and energy production. In tissues with high energy demand and almost exclusive reliance on aerobic metabolism such as the brain, hypoxia is a particularly strong stressor, however, strategies to adjust metabolic pathways for successful high-altitude acclimatization remain poorly understood. Compared to SD rats, FVB mice show successful acclimatization to high altitude, we, therefore, used this model to investigate metabolic adjustments in the retrosplenial cortex (a key area of the brain involved in spatial learning and navigation) in normoxia and during acclimatization to hypoxia (12 % O2 – 1, 7, and 21 days). We measured in simultaneous the rates of ATP synthesis and O2 consumption in fresh permeabilized brain samples by coupled high-resolution respirometry and fluorometry. We quantified the citrate synthase (CS) activity as an index of mitochondrial content, the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in mitochondrial dynamics; and the activity of enzymes representative of the glycolytic, aerobic, and anaerobic metabolism. Our findings show that acclimatization to hypoxia significantly increases ATP synthesis in mice and to a lower extent in rats. In mice, this occurs in parallel with a reduction of O2 consumption, and a three-fold increase in the P»/O ratio. In rats, a six-fold increase in CS activity and altered mitochondrial dynamics gene expression are evident. Finally, activities of glycolytic, aerobic, or anaerobic enzymes remain overall unchanged in both species except for a transient glycolytic and anaerobic peak at day 7 in mice. Altogether, our results show that chronic hypoxia optimizes the efficiency of mitochondrial ATP synthesis in the retrosplenial cortex of mice. Contrastingly, rats sustain the production of ATP only by increasing mitochondrial content and altering mitochondrial dynamics, suggesting drastic mitochondrial malfunctions. ing mitochondrial dynamics, suggesting drastic mitochondrial malfunctions. +
According to recent reports, systemic trea … According to recent reports, systemic treatment of rats with methylpalmoxirate (carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 inhibitor) decreased peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain tissue. This was taken as evidence of mitochondrial β-oxidation in brain, thereby contradicting long-standing paradigms of cerebral metabolism, which claim that β-oxidation of activated fatty acids has minor importance for brain energy homeostasis. We addressed this controversy. Our experiments are the first direct experimental analysis of this question. We fueled isolated brain mitochondria or rat brain astrocytes with octanoic acid, but octanoic acid does not enhance formation of reactive oxygen species, neither in isolated brain mitochondria nor in astrocytes, even at limited hydrogen delivery to mitochondria. Thus, octanoic acid or l-octanoylcarnitine does not stimulate H2O2 release from brain mitochondria fueled with malate, in contrast to liver mitochondria (2.25-fold rise). This does obviously not support the possible occurrence of β-oxidation of the fatty acid octanoate in the brain. We conclude that a proposed inhibition of β-oxidation does not seem to be a helpful strategy for therapies aiming at lowering oxidative stress in cerebral tissue. This question is important, since oxidative stress is the cause of neurodegeneration in numerous neurodegenerative or inflammatory disease situations.© The Author(s) 2016.erative or inflammatory disease situations. © The Author(s) 2016. +
According to the cancer stem cell concept, … According to the cancer stem cell concept, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consists of a hierarchy of cell populations, of which the very small cancer stem cell population is the one that has the growth and metastatic potential of the tumour. The other neoplastic cells are offspring of the cancer stem cells and each can differentiate a little differently, according to the local microenvironment in each part of the tumor, hence explaining the enormous phenotypic heterogeneity of a neoplasm. Current therapeutic strategies mostly target rapidly growing differentiated tumour cells. However the results are often unsatisfactory because of the chemoresistance of HCC. New therapies targeting cancer stem cells should therefore be developed. A prerequisite is a good understanding of the mechanisms of activation and differentiation of normal stem/progenitor cells in normal and diseased liver. Hepatocytes and cholangiocytes have stem cell features, but also progenitor cells, located in the smallest branches of the biliary tree. These cells are especially activated in the cirrhotic stage of chronic liver diseases, the stage in which HCC develops. HCC with progenitor cell features, possibly reflecting a progenitor cell origin, have a very bad prognosis and therefore should be recognized and treated accordingly.uld be recognized and treated accordingly. +
According to the free radical theory of ag … According to the free radical theory of aging, reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as a driving force of the aging process, and it is generally believed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a major source of increased oxidative stress in tissues with high content of mitochondria, such as muscle or brain. However, recent experiments in mouse models of premature aging have questioned the role of mitochondrial ROS production in premature aging. To address the role of mitochondrial impairment and ROS production for aging in human muscles, we have analyzed mitochondrial properties in muscle fibres isolated from the vastus lateralis of young and elderly donors. Mitochondrial respiratory functions were addressed by high-resolution respirometry, and ROS production was analyzed by in situ staining with the redox-sensitive dye dihydroethidium. We found that aged human skeletal muscles contain fully functional mitochondria and that the level of ROS production is higher in young compared to aged muscle. Accordingly, we could not find any increase in oxidative modification of proteins in muscle from elderly donors. However, the accumulation of lipofuscin was identified as a robust marker of human muscle aging. The data support a model, where ROS-induced molecular damage is continuously removed, preventing the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria despite ongoing ROS production.tochondria despite ongoing ROS production. +
According to the latest statistics, variou … According to the latest statistics, various cardiovascular diseasesaccounted for 8.3% of natural deaths in South Africa during 2013,ranking the 6th place as cause of mortality. With the efficiencyof therapies aimed at decreasing mortality from heart disease, lifeexpectancy increased. As result of this, the focus of recent researchchanged towards understanding the energy demands of the heart inorder to optimize function. Because of its high energetic needs, thehuman heart utilizes between 3.5 and 6 kg of ATP per day to function.This is produced by its mitochondrial populations which occupy up to50% of the volume of a cardiomyocyte. A close link therefore existsbetween mitochondrial dysfunction and heart disease. In addition, thereis growing recognition that inborn errors of metabolism can influencecardiomyocyte dysfunction [1] and that primary inherited mitochondrialdiseases display a full spectrum of cardiac disorders [2].ATM is a 350kDa serine/threonine protein kinase displaying homologiesto the large protein family of PI3-Kinases, although it lacks the ability tophosphorylate lipids [3]. It came under scrutiny because of the disease,Ataxia-telangiectasie (A-T), which is an autosomal, recessive disorderthat progressively affects multiple organs. This disease is caused bymutations in the Atm gene, resulting in lack or inactivation of the ATMprotein [4]. ATM in the cell can be localized to the nucleus, cytoplasm ofmitochondria.We became interested in myocardial ATM because it was found thatskeletal muscle of insulin resistant, obese rats had dramatically reducedlevels of the so-called ATM protein, in association with the well-knownreduced activation of the insulin/ phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases (PI3-kinase)/PKB/Akt pathway, which is the main mechanism of relaying themetabolic effects of insulin [5]. Foster et al [6] found structural and functional changes in the hearts of ATM KO mice, using echocardiography andDoppler echocardiography.The mitochondrial association of ATM protein kinase plays an importantrole in its integrity and functioning such that ATM deficiency results indefects in mitochondrial respiration [7]. ATM also regulates mitochondrialbiogenesis and DNA content [8]. In addition, it was demonstrated that amitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ, could decrease the features ofthe metabolic syndrome in ATM+/-ApoE-/- mice [9]. This may be becauseone of the mechanisms known to activate the ATM protein is increasedoxidative stress. Activated ATM initiates an anti-oxidant response basedon a metabolic shift while, in fibroblast cell lines, inactivation of ATMis associated with increased ROS levels followed by expression andactivation of the transcription factor HIF-1alpha [10]. the transcription factor HIF-1alpha [10]. +
According to the mitochondrial theory of a … According to the mitochondrial theory of aging, reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived primarily from mitochondria cause cumulative oxidative damage to various cellular molecules and thereby contribute to the aging process. On the other hand, a pivotal role of the proteasome, as a main proteolytic system implicated in the degradation of oxidized proteins during aging, is suggested. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial function in dermal fibroblasts derived from biopsies obtained from healthy young, middle-aged, and old donors. We also determined proteasome activity in these cells, using a degron-destabilized green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based reporter protein. We found a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in samples from aged donors, accompanied by a significant increase in ROS levels. Respiratory activity was not significantly altered with donor age, probably reflecting genetic variation. Proteasome activity was significantly decreased in fibroblasts from middle-aged donors compared with young donors; fibroblasts derived from the oldest donors displayed a high heterogeneity in this assay. We also found intraindividual coregulation of mitochondrial and proteasomal activities in all human fibroblast strains tested, suggesting that both systems are interdependent. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of the proteasome led to decreased mitochondrial function, whereas inhibition of mitochondrial function in turn reduced proteasome activity.ction in turn reduced proteasome activity. +
According to the rate-of-living and oxidat … According to the rate-of-living and oxidative damage theory of aging, extended lifespan is predicted by low energy metabolism and low reactive oxygen species production rates. Recently, several studies show that dietary inorganic nitrate mainly present in vegetables can reduce oxygen consumption during physical exercise in humans [1] and contribute to attenuated oxidative stress in animal models of disease [2]. Nitrate accumulates in saliva and is bioactivated through reduction to nitrite by oral bacteria. We examined the effects of dietary nitrate on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and markers of oxidative stress in man using a double-blind, randomized cross over design. 15 young healthy males volunteered and indirect calorimetry was used to determine basal metabolic rate after three days of dietary intervention with sodium nitrate (NaNO3, 0.1 mmol∙kg-1∙day-1) or placebo (NaCl). The administered amount of nitrate resembles what is found in 100-300 g of nitrate rich vegetables such as beetroot or spinach. The intervention reduced BMR by 4.3% after nitrate administration compared with placebo (p<0.02). A strong negative correlation was found between the change in salivary nitrate and the change in BMR (r2=0.72; p<0.002). In addition, nitrate supplementation reduced plasma levels of malondialdehyde, indicating lower oxidative stress as a result of the intervention. Thyroid hormone status was unaffected.The cuisines of cultures known for their longevity are usually rich in vegetables and future studies will reveal whether this life span extension is linked to the high nitrate content in this food group. to the high nitrate content in this food group. +
Accounting for energy use by fishes has be … Accounting for energy use by fishes has been taking place for over 200 years. The original, and continuing gold standard for measuring energy use in terrestrial animals, is to account for the waste heat produced by all reactions of metabolism, a process referred to as direct calorimetry. Direct calorimetry is not easy or convenient in terrestrial animals and is extremely difficult in aquatic animals. Thus, the original and most subsequent measurements of metabolic activity in fishes have been measured via indirect calorimetry. Indirect calorimetry takes advantage of the fact that oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced during the catabolic conversion of foodstuffs or energy reserves to useful ATP energy. As measuring [CO2] in water is more challenging than measuring [O2], most indirect calorimetric studies on fishes have used the rate of O2 consumption. To relate measurements of O2 consumption back to actual energy usage requires knowledge of the substrate being oxidized. Many contemporary studies of O2 consumption by fishes do not attempt to relate this measurement back to actual energy usage. Thus, the rate of oxygen consumption has become a measurement in its own right that is not necessarily synonymous with metabolic rate. Because all extant fishes are obligate aerobes (many fishes engage in substantial net anaerobiosis, but all require oxygen to complete their life cycle), this discrepancy does not appear to be of great concern to the fish biology community, and reports of fish oxygen consumption, without being related to energy, have proliferated. Unfortunately, under some circumstances, these measures can be quite different from one another. A review of the methodological history of the two measurements and a look towards the future are included.view of the methodological history of the two measurements and a look towards the future are included. +
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated tha … Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that chronic tobacco smoking directly contributes to skeletal muscle dysfunction independent of its pathological impact to the cardiorespiratory systems. The mechanisms underlying tobacco smoke toxicity in skeletal muscle are not fully resolved. In this study, the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a transcription factor known to be activated with tobacco smoke, was investigated.AHR related gene (mRNA) expression was quantified in skeletal muscle from adult controls and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as mice with and without cigarette smoke exposure. Utilizing both skeletal muscle-specific AHR knockout mice exposed to chronic repeated (5 days per week for 16 weeks) cigarette smoke and skeletal muscle-specific expression of a constitutively active mutant AHR in healthy mice, a battery of assessments interrogating muscle size, contractile function, mitochondrial energetics, and RNA sequencing were employed.Skeletal muscle from COPD patients (N = 79, age = 67.0 ± 8.4 years) had higher levels of AHR (P = 0.0451) and CYP1B1 (P < 0.0001) compared to healthy adult controls (N = 16, age = 66.5 ± 6.5 years). Mice exposed to cigarette smoke displayed higher expression of Ahr (P = 0.008), Cyp1b1 (P < 0.0001), and Cyp1a1 (P < 0.0001) in skeletal muscle compared to air controls. Cigarette smoke exposure was found to impair skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by ~50% in littermate controls (Treatment effect, P < 0.001), which was attenuated by deletion of the AHR in muscle in male (P = 0.001), but not female, mice (P = 0.37), indicating there are sex-dependent pathological effects of smoking-induced AHR activation in skeletal muscle. Viral mediated expression of a constitutively active mutant AHR in the muscle of healthy mice recapitulated the effects of cigarette smoking by decreasing muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by ~40% (P = 0.003).These findings provide evidence linking chronic AHR activation secondary to cigarette smoke exposure to skeletal muscle bioenergetic deficits in male, but not female, mice. AHR activation is a likely contributor to the decline in muscle oxidative capacity observed in smokers and AHR antagonism may provide a therapeutic avenue aimed to improve muscle function in COPD.eutic avenue aimed to improve muscle function in COPD. +
Accumulating evidence has suggested that N … Accumulating evidence has suggested that NAD (including NAD+ and NADH) and NADP (including NADP+ and NADPH) could belong to the fundamental common mediators of various biological processes, including energy metabolism, mitochondrial functions, calcium homeostasis, antioxidation/generation of oxidative stress, gene expression, immunological functions, aging, and cell death: First, it is established that NAD mediates energy metabolism and mitochondrial functions; second, NADPH is a key component in cellular antioxidation systems; and NADH-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation from mitochondria and NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation are two critical mechanisms of ROS generation; third, cyclic ADP-ribose and several other molecules that are generated from NAD and NADP could mediate calcium homeostasis; fourth, NAD and NADP modulate multiple key factors in cell death, such as mitochondrial permeability transition, energy state, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, and apoptosis-inducing factor; and fifth, NAD and NADP profoundly affect aging-influencing factors such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial activities, and NAD-dependent sirtuins also mediate the aging process. Moreover, many recent studies have suggested novel paradigms of NAD and NADP metabolism. Future investigation into the metabolism and biological functions of NAD and NADP may expose fundamental properties of life, and suggest new strategies for treating diseases and slowing the aging process.ew strategies for treating diseases and slowing the aging process. +
Accumulating evidence indicates that adipo … Accumulating evidence indicates that adipose tissue inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle are inextricably linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Celastrol, a bioactive compound derived from the root of Tripterygium wilfordii exhibits a number of attributive properties to attenuate metabolic dysfunction in various cellular and animal disease models. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of celastrol in the obesogenic environment "in vivo" remain elusive. Therefore, the current study investigated the metabolic effects of celastrol on insulin sensitivity, inflammatory response in adipose tissue and mitochondrial functions in skeletal muscle of the high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Our study revealed that celastrol supplementation at 3 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks significantly reduced the final body weight and enhanced insulin sensitivity of the HFD-fed rats. Celastrol noticeably improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake activity and increased expression of plasma membrane GLUT4 protein in skeletal muscle. Moreover, celastrol-treated HFD-fed rats showed attenuated inflammatory responses via decreased NF-κB activity and diminished mRNA expression responsible for classically activated macrophage (M1) polarization in adipose tissues. Significant improvement of muscle mitochondrial functions and enhanced antioxidant defense machinery via restoration of mitochondrial complexes I + III linked activity were effectively exhibited by celastrol treatment. Mechanistically, celastrol stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis attributed by upregulation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling pathways. Together, these results further demonstrate heretofore the conceivable therapeutic mechanisms of celastrol "in vivo" against HFD-induced obesity mediated through attenuation of inflammatory response in adipose tissue and enhanced mitochondrial functions in skeletal muscle.itochondrial functions in skeletal muscle. +
Accumulating evidence indicates that the M … Accumulating evidence indicates that the MDM2 oncoprotein promotes tumorigenesis beyond its canonical negative effects on the p53 tumor suppressor, but these p53-independent functions remain poorly understood. Here, we show that a fraction of endogenous MDM2 is actively imported in mitochondria to control respiration and mitochondrial dynamics independently of p53. Mitochondrial MDM2 represses the transcription of NADH-dehydrogenase 6 (MT-ND6) ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo'', impinging on respiratory complex I activity and enhancing mitochondrial ROS production. Recruitment of MDM2 to mitochondria increases during oxidative stress and hypoxia. Accordingly, mice lacking MDM2 in skeletal muscles exhibit higher MT-ND6 levels, enhanced complex I activity, and increased muscular endurance in mild hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, increased mitochondrial MDM2 levels enhance the migratory and invasive properties of cancer cells. Collectively, these data uncover a previously unsuspected function of the MDM2 oncoprotein in mitochondria that play critical roles in skeletal muscle physiology and may contribute to tumor progression.y and may contribute to tumor progression. +
Accumulating evidence revealed that mesenc … Accumulating evidence revealed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) confer cardioprotection against myocardial infarction (MI). However, the poor survival and engraftment rate of the transplanted cells limited their therapeutic efficacy in the heart. The enhanced leptin production associated with hypoxia preconditioning contributed to the improved MSCs survival. Mitochondrial integrity determines the cellular fate. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether leptin can enhance mitochondrial integrity of human MSCs (hMSCs) to protect against various stress. ''In vivo'', transplantation of leptin-overexpressing hMSCs into the infarcted heart resulted in improved cell viability, leading to enhanced angiogenesis and cardiac function. ''In vitro'', pretreatment of hMSCs with recombinant leptin (hMSCs-Leppre) displayed improved cell survival against severe ischemic condition (glucose and serum deprivation under hypoxia), which was associated with increased mitochondrial fusion. Subsequently, Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), a mitochondrial inner membrane protein that regulates fusion and cristae structure, was significantly elevated in the hMSCs-Leppre group, and the protection of leptin was abrogated by targeting OPA1 with a selective siRNA. Furthermore, OMA1, a mitochondrial protease that cleaves OPA1, decreased in a leptin-dependent manner. Pretreatment of cells with an inhibitor of the proteasome (MG132), prevented leptin-induced OMA1 degradation, implicating the ubiquitination/proteasome system as a part of the protective leptin pathway. In addition, GSK3 inhibitor (SB216763) was also involved in the degradation of OMA1. In conclusion, in the hostile microenvironment caused by MI, (a) leptin can maintain the mitochondrial integrity and prolong the survival of hMSCs; (b) leptin-mediated mitochondrial integrity requires phosphorylation of GSK3 as a prerequisite for ubiquitination-depended degradation of OMA1 and attenuation of long-OPA1 cleavage. Thus, leptin targeting the GSK3/OMA1/OPA1 signaling pathway can optimize hMSCs therapy for cardiovascular diseases such as MI.can optimize hMSCs therapy for cardiovascular diseases such as MI. +
Accumulating evidence suggests that breast … Accumulating evidence suggests that breast cancer involves tumour-initiating cells (TICs), which play a role in initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance and relapse of the disease. Emerging drugs that target TICs are becoming a focus of contemporary research. Mitocans, a group of compounds that induce apoptosis of cancer cells by destabilising their mitochondria, are showing their potential in killing TICs. In this project, we investigated mitochondrially targeted vitamin E succinate (MitoVES), a recently developed mitocan, for its ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo'' efficacy against TICs.The mammosphere model of breast TICs was established by culturing murine NeuTL and human MCF7 cells as spheres. This model was verified by stem cell marker expression, tumour initiation capacity and chemotherapeutic resistance. Cell susceptibility to MitoVES was assessed and the cell death pathway investigated. ''In vivo'' efficacy was studied by grafting NeuTL TICs to form syngeneic tumours.Mammospheres derived from NeuTL and MCF7 breast cancer cells were enriched in the level of stemness, and the sphere cells featured altered mitochondrial function. Sphere cultures were resistant to several established anti-cancer agents while they were susceptible to MitoVES. Killing of mammospheres was suppressed when the mitochondrial complex II, the molecular target of MitoVES, was knocked down. Importantly, MitoVES inhibited progression of syngeneic HER2(high) tumours derived from breast TICs by inducing apoptosis in tumour cells.These results demonstrate that using mammospheres, a plausible model for studying TICs, drugs that target mitochondria efficiently kill breast tumour-initiating cells.ently kill breast tumour-initiating cells. +
Accumulating studies demonstrate that mito … Accumulating studies demonstrate that mitochondrial genetics and function are central to determining the susceptibility to, and prognosis of numerous diseases across all organ systems. Despite this recognition, mitochondrial function remains poorly characterized in humans primarily due to the invasiveness of obtaining viable tissue for mitochondrial studies. Recent studies have begun to test the hypothesis that circulating blood cells, which can be obtained by minimally invasive methodology, can be utilized as a biomarker of systemic bioenergetic function in human populations. Here we present the available methodologies for assessing blood cell bioenergetics and review studies that have applied these techniques to healthy and disease populations. We focus on the validation of this methodology in healthy subjects, as well as studies testing whether blood cell bioenergetics are altered in disease, correlate with clinical parameters, and compare with other methodology for assessing human mitochondrial function. Finally, we present the challenges and goals for the development of this emerging approach into a tool for translational research and personalized medicine.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. +
Accumulation of 2-methylcitric acid (2MCA) … Accumulation of 2-methylcitric acid (2MCA) is observed in methylmalonic and propionic acidemias, which are clinically characterized by severe neurological symptoms. The exact pathogenetic mechanisms of brain abnormalities in these diseases are poorly established and very little has been reported on the role of 2MCA. In the present work we found that 2MCA markedly inhibited ADP-stimulated and uncoupled respiration in mitochondria supported by glutamate, with a less significant inhibition in pyruvate plus malate-respiring mitochondria. However, no alterations occurred when α-ketoglutarate or succinate was used as respiratory substrates, suggesting a defect on glutamate oxidative metabolism. It was also observed that 2MCA decreased ATP formation in glutamate plus malate or pyruvate plus malate-supported mitochondria. Furthermore, 2MCA inhibited glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity at concentrations as low as 0.5 mM. Kinetic studies revealed that this inhibitory effect was competitive in relation to glutamate. In contrast, assays of osmotic swelling in non-respiring mitochondria suggested that 2MCA did not significantly impair mitochondrial glutamate transport. Finally, 2MCA provoked a significant decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and induced swelling in Ca2+ -loaded mitochondria supported by different substrates. These effects were totally prevented by cyclosporine A plus ADP or ruthenium red, indicating induction of mitochondrial permeability transition (PT). Taken together, our data strongly indicate that 2MCA behaves as a potent inhibitor of glutamate oxidation by inhibiting GDH activity and as a PT inducer, disturbing mitochondrial energy homeostasis. We presume that 2MCA-induced mitochondrial deleterious effects may contribute to the pathogenesis of brain damage in patients affected by methylmalonic and propionic acidemias. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.rticle is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. +
Accumulation of oxidative damage to mitoch … Accumulation of oxidative damage to mitochondria, protein, and nucleic acid in the brain may lead to neuronal and cognitive dysfunction. The effects on cognitive function, brain mitochondrial structure, and biomarkers of oxidative damage were studied after feeding old rats two mitochondrial metabolites, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) [0.5% or 0.2% (wt/vol) in drinking water], and/or R-alpha-lipoic acid (LA) [0.2% or 0.1% (wt/wt) in diet]. Spatial memory was assessed by using the Morris water maze; temporal memory was tested by using the peak procedure (a time-discrimination procedure). Dietary supplementation with ALCAR and/or LA improved memory, the combination being the most effective for two different tests of spatial memory (''P'' < 0.05; ''P'' < 0.01) and for temporal memory (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that oxidative damage to nucleic acids (8-hydroxyguanosine and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) increased with age in the hippocampus, a region important for memory. Oxidative damage to nucleic acids occurred predominantly in RNA. Dietary administration of ALCAR and/or LA significantly reduced the extent of oxidized RNA, the combination being the most effective. Electron microscopic studies in the hippocampus showed that ALCAR and/or LA reversed age-associated mitochondrial structural decay. These results suggest that feeding ALCAR and LA to old rats improves performance on memory tasks by lowering oxidative damage and improving mitochondrial function.dative damage and improving mitochondrial function. +
Accumulation of visceral fat is associated … Accumulation of visceral fat is associated with metabolic risk whereas excessive amounts of peripheral fat are considered less problematic. At the same time, altered white adipocyte mitochondrial bioenergetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.We therefore investigated whether the metabolic risk of visceral versus peripheral fat coincides with a difference in mitochondrial capacity of white adipocytes. We assessed bioenergetic parameters of subcutaneous inguinal and visceral epididymal white adipocytes from male C57BL/6N mice employing a comprehensive respirometry setup of intact and permeabilized adipocytes as well as isolated mitochondria. Inguinal adipocytes clearly featured a higher respiratory capacity attributable to increased mitochondrial respiratory chain content as compared to epididymal adipocytes. The lower capacity of mitochondria from epididymal adipocytes was accompanied by an increased generation of reactive oxygen species per oxygen consumed. Feeding a high-fat diet for one week reduced white adipocyte mitochondrial capacity, with stronger effects in epididymal when compared to inguinal adipocytes. This was accompanied by impaired body glucose homeostasis. Therefore, the limited bioenergetic performance combined with the proportionally higher generation of reactive oxygen species of visceral adipocytes could be seen as a candidate mechanism mediating the elevated metabolic risk associated with this fat depot.bolic risk associated with this fat depot. +
Accurate definitions of efficiency are req … Accurate definitions of efficiency are required to resolve controversies on the significance and comparability of measures of efficiency in biological energetics. This review on concepts of efficiency is arranged into 4 parts. First, some fundamental energy relations of equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics are defined and placed into a coherent context as relevant for efficiency in biology. The classical expression of the Carnot efficiency of a heat engine obtains a new meaning in terms of flux-force relations of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Second, within this general thermodynamic frame, the specific treatment of energy transformations of chemical reactions is introduced, with particular emphasis on open systems with internal transformation and external transfer of matter. Third, the chemical transformations in ATP turnover and internal efficiencies of coupled reactions are analyzed in two parts. On the one hand, the enthalpy efficiency is relevant in the context of biological calorimetry in relation to uncoupling and the integration of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. On the other hand, the molar Gibbs energy efficiency relates to the driving force of coupled reactions and to the control of flux. High metabolic power and maximum efficiency are mutually exclusive. Finally, the discussion of various expressions of efficiency in biological growth requires a careful distinction between energy conservation in transformations (chemical reactions) and energy acquisition in coupled transformation and transfer of energy in the form of externally supplied matter. Better understanding and management of biological resource utilization requires this combined analysis of efficiency in biological energetics.is of efficiency in biological energetics. +
Acetaminophen (AAP) overdose causes severe … Acetaminophen (AAP) overdose causes severe liver injury and is the leading cause of acute liver injury in humans. The mechanisms participating in its toxic effect are glutathione depletion, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is the principal biological methyl donor and is also a precursor of glutathione. In our previous studies we have documented a protective action of SAMe against various toxic injuries of rat hepatocytes in primary cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible protective effect of SAMe against AAP-induced toxic injury of primary rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were exposed to AAP (2.5 mM) or AAP together with SAMe at the final concentrations of 5, 25 or 50 mg/l for 24 h. Incubation of hepatocytes with AAP caused a significant increase of the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p < 0.001) and decline of the activity of cellular dehydrogenases (WST- 1) (p < 0.001). Co-incubation of hepatocytes with SAMe at any dose did not improve these markers of cellular integrity. The functional indicators improved in hepatocytes co-cultured with SAMe - urea production was significantly increased when using the highest dose of SAMe (p < 0.05); albumin synthesis was higher in all cultured hepatocytes exposed to SAMe (p < 0.05). SAMe did not influence AAP-induced decrease of cellular content of glutathione. Mitochondrial respiration of harvested digitonin-permeabilized hepatocytes was measured; Complex II was more sensitive to toxic action of AAP, respiration was decreased by 20%. This decrease was completely abolished by SAMe.y 20%. This decrease was completely abolished by SAMe. +
Acetaminophen (APAP) belongs to the most u … Acetaminophen (APAP) belongs to the most used analgetic and antipyretic drugs. APAP overdose causes liver injury and that is why it is the most frequent cause of acute liver injuries in the Western countries. In some cases, it is also associated with renal impairment occurring with frequency 1-2% of patients with acetaminophen overdose [1,2]. Acetaminophen is detoxified by three major pathways, glucuronidation, sulfation and oxidation by cytochrome P450. At therapeutic doses, a small portion of APAP dose is oxidized by cytochrome P450 to a reactive electrophilic molecule (NAPQI). After overdose, APAP is metabolized predominantly through the oxidation pathway and production of the oxidation product is enhanced. NAPQI is considered to be the toxic metabolite causing cell impairment [3]. However, based on our preliminary results, we postulated, that another metabolite could also cause toxicity.Our study's aim was to characterize the toxicity of APAP metabolite in the human HK-2 cell line. We used a range of concentrations (10-5 mM) to examine the toxicity in cells. We evaluated the toxicity using the detection of mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (WST-1 test), lactate dehydrogenase activity assay and detection of intracellular ROS production. We observed moderate impairment of cells already after 3 h of treatment based on the finding of decreased mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity in all tested concentrations. After 24 hours, the results showed significant cellular impairment and increased ROS production at all tested concentrations. In conclusion, we have proven our hypothesis that APAP metabolites ought to be also concerned in APAP toxicity. The toxic effect is presumably apparent as a decrease in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and induction of ROS production. activity and induction of ROS production. +
Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity is oft … Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity is often studied in primary cultures of hepatocytes of various species, but there are only few works comparing interspecies differences in susceptibility of hepatocytes to APAP ''in vitro''.The aim of our work was to compare hepatotoxicity of APAP in rat and mouse hepatocytes in primary cultures.Hepatocytes isolated from male Wistar rats and C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to APAP for up to 24 h. We determined lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in culture medium, activity of cellular dehydrogenases (WST-1) and activity of caspases 3 in cell lysate as markers of cell damage/death. We assessed content of intracellular reduced glutathione, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Respiration of digitonin-permeabilized hepatocytes was measured by high resolution respirometry and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was visualized (JC-1).APAP from concentrations of 2.5 and 0.75 mmol/L induced a decrease in viability of rat (p < 0.001) and mouse (p < 0.001) hepatocytes (WST-1), respectively. In contrast to rat hepatocytes, there was no activation of caspase-3 in mouse hepatocytes after APAP treatment. Earlier damage to plasma membrane and faster depletion of reduced glutathione were detected in mouse hepatocytes. Mouse hepatocytes showed increased glutamate + malate-driven respiration in state 4 and higher susceptibility of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) to APAP-induced injury.APAP displayed dose-dependent toxicity in hepatocytes of both species. Mouse hepatocytes in primary culture however had approximately three-fold higher susceptibility to the toxic effect of APAP when compared to rat hepatocytes.effect of APAP when compared to rat hepatocytes. +
Acetaminophen (APAP) is a frequently used … Acetaminophen (APAP) is a frequently used analgetic and antipyretic drug. After overdose, it may cause a number of pathophysiological processes that can even lead to acute liver and/or kidney failure. The cause of toxicity can be recognized in its metabolic activation but the entire mechanism of acetaminophen toxicity is still unknown. APAP is metabolized in hepatocytes through various pathways. The most important pathway acting in overdose is oxidation of APAP by cytochrome P450 to a substance, which is detoxified by reaction with glutathione [1,2]. We suppose that the metabolite of acetaminophen can also cause toxicity. Thus the main goal of our study was to assess a possible toxic effect of this metabolite in isolated mitochondria using detection of ROS production. We used CM-H2DCFDA molecular probe that is nonfluorescent until oxidized by ROS [3]. We used isolated mitochondria from rat liver and from kidney cells treated with mitochondrial substrates and inhibitors to localize the site of ROS production. We proved that kidney mitochondria and mitochondria from rat liver treated with the acetaminophen metabolite produced ROS in significantly higher extent in comparison with controls. In 5 mM solution, ROS production in mitochondria isolated from rat liver was enhanced 9-fold and 3-fold in presence of glutamate and malate (i.e. complex I-related) and succinate and rotenone (i.e. complex II-related), respectively. Similar results were found in mitochondria isolated from kidney cells. The results support our hypothesis about the possible toxic effect of acetaminophen metabolite likely contributing to the overall toxicity.kely contributing to the overall toxicity. +
Acetaminophen (APAP) is used worldwide and … Acetaminophen (APAP) is used worldwide and is regarded as safe in therapeutic concentrations but can cause acute liver failure in higher doses. High doses of APAP have been shown to inhibit complex I and II mitochondrial respiratory capacity in mouse hepatocytes, but human studies are lacking. Here, we studied mitochondrial respiratory capacity in human hepatic tissue ''ex vivo'' with increasing doses of APAP. Hepatic biopsies were obtained from 12 obese patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or a sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Mitochondrial respiration was measured by high-resolution respirometry. Therapeutic concentrations (≤0.13 mmol/L) of APAP did not inhibit state 3 complex I-linked respiration. APAP concentrations of ≥2.0 mmol/L in the medium significantly reduced hepatic mitochondrial respiration in a dose-dependent manner. Complex II-linked mitochondrial respiration was not inhibited by APAP. We conclude that the mitochondrial respiratory capacity is affected by a hepato-toxic effect of APAP, which involved complex I, but not complex II.© 2019 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).(former Nordic Pharmacological Society). +
Acetaminophen is one of the most common ov … Acetaminophen is one of the most common over-the-counter pain medications used worldwide and is considered safe at therapeutic dose. However, intentional and unintentional overdose accounts for up to 70 % of acute liver failure cases in the western world. Extensive research has demonstrated that the induction of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are central to the development of acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Despite the insight gained on the mechanism of acetaminophen toxicity, there still is only one clinically approved pharmacological treatment option, N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine increases the cell's antioxidant defense and protects liver cells from further acetaminophen-induced oxidative damage. Because it primarily protects healthy liver cells rather than rescuing the already injured cells alternative treatment strategies that target the latter cell population are warranted. In this study, we investigated mitochondria as therapeutic target for the development of novel treatment strategies for acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Characterization of the mitochondrial toxicity due to acute acetaminophen overdose ''in vitro'' in human cells using detailed respirometric analysis revealed that Complex I-linked (NADH-dependent) but not Complex II-linked (succinate-dependent) mitochondrial respiration is inhibited by acetaminophen. Treatment with a novel cell-permeable succinate prodrug rescues acetaminophen-induced impaired mitochondrial respiration. This suggests cell-permeable succinate prodrugs as a potential alternative treatment strategy to counteract acetaminophen-induced liver injury.teract acetaminophen-induced liver injury. +
Acetoacetate, when present as the only fue … Acetoacetate, when present as the only fuel for respiration in rat hearts, causes an impairment in contractile function that is reversible with the addition of substrates that can contribute to anaplerosis. To determine the importance of pyruvate carboxylation via NADP(+)-dependent malic enzyme on metabolism and function in hearts oxidizing acetoacetate, isolated working rat hearts were perfused with [1-14C]pyruvate and acetoacetate. While the cardiac power output after 60 min of perfusion in hearts utilizing acetoacetate alone had fallen to 44% of the initial value, the addition of pyruvate resulted in a stable performance with no fall in the work output. When hydroxymalonate, an inhibitor of NADP(+)-dependent malic enzyme and malate dehydrogenase, was added to the two substrates, function at 60 min was similar to the value for hearts oxidizing acetoacetate alone. Measurements of the specific activities of malate, aspartate, and citrate confirm inhibition of both pyruvate carboxylation and malate oxidation. The findings are consistent with a mechanism in which the enrichment of malate by pyruvate improves function by increasing the production of reducing equivalents by the malate dehydrogenase and the isocitrate dehydrogenase reactions increase flux through the span of the tricarboxylic acid cycle from malate to 2-oxoglutarate. The present study demonstrates the physiological importance of anaplerotic pathways in maintaining contractile function in the heart.taining contractile function in the heart. +
Acetylcholine as one of the main secretago … Acetylcholine as one of the main secretagogues modulates mitochondrial functions in acinar pancreacytes, presumably due to increase in ATP hydrolysis or Ca2+ transport into mitochondria. The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanisms of carbachol (CCh) action on respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of isolated pancreatic acini.Respiration of intact or permeabilized rat pancreatic acini was studied at 37 °C using a Clark oxygen electrode.Respiration rate of isolated acini in rest was 0.27 ± 0.01 nmol O2 s-1 10-6 cells. Addition of 10 μM CCh into respiration chamber evoked biphasic stimulation of respiration. Rapid increase of respiration by 20.1% lasted for approx. 1 min, followed by decrease to level by 11.5% higher than control. Addition of 1 μm CCh caused monophasic increase by 11.5%. Preincubation (5 min) with 1 or 10 μm CCh elevated respiration rate by 12.5 or 11.2% respectively. FCCP prevented the effect of CCh. Preincubation with 1 (but not 10) μm CCh increased FCCP-uncoupled respiration rate. Thapsigargin slightly elevated respiration, but ryanodine did not. Application of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate or ruthenium red prevented the effects of CCh on respiration, while oligomycin abolished them. Preincubation with 1 μm CCh prior to cell permeabilization increased respiration rate at pyruvate+malate oxidation, but not at succinate oxidation. In contrast, preincubation with 10 μm CCh decreased pyruvate+malate oxidation.Medium CCh dose (1 μm) intensifies respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of acinar pancreacytes by feedforward mechanism via Ca2+ transport into mitochondria and activation of Ca2+ /ADP-sensitive mitochondrial dehydrogenases. Prolonged action of high CCh dose (10 μm) might impair mitochondrial functions.ndrial dehydrogenases. Prolonged action of high CCh dose (10 μm) might impair mitochondrial functions. +
Acid hydrolysis of flavin peptides from th … Acid hydrolysis of flavin peptides from the active center of mammalian succinate dehydrogenase yields a substituted riboflavin which was isolated in pure form. It contains a substituent attached to position 8a of riboflavin. Drastic acid hydrolysis of this compound and catalytic hydrogenation yield nearly 1 mole of free histidine. Histidine is also liberated on neutral photolysis. The presence of histidine is confirmed by behavior on high voltage electrophoresis at various pH values and by acid titration curves. Linkage of the 8cr-CHs group of riboflavin is to one of the imidazole ring nitrogens since neither the flavin peptide nor its acid derivative give a Pauly reaction. This assignment is in full accord with the characteristic pH-fluorescence curve of covalently bound flavin. The pK of the fluorescence quenching agrees with that expected for the imidazole nitrogen in histidyl flavin.the imidazole nitrogen in histidyl flavin. +
Across a wide range of species and body ma … Across a wide range of species and body mass a close matching exists between maximal conductive oxygen delivery and mitochondrial respiratory rate. In this study we investigated in humans how closely ''in vivo'' maximal oxygen consumption (''V''O(2)max) is matched to muscle tissue-specific OXPHOS capacity ([[State 3]]) respiration. High-resolution respirometry was used to quantify mitochondrial respiration from the biopsies of arm and leg muscles while ''in vivo'' arm and leg ''V''O(2) were determined by the Fick method during leg cycling and arm cranking. We hypothesized that muscle mitochondrial respiratory rate exceeds that of systemic oxygen delivery. OXPHOS capacity of the deltoid muscle (4.3±0.4 mmol O(2)kg(-1)min(-1)) was similar to the ''in vivo'' ''V''O(2) during maximal arm cranking (4.7±0.5 mmol O(2)kg(-1)min(-1)) with 6 kg muscle. In contrast, the mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity of the quadriceps was 6.9±0.5 mmol O(2)kg(-1)min(-1), exceeding the ''in vivo'' leg ''V''O(2)max (5.0±0.2mmolO(2)kg(-1)min(-1)) during leg cycling with 20 kg muscle (''P''<0.05). Thus, when half or more of the body muscle mass is engaged during exercise, muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity surpasses ''in vivo'' ''V''O(2)max. The findings reveal an excess capacity of muscle mitochondrial respiratory rate over O(2) delivery by the circulation in the cascade defining maximal oxidative rate in humans.de defining maximal oxidative rate in humans. +
Activated macrophages undergo metabolic re … Activated macrophages undergo metabolic reprogramming, which drives their pro-inflammatory phenotype, but the mechanistic basis for this remains obscure. Here, we demonstrate that upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, macrophages shift from producing ATP by oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis while also increasing succinate levels. We show that increased mitochondrial oxidation of succinate via succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and an elevation of mitochondrial membrane potential combine to drive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. RNA sequencing reveals that this combination induces a pro-inflammatory gene expression profile, while an inhibitor of succinate oxidation, dimethyl malonate (DMM), promotes an anti-inflammatory outcome. Blocking ROS production with rotenone by uncoupling mitochondria or by expressing the alternative oxidase (AOX) inhibits this inflammatory phenotype, with AOX protecting mice from LPS lethality. The metabolic alterations that occur upon activation of macrophages therefore repurpose mitochondria from ATP synthesis to ROS production in order to promote a pro-inflammatory state.order to promote a pro-inflammatory state. +
Activation by diazoxide and inhibition by … Activation by diazoxide and inhibition by 5-hydroxydecanoate are the hallmarks of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) channels. Opening of these channels is thought to trigger cytoprotection (preconditioning) through the generation of reactive oxygen species. However, we found that diazoxide-induced oxidation of the widely used reactive oxygen species indicator 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein in isolated liver and heart mitochondria was observed in the absence of ATP or K+ and therefore independent of KATP channels. The response was blocked by stigmatellin, implying a role for the cytochrome ''bc''1 complex (Complex III). Diazoxide, though, did not increase hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production (quantitatively measured with Amplex Red) in intact mitochondria, submitochondrial particles, or purified cytochrome ''bc''1 complex. We confirmed that diazoxide inhibited succinate oxidation, but it also weakly stimulated State 4 respiration even in K+-free buffer, excluding a role for KATP channels. Furthermore, we have shown previously that 5-hydroxydecanoate is partially metabolized, and we hypothesized that fatty acid metabolism may explain the ability of this putative mitochondrial KATP channel blocker to inhibit diazoxide-induced flavoprotein fluorescence, commonly used as an assay of KATP channel activity. Indeed, consistent with our hypothesis, we found that decanoate inhibited diazoxide-induced flavoprotein oxidation. Taken together, our data question the “mitochondrial KATP channel” hypothesis of preconditioning. Diazoxide did not evoke superoxide (which dismutates to H2O2) from the respiratory chain by a direct mechanism, and the stimulatory effects of this compound on mitochondrial respiration and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein oxidation were not due to the opening of KATP channels.the respiratory chain by a direct mechanism, and the stimulatory effects of this compound on mitochondrial respiration and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein oxidation were not due to the opening of KATP channels. +
Activation of mammalian embryonic developm … Activation of mammalian embryonic development relies on a series of fertilization-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+. Full egg activation also requires influx of extracellular Ca2+, but the channel or channels mediating this influx remain unknown. In these studies we examined whether T-type Ca2+ channels, including CACNA1H subunit-containing CaV3.2 channels, mediate Ca2+ entry after fertilization. We found that female mice lacking CACNA1H have reduced litter size. Careful analysis of Ca2+ oscillation patterns following ''in vitro'' fertilization (IVF) of ''Cacna1h-/-'' eggs revealed shortening of the first Ca2+ transient length and reduction in Ca2+ oscillation persistence. Both total and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores in ''Cacna1h-/-'' eggs were reduced, showing an impairment of Ca2+ accumulation during oocyte maturation in ''Cacna1h-/-'' eggs. Pharmacological inhibition of T-type channels during ''in vitro'' maturation also reduced Ca2+ store accumulation, indicating that T-type channels are responsible for mediating Ca2+ entry and ER store accumulation during meiotic maturation. T-type channel inhibition also reduced oscillation persistence, frequency, and duration following IVF in wild-type eggs. Together, these data support previously unrecognized roles for T-type Ca2+ channels in mediating the maturation-associated increase in ER Ca2+ stores and allowing Ca2+ influx required for the activation of embryo development. In future studies, we plan to investigate how fluxes in oocyte Ca2+ and Zn2+ influence mitochondrial function, which is a critical determinant of oocyte and embryo quality. Developing better understanding of the interplay between these pathways may translate into clinical application to improve assisted reproductive technologies.;2+ influence mitochondrial function, which is a critical determinant of oocyte and embryo quality. Developing better understanding of the interplay between these pathways may translate into clinical application to improve assisted reproductive technologies. +
Activation of the NAD+</sup& … Activation of the NAD+ dependent protein deacetylase SIRT1 has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to treat mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. However, lifelong overexpression of SIRT1 in skeletal muscle does not improve parameters of mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity. In this study, we investigated whether temporal overexpression of SIRT1 in muscle of adult mice would affect skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity.To circumvent potential effects of germline SIRT1 overexpression, we utilized an inducible model of SIRT1 overexpression in skeletal muscle of adult mice (i-mOX). Insulin sensitivity was assessed by 2-deoxyglucose uptake, muscle maximal respiratory function by high-resolution respirometry and systemic energy expenditure was assessed by whole body calorimetry.Although SIRT1 was highly, and specifically, overexpressed in skeletal muscle of i-mOX compared to WT mice, glucose tolerance and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity were comparable between genotypes. Additionally, markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, muscle maximal respiratory function and whole-body oxygen consumption were also unaffected by SIRT1 overexpression.These results support previous work demonstrating that induction of SIRT1 in skeletal muscle, either at birth or in adulthood, does not impact muscle insulin action or mitochondrial function.© 2017 Scandinavian Physiological Society. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.iological Society. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. +
Activin A and myostatin, members of the tr … Activin A and myostatin, members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily of secreted factors, are potent negative regulators of muscle growth, but their contribution to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate if activin 2B (ACVR2B) receptor ligands contribute to myocardial IR injury. Mice were treated with soluble ACVR2B decoy receptor (ACVR2B-Fc) and subjected to myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion for 6 or 24 h. Systemic blockade of ACVR2B ligands by ACVR2B-Fc was protective against cardiac IR injury, as evidenced by reduced infarcted area, apoptosis, and autophagy and better preserved LV systolic function following IR. ACVR2B-Fc modified cardiac metabolism, LV mitochondrial respiration, as well as cardiac phenotype toward physiological hypertrophy. Similar to its protective role in IR injury ''in vivo'', ACVR2B-Fc antagonized SMAD2 signaling and cell death in cardiomyocytes that were subjected to hypoxic stress. ACVR2B ligand myostatin was found to exacerbate hypoxic stress. In addition to acute cardioprotection in ischemia, ACVR2B-Fc provided beneficial effects on cardiac function in prolonged cardiac stress in cardiotoxicity model. By blocking myostatin, ACVR2B-Fc potentially reduces cardiomyocyte death and modifies cardiomyocyte metabolism for hypoxic conditions to protect the heart from IR injury.tions to protect the heart from IR injury. +
Activity defects in respiratory chain comp … Activity defects in respiratory chain complexes are responsible for a large variety of pathological situations, including neuromuscular diseases and multisystemic disorders. Their impact on energy production is highly variable and disproportional. The same biochemical or genetic defect can lead to large differences in clinical symptoms and severity between tissues and patients, making the pathophysiological analysis of mitochondrial diseases difficult. The existence of compensatory mechanisms operating at the level of the respiratory chain might be an explanation for the biochemical complexity observed for respiratory defects. Here, we analyzed the role of cytochrome c and coenzyme Q in the attenuation of complex III and complex IV pharmacological inhibition on the respiratory flux. Spectrophotometry, HPLC-EC, polarography and enzymology permitted the calculation of molar ratios between respiratory chain components, giving values of 0.8:61:3:12:6.8 in muscle and 1:131:3:9:6.5 in liver, for CII:CoQ:CIII:Cyt c:CIV. The results demonstrate the dynamic functional compartmentalization of respiratory chain substrates, with the existence of a substrate pool that can be recruited to maintain energy production at normal levels when respiratory chain complexes are inhibited. The size of this reserve was different between muscle and liver, and in proportion to the magnitude of attenuation of each respiratory defect. Such functional compartmentalization could result from the recently observed physical compartmentalization of respiratory chain substrates. The dynamic nature of the mitochondrial network may modulate this compartmentalization and could play a new role in the control of mitochondrial respiration as well as apoptosis.hondrial respiration as well as apoptosis. +
Actovegin, a deproteinized haemodialysate … Actovegin, a deproteinized haemodialysate of calf blood, is suggested to have ergogenic properties, but this potential effect has never been investigated in human skeletal muscle. To investigate this purported ergogenic effect, we measured the mitochondrial respiratory capacity in permeabilized human skeletal muscle fibres acutely exposed to Actovegin in a low and in a high dose. We found that Actovegin, in the presence of complex I-linked substrates increased the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity significantly in a concentration-dependent manner (19 ± 3, 31 ± 4 and 45 ± 4 pmol/mg/s). Maximal OXPHOS capacity with complex I and II-linked substrate was increased when the fibres were exposed to the high dose of Actovegin (62 ± 6 and 77 ± 6 pmol/mg/s) (''p ''< .05). The respiratory capacity of the electron transfer-pathway as well as Vmax and Km were also increased in a concentration-dependent manner after Actovegin exposure (70 ± 6, 79 ± 6 and 88 ± 7 pmol/mg/s; 13 ± 2, 25 ± 3 and 37 ± 4 pmol/mg/s; 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.21 ± 0.03 and 0.36 ± 0.03 mM, respectively) (''p'' < .05). In summary, we report for the first time that Actovegin has a marked effect on mitochondrial oxidative function in human skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial adaptations like this are also seen after a training program in human subjects. Whether this improvement translates into an ergogenic effect in athletes and thus reiterates the need to include Actovegin on the World Anti-Doping Agency's active list remains to be investigated.Agency's active list remains to be investigated. +
Actovegin, a drug made from the deproteini … Actovegin, a drug made from the deproteinized hemodialysate of calf blood increases the mitochondrial respiratory capacity of untrained and overweight subjects, indicating that Actovegin may have the potential to improve performance. These findings are interesting because the drug is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list, but used by athletes. Therefore, we wanted to investigate whether Actovegin had the same effect in trained subjects. Also, we wanted to compare the effect of Actovegin with the effect of erythropoietin (EPO; a banned substance) on the mitochondrial respiratory capacity. We obtained basal muscle biopsies (''m. vastus lateralis'') from 8 trained subjects (VO2max: 54±2ml/min/kg). The skeletal muscle fibers were acutely exposed to either Actovegin (50µl/ml) or EPO (50µl/ml, 2000IU) during permeabilization, washing of the fibers and the respiratory analysis, resulting in a ~2h exposure time. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity was measured with high-resolution respirometry (Oxygraph-2k; Oroboros , Innsbruck, Austria) and by sequential addition of malate, glutamate, ADP, succinate and FCCP.EPO and Actovegin increased maximal complex I activity (''P''<0.05) compared to control (22±4, 43±3, 61±5pmol/mg/s) with a significant difference between EPO and Actovegin (43±3, 61±5pmol/mg/s, respectively). Only Actovegin increased the maximal oxidative phosphorylation capacity significantly (72±5, 82±8, 95±4pmol/mg/s), but both EPO and Actovegin increased the maximal electron transport system capacity (77±5, 101±9, 112±10pmol/mg/s) (''P''<0.05). In regards to ADP kinetics, Vmax was significantly increased by EPO and Actovegin (18±2, 33±3, 50±4pmol/mg/s) (''P''<0.05), whereas Km was unaltered by EPO, but significantly increased by Actovegin (0.18±0.04, 0.21±0.04, 0.72±0.31mM).The study demonstrates that acute exposure of human muscle fibers to EPO or Actovegin increases the mitochondrial respiratory capacity of trained subjects. The mechanism(s) are not clear, but EPO has been found to increase the NAD+ levels and the NAD+/NADH ratio in myoblasts (1), which could explain the observed increased complex I respiration with EPO (2). Actovegin contains succinate which in part can explain the effect of Actovegin on the mitochondrial respiration. It is not known whether Actovegin also contains NAD+, but it is intriguing to think that Actovegin and EPO might modulate mitochondrial function through the same mechanism, but this is only speculations. the same mechanism, but this is only speculations. +
Acute O2 sensing by … Acute O2 sensing by peripheral chemoreceptors is essential for mammalian homeostasis. Carotid body glomus cells contain O2-sensitive ion channels, which trigger fast adaptive cardiorespiratory reflexes in response to hypoxia. O2-sensitive cells have unique metabolic characteristics that favor the hypoxic generation of mitochondrial complex I (MCI) signaling molecules, NADH and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which modulate membrane ion channels. We show that responsiveness to hypoxia progressively disappears after inducible deletion of the Ndufs2 gene, which encodes the 49 kDa subunit forming the coenzyme Q binding site in MCI, even in the presence of MCII substrates and chemical NAD+ regeneration. We also show contrasting effects of physiological hypoxia on mitochondrial ROS production (increased in the intermembrane space and decreased in the matrix) and a marked effect of succinate dehydrogenase activity on acute O2 sensing. Our results suggest that acute responsiveness to hypoxia depends on coenzyme QH2/Q ratio-controlled ROS production in MCI.esponsiveness to hypoxia depends on coenzyme QH2/Q ratio-controlled ROS production in MCI. +
Acute aerobic exercise increases the numbe … Acute aerobic exercise increases the number and proportions of circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC) and can alter PBMC mitochondrial bioenergetics. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of a maximal exercise bout on immune cell metabolism in collegiate swimmers. Eleven (7 M/4F) collegiate swimmers completed a maximal exercise test to measure anaerobic power and capacity. Pre- and postexercise PBMCs were isolated to measure the immune cell phenotypes and mitochondrial bioenergetics using flow cytometry and high-resolution respirometry. The maximal exercise bout increased circulating levels of PBMCs, particularly in central memory (KLRG1+/CD57-) and senescent (KLRG1+/CD57+) CD8+ T cells, whether measured as a % of PMBCs or as absolute concentrations (all p < 0.05). At the cellularlevel, the routine oxygen flow (IO2 [pmol·s-1 ·106 PBMCs-1 ]) increased following maximal exercise (p = 0.042); however, there were no effects of exercise on the IO2 measured under the LEAK, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), or electron transfer (ET) capacities. There were exercise-induced increases in the tissue-level oxygen flow (IO2-tissue [pmol·s-1 ·mL blood-1 ]) for all respiratory states (all p < 0.01), except for the LEAK state, after accounting for the mobilization of PBMCs. Future subtype-specific studies are needed to characterize further maximal exercise's true impact on immune cell bioenergetics.zation of PBMCs. Future subtype-specific studies are needed to characterize further maximal exercise's true impact on immune cell bioenergetics. +
Acute changes in temperature have a signif … Acute changes in temperature have a significant impact on ectotherm metabolic function due to their inability to regulate internal temperatures. An alteration of metabolic rate will drive modulations in cardiac function in order to meet the changing oxygen demands of aerobically active tissues. The function of the fish heart therefore underpins an organisms ability to survive changing temperature. There have been multiple studies assessing the effects of temperature on the metabolism of fish tissue systems but relatively few on the heart. As such, the aims of this thesis were to study the effects of cooling and warming on cardiac metabolism of the rainbow trout. As mitochondria are responsible for producing the majority of ATP for cardiomyocytes and drive aerobic demand, the experiments in this thesis centred on the mitochondrial response to temperature change. In chapter 3, I provide the first thorough investigation into the effect of cold and warm acclimation on cardiac mitochondria morphology in fish. Cold acclimation induced mitochondrial proliferation and an upregulation of mitochondrial fusion, whilst warm acclimation did not increase mitochondrial content but is suggested to increase fission events. A lack of change in internal mitochondrial ultrastructure however doesn't suggest any change in energetic capacity. In chapter 4, I demonstrate that mitochondria are sensitive to acute temperature changes, although their response did not fit expectations. Cold acclimated mitochondria decreased respiratory rates when acutely warmed whilst acute cooling caused an increase in mitochondrial function in warm acclimated fish. This acute response demonstrated a narrowing of the thermal performance window in the cold acclimated fish with warm acclimation shifting the thermal optimum and lowering upper thermal limits. This repression of mitochondrial function may have a significant impact on rainbow trout fitness if exposed to changing temperatures. We found that ROS production was insensitive to temperature changes which may be a result of complex I and III remodelling or due to changes in antioxidant capacity. Metabolic enzymes from the TCA cycle, electron transport chain and fatty acid oxidation pathways demonstrated a limited capacity for remodelling following temperature changes. We show that cold acclimation sensitised metabolic enzymes to acute changes in temperature whilst warm acclimation induced a desensitisation. Cold acclimation did not induce a switch to fatty acid metabolism as might be expected and we demonstrated that citrate synthase is a poor biomarker for mitochondrial content in the rainbow trout heart. Overall, I have shown that the fish heart is sensitive to thermal changes which are reflected functionally and morphologically. Despite being sensitive to temperature changes rainbow trout mitochondria do not fi t traditional compensatory remodelling patterns and instead shift thermal optima. Cold acclimation leads a thermal sensitisation of metabolic enzymes which is not seen in the warm which displayed generally high metabolic activities. This metabolic remodelling may prove to be energetically costly and possibly detrimental to organismal fitness in the wild.imental to organismal fitness in the wild. +
Acute exposure to crude oil and polycyclic … Acute exposure to crude oil and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can severely impair cardiorespiratory function and swim performance of larval, juvenile and adult fish. Interestingly, recent work has documented an oil induced decoupling of swim performance (Ucrit) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) whereby oil causes a decline in Ucrit without a parallel reduction in MMR. We hypothesize that this uncoupling is due to impaired mitochondrial function in swimming muscles that results in increased proton leak, and thus less ATP generated per unit oxygen. Using high resolution mitochondrial respirometry, we assessed 11 metrics of mitochondrial performance in red and cardiac muscle from permeabilized fibers isolated from red drum following control or 24 h crude oil (high energy water accommodated fractions) exposure. Two experimental series were performed, a Deepwater Horizon relevant low dose (29.6 ± 7.4 μg L-1 ∑PAH50) and a proof-of-concept high dose (64.5 ± 8.9 μg L-1 ∑PAH50). No effects were observed on any mitochondrial parameter in either tissue at the low oil dose; however, high dose exposure provided evidence of impairment in the OXPHOS respiratory control ratio and OXPHOS spare capacity in red muscle following oil exposure, as well as a shift from Complex I to Complex II during OXPHOS respiration. No effects of the high dose oil treatment were observed in cardiac muscle. As such, mitochondrial dysfunction is unlikely to be the underlying mechanism for decoupling of Ucrit and MMR following acute oil exposure in red drum. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction does not appear to be a relevant toxicological impairment in juvenile red drum with respect to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, although impairments may be observed under higher dose exposure scenarios.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Acute heat challenge is known to induce ce … Acute heat challenge is known to induce cell-level oxidative stress in fishes. Mitochondria are well known for the capacity to make reactive oxygen species (ROS) and as such are often implicated as a source of the oxidants associated with this thermally-induced oxidative stress. This implication is often asserted, despite little direct data for mitochondrial ROS metabolism in fishes. Here we characterize mitochondrial ROS metabolism in three Actinopterygian fish species at two levels, the capacity for superoxide/H2O2 production and the antioxidant thiol-reductase enzyme activities. We find that red muscle mitochondria from all three species have measurable ROS production and respond to different assay conditions consistent with what might be anticipated; assuming similar relative contributions from difference ROS producing sites as found in rat skeletal muscle mitochondria. Although there are species and assay specific exceptions, fish mitochondria may have a greater capacity to produce ROS than that found in the rat when either normalized to respiratory capacity or determined at a common assay temperature. The interspecific differences in ROS production are not correlated with thiol-based antioxidant reductase activities. Moreover, mimicking an acute ''in vivo'' heat stress by comparing the impact of increasing assay temperature on these processes in vitro, we find evidence supporting a preferential activation of mitochondrial H2O2 production relative to the increase in the capacity of reductase enzymes to supply electrons to the mitochondrial matrix peroxidases. This supports the contention that mitochondria may be, at least in part, responsible for the ROS that lead to oxidative stress in fish tissues exposed to acute heat challenge.for the ROS that lead to oxidative stress in fish tissues exposed to acute heat challenge. +
Acute hypoxia (AH) reduces maximal O<su … Acute hypoxia (AH) reduces maximal O2 consumption (''V''O2max), but after acclimatization, and despite increases in both hemoglobin concentration and arterial O2 saturation that can normalize arterial O2 concentration ([O2]), ''V''O2max remains low. To determine why, seven lowlanders were studied at ''V''O2max (cycle ergometry) at sea level (SL), after 9-10 wk at 5260 m [chronic hypoxia (CH)], and 6 mo later at SL in AH (''F''iO2 = 0.105) equivalent to 5260 m. Pulmonary and leg indexes of O2 transport were measured in each condition. Both cardiac output and leg blood flow were reduced by approximately 15 % in both AH and CH (''P'' < 0.05). At maximal exercise, arterial [O2] in AH was 31 % lower than at SL (''P'' < 0.05), whereas in CH it was the same as at SL due to both polycythemia and hyperventilation. O2 extraction by the legs, however, remained at SL values in both AH and CH. Although at both SL and in AH, 76 % of the cardiac output perfused the legs, in CH the legs received only 67 %. Pulmonary ''V''O2max (4.1 +/- 0.3 L/min at SL) fell to 2.2 +/- 0.1 L/min in AH (''P'' < 0.05) and was only 2.4 +/- 0.2 L/min in CH (''P'' < 0.05). These data suggest that the failure to recover ''V''O2max after acclimatization despite normalization of arterial [O2] is explained by two circulatory effects of altitude: 1) failure of cardiac output to normalize and 2) preferential redistribution of cardiac output to nonexercising tissues. Oxygen transport from blood to muscle mitochondria, on the other hand, appears unaffected by CH.t;sub>2] is explained by two circulatory effects of altitude: 1) failure of cardiac output to normalize and 2) preferential redistribution of cardiac output to nonexercising tissues. Oxygen transport from blood to muscle mitochondria, on the other hand, appears unaffected by CH. +
Acute hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstri … Acute hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction and coronary vasodilation. The divergent effects of hypoxia on pulmonary and coronary vascular smooth muscle cells suggest that the mechanisms involved in oxygen sensing and downstream effectors are different in these two types of cells. Since production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is regulated by oxygen tension, ROS have been hypothesized to be a signaling mechanism in hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. Furthermore, an increased ROS production is also implicated in arteriosclerosis. In this study, we determined and compared the effects of hypoxia on ROS levels in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and coronary arterial smooth muscle cells (CASMC). Our results indicated that acute exposure to hypoxia (Po(2) = 25-30 mmHg for 5-10 min) significantly and rapidly decreased ROS levels in both PASMC and CASMC. However, chronic exposure to hypoxia (Po(2) = 30 mmHg for 48 h) markedly increased ROS levels in PASMC, but decreased ROS production in CASMC. Furthermore, chronic treatment with endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor and mitogen, caused a significant increase in ROS production in both PASMC and CASMC. The inhibitory effect of acute hypoxia on ROS production in PASMC was also accelerated in cells chronically treated with endothelin-1. While the decreased ROS in PASMC and CASMC after acute exposure to hypoxia may reflect the lower level of oxygen substrate available for ROS production, the increased ROS production in PASMC during chronic hypoxia may reflect a pathophysiological response unique to the pulmonary vasculature that contributes to the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling in patients with hypoxia-associated pulmonary hypertension.hypoxia-associated pulmonary hypertension. +
Acute inflammation can either resolve thro … Acute inflammation can either resolve through immunosuppression or persist, leading to chronic inflammation. These transitions are driven by distinct molecular and metabolic reprogramming of immune cells. The anti-diabetic drug Metformin inhibits acute and chronic inflammation through mechanisms still not fully understood. Here, we report that the anti-inflammatory and reactive-oxygen-species-inhibiting effects of Metformin depend on the expression of the plasticity factor ZEB1 in macrophages. Using mice lacking Zeb1 in their myeloid cells and human patient samples, we show that ZEB1 plays a dual role, being essential in both initiating and resolving inflammation by inducing macrophages to transition into an immunosuppressed state. ZEB1 mediates these diverging effects in inflammation and immunosuppression by modulating mitochondrial content through activation of autophagy and inhibition of mitochondrial protein translation. During the transition from inflammation to immunosuppression, Metformin mimics the metabolic reprogramming of myeloid cells induced by ZEB1. Mechanistically, in immunosuppression, ZEB1 inhibits amino acid uptake, leading to downregulation of mTORC1 signalling and a decrease in mitochondrial translation in macrophages. These results identify ZEB1 as a driver of myeloid cell metabolic plasticity, suggesting that targeting its expression and function could serve as a strategy to modulate dysregulated inflammation and immunosuppression.ulated inflammation and immunosuppression. +
Acute ischemia-reperfusion injury of the b … Acute ischemia-reperfusion injury of the brain affects millions of people. Currently there is no really efficient neuroprotective therapy, however, a simple physical procedure, therapeutic hypothermia, can have beneficial effects. Although there is agreement that in this group of diseases oxidative stress is an important factor, the effects of temperature changes on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and on the ROS elimination have not been clarified yet. A few publications in high profile journals claimed that mitochondrial ROS formation was inversely related to increasing temperature. In the present work, the effects of temperature changes on H2O2 formation and elimination were investigated in isolated guinea pig brain mitochondria in association with oxygen consumption.Mitochondrial ROS production was measured using Amplex UltraRed fluorescence, the rate of H2O2 elimination was measured using a hydrogen peroxide-sensitive electrode (WPI). Oxygen consumption of mitochondria was measured using an Oroboros Oxygraph-2k. In order to energize mitochondria glutamate plus malate, succinate and alpha-glycerophosphate substrates were used. The bioenergetic and ROS parameters of mitochondria were investigated at 33, 37 and 41 °C.The rate of substrate oxidation showed a strong increase with temperature, whereas the efficiency of oxidation was decreased. Considering the ROS homeostasis both the formation of H2O2 and the elimination of H2O2 became faster with increasing temperature. With Complex I substrates at resting respiration, H2O2 production was increased by 31%, as a consequence of elevating the temperature from 33 °C to 41 °C. Using succinate or alpha-glycerophosphate, results were similar. The biggest difference (59% between 33 °C and 41 °C) was detected when H2O2 production was measured in the presence of the Complex I inhibitor rotenone. The rate of H2O2 elimination was also elevated by 24% with increased temperature (from 33 °C to 41 °C), in glutamate+malate supported mitochondria. Rising the temperature from hypothermic to hyperthermic conditions resulted in an increase in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, H2O2 production and H2O2 elimination. The increase of ROS production was higher than that of H2O2 elimination; thus, according to our results, the elevation of temperature created oxidative stress conditions. We conclude that the neuroprotective effects of therapeutic hypothermia are also based on the decreased rate of mitochondrial H2O2 production.ub> elimination; thus, according to our results, the elevation of temperature created oxidative stress conditions. We conclude that the neuroprotective effects of therapeutic hypothermia are also based on the decreased rate of mitochondrial H2O2 production. +
Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by ischem … Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R) is characterized by intense anion superoxide (O2•-) production and oxidative damage. We investigated whether extracellular vesicles secreted by adipose tissue mesenchymal cells (EVs) administered during reperfusion can suppress the exacerbated mitochondrial O2•- formation after I/R. We used Wistar rats subjected to bilateral renal arterial clamping (30 min) followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The animals received EVs (I/R + EVs group) or saline (I/R group) in the kidney subcapsular space. The third group consisted of false-operated rats (SHAM). Mitochondria were isolated from proximal tubule cells and used immediately. Amplex Red™ was used to measure mitochondrial O2•- formation and MitoTracker™ Orange to evaluate inner mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ). ''In vitro'' studies were carried out on human renal proximal tubular cells (HK-2) co-cultured or not with EVs under hypoxic conditions. Administration of EVs restored O2•- formation to SHAM levels in all mitochondrial functional conditions. The gene expression of catalase and superoxide dismutase-1 remained unmodified; transcription of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was upregulated. The co-cultures of HK-2 cells with EVs revealed an intense decrease in apoptosis. We conclude that the mechanisms by which EVs favor long-term recovery of renal structures and functions after I/R rely on a decrease of mitochondrial O2•- formation with the aid of the upregulated antioxidant HO-1/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 system, thus opening new vistas for the treatment of AKI.; formation with the aid of the upregulated antioxidant HO-1/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 system, thus opening new vistas for the treatment of AKI. +
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complicatio … Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complication of sepsis and leads to a high mortality rate. Human and animal studies suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in sepsis-induced multi-organ failure; however, the specific mitochondrial targets damaged during sepsis remain elusive. We used a clinically relevant cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) murine model of sepsis and assessed renal mitochondrial function using high-resolution respirometry, renal microcirculation using intravital microscopy and renal function. CLP caused a time-dependent decrease in mitochondrial complex I and II/III respiration and reduced ATP. By 4 hours after CLP, activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) was decreased by 50% and inhibition was sustained through 36 hours. These events were associated with increased mitochondrial superoxide generation. We then evaluated whether the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO could reverse renal mitochondrial dysfunction and attenuate sepsis-induced AKI. Mito-TEMPO (10 mg/kg) given at 6 hours post CLP decreased mitochondrial superoxide levels, protected complex I and II/III respiration, and restored MnSOD activity by 18 hours. Mito-TEMPO also improved renal microcirculation and glomerular filtration rate. Importantly, even delayed therapy with a single dose of Mito-TEMPO significantly increased 96-hour survival rate from 40% in untreated septic mice to 80%. Thus, sepsis causes sustained inactivation of three mitochondrial targets that can lead to increased mitochondrial superoxide. Importantly, even delayed therapy with Mito-TEMPO alleviated kidney injury, suggesting that it may be a promising approach to treat septic AKI. a promising approach to treat septic AKI. +
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent co … Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of sepsis that can increase mortality as high as 70%. The pathophysiology of this kidney failurewas previously believed to be secondary to decreased global renal perfusion causing hypoxia-induced injury. However, new research suggests this paradigm is overly simplistic, and injury is now considered multifactorial in origin. Mechanisms that contribute to kidney injury mainly include inflammation, alterations in microvascular renal blood flow and changes in bioenergetics.To study the mechanism of oxygen regulation in acute kidney injury during sepsis, we developed a sepsis-induced ''in vitro'' model using proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) exposed to a bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). Our first investigation, by using both high-resolution respirometry and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, showed that HK-2 cells exhibit a decreased oxygen consumption rate when treated with LPS. Surprisingly,this cellular respiration alteration persists even after the stress factor is removed. We suggested that this irreversible decrease in renal oxygen consumption after LPS challenge is related to a pathologic metabolic down-regulation such as a lack of oxygen utilization by cells for ATP production. In the long term, this metabolic disturbance leads cells to a predominantlyapoptotic death. cells to a predominantly apoptotic death. +
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is still a criti … Acute kidney injury (AKI) is still a critical problem in clinical practice, with a heavy burden for national health system around the world. It is notable that sepsis is the predominant cause of AKI for patients in the intensive care unit and the mortality remains considerably high. The treatment for AKI relies on supportive therapies and almost no specific treatment is currently available. Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine with pleiotropic effects. However, the renoprotective effect of spermidine and the underlying mechanism remain elusive.We employed mice sepsis-induced AKI model and explored the potential renoprotective effect of spermidine ''in vivo'' with different administration time and routes. Macrophage depleting was utilized to probe the role of macrophage. ''In vitro'' experiments were conducted to examine the effect of spermidine on macrophage cytokine secretion, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and mitochondrial respiration.We confirmed that spermidine improves AKI with different administration time and routes and that macrophages serves as an essential mediator in this protective effect. Meanwhile, spermidine downregulates NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and IL-1 beta production in macrophages directly. Mechanically, spermidine enhances mitochondrial respiration capacity and maintains mitochondria function which contribute to the NLRP3 inhibition. Importantly, we showed that eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) hypusination plays an important role in regulating macrophage bioactivity.Spermidine administration practically protects against sepsis-induced AKI in mice and macrophages serve as an essential mediator in this protective effect. Our study identifies spermidine as a promising pharmacologic approach to prevent AKI.ing pharmacologic approach to prevent AKI. +
Acute liver injury seriously endangers hum … Acute liver injury seriously endangers human health. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, has antioxidative effects in addition to being widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and was reported to ameliorate liver diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of liraglutide on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury in mice and to investigate the mechanisms involved in this protective effect. Male BALB/c mice were pre-treated with liraglutide (200 μg/kg/day) by hypodermic injection for 3 days before a 0.1% (v/v) CCl4 (10 ml/kg, dissolved in olive oil) intraperitoneal injection, or post-treated with liraglutide once immediately after a CCl4 intraperitoneal injection. The experimental data showed that liraglutide treatment significantly decreased the serum ALT and AST levels and ameliorated the liver histopathological changes induced by CCl4. In addition, liraglutide pre-treatment dramatically increased the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive hepatocytes and significantly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis after CCl4 treatment. As a consequence, liraglutide pre-treatment significantly prevented CCl4-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) production and increased the activity of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. In addition, liraglutide pre-treatment significantly ameliorated mitochondrial respiratory functions and ultrastructural features. Furthermore, liraglutide pre-treatment enhances the activation of the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In summary, liraglutide protects against CCl4-induced acute liver injury by protecting mitochondrial functions and inhibiting oxidative stress, which may partly involve the activation of NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the … Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for 25% of all cancers in this age group. One of the chemotherapeutics used in the therapy of ALL (and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis) is methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist (antifolate). As a chemotherapeutic agent, MTX´s mechanism of action is primarily attributed to the inhibition of the dihydrophate reductase enzyme, which synthesizes tetrahydrofolate from dihydrofolate – a key step in the ''de novo'' synthesis of purine nucleotides used in cell division. In rheumatoid arthritis, lower doses of MTX inhibit the 5-aminoimidazole-4-ribonucleotide-carboxamide formyltransferase (ATIC) enzyme, which culminates in the production of high levels of adenosine, a potent anti-inflammatory. However, recent works continue to present previously unknown mechanisms and effects through which MTX acts within the cell, attesting that MTX´s mechanisms of action appear to be as multiple as complex. Using several techniques of molecular biology, this work sought to expand the existing knowledge of the action of MTX in ALL. For this purpose, severalbiological parameters were measured under or without MTX treatment in a panel of 13 ALLcell lines. Proliferation tests, metabolic studies, drug synergism, quantification of cellularrespiration and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed, as well asthe measurement of the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Resistance of the MTXstrains within 48 h of treatment (but not 96 h) was related to the proliferation rate of the cells.Treatment with MTX altered the concentration of 28 intracellular metabolites, highlights for aconsistent increase in glycine concentration. Intracellular concentrations of asparagine,guanosine and glutathione – including the expression of genes from glutathione pathway –were associated with MTX resistance. Supplementation of the culture medium with Nacetylcysteine,a precursor metabolite of glutathione, promoted proliferation and resistance toMTX; however, cell treatment with piperlongumine or hydrogen peroxide, two glutathionescavengers and ROS promoters, did not potentiate the effect of MTX. MTX induced ROS inALL after 6 h of treatment with low fold change, though. Paradoxically, higher ROSproduction was found in cell lines with high MTX resistance and intracellular glutathione.The oxygen uptake of the cell lines was not associated with MTX resistance and a preliminarytest showed that MTX did not alter cellular respiration. MTX activated the transcription factorNF-κB in some ALL cell lines and, interestingly, the activation of this transcription factor bytumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was positively correlated with the resistance of leukemiclines to MTX. A wide bibliographic review allowed both the integration of the obtainedresults to the most current knowledge on the subject, and the identification of new paths to beexplored in future stages.new paths to be explored in future stages. +
Acute metabolic demands that promote exces … Acute metabolic demands that promote excessive and/or prolonged reactive oxygen species production may stimulate changes in mitochondrial oxidative capacity.To assess changes in skeletal muscle H2O2 production, mitochondrial function, and expression of genes at the mRNA and protein levels regulating energy metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics following a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in a cohort of 11 healthy premenopausal women.Skeletal muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were taken at baseline and immediately following the conclusion of a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Mitochondrial production of H2O2 was quantified fluorometrically and mitochondrial oxidation supported by pyruvate, malate, and succinate (PMS) or palmitoyl carnitine and malate (PCM) was measured by high-resolution respirometry in permeabilized muscle fiber bundles. mRNA and protein levels were assessed by real time PCR and Western blotting.H2O2 emission increased following the clamp (P<0.05). Coupled respiration (State 3) supported by PMS and the respiratory control ratio (index of mitochondrial coupling) for both PMS and PCM were lower following the clamp (P<0.05). IRS1 mRNA decreased, whereas PGC1α and GLUT4 mRNA increased following the clamp (P≤0.05). PGC1α, IRS1, and phosphorylated AKT protein levels were higher after the clamp compared to baseline (P<0.05).This study demonstrated that acute hyperinsulinemia induced H2O2 production and a concurrent decrease in coupling of mitochondrial respiration with ATP production in a cohort of healthy premenopausal women. Future studies should determine if this uncoupling ameliorates peripheral oxidative damage, and if this mechanism is impaired in diseases associated with chronic oxidative stress.Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.amage, and if this mechanism is impaired in diseases associated with chronic oxidative stress. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Acute mountain sickness; prophylactic bene … Acute mountain sickness; prophylactic benefits of Free-radical-mediated damage to the blood-brain barrier may be implicated in the pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness (AMS). To indirectly examine this, we conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the potentially prophylactic benefits of enteral antioxidant vitamin supplementation during ascent to high altitude. Eighteen subjects aged 35 +/- 10 years old were randomly assigned double-blind to either an antioxidant (n = 9) or placebo group (n = 9). The antioxidant group ingested 4 capsules/day(-1) (2 after breakfast/2 after evening meal) that each contained 250 mg of L-ascorbic acid, 100 IU of dl-a-tocopherol acetate and 150 mg of alpha-lipoic acid. The placebo group ingested 4 capsules of identical external appearance, taste, and smell. Supplementation was enforced for 3 weeks at sea level and during a 10-day ascent to Mt. Everest base camp (approximately 5,180 m). Antioxidant supplementation resulted in a comparatively lower Lake Louise AMS score at high altitude relative to the placebo group (2.8 +/- 0.8 points versus 4.0 +/- 0.4 points, P = 0.036), higher resting arterial oxygen saturation (89 +/- 5% versus 85 +/- 5%, P = 0.042), and total caloric intake (13.2 +/- 0.6 MJ/day(-1) versus 10.1 +/- 0.7 MJ/day(-1), P = 0.001); the latter is attributable to a lower satiety rating following a standardized meal. These findings indicate that the exogenous provision of water and lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamins at the prescribed doses is an apparently safe and potentially effective intervention that can attenuate AMS and improve the physiological profile of mountaineers at high altitude. profile of mountaineers at high altitude. +
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the most … Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the most prevalent acute and aggressive leukemia diagnosed in adults, often recurs as a difficult-to-treat, chemotherapy-resistant disease. Because chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment, novel therapeutic intervention is needed. Upregulated ceramide clearance via accelerated hydrolysis and glycosylation has been shown to be an element in chemotherapy-resistant AML, a problem considering the crucial role ceramide plays in eliciting apoptosis. Herein we employed agents that block ceramide clearance to determine if such a "reset" would be of therapeutic benefit. SACLAC was utilized to limit ceramide hydrolysis, and D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-threo-PDMP) was used to block the glycosylation route. The SACLAC D-threo-PDMP inhibitor combination was synergistically cytotoxic in drug-resistant, P-glycoprotein-expressing (P-gp) AML but not in wt, P-gp-poor cells. Interestingly, P-gp antagonists that can limit ceramide glycosylation via depression of glucosylceramide transit also synergized with SACLAC, suggesting a paradoxical role for P-gp in the implementation of cell death. Mechanistically, cell death was accompanied by a complete drop in ceramide glycosylation, concomitant, striking increases in all molecular species of ceramide, diminished sphingosine 1-phosphate levels, resounding declines in mitochondrial respiratory kinetics, altered Akt, pGSK-3β, and Mcl-1 expression, and caspase activation. Although ceramide was generated in wt cells upon inhibitor exposure, mitochondrial respiration was not corrupted, suggestive of mitochondrial vulnerability in the drug-resistant phenotype, a potential therapeutic avenue. The inhibitor regimen showed efficacy in an ''in vivo'' model and in primary AML cells from patients. These results support the implementation of SL enzyme targeting to limit ceramide clearance as a therapeutic strategy in chemotherapy-resistant AML, inclusive of a novel indication for the use of P-gp antagonists.ndication for the use of P-gp antagonists. +
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heteroge … Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy characterized by multiple cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities, with a very poor prognosis. Current treatments for AML often fail to eliminate leukemic stem cells (LSCs), which perpetuate the disease. LSCs exhibit a unique metabolic profile, especially dependent on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for energy production. Whereas, normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and leukemic blasts rely on glycolysis for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Thus, understanding the regulation of OXPHOS in LSCs may offer effective targets for developing clinical therapies in AML. This review summarizes these studies with a focus on the regulation of the electron transport chain (ETC) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in OXPHOS and discusses potential therapies for eliminating LSCs. potential therapies for eliminating LSCs. +
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggress … Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with limited effective chemotherapy options and negative patient outcomes. Food-derived molecules such as avocatin B (Avo B), a fatty-acid oxidation (FAO) inhibitor, are promising novel therapeutics. The roots of the Curcuma amada plants have been historically used in traditional medicine, but isolated bioactive compounds have seldom been studied. Here, we report that 2,4,6-trihydroxy-3,5-diprenyldihydrochalcone (M1), a bioactive from C. Amada, possesses novel anticancer activity. This in vitro study investigated the antileukemia properties of M1 and its effects on mitochondrial metabolism. In combination with Avo B, M1 synergistically reduced AML cell line viability and patient-derived clonogenic growth with no effect on normal peripheral blood stem cells. Mechanistically, M1 alone inhibited mitochondria complex I, while the M1/Avo B combination inhibited FAO by 60 %, a process essential to the synergy. These results identified a novel food-derived bioactive and its potential as a novel chemotherapeutic for AML.ntial as a novel chemotherapeutic for AML. +
Acute myocardial infarction is a leading c … Acute myocardial infarction is a leading cause of death among single organ diseases. Despite successful reperfusion therapy, ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI) can induce oxidative stress (OS), cardiomyocyte apoptosis, autophagy and release of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in increased infarct size. In IRI, mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor, which involves the production of reactive oxygen species, activation of inflammatory signalling cascades or innate immune responses, and apoptosis. Therefore, intercellular mitochondrial transfer could be considered as a promising treatment strategy for ischaemic heart disease. However, low transfer efficiency is a challenge in clinical settings. We previously reported uptake of isolated exogenous mitochondria into cultured cells through co-incubation, mediated by macropinocytosis. Here, we report the use of transactivator of transcription dextran complexes (TAT-dextran) to enhance cellular uptake of exogenous mitochondria and improve the protective effect of mitochondrial replenishment in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) against OS. TAT-dextran-modified mitochondria (TAT-Mito) showed a significantly higher level of cellular uptake. Mitochondrial transfer into NRCMs resulted in anti-apoptotic capability and prevented the suppression of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria after OS. Furthermore, TAT-Mito significantly reduced the apoptotic rates of cardiomyocytes after OS, compared to simple mitochondrial transfer. These results indicate the potential of mitochondrial replenishment therapy in OS-induced myocardial IRI.© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.ular Medicine and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. +
Acute myocardial infarction leads to an in … Acute myocardial infarction leads to an increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. 4(RS)-4-F4t-Neuroprostane (4-F4t-NeuroP) is a mediator produced by non-enzymatic free radical peroxidation of the cardioprotective polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In this study, we investigated whether intra-cardiac delivery of 4-F4t-NeuroP (0.03mg/kg) prior to occlusion (ischemia) prevents and protects rat myocardium from reperfusion damages. Using a rat model of ischemic-reperfusion (I/R), we showed that intra-cardiac infusion of 4-F4t-NeuroP significantly decreased infarct size following reperfusion (-27%) and also reduced ventricular arrhythmia score considerably during reperfusion (-41%). Most notably, 4-F4t-NeuroP decreased ventricular tachycardia and post-reperfusion lengthening of QT interval. The evaluation of the mitochondrial homeostasis indicates a limitation of mitochondrial swelling in response to Ca2+ by decreasing the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and increasing mitochondria membrane potential. On the other hand, mitochondrial respiration measured by oxygraphy, and mitochondrial ROS production measured with MitoSox red® were unchanged. We found decreased cytochrome ''c'' release and caspase 3 activity, indicating that 4-F4t-NeuroP prevented reperfusion damages and reduced apoptosis. In conclusion, 4-F4t-NeuroP derived from DHA was able to protect I/R cardiac injuries by regulating the mitochondrial homeostasis.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Acute oxidative stress induced by ischemia … Acute oxidative stress induced by ischemia-reperfusion or inflammation causes serious damage to tissues, and persistent oxidative stress is accepted as one of the causes of many common diseases including cancer. We show here that hydrogen (H2) has potential as an antioxidant in preventive and therapeutic applications. We induced acute oxidative stress in cultured cells by three independent methods. H2 selectively reduced the hydroxyl radical, the most cytotoxic of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and effectively protected cells; however, H2 did not react with other ROS, which possess physiological roles. We used an acute rat model in which oxidative stress damage was induced in the brain by focal ischemia and reperfusion. The inhalation of H2 gas markedly suppressed brain injury by buffering the effects of oxidative stress. Thus H2 can be used as an effective antioxidant therapy; owing to its ability to rapidly diffuse across membranes, it can reach and react with cytotoxic ROS and thus protect against oxidative damage.across membranes, it can reach and react with cytotoxic ROS and thus protect against oxidative damage. +
Acute physical exercise increases reactive … Acute physical exercise increases reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle, leading to tissue damage and fatigue. Molecular hydrogen (H2) acts as a therapeutic antioxidant directly or indirectly by inducing antioxidative enzymes. Here, we examined the effects of drinking H2 water (H2-infused water) on psychometric fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. In Experiment 1, all participants drank only placebo water in the first cycle ergometer exercise session, and for comparison they drank either H2 water or placebo water 30 min before exercise in the second examination. In these healthy non-trained participants (''N'' = 99), psychometric fatigue judged by visual analogue scales was significantly decreased in the H2 group after mild exercise. When each group was divided into 2 subgroups, the subgroup with higher visual analogue scale values was more sensitive to the effect of H2. In Experiment 2, trained participants (''N'' = 60) were subjected to moderate exercise by cycle ergometer in a similar way as in Experiment 1, but exercise was performed 10 min after drinking H2 water. Endurance and fatigue were significantly improved in the H2 group as judged by maximal oxygen consumption and Borg's scale, respectively. Taken together, drinking H2 water just before exercise exhibited anti-fatigue and endurance effects.ibited anti-fatigue and endurance effects. +
Acute strenuous exercise is linked to seve … Acute strenuous exercise is linked to severe inflammatory responses [1,2], alterations of mitochondrial function of human skeletal muscle and increased oxidative stress [3]. Due to the invasive nature of muscle biopsies, minimally-invasive alternatives to study mitochondrial function in tissues such as blood cells are gaining significance. Mitochondrial function in human platelets and lymphocytes has been characterized in various disease states. Importantly, respiratory capacity of human PBMCs was linked to physical fitness [4], supporting the concept that mitochondrial function in human blood cells can be used as a systemic mitochondrial marker. In this study we investigated the influence of completion of an ultramarathon on mitochondrial respiration in human platelets.After informed consent, 10 male recreational athletes (mean age: 39.9 yrs; BMI 24.9 kg2/m) who participated in a competition over 67 km and approximately 4,500 m ascent, were included in the study. Baseline (PRE) measurements were performed on the day before the competition and follow-up sampling was performed within 15 min after finishing the race (POST) by sampling whole blood. To address potential effects of recovery, a third time point was selected 24 h after finishing (REC). Evaluation of mitochondrial respiration was conducted in freshly purified human platelets by the use of six Oroboros Oxygraph-2k operating in parallel. ROUTINE respiration (R), Complex I-linked LEAK and OXPHOS capacity (CI), and CI&II-linked OXPHOS and ET capacity were determined in a single SUIT protocol. Additionally, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes (inflammatory response), creatine kinase (CK; muscular damage) and plasma markers of oxidative damage and repair were quantified at baseline and after the race.Absolute concentrations of all leukocyte subgroups and serum creatine kinase were changed significantly after the race. No significant changes were found in respiratory substrate control ratios CI/CI&II and CII/CI&II, neither when comparing PRE and POST, nor between POST and recovery. However, the ROUTINE coupling control ratio, R/E (ROUTINE respiration of intact cells, R, divided by uncoupler-stimulated electron transfer-pathway capacity, E) was increased significantly (+25,4% PRE vs. POST; +9,5% PRE vs. REC; ''p''<0.05), indicating the influence of massive physical strain and time of recovery on human platelet metabolism. We found a significant (''p''<0,05) relationship between BMI and CI/CI&II ratio, whereas age and training time per week were without significant effects on platelet metabolism.er week were without significant effects on platelet metabolism. +
Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a leadin … Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a leading entity in brain injury. Rodent models mostly lack standard intensive care, while large animal models frequently are only short term. Therefore, the authors developed a long-term, resuscitated porcine model of ASDH-induced brain injury and report their findings.Anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented pigs with human-like coagulation underwent subdural injection of 20 mL of autologous blood and subsequent observation for 54 hours. Continuous bilateral multimodal brain monitoring (intracranial pressure [ICP], cerebral perfusion pressure [CPP], partial pressure of oxygen in brain tissue [PbtO2], and brain temperature) was combined with intermittent neurological assessment (veterinary modified Glasgow Coma Scale [MGCS]), microdialysis, and measurement of plasma protein S100β, GFAP, neuron-specific enolase [NSE], nitrite+nitrate, and isoprostanes. Fluid resuscitation and continuous intravenous norepinephrine were targeted to maintain CPP at pre-ASDH levels. Immediately postmortem, the brains were taken for macroscopic and histological evaluation, immunohistochemical analysis for nitrotyrosine formation, albumin extravasation, NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and GFAP expression, and quantification of tissue mitochondrial respiration.Nine of 11 pigs survived the complete observation period. While ICP significantly increased after ASDH induction, CPP, PbtO2, and the MGCS score remained unaffected. Blood S100β levels significantly fell over time, whereas GFAP, NSE, nitrite+nitrate, and isoprostane concentrations were unaltered. Immunohistochemistry showed nitrotyrosine formation, albumin extravasation, NOX2 expression, fibrillary astrogliosis, and microglial activation.The authors describe a clinically relevant, long-term, resuscitated porcine model of ASDH-induced brain injury. Despite the morphological injury, maintaining CPP and PbtO2 prevented serious neurological dysfunction. This model is suitable for studying therapeutic interventions during hemorrhage-induced acute brain injury with standard brain-targeted intensive care.rrhage-induced acute brain injury with standard brain-targeted intensive care. +
Acute toxic effects of hexavalent chromium … Acute toxic effects of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a widely recognised carcinogenic, mutagenic and redox active metal, were investigated in isolated hepatocytes of goldfish (Carassius auratus). Exposure to 250 microM Cr(VI) induced a significant decrease of cell viability from 94% in controls to 88% and 84% after 30 min and 4 h of exposure, respectively. Cr-toxicity was associated with a concentration-dependent stimulation of the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As one potential source of ROS formation we identified the lysosomal Fe(2+) pool, since the ferric ion chelator deferoxamin inhibited ROS formation by approximately 15%. Lysosomal membranes remained nevertheless intact during Cr-exposure, as determined from neutral red retention in this compartment. Another significant source of ROS appear to be the mitochondria, where a presumably uncoupled increase of respiration by 20-30% was triggered by the metal. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by cyanide caused an approximately 40% decrease of Cr-induced ROS-formation, whereas the uncoupling agent carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine was without effect. Cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis was not disturbed by Cr(VI) and thus played no role in this scenario. Overall, our data show that Cr(VI) is acutely toxic to goldfish hepatocytes, and its toxicity is associated with the induction of radical stress, presumably involving lysosomes and mitochondria as important sources of ROS formation.ria as important sources of ROS formation. +
Acutely exposure to low oxygen concentrati … Acutely exposure to low oxygen concentrations, impairs the capability to perform muscular workout. On the other hand, repeated and prolonged exposure to low PO2 may improve physical performance due to a progressive adaptation of the body. This is mainly due to enhanced hemoglobin and red blood cells content, and decreased sympathetic autonomic nervous system input. These changes were evaluated in a number of chronic hypoxia studies [1-2], whereas acute hypoxia outcomes are still unknown.This study investigates on acute hypoxia and normoxia impact on cardiac and brain mitochondrial bioenergetics and the possible occurrence of different gender responses.We used male and female Wistar rats that had been trained for 5 weeks, 1h/day, on a treadmill set at 35 cm/s. The day of the experiment they were allowed to run on the treadmill for 30 minutes in hypoxia (at the same oxygen concentration of an altitude of 4000 mt.) or in normoxia. After euthanasia, we removed the brain and the heart and isolated brain mitochondria, subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) heart mitochondria [3]. Mitochondrial bioenergetics was assessed by Clark-type electrode, testing for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS): complex I (glutamate plus malate), complex II (rotenone plus succinate), complex III (rotenone plus durohydroquinone), complex IV (rotenone plus tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine and ascorbate), Palmitoyl CoA as lipid substrate and adding at the end of the assay dinitrophenol (DNP) to test uncoupled respiration with these substrates.After acute hypoxia, brain male mitochondria showed an increase of uncoupled respiration at complex II and IV, whereas female mitochondria displayed no significant difference compared to controls.In heart male IFM mitochondria, following acute hypoxia, ADP/O decreased at complex I and II, compared with controls. Furthermore, in the same complexes data showed an increase of respiratory control ratio, but only complex I resulted statistically significant. These data suggest that hypoxia induced a mild uncoupling of IFM.Among female heart mitochondria, SSM only showed a decrease in state 3 of complex II after acute hypoxia.In conclusion, in both genders cardiac and brain mitochondrial bioenergetics change after athletic training in acute hypoxia.It seems that in female cardiac mitochondria hypoxia induced an impairment of complex II activity, while in male heart mitochondria the result need further investigation as it could be linked to a reported increased activity of ATPase under hypoxia [4] or a defective OXPHOS with a possible enhanced ROS production.In male brain mitochondria the increased of uncoupled respiration might be linked to a better efficiency of electron transfer system (ETS). Future studies will need to verify these results.# Horscroft JA, Kotwica AO, Laner V, West JA, Hennis PJ, Levett DZH, Howard DJ, Fernandez BO, Burgess SL, Ament Z, Gilbert-Kawai ET, Vercueil A, Landis BD, Mitchell K, Mythen MG, Branco C, Johnson RS, Feelisch M, Montgomery HE, Griffin JL, Grocott MPW, Gnaiger E, Martin DS, Murray AJ (2017) Metabolic basis to Sherpa altitude adaptation. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1700527114# Levett DZ, Radford EJ, Menassa DA, Graber EF, Morash AJ, Hoppeler H, Clarke K, Martin DS, Ferguson-Smith AC, Montgomery HE, Grocott MP, Murray AJ; Caudwell Xtreme Everest Research Group (2012) Acclimatization of skeletal muscle mitochondria to high-altitude hypoxia during an ascent of Everest. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.11-197772# Palmer JW, Tandler B, Hoppel CL (1977) Biochemical properties of subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria isolated from rat cardiac muscle. https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(19)75283-1/pdf# Kioka H, Kato H, Fujikawa M, Tsukamoto O, Suzuki T, Imamura H, Nakano A, Higo S, Yamazaki S, Matsuzaki T, Takafuji K, Asanuma H, Asakura M, Minamino T, Shintani Y, Yoshida M, Noji H, Kitakaze M, Komuro I, Asano Y, Takashima S (2014) Evaluation of intramitochondrial ATP levels identifies G0/G1 switch gene 2 as a positive regulator of oxidative phosphorylation. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1318547111https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1318547111 +
Acyl CoA metabolites derived from the cata … Acyl CoA metabolites derived from the catabolism of carbon fuels can react with lysine residues of mitochondrial proteins, giving rise to a large family of post-translational modifications (PTMs). Mass spectrometry-based detection of thousands of acyl-PTMs scattered throughout the proteome has established a strong link between mitochondrial hyperacylation and cardiometabolic diseases; however, the functional consequences of these modifications remain uncertain. Here, we use a comprehensive respiratory diagnostics platform to evaluate three disparate models of mitochondrial hyperacylation in the mouse heart caused by genetic deletion of malonyl CoA decarboxylase (MCD), SIRT5 demalonylase and desuccinylase, or SIRT3 deacetylase. In each case, elevated acylation is accompanied by marginal respiratory phenotypes. Of the >60 mitochondrial energy fluxes evaluated, the only outcome consistently observed across models is a ∼15% decrease in ATP synthase activity. In sum, the findings suggest that the vast majority of mitochondrial acyl PTMs occur as stochastic events that minimally affect mitochondrial bioenergetics.Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.ished by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain 5 (ACSL5) g … Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain 5 (ACSL5) gene's rs2419621 T/C polymorphism was associated with ''ACSL5'' mRNA expression and response to lifestyle interventions. However, the mechanistic understanding of the increased response in T allele carriers is lacking. Study objectives were to investigate the effect of rs2419621 genotype and ACSL5 human protein isoforms on fatty acid oxidation and respiration.Human ACSL5 overexpression in C2C12 mouse myoblasts was conducted to measure 14C palmitic acid oxidation and protein isoform localization ''in vitro''. 14C palmitic acid oxidation studies and Western blot analysis of ACSL5 proteins were carried out in ''rectus abdominis'' primary myotubes from 5 rs2419621 T allele carriers and 4 non-carriers. In addition, mitochondrial high-resolution respirometry was conducted on ''vastus lateralis'' muscle biopsies from 4 rs2419621 T allele carriers and 4 non-carriers. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the association between rs2419621 genotype and respiratory quotient related pre- and post-lifestyle intervention measurements in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity.In comparison to rs2419621 non-carriers, T allele carriers displayed higher levels of i) 683aa ACSL5 isoform, localized mainly in the mitochondria, playing a greater role in fatty acid oxidation in comparison to the 739aa protein isoform ii) ''in vitro'' CO2 production in ''rectus abdominis'' primary myotubes iii) ''in vivo'' fatty acid oxidation and lower carbohydrate oxidation post-intervention iv) ''ex vivo'' complex I and II tissue respiration in ''vastus lateralis'' muscle.These results support the conclusion that rs2419621 T allele carriers, are more responsive to lifestyle interventions partly due to an increase in the short ACSL5 protein isoform, increasing cellular, tissue and whole-body fatty acid utilization. With the increasing effort to develop personalized medicine to combat obesity, our findings provide additional insight into genotypes that can significantly affect whole body metabolism and response to lifestyle interventions.Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. lifestyle interventions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Acylcarnitines are esters of L-carnitine t … Acylcarnitines are esters of L-carnitine that emerge from the energy metabolism pathways of fatty acids in mitochondria and peroxisomes [1]. Depending on the length of the acyl chain, acylcarnitines can be grouped as short-, medium-, long- and very long-chain acylcarnitines. Metabolomic profiling assays that investigate disease and nutrition states often include measurements of different acylcarnitines. This has resulted in increased interest regarding the consequences of elevated/decreased levels of plasma acylcarnitine concentrations and the mechanisms associated with these changes.Altered acylcarnitine metabolome is characteristic for certain inborn errors of fatty acid metabolism, as well as cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases, and some forms of cancer. Acylcarnitines are considered as biomarkers for such diseases and pathological conditions as insulin resistance, heart failure and fatty acid oxidation metabolism-related inherited diseases. Long-chain acylcarnitines accumulate under conditions of insufficient mitochondrial functionality and can reach tissue levels that can affect enzyme and ion channel activities and impact energy metabolism pathways and cellular homeostasis. These detrimental processes directly impact mitochondrial physiology and can exaggerate arrhythmia, insulin insufficiency, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions.Dietary and pharmacological means can be used to regulate synthesis and transport pathways of acylcarnitines and thus counteract the detrimental effects of their accumulation or reverse deficits. The most abundant acylcarnitines, acetylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine, are used as food supplements to tackle neurological and cardiovascular conditions.Better understanding of biochemical and molecular mechanisms behind increased/decreased acylcarnitine levels and their physiological and pathological roles forms basis for therapeutic target selection and preclinical drug discovery in future and also explains off-target effects of some clinically used drugs.# Dambrova M et al (2022) Acylcarnitines: nomenclature, biomarkers, therapeutic potential, drug targets and clinical trials. Pharmacol Rev 74:1-50 (in press).ials. Pharmacol Rev 74:1-50 (in press). +
Acylcarnitines are fatty acid metabolites … Acylcarnitines are fatty acid metabolites that play important roles in many cellular energy metabolism pathways. They have historically been used as important diagnostic markers for inborn errors of fatty acid oxidation and are being intensively studied as markers of energy metabolism, deficits in mitochondrial and peroxisomal β -oxidation activity, insulin resistance, and physical activity. Acylcarnitines are increasingly being identified as important indicators in metabolic studies of many diseases, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, neurologic disorders, and certain cancers. The US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug L-carnitine, along with short-chain acylcarnitines (acetylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine), is now widely used as a dietary supplement. In light of their growing importance, we have undertaken an extensive review of acylcarnitines and provided a detailed description of their identity, nomenclature, classification, biochemistry, pathophysiology, supplementary use, potential drug targets, and clinical trials. We also summarize these updates in the Human Metabolome Database, which now includes information on the structures, chemical formulae, chemical/spectral properties, descriptions, and pathways for 1240 acylcarnitines. This work lays a solid foundation for identifying, characterizing, and understanding acylcarnitines in human biosamples. We also discuss the emerging opportunities for using acylcarnitines as biomarkers and as dietary interventions or supplements for many wide-ranging indications. The opportunity to identify new drug targets involved in controlling acylcarnitine levels is also discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review provides a comprehensive overview of acylcarnitines, including their nomenclature, structure and biochemistry, and use as disease biomarkers and pharmaceutical agents. We present updated information contained in the Human Metabolome Database website as well as substantial mapping of the known biochemical pathways associated with acylcarnitines, thereby providing a strong foundation for further clarification of their physiological roles.larification of their physiological roles. +
Acylcarnitines when converted to acyl –CoA … Acylcarnitines when converted to acyl –CoA in the mitochondrial matrixare a major source of ATP after oxidation. Their oxidation process,termed β-oxidation, runs through four sequential enzymes namely:acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase, L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase [1]. Acyl-CoAdehydrogenases transfer single electrons to electron transferringflavoprotein (ETF) [2] which donates electrons directly to the ubiquinone(Q) pool in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Hydroxyacyl-CoAdehydrogenase transfers electrons to NAD+ and the reduced NADHis oxidized by complex I. The end product of β-oxidation, acetyl-CoA,condenses with oxaloacetate to form citrate which is oxidized by theKrebs cycle. Oxidation of fatty acylcarnitines therefore contributes toOXPHOS and ATP production by donating electrons at various points ofthe electron transfer-pathway.To assess oxidation of acylcarnitines under various experimentalconditions, scientist often measure oxygen consumption in isolatedmitochondria, permeabilized cells, or tissues in an oxygraph usinga variety of substrate combinations including palmatoylcarnitine incombination with carnitine or malate. Use of palmatoylcarnitine aloneyields low oxygen flux rates and is not responsive to ADP, oligomycinor uncouplers. These observations are attributed to a low CoA/palmatoylCoA ratio which inactivates 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase and slowsdown or stops β-oxidation. Use of palmatoylcarnitine in combination withcarnitine or malate increase State 2 respiration (oxygen consumptionwith substrate without addition of ADP) and are responsive to ADP,oligomycin and uncouples -- but to different degrees. The increase inoxygen flux rates after ADP or uncoupler addition is explained by theincreased CoA/palmatoylCoA ratio which favours β-oxidation. Thedifferences in response to ADP and uncoupler is probably due the factthat oxidation of palmitoylcarnitine in the presence of carnitine transferselectrons to the ETS without involving the Krebs cycle whereas oxidationof palmitoylcarnitine and malate does [3].of palmitoylcarnitine and malate does [3]. +
Acylglycerol kinase (AGK) is a mitochondri … Acylglycerol kinase (AGK) is a mitochondrial lipid kinase that catalyzes the phosphorylation of monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol to lysophosphatidic acid and phosphatidic acid, respectively. Mutations in AGK cause Sengers syndrome, which is characterized by congenital cataracts, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, exercise intolerance, and lactic acidosis. Here we identified AGK as a subunit of the mitochondrial TIM22 protein import complex. We show that AGK functions in a kinase-independent manner to maintain the integrity of the TIM22 complex, where it facilitates the import and assembly of mitochondrial carrier proteins. Mitochondria isolated from Sengers syndrome patient cells and tissues show a destabilized TIM22 complex and defects in the biogenesis of carrier substrates. Consistent with this phenotype, we observe perturbations in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in cells lacking AGK. Our identification of AGK as a bona fide subunit of TIM22 provides an exciting and unexpected link between mitochondrial protein import and Sengers syndrome.drial protein import and Sengers syndrome. +
Adaptability to stress is a fundamental pr … Adaptability to stress is a fundamental prerequisite for survival. Mitochondria are a key component of the stress response in all cells. For steroid-hormones-producing cells, including also Leydig cells of testes, the mitochondria are a key control point for the steroid biosynthesis and regulation. However, the mitochondrial biogenesis in steroidogenic cells has never been explored. Here we show that increased mitochondrial biogenesis is the adaptive response of testosterone-producing Leydig cells from stressed rats. All markers of mitochondrial biogenesis together with transcription factors and related kinases are up-regulated in Leydig cells from rats exposed to repeated psychophysical stress. This is followed with increased mitochondrial mass. The expression of PGC1, master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and integrator of environmental signals, is stimulated by cAMP-PRKA, cGMP, and β-adrenergic receptors. Accordingly, stress-triggered mitochondrial biogenesis represents an adaptive mechanism and does not only correlate with but also is an essential for testosterone production, being both events depend on the same regulators. Here we propose that all events induced by acute stress, the most common stress in human society, provoke adaptive response of testosterone-producing Leydig cells and activate PGC1, a protein required to make new mitochondria but also protector against the oxidative damage. Given the importance of mitochondria for steroid hormones production and stress response, as well as the role of steroid hormones in stress response and metabolic syndrome, we anticipate our result to be a starting point for more investigations since stress is a constant factor in life and has become one of the most significant health problems in modern societies.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. +
Adaptation to different nutritional enviro … Adaptation to different nutritional environments is essential for life cycle completion by all ''Trypanosoma brucei'' sub-species. In the tsetse fly vector, L-proline is among the most abundant amino acids and is mainly used by the fly for lactation and to fuel flight muscle. The procyclic (insect) stage of ''T. b. brucei'' uses L-proline as its main carbon source, relying on an efficient catabolic pathway to convert it to glutamate, and then to succinate, acetate and alanine as the main secreted end products. Here we investigated the essentiality of an undisrupted proline catabolic pathway in ''T. b. brucei'' by studying mitochondrial Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (TbP5CDH), which catalyzes the irreversible conversion of gamma-glutamate semialdehyde (γGS) into L-glutamate and NADH. In addition, we provided evidence for the absence of a functional proline biosynthetic pathway. TbP5CDH expression is developmentally regulated in the insect stages of the parasite, but absent in bloodstream forms grown ''in vitro''. RNAi down-regulation of TbP5CDH severely affected the growth of procyclic trypanosomes ''in vitro'' in the absence of glucose, and altered the metabolic flux when proline was the sole carbon source. Furthermore, TbP5CDH knocked-down cells exhibited alterations in the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm), respiratory control ratio and ATP production. Also, changes in the proline-glutamate oxidative capacity slightly affected the surface expression of the major surface glycoprotein EP-procyclin. In the tsetse, TbP5CDH knocked-down cells were impaired and thus unable to colonize the fly's midgut, probably due to the lack of glucose between bloodmeals. Altogether, our data show that the regulated expression of the proline metabolism pathway in ''T. b. brucei'' allows this parasite to adapt to the nutritional environment of the tsetse midgut.ritional environment of the tsetse midgut. +
Adaptations of the kinetic properties of m … Adaptations of the kinetic properties of mitochondria in striated muscle lacking cytosolic (M) and/or mitochondrial (mt) creatine kinase (CK) isoforms in comparison to wild-type (WT) were investigated ''in vitro''. Intact mitochondria were isolated from heart and gastrocnemius muscle of WT and single- and double CK-knock-out mice strains (cytosolic (M-CK–/–), mitochondrial (mt-CK–/–) and double knock-out (mtM-CK–/–), respectively). Maximal ADP-stimulated oxygen consumption flux (State3 Vmax; nmol O2·mg mitochondrial protein–1·min–1) and ADP affinity (inline image; µm) were determined by respirometry. State 3 Vmax and inline image of M-CK–/– and mtIM-CK–/– gastrocnemius mitochondria were twofold higher than those of WT, but were unchanged for mt-CK–/–. For mutant cardiac mitochondria, only the inline image of mitochondria isolated from the mtM-CK–/– phenotype was different (i.e. twofold higher) than that of WT. The implications of these adaptations for striated muscle function were explored by constructing force-flow relations of skeletal muscle respiration. It was found that the identified shift in affinity towards higher ADP concentrations in mtM-CK–/– muscle genotypes may contribute to linear mitochondrial control of the reduced cytosolic ATP free energy potentials in these phenotypes.lt;sup>–/– muscle genotypes may contribute to linear mitochondrial control of the reduced cytosolic ATP free energy potentials in these phenotypes. +
Adaptive stress responses activated upon m … Adaptive stress responses activated upon mitochondrial dysfunction are assumed to arise in order to counteract respiratory chain deficiency. Here, we demonstrate that loss of DARS2 (mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase) leads to the activation of various stress responses in a tissue-specific manner independently of respiratory chain deficiency. DARS2 depletion in heart and skeletal muscle leads to the severe deregulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis followed by a strong respiratory chain deficit in both tissues, yet the activation of adaptive responses is observed predominantly in cardiomyocytes. We show that the impairment of mitochondrial proteostasis in the heart activates the expression of mitokine FGF21, which acts as a signal for cell-autonomous and systemic metabolic changes. Conversely, skeletal muscle has an intrinsic mechanism relying on the slow turnover of mitochondrial transcripts and higher proteostatic buffering capacity. Our results show that mitochondrial dysfunction is sensed independently of respiratory chain deficiency, questioning the current view on the role of stress responses in mitochondrial diseases.Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Adaptive thermogenesis is an important com … Adaptive thermogenesis is an important component of energy homeostasis and a metabolic defense against obesity. We have cloned a novel transcriptional coactivator of nuclear receptors, termed PGC-1, from a brown fat cDNA library. PGC-1 mRNA expression is dramatically elevated upon cold exposure of mice in both brown fat and skeletal muscle, key thermogenic tissues. PGC-1 greatly increases the transcriptional activity of PPARgamma and the thyroid hormone receptor on the uncoupling protein (UCP-1) promoter. Ectopic expression of PGC-1 in white adipose cells activates expression of UCP-1 and key mitochondrial enzymes of the respiratory chain, and increases the cellular content of mitochondrial DNA. These results indicate that PGC-1 plays a key role in linking nuclear receptors to the transcriptional program of adaptive thermogenesis.ptional program of adaptive thermogenesis. +
Addition of hydrogen peroxide (H … Addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a method commonly used to trigger cellular oxidative stress. However, the doses used (often hundreds of micromolar) are disproportionally high with regard to physiological oxygen concentration (low micromolar). In this study using polarographic measurement of oxygen concentration in cellular suspensions we show that H2O2 addition results in O2 release as expected from catalase reaction. This reaction is fast enough to, within seconds, decrease drastically H2O2 concentration and to annihilate it within a few minutes. Firstly, this is likely to explain why recording of oxidative damage requires the high concentrations found in the literature. Secondly, it illustrates the potency of intracellular antioxidant (H2O2) defense. Thirdly, it complicates the interpretation of experiments as subsequent observations might result from high/transient H2O2 exposure and/or from the diverse possible consequences of the O2 release. as subsequent observations might result from high/transient H2O2 exposure and/or from the diverse possible consequences of the O2 release. +
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main e … Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main energy source in cells and an important biomolecule participating in cellular reactions in living organisms. Since the ATP level changes dynamically reflecting the development of a debilitating disease or carcinogenesis, we have focused in this work on monitoring of the oligomycin (OMC)-modulated ATP synthase inhibition using a fluorescent-switching DNA aptamer designed for the detection of ATP (Apt(ATP)), as the model for studies of dynamic ATP level variation. The behavior of the ATP aptamer has been characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy. The Intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (iFRET) operates in the proposed aptamer from the FAM dye moiety to guanines of the aptamer G-quadruplex when the target ATP is present and binds to the aptamer changing its conformation. The iFRET process enables the detection of ATP down to the limit of detection, LOD = 17 μM, without resorting to any extra chemi-amplification schemes. The selectivity coefficients for relevant interferent triphosphates (UTP, GTP, and CTP) are low for the same concentration as that of ATP. We have demonstrated an efficient transfection of intact cells and OMC-treated SW480 colon cancer cells with Apt(ATP), using microscopic imaging, iFRET measurements, and cell viability testing with MTT method. The applicability of the switching DNA aptamer for the analysis of real samples, obtained by lysis of SW480 cells, was also tested. The proposed Apt(ATP) may be considered as a viable candidate for utilization in measurements of dynamic ATP level modulation in cells in different stages of cancer development and testing of new drugs in pharmacological studies.g of new drugs in pharmacological studies. +
Adipocyte hypertrophy is the main cause of … Adipocyte hypertrophy is the main cause of obesity. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating adipocyte dysfunction may help to plan strategies to treat/prevent obesity and its metabolic complications. Here, we investigated ''in vitro'' the molecular alterations associated with early adipocyte hypertrophy, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction.As model of adipocyte hypertrophy, we employed 3T3-L1 preadipocytes firstly differentiated into mature adipocytes, then cultured with long-chain fatty acids. As a function of differentiation and hypertrophy, we assessed triglyceride content, lipid droplet size, radical homeostasis by spectrophotometry and microscopy, as well as the expression of PPARγ, adiponectin and metallothioneins. Mitochondrial status was investigated by electron microscopy, Oxygraph-2k (O2K) high-resolution respirometry, fluorimetry and western blot.Compared to mature adipocytes, hypertrophic adipocytes showed increased triglyceride accumulation and lipid peroxidation, larger or unique lipid droplet, up-regulated expression of PPARγ, adiponectin and metallothioneins. At mitochondrial level, early-hypertrophic adipocytes exhibited: (i) impaired mitochondrial oxygen consumption with parallel reduction in the mitochondrial complexes; (ii) no changes in citrate synthase and HSP60 expression, and in the inner mitochondrial membrane polarization; (iii) no stimulation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Our findings indicate that the content, integrity, and catabolic activity of mitochondria were rather unchanged in early hypertrophic adipocytes, while oxygen consumption and oxidant production were altered.In the model of early adipocyte hypertrophy exacerbated oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial respiration were observed, likely depending on reduction in the mitochondrial complexes, without changes in mitochondrial mass and integrity.anges in mitochondrial mass and integrity. +
Adipocyte mitochondrial respiration may in … Adipocyte mitochondrial respiration may influence metabolic fuel partitioning into oxidation versus storage, with implications for whole-body energy expenditure. Although insulin has been shown to influence mitochondrial respiration, the effects of dietary macronutrient composition have not been well characterized. The aim of this exploratory study was to test the hypothesis that a high-carbohydrate diet lowers the oxygen flux of adipocyte mitochondria ''ex vivo''. Among participants in a randomized-controlled weight-loss maintenance feeding trial, those consuming a high-carbohydrate diet (60% carbohydrate as a proportion of total energy, n = 10) had lower rates of maximal adipose tissue mitochondrial respiration than those consuming a moderate-carbohydrate diet (40%, n = 8, p = 0.039) or a low-carbohydrate diet (20%, n = 9, p = 0.005) after 10 to 15 weeks. This preliminary finding may provide a mechanism for postulated calorie-independent effects of dietary composition on energy expenditure and fat deposition, potentially through the actions of insulin on fuel partitioning.e actions of insulin on fuel partitioning. +
Adipogenesis is accompanied by differentia … Adipogenesis is accompanied by differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells to adipocytes. As a part of this differentiation, biogenesis of the oxidative phosphorylation system occurs. Many chemical compounds used in medicine, agriculture, or other human activities, affect the oxidative phosphorylation function. Therefore, these xenobiotics could alter adipogenesis. We have analyzed the effects on adipocyte differentiation of some xenobiotics that act on the oxidative phosphorylation system. The tested concentrations have been previously reported in human blood. Our results show that pharmaceutical drugs that decrease mitochondrial DNA replication, such as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or inhibitors of mitochondrial protein synthesis, like ribosomal antibiotics, diminish adipocyte differentiation and leptin secretion. On the other hand, the environmental chemical pollutant tributyltin chloride, inhibiting the ATP synthase of the oxidative phosphorylation system, can promote adipocyte differentiation and leptin secretion, leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome as the obesogen hypothesis postulates.ome as the obesogen hypothesis postulates. +
Adipose plasticity is critical for metabol … Adipose plasticity is critical for metabolic homeostasis. Adipocyte transdifferentiation plays an important role in adipose plasticity, but the molecular mechanism of transdifferentiation remains incompletely understood. Here we show that the transcription factor FoxO1 regulates adipose transdifferentiation by mediating Tgfβ1 signaling pathway. Tgfβ1 treatment induced whitening phenotype in beige adipocytes, reducing UCP1 and mitochondrial capacity and enlarging lipid droplets. Deletion of adipose FoxO1 (adO1KO) dampened Tgfβ1 signaling by downregulating Tgfbr2 and Smad3 and induced browning of adipose tissue in mice, increasing UCP1 and mitochondrial content and activating metabolic pathways. Silencing FoxO1 also abolished the whitening effect of Tgfβ1 on beige adipocytes. The adO1KO mice exhibited a significantly higher energy expenditure, lower fat mass, and smaller adipocytes than the control mice. The browning phenotype in adO1KO mice was associated with an increased iron content in adipose tissue, concurrent with upregulation of proteins that facilitate iron uptake (DMT1 and TfR1) and iron import into mitochondria (Mfrn1). Analysis of hepatic and serum iron along with hepatic iron-regulatory proteins (ferritin and ferroportin) in the adO1KO mice revealed an adipose tissue-liver crosstalk that meets the increased iron requirement for adipose browning. The FoxO1-Tgfβ1 signaling cascade also underlay adipose browning induced by β3-AR agonist CL316243. Our study provides the first evidence of a FoxO1-Tgfβ1 axis in the regulation of adipose browning-whitening transdifferentiation and iron influx, which sheds light on the compromised adipose plasticity in conditions of dysregulated FoxO1 and Tgfβ1 signaling.of dysregulated FoxO1 and Tgfβ1 signaling. +
Adipose tissue (AT) senescence and mitocho … Adipose tissue (AT) senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with obesity. Studies in obese patients and animals demonstrate that the MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) contributes to obesity-associated cardiovascular complications through its specific role in AT. However, underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate whether MR regulates mitochondrial function in obesity, resulting in AT premature aging and vascular dysfunction. Obese (db/db) and lean (db/+) mice were treated with an MR antagonist or a specific mitochondria-targeted antioxidant. Mitochondrial and vascular functions were determined by respirometry and myography, respectively. Molecular mechanisms were probed by Western immunoblotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction in visceral AT and arteries and focused on senescence markers and redox-sensitive pathways. db/db mice displayed AT senescence with activation of the p53-p21 pathway and decreased SIRT (sirtuin) levels, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, the beneficial anticontractile effects of perivascular AT were lost in db/db via ROCK (Rho kinase) activation. MR blockade prevented these effects. Thus, MR activation in obesity induces mitochondrial dysfunction and AT senescence and dysfunction, which consequently increases vascular contractility. In conclusion, our study identifies novel mechanistic insights involving MR, adipose mitochondria, and vascular function that may be of importance to develop new therapeutic strategies to limit obesity-associated cardiovascular complications.y-associated cardiovascular complications. +
Adipose tissue exerts important endocrine … Adipose tissue exerts important endocrine and metabolic functions in health and disease. Yet the bioenergetics of this tissue is not characterized in humans and possible regional differences are not elucidated. Using high-resolution respirometry, mitochondrial respiration was quantified in human abdominal subcutaneous and intra-abdominal visceral (omentum majus) adipose tissue from biopsies obtained in 20 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and genomic DNA (gDNA) were determined by the PCR technique for estimation of mitochondrial density. Adipose tissue samples were permeabilized and respirometric measurements were performed in duplicate at 37 °C. Substrates (glutamate (G) + malate (M) + octanoyl carnitine (Oct) + succinate (S)) were added sequentially to provide electrons to Complex I+II. ADP (D) for State 3 respiration was added after GM. Non-coupled respiration was measured after addition of FCCP. Visceral fat contained more mitochondria per milligram of tissue than subcutaneous fat, but the cells were smaller. Robust, stable oxygen fluxes were found in both tissues, and coupled State 3 (GMOctS(D)) and non-coupled respiration were significantly (''P'' < 0.05) higher in visceral (0.95 +/- 0.05 and 1.15 +/- 0.06 pmol O(2) s-1 mg-1, respectively) compared with subcutaneous (0.76 +/- 0.04 and 0.98 +/- 0.05 pmol O(2) s-1 mg-1, respectively) adipose tissue. Expressed per mtDNA, visceral adipose tissue had significantly (''P'' < 0.05) lower mitochondrial respiration. Substrate control ratios were higher and uncoupling control ratio lower (''P'' < 0.05) in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue. We conclude that visceral fat is bioenergetically more active and more sensitive to mitochondrial substrate supply than subcutaneous fat. Oxidative phosphorylation has a higher relative activity in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue.Oxidative phosphorylation has a higher relative activity in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue. +
Adipose tissue exerts important endocrine … Adipose tissue exerts important endocrine and metabolic functions in health and disease. Yet the bioenergetics of this tissue is not characterized in humans and possible regional differences are not elucidated. Using high-resolution respirometry, mitochondrial respiration was quantified in human abdominal subcutaneous and intra-abdominal, visceral (omentum majus) adipose tissue from biopsies obtained in twenty obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. [[mtDNA]] and gDNA were determined by PCR technique for estimation of mitochondrial density. Adipose tissue samples were permeabilized and respirometric measurements were performed in duplicate at 37 °C. Substrates [glutamate(G) + malate(M) + octanoyl carnitine(Oct) + succinate(S)] were added sequentially to provide electrons to Complexes CI + CII. ADP (D) for [[State 3]] respiration was added after GM. Non-coupled respiration was measured after addition of FCCP. Visceral fat contained more mitochondria per mg tissue than subcutaneous fat, but the cells were smaller. Robust, stable oxygen fluxes were found in both tissues, and coupled State 3 (GMOctSD) and non-coupled respiration were significantly (''P''<0.05) higher in visceral (0.95±0.05 and 1.15±0.06 pmol O2∙s-1∙mg-1, respectively) compared with subcutaneous (0.76±0.04 and 0.98±0.05 pmol O2∙s-1∙mg-1, respectively) adipose tissue. Expressed per mtDNA, visceral adipose tissue had significantly (''P''<0.05) lower mitochondrial respiration. Substrate control ratios were higher and uncoupling control ratio lower (''P''<0.05) in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue. Visceral fat is bioenergetically more active and more sensitive to mitochondrial substrate supply than subcutaneous fat. [[OXPHOS]] has a higher relative activity in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue.s a higher relative activity in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue. +
Adipose tissue mitochondrial function is g … Adipose tissue mitochondrial function is gaining increasing interest since it is good marker of overall health. Methodological challenges and variability in assessing mitochondrial respiration in fresh adipose tissue with high resolution respirometry are unknown and should be explored. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity (MRC) in human adipose tissue decline in a gradual manner when analyses are postponed 3h and 24h, with a statistically significant decline 24h after obtaining the biopsy. This decline in MRC is associated with a reduced integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane at both time points. This study suggest that the optimal amount of tissue to be used is 20mg and that different technicians handling the biopsy do not affect MRC.ans handling the biopsy do not affect MRC. +
Adipose tissue, which is the crucial energ … Adipose tissue, which is the crucial energy reservoir and endocrine organ for the maintenance of systemic glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis, undergoes significant changes during aging. Ageing also impacts the circadian clock (CC) machinery of peripheral organs including white adipose tissue. Together, these alterations cause age-related disease in the elderly population. The aim of this study is to investigate the transcriptional expression of circadian clock genes, cell proliferation rates and mitochondrial capacity of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) isolated from abdominal subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) from old and young individuals.10 old (5 females) and 10 young individuals (5 females) participated in this study. To measure CC related genes, proliferating ASCs were synchronized with 30% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for two hours, then media was replaced with 2% FBS and RNA was collected every six hours for a duration of 48 hrs and targeted gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR. To measure cells proliferation, ASCs were plated in 96 well plate and cell proliferation was measured with CellTiter-Glow luminescent cell viability kit (Promega, USA) for a period of 72 hrs. Mitochondrial capacity, oxygen consumption rates, were measured in proliferating ASCs via high-resolution respirometry using the Oxygraph-2K (Oroboros instruments, Innsbruck, Austria).An increase in mRNA levels of CLOCK and PER2 and a loss of rhythmicity for CLOCK and CRY1 were observed in ASCs from older individuals compared to the young. mRNA levels and rhythmicity of BMAL, PER1, DBP, NR1D1 and NR1D2 were not altered by age. We are currently determining cell proliferation and mitochondrial capacity in ASCs. Overall, age does not seem to affect CC rhythmicity in ASCs isolated from scWAT from old and young individuals.from scWAT from old and young individuals. +
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cell ( … Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (AD-MSC) administration improves cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although the mechanisms underlying this effect remain to be elucidated, the reversal of the mitochondrial dysfunction may be associated with AMI recovery. Here, we analyzed the alterations in the respiratory capacity of cardiomyocytes in the infarcted zone (IZ) and the border zone (BZ) and evaluated if mitochondrial function improved in cardiomyocytes after AD-MSC transplantation. Female rats were subjected to AMI by permanent left anterior descending coronary (LAD) ligation and were then treated with AD-MSCs or PBS in the border zone (BZ). Cardiac fibers were analyzed 24 hours (necrotic phase) and 8 days (fibrotic phase) after AMI for mitochondrial respiration, citrate synthase (CS) activity, F0F1-ATPase activity, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). High-resolution respirometry of permeabilized cardiac fibers showed that AMI reduced numerous mitochondrial respiration parameters in cardiac tissue, including phosphorylating and nonphosphorylating conditions, respiration coupled to ATP synthesis, and maximal respiratory capacity. CS decreased in IZ and BZ at the necrotic phase, whereas it recovered in BZ and continued to drop in IZ over time when compared to Sham. Exogenous cytochrome c doubled respiration at the necrotic phase in IZ. F0F1-ATPase activity decreased in the BZ and, to more extent, in IZ in both phases. Transmission electron microscopy showed disorganized mitochondrial cristae structure, which was more accentuated in IZ but also important in BZ. All these alterations in mitochondrial respiration were still present in the group treated with AD-MSC. In conclusion, AMI led to mitochondrial dysfunction with oxidative phosphorylation disorders, and AD-MSC improved CS temporarily but was not able to avoid alterations in mitochondria function over time.d CS temporarily but was not able to avoid alterations in mitochondria function over time. +
Adolescent individuals exhibit great varia … Adolescent individuals exhibit great variability in cortical dynamics and behavioral outcomes. The developing adolescent brain is highly sensitive to social experiences and environmental insults, influencing how personality traits emerge. A distinct pattern of mitochondrial gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during adolescence underscores the essential role of mitochondria in brain maturation and the development of mental illnesses. Mitochondrial features in certain brain regions account for behavioral differences in adulthood. However, it remains unclear whether distinct adolescent behavioral phenotypes and the behavioral consequences of early adolescent stress exposure in rats are accompanied by changes in PFC mitochondria-related genes and mitochondria respiratory chain capacity. We performed a behavioral characterization during late adolescence (postnatal day, PND 47-50), including naïve animals and a group exposed to stress from PND 31-40 (10 days of footshock and 3 restraint sessions) by z-normalized data from three behavioral domains: anxiety (light-dark box tests), sociability (social interaction test) and cognition (novel-object recognition test). Employing principal component analysis, we identified three clusters: naïve with higher-behavioral z-score (HBZ), naïve with lower-behavioral z-score (LBZ), and stressed animals. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling unveiled differences in the expression of mitochondria-related genes in both naïve LBZ and stressed animals compared to naïve HBZ. Genes encoding subunits of oxidative phosphorylation complexes were significantly down-regulated in both naïve LBZ and stressed animals and positively correlated with behavioral z-score of phenotypes. Our network topology analysis of mitochondria-associated genes found Ndufa10 and Cox6a1 genes as central identifiers for naïve LBZ and stressed animals, respectively. Through high-resolution respirometry analysis, we found that both naïve LBZ and stressed animals exhibited a reduced prefrontal phosphorylation capacity and redox dysregulation. Our findings identify an association between mitochondrial features and distinct adolescent behavioral phenotypes while also underscoring the detrimental functional consequences of adolescent stress on the PFC.sequences of adolescent stress on the PFC. +
Adrenergic stimulation of brown adipocytes … Adrenergic stimulation of brown adipocytes (BA) induces mitochondrial uncoupling, thereby increasing energy expenditure by shifting nutrient oxidation towards thermogenesis [1]. The brown adipocyte is a unique system to study the relationship between mitochondrial architecture and bioenergetic function. Here we describe that mitochondrial dynamics is a physiological regulator of adrenergically‐induced changes in energy expenditure. Brown pre-adipocyes were harvested from 4-week-old wild-type male C57BL6/J mice and differentiated in culture. Oxygen consumption was measured using Seahorse XF24. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using TMRE and Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope. Measurements were taken before and after activation with NE (1 uM) and FFA (palmitate or oleate, 0.4 mM).The sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) induced complete and rapid mitochondrial fragmentation in BA, characterized by Drp1 phosphorylation and Opa1 cleavage. Mechanistically, NE‐mediated Drp1 phosphorylation was dependent on protein kinase‐A (PKA) activity [2], whereas Opa1 cleavage required mitochondrial depolarization, mediated by FFAs released as a result of lipolysis. This change in mitochondrial architecture was observed both in primary cultures and brown adipose tissue from cold‐exposed mice. Mitochondrial uncoupling, induced by NE in brown adipocytes, was reduced by inhibition of mitochondrial fission through transient Drp1 DN overexpression. Furthermore, forced mitochondrial fragmentation in BA through Mfn2 knock down increased the capacity of exogenous FFAs to increase energy expenditure.These results suggest that, in addition to its ability to stimulate lipolysis, NE induces energy expenditure in BA by promoting mitochondrial fragmentation. Taken together these data reveal that adrenergically‐induced changes of mitochondrial dynamics are required for BA thermogenic activation and for the control of energy expenditure.and for the control of energy expenditure. +
Adult cardiomyocytes have highly organized … Adult cardiomyocytes have highly organized intracellular structure and energy metabolism whose formation during postnatal development is still largely unclear. Our previous results together with the data from the literature suggest that cytoskeletal proteins, particularly βII-tubulin, are involved in the formation of complexes between mitochondria and energy consumption sites. The aim of this study was to examine the arrangement of intracellular architecture parallel to the alterations in regulation of mitochondrial respiration in rat cardiomyocytes during postnatal development, from 1day to 6months. Respirometric measurements were performed to study the developmental alterations of mitochondrial function. Changes in the mitochondrial arrangement and cytoarchitecture of βII- and αIV-tubulin were examined by confocal microscopy. Our results show that functional maturation of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria is completed much earlier than efficient feedback regulation is established between mitochondria and ATPases via creatine kinase system. These changes are accompanied by significant remodeling of regular intermyofibrillar mitochondrial arrays aligned along the bundles of βII-tubulin. Additionally, we demonstrate that formation of regular arrangement of mitochondria is not sufficient per se to provide adult-like efficiency in metabolic feed-back regulation, but organized tubulin networks and reduction in mitochondrial outer membrane permeability for ADP are necessary as well. In conclusion, cardiomyocytes in rat heart become mature on the level of intracellular architecture and energy metabolism at the age of 3months.d energy metabolism at the age of 3months. +
Adult females of ''Aedes aegypti'' are fac … Adult females of ''Aedes aegypti'' are facultative blood sucking insects and vectors of Dengue and yellow fever viruses. Insect dispersal plays a central role in disease transmission and the extremely high energy demand posed by flight is accomplished by a very efficient oxidative phosphorylation process, which take place within flight muscle mitochondria. These organelles play a central role in energy metabolism, interconnecting nutrient oxidation to ATP synthesis, but also represent an important site of cellular superoxide production. Given the importance of mitochondria to cell physiology, and the potential contributions of this organelle for ''A. aegypti'' biology and vectorial capacity, here, we conducted a systematic assessment of mitochondrial physiology in flight muscle of young adult ''A. aegypti'' fed exclusively with sugar. This was carried out by determining the activities of mitochondrial enzymes, the substrate preferences to sustain respiration, the mitochondrial bioenergetic efficiency and capacity, in both mitochondria-enriched preparations and mechanically permeabilized flight muscle in both sexes. We also determined the substrates preferences to promote mitochondrial superoxide generation and the main sites where it is produced within this organelle. We observed that respiration in ''A. aegypti'' mitochondria was essentially driven by complex I and glycerol 3 phosphate dehydrogenase substrates, which promoted distinct mitochondrial bioenergetic capacities, but with preserved efficiencies. Respiration mediated by proline oxidation in female mitochondria was strikingly higher than in males. Mitochondrial superoxide production was essentially mediated through proline and glycerol 3 phosphate oxidation, which took place at sites other than complex I. Finally, differences in mitochondrial superoxide production among sexes were only observed in male oxidizing glycerol 3 phosphate, exhibiting higher rates than in female. Together, these data represent a significant step towards the understanding of fundamental mitochondrial processes in ''A. aegypti'', with potential implications for its physiology and vectorial capacity.for its physiology and vectorial capacity. +
Adult human brains consume a disproportion … Adult human brains consume a disproportionate amount of energy substrates (2-3 % of body weight; 20-25 % of total glucose and oxygen). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a universal energy currency in brains and is produced by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) using ATP synthase, a nano-rotor powered by the proton gradient generated from proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) in the multi-complex electron transport chain (ETC). ETC catalysis rates are reduced in brains from humans with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Declines of ETC function in NDDs may result from combinations of nitrative stress (NS)-oxidative stress (OS) damage; mitochondrial and/or nuclear genomic mutations of ETC/OXPHOS genes; epigenetic modifications of ETC/OXPHOS genes; or defects in importation or assembly of ETC/OXPHOS proteins or complexes, respectively; or alterations in mitochondrial dynamics (fusion, fission, mitophagy). Substantial free energy is gained by direct O2-mediated oxidation of NADH. Traditional ETC mechanisms require separation between O2 and electrons flowing from NADH/FADH2 through the ETC. Quantum tunneling of electrons and much larger protons may facilitate this separation. Neuronal death may be viewed as a local increase in entropy requiring constant energy input to avoid. The ATP requirement of the brain may partially be used for avoidance of local entropy increase. Mitochondrial therapeutics seeks to correct deficiencies in ETC and OXPHOS.to correct deficiencies in ETC and OXPHOS. +
Adult zebrafish ''Danio rerio'' were expos … Adult zebrafish ''Danio rerio'' were exposed to an electric shock of 3 V and 1A for 5 s delivered by field backpack electrofishing gear, to induce a taxis followed by a narcosis. The effect of such electric shock was investigated on both the individual performances (swimming capacities and costs of transport) and at cellular and mitochondrial levels (oxygen consumption and oxidative balance). The observed survival rate was very high (96·8%) independent of swimming speed (up to 10 body length s-1). The results showed no effect of the treatment on the metabolism and cost of transport of the fish. Nor did the electroshock trigger any changes on muscular oxidative balance and bioenergetics even if red muscle fibres were more oxidative than white muscle. Phosphorylating respiration rates rose between (mean 1 s.e.) 11·16 ± 1·36 pmol O2 s-1 mg-1 and 15·63 ± 1·60 pmol O2 s-1 mg-1 for red muscle fibres whereas phosphorylating respiration rates only reached 8·73 ± 1·27 pmol O2 s-1 mg-1 in white muscle. Such an absence of detectable physiological consequences after electro-induced narcosis both at organismal and cellular scales indicate that this capture method has no apparent negative post-shock performance under the conditions of this study.cosis both at organismal and cellular scales indicate that this capture method has no apparent negative post-shock performance under the conditions of this study. +
Advanced HF (heart failure) is associated … Advanced HF (heart failure) is associated with altered substrate metabolism. Whether modification of substrate use improves the course of HF remains unknown. The antihyperglycaemic drug MET (metformin) affects substrate metabolism, and its use might be associated with improved outcome in diabetic HF. The aim of the present study was to examine whether MET would improve cardiac function and survival also in non-diabetic HF. Volume-overload HF was induced in male Wistar rats by creating ACF (aortocaval fistula). Animals were randomized to placebo/MET (300 mg·kg(-1) of body weight·day(-1), 0.5% in food) groups and underwent assessment of metabolism, cardiovascular and mitochondrial functions (n=6-12/group) in advanced HF stage (week 21). A separate cohort served for survival analysis (n=10-90/group). The ACF group had marked cardiac hypertrophy, increased LVEDP (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure) and lung weight confirming decompensated HF, increased circulating NEFAs (non-esterified 'free' fatty acids), intra-abdominal fat depletion, lower glycogen synthesis in the skeletal muscle (diaphragm), lower myocardial triacylglycerol (triglyceride) content and attenuated myocardial (14)C-glucose and (14)C-palmitate oxidation, but preserved mitochondrial respiratory function, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. MET therapy normalized serum NEFAs, decreased myocardial glucose oxidation, increased myocardial palmitate oxidation, but it had no effect on myocardial gene expression, AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) signalling, ATP level, mitochondrial respiration, cardiac morphology, function and long-term survival, despite reaching therapeutic serum levels (2.2±0.7 μg/ml). In conclusion, MET-induced enhancement of myocardial fatty acid oxidation had a neutral effect on cardiac function and survival. Recently reported cardioprotective effects of MET may not be universal to all forms of HF and may require AMPK activation or ATP depletion. No increase in mortality on MET supports its safe use in diabetic HF. MET supports its safe use in diabetic HF. +
Advances in science and technology have le … Advances in science and technology have led to the creation of large amounts of data—data that could be harnessed to improve productivity, cure disease, and address many other critical issues. Consensus in the scientific community is growing that the transition to truly data-driven and open science is best achieved by the establishment of a globally interoperable research infrastructure.A number of projects are looking to establish this infrastructure and exploit data to its fullest potential. Several projects in the United States, Europe, and China have made significant strides toward this effort. The goal of these projects is to make research data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, or FAIR (see Box 1). The expected impact and benefits of FAIR data are substantial. To realize these benefits, there is a need to examine critical success factors for implementation, including training of a new generation of data experts to provide the necessary capacity.On November 1, 2017, the Board on Research Data and Information (BRDI) of the National Academies ofSciences, Engineering, and Medicine organized a symposium to explore these issues. Invited experts from China, Europe, and the United States were asked to:* Review proposed science data infrastructure projects around the globe;* Highlight, compare, and contrast the plans and capabilities of these projects; and* Discuss the critical success factors for implementation and the role of international cooperation for scientific data management.ooperation for scientific data management. +
Adverse ''in utero'' and postnatal conditi … Adverse ''in utero'' and postnatal conditions can increase susceptibility to metabolic syndrome (MS). Altered muscle respiration contributes to MS, but the effects of restricted oxygen and nutrients ''in utero'' on skeletal muscle mitochondria remain unknown. In this study guinea pig sows underwent uterine artery ablations mid-gestation, producing fetuses with low birth weight (LBW). Soleus muscle was collected near term or at four months of age, from LBW and control fetuses and offspring, where the offspring were fed either a Western Diet (WD) or a control diet (CD). Soleus muscles from LBW fetuses exhibit lower maximal respiration rates than normal birth weight (NBW) sham-surgery controls. Additionally, LBW/CD, NBW/WD and LBW/WD adult guinea pigs displayed reduced respiration compared with NBW/CD. Cultured C2C12 cells were utilized to better understand independent effects of hypoxia and fatty acid saturation upon cellular respiration. Both chronic (5 days) hypoxia and palmitate (16:0) reduced respiration compared with normoxia.educed respiration compared with normoxia. +
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquit … Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are responsible for dengue virus (DENV) transmission in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, where an estimated 3 billion people live at risk of DENV exposure. DENV-infected individuals show symptoms ranging from sub-clinical or mild to hemorrhagic fever. Infected mosquitoes do not show detectable signs of disease, even though the virus maintains a lifelong persistent infection. The interactions between viruses and host mitochondria are crucial for virus replication and pathogenicity. DENV infection in vertebrate cells modulates mitochondrial function and dynamics to facilitate viral proliferation. Here, we describe that DENV also regulates mitochondrial function and morphology in infected C6/36 mosquito cells (derived from Aedes albopictus). Our results showed that DENV infection increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, modulated mitochondrial transmembrane potential and induced changes in mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, we offer the first evidence that DENV causes translocation of mitofusins to mitochondria in the C6/36 mosquito cell line. Another protein Drp-1 (Dynamin-related protein 1) did not localize to mitochondria in DENV-infected cells. This observation therefore ruled out the possibility that the abovementioned alterations in mitochondrial function are associated with mitochondrial fission. In summary, this report provides some key insights into the virus-mitochondria crosstalk in DENV infected mosquito cells.crosstalk in DENV infected mosquito cells. +
Aequorin is a 22-kDa photoprotein produced … Aequorin is a 22-kDa photoprotein produced by the jellyfish ''Aequorea victoria'' that has been long utilised for the study of Ca2+ signaling [1]. It has been also engineered to induce its specific targeting to various cell regions so as to monitor [Ca2+] in different subcellular comparments, e.g., mitochondrial matrix [2]. Nevertheless, its potential applicability is somewhat limited owing to consumption or saturation of aequorin throughout the experiment as well as stability of aequorin at physiological temperature. Herein, in an attempt to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, we have developed a mitochondria-targeted triple-mutated form (Asp119Ala, Gln168Arg and Leu170Ile) of the photoprotein aequorin that enables measurement of [Ca2+] in the millimolar range. In fact, it is shown that addition of extramitochondrial Ca2+ to permeabilized HeLa cells triggers an increase in mitochondrial [Ca2+] up to approximately 2 mM. In intact cells, the novel probe allows recording agonist-stimulated mitochondrial [Ca2+] rises without problems derived from aequorin saturation and/or consumption. Notably, in addition to the increased dynamic range, the Gln168Arg and Leu170Ile mutations endowed this new aequorin-based probe with an increased lifetime at 37°C. This also allowed the generation of a cell line stably expressing the probe at very high levels.lifetime at 37°C. This also allowed the generation of a cell line stably expressing the probe at very high levels. +
Aerobic ATP generation by the mitochondria … Aerobic ATP generation by the mitochondrial respiratory oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) is a vital metabolic process for endurance exercise. Notably, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) codifies 13 of the 83 polypeptides implied in the respiratory chain. As such, there is a strong rationale for identifying an association between mtDNA variants and "aerobic" (endurance) exercise phenotypes. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the association between mtDNA, nuclear genes involved in mitochondriogenesis, and elite endurance athletic status. Several studies in nonathletic people have demonstrated an association between certain mtDNA lineages and aerobic performance, characterized by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Whether mtDNA haplogroups are also associated with the status of being an elite endurance athlete is more controversial, with differences between studies arising from the different ethnic backgrounds of the athletic cohorts (Caucasian of mixed geographic origin, Asiatic, or East African).graphic origin, Asiatic, or East African). +
Aerobic capacity is negatively related to … Aerobic capacity is negatively related to locomotion economy. The purpose of the paper is to determine what effects aerobic exercise training has on the relationship between net cycling oxygen uptake (inverse of economy) and aerobic capacity (VO2peak) as well as what role mitochondrial coupled and uncoupled respiration may play in whole body aerobic capacity and cycling economy.Cycling net oxygen uptake and VO2peak were evaluated on 52 subjects prior to exercise training (baseline) and 31 subjects after 8-16 weeks of aerobic training. Muscle tissue was collected from 25 subjects at baseline and 15 post training. Mitochondrial respiration assays were performed using High Resolution Respirometry.Pre (r=0.34, p<0.05) and post exercise training (r=0.62, p<0.01) VO2peak and cycling net oxygen uptake were related. In addition, uncoupled and coupled fat respiration were related both baseline (r=0.89, p<0.01) and post training (r=0.89, p<01). Post training coupled (r=0.74, p<0.01) and uncoupled carbohydrate respiration (r=0.52, p<05) were related to cycle net oxygen uptake. In addition, correlations between changes in VO2peak and changes in cycle net oxygen uptake persist after training, even after adjusting for changes in RQ (an index of fat oxidation).These results suggest that the negative relationship between locomotion economy and aerobic capacity is increased following exercise training. In addition, it is proposed that at least one of the primary factors influencing this relationship has its foundation within the mitochondria. Strong relationships between coupled and uncoupled respiration appear to be contributing factors for this relationship.tionships between coupled and uncoupled respiration appear to be contributing factors for this relationship. +
Aerobic capacity is negatively related to … Aerobic capacity is negatively related to locomotion economy. The purpose of this paper is to determine what effect aerobic exercise training has on the relationship between net cycling oxygen uptake (inverse of economy) and aerobic capacity [peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak)], as well as what role mitochondrial coupled and uncoupled respiration may play in whole body aerobic capacity and cycling economy. Cycling net oxygen uptake and ''V̇''o2peak were evaluated on 31 premenopausal women before exercise training (baseline) and after 8-16 wk of aerobic training. Muscle tissue was collected from 15 subjects at baseline and post-training. Mitochondrial respiration assays were performed using high-resolution respirometry. Pre- (''r'' = 0.46, ''P'' < 0.01) and postexercise training (''r'' = 0.62, ''P'' < 0.01) ''V̇''o2peak and cycling net oxygen uptake were related. In addition, uncoupled and coupled fat respiration were related both at baseline (''r'' = 0.62, ''P'' < 0.01) and post-training (''r'' = 0.89, ''P'' < 01). Post-training coupled (''r'' = 0.74, ''P'' < 0.01) and uncoupled carbohydrate respiration (''r'' = 0.52, ''P'' < 05) were related to cycle net oxygen uptake. In addition, correlations between ''V̇''o2peak and cycle net oxygen uptake persist both at baseline and after training, even after adjusting for submaximal cycle respiratory quotient (an index of fat oxidation). These results suggest that the negative relationship between locomotion economy and aerobic capacity is increased following exercise training. In addition, it is proposed that at least one of the primary factors influencing this relationship has its foundation within the mitochondria. Strong relationships between coupled and uncoupled respiration appear to be contributing factors for this relationship.NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The negative relationship between cycle economy and aerobic capacity is increased following exercise training. The strong relationship between coupled and uncoupled respiration, especially after training, appears to be contributing to this negative relationship between aerobic capacity and cycling economy, suggesting that mitochondrial economy is not increased following aerobic exercise training. These results are suggestive that training programs designed to improve locomotion economy should focus on changing biomechanics.mprove locomotion economy should focus on changing biomechanics. +
Aerobic energy demands have led to the evo … Aerobic energy demands have led to the evolution of complex mitochondrial reticula in highly oxidative muscles, but the extent to which metabolic challenges can be met with adaptive changes in physiology of specific mitochondrial fractions remains unresolved. We examined mitochondrial mechanisms supporting adaptive increases in aerobic performance in deer mice (''Peromyscus maniculatus'') adapted to the hypoxic environment at high altitude. High-altitude and low-altitude mice were born and raised in captivity, and exposed as adults to normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia (12 kPa O2 for 6-8 weeks). Subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria were isolated from the gastrocnemius, and a comprehensive substrate titration protocol was used to examine mitochondrial physiology and O2 kinetics by high-resolution respirometry and fluorometry. High-altitude mice had greater yield, respiratory capacity for oxidative phosphorylation, and O2 affinity (lower P50 ) of subsarcolemmal mitochondria compared to low-altitude mice across environments, but there were no species difference in these traits in intermyofibrillar mitochondria. High-altitude mice also had greater capacities of complex II relative to complexes I + II and higher succinate dehydrogenase activities in both mitochondrial fractions. Exposure to chronic hypoxia reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission in high-altitude mice but not in low-altitude mice. Our findings suggest that functional changes in subsarcolemmal mitochondria contribute to improving aerobic performance in hypoxia in high-altitude deer mice. Therefore, physiological variation in specific mitochondrial fractions can help overcome the metabolic challenges of life at high altitude.fractions can help overcome the metabolic challenges of life at high altitude. +
Aerobic exercise and several aspects of li … Aerobic exercise and several aspects of life style influence mitochondrial respiratory function in human muscle, in addition to effects of age, gender and genetic background. In the present study, a significant part of the variability in respiration of human mitochondria [1] was explained by analysis of readily accessible background information on 25 healthy human subjects (19 males and 6 females; 22 to 46 years). Based on a novel multi-substrate/inhibitor protocol, this approach advances the functional analysis in mitochondrial physiology and pathology.A protocol for high-resolution respirometry (with two or three Oroboros Oxygraph-2k operated in parallel) was designed for quantification of mitochondrial respiratory capacities in permeabilized muscle fibers obtained from small needle biopsies (2 to 6 mg per run; 2 or 4 runs per subject). Cell membranes were selectively permeabilized [2], and lack of respiratory stimulation by cytochrome c indicated an intact outer mitochondrial membrane (Fig. 1). Measurements were performed at 30 °C in the range of 20 to 50 kPa oxygen pressure (210 to 530 µM), to avoid oxygen limitation [3]. In this range, autoxidation of ascorbate and TMPD was a linear function of oxygen, which was applied for correction of chemical background oxygen flux.ADP-stimulated respiration with malate+octanoylcarnitine (state OM3) was 46 % compared to further addition of glutamate (state GM3). An additive effect was exerted by parallel complex I+II electron input (the GS3/GM3 ratio was 1.6), since respiration with succinate/rotenone (S3) was only 1.1 times the state GM3 (Fig. 1). In a variation of this protocol, FCCP was titrated upon state GS3, yielding a further 44 % increase (and a corresponding GSu/GM3 ratio of 2.4). State GS3, therefore, reflects the capacity of the phosphorylation system, in agreement with results on isolated mitochondria [4]. The coupled state GS3 represents the physiologically relevant upper limit of respiration, providing parallel complex I and II input in accordance with an operational TCA cycle. The physiological excess capactiy of COX, expressed as the COX/GM3 ratio was 2.7, whereas the COX/GS3 ratio was 1.4. Respiratory adenylate control ratios were identical with octanoylcarnitie (OM3/OM2) and succinate (S3/S4o).State GS3 declined significantly as a function of body mass index (BMI; body weight/hight2) in the 19 males, which explained ~60 % of total variability. BMI was independent of age, as was the GS3 respiratory capacity. Fatty acid oxidation capacity (state OM3), however, declined significantly with age (males and females combined), thus extending a study on isolated mitochondria [1] to a surprisingly narrow range of ages. Consideration of BMI and age, therefore, improves the diagnostic resolution of functional mitochondrial respiratory analyses.tional mitochondrial respiratory analyses. +
Aerobic glycolysis in transformed cells is … Aerobic glycolysis in transformed cells is an unique metabolic phenotype characterized by a hyperactivated glycolytic pathway even in the presence of oxygen. It is not clear if the onset of aerobic glycolysis is regulated by mitochondrial dysfunction and, if so, what the metabolic windows of opportunity available to control this metabolic switch (mitochondrial to glycolytic) landscape are in transformed cells. Here we report a genetically-defined model system based on the gene-silencing of a mitochondrial complex I subunit, NDUFS3, where we demonstrate the onset of metabolic switch in isogenic human embryonic kidney cells by differential expression of NDUFS3. By means of extensive metabolic characterization, we demonstrate that NDUFS3 gene silencing systematically introduces mitochondrial dysfunction thereby leading to the onset of aerobic glycolysis in a manner dependent on NDUFS3 protein levels. Furthermore, we show that the sustained imbalance in free radical dynamics is a necessary condition to sustain the observed metabolic switch in cell lines with the most severe NDUFS3 suppression. Together, our data reveal a novel role for mitochondrial complex I subunit NDUFS3 in regulating the degree of mitochondrial dysfunction in living cells, thereby setting a “metabolic threshold” for the observation of aerobic glycolysis phenotype within the confines of mitochondrial dysfunction.the confines of mitochondrial dysfunction. +
Aerobic glycolysis, also referred to as th … Aerobic glycolysis, also referred to as the Warburg effect, has been regarded as the dominant metabolic phenotype in cancer cells for a long time. More recently, it has been shown that mitochondria in most tumors are not defective in their ability to carry out oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Instead, in highly aggressive cancer cells, mitochondrial energy pathways are reprogrammed to meet the challenges of high energy demand, better utilization of available fuels and macromolecular synthesis for rapid cell division and migration. Mitochondrial energy reprogramming is also involved in the regulation of oncogenic pathways via mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling and post-translational modification of oncoproteins. In addition, neoplastic mitochondria can engage in crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. For example, signals from cancer-associated fibroblasts can drive tumor mitochondria to utilize OXPHOS, a process known as the reverse Warburg effect. Emerging evidence shows that cancer cells can acquire a hybrid glycolysis/OXPHOS phenotype in which both glycolysis and OXPHOS can be utilized for energy production and biomass synthesis. The hybrid glycolysis/OXPHOS phenotype facilitates metabolic plasticity of cancer cells and may be specifically associated with metastasis and therapy-resistance. Moreover, cancer cells can switch their metabolism phenotypes in response to external stimuli for better survival. Taking into account the metabolic heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer cells, therapies targeting cancer metabolic dependency in principle can be made more effective.y in principle can be made more effective. +
Aerobic life is powered by membrane-bound … Aerobic life is powered by membrane-bound enzymes that catalyze the transfer of electrons to oxygen and protons across a biological membrane. Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) functions as a terminal electron acceptor in mitochondrial and bacterial respiratory chains, driving cellular respiration and transducing the free energy from O2 reduction into proton pumping. Here we show that CcO creates orientated electric fields around a nonpolar cavity next to the active site, establishing a molecular switch that directs the protons along distinct pathways. By combining large-scale quantum chemical density functional theory (DFT) calculations with hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) explorations, we find that reduction of the electron donor, heme ''a'', leads to dissociation of an arginine (Arg438)-heme a3 D-propionate ion-pair. This ion-pair dissociation creates a strong electric field of up to 1 V Å-1 along a water-mediated proton array leading to a transient proton loading site (PLS) near the active site. Protonation of the PLS triggers the reduction of the active site, which in turn aligns the electric field vectors along a second, "chemical," proton pathway. We find a linear energy relationship of the proton transfer barrier with the electric field strength that explains the effectivity of the gating process. Our mechanism shows distinct similarities to principles also found in other energy-converting enzymes, suggesting that orientated electric fields generally control enzyme catalysis.fields generally control enzyme catalysis. +
Aerobic metabolism of aquatic ectotherms i … Aerobic metabolism of aquatic ectotherms is highly sensitive to fluctuating climates. Many mitochondrial traits exhibit phenotypic plasticity in response to acute variations in temperature and oxygen availability. These responses are critical for understanding the effects of environmental variations on aquatic ectotherms' performance. Using the European seabass, ''Dicentrarchus labrax'', we determined the effects of acute warming and deoxygenation ''in vitro'' on mitochondrial respiratory capacities and mitochondrial efficiency to produce ATP (ATP/O ratio). We show that acute warming reduced ATP/O ratio but deoxygenation marginally raised ATP/O ratio, leading to a compensatory effect of low oxygen availability on mitochondrial ATP/O ratio at high temperature. The acute effect of warming and deoxygenation on mitochondrial efficiency might be related to the leak of protons across the mitochondrial inner membrane, as the mitochondrial respiration required to counteract the proton leak increased with warming and decreased with deoxygenation. Our study underlines the importance of integrating the combined effects of temperature and oxygen availability on mitochondrial metabolism. Predictions on decline in performance of aquatic ectotherms owing to climate change may not be accurate, since these predictions typically look at respiratory capacity and ignore efficiency of ATP production.y and ignore efficiency of ATP production. +
Aerobic metabolism of vertebrates is linke … Aerobic metabolism of vertebrates is linked to membrane fatty acid (FA) composition. Although the membrane pacemaker hypothesis posits that desaturation of FAs accounts for variation in resting or basal metabolic rate (BMR), little is known about the FA profiles that underpin variation in maximal metabolic rate (MMR). We examined membrane FA composition of liver and skeletal muscle in mice after seven generations of selection for increased MMR. In both liver and skeletal muscle, unsaturation index did not differ between control and high-MMR mice. We also examined membrane FA composition at the individual-level of variation. In liver, 18:0, 20:3 n-6, 20:4 n-6, and 22:6 n-3 FAs were significant predictors of MMR. In gastrocnemius muscle, 18:2 n-6, 20:4 n-6, and 22:6 n-3 FAs were significant predictors of MMR. In addition, muscle 16:1 n-7, 18:1 n-9, and 22:5 n-3 FAs were significant predictors of BMR, whereas no liver FAs were significant predictors of BMR. Our findings indicate that (i) individual variation in MMR and BMR appears to be linked to membrane FA composition in the skeletal muscle and liver, and (ii) FAs that differ between selected and control lines are involved in pathways that can affect MMR or BMR.ed in pathways that can affect MMR or BMR. +
Aerobic organisms developed mechanisms to … Aerobic organisms developed mechanisms to protect themselves against a shortage of oxygen (O(2)). Recent studies reveal that O(2) sensors, belonging to the novel class of 2-oxoglutarate dependent iron(ii)-dioxygenases, have more important roles in metabolism than anticipated. Here, we provide a "metabolo-centric" overview of the role of the PHD/FIH members of this family in metabolism, in particular on how they regulate O(2) supply and consumption, energy compensation and conservation, O(2) conformance and hypoxia tolerance, redox and pH homeostasis, and other vital metabolic processes with implications in health and disease. These insights may offer novel opportunities for the treatment of ischemic diseases.es for the treatment of ischemic diseases. +
Aerobic training (AT) can support brain he … Aerobic training (AT) can support brain health in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the role of resistance training (RT) in AD is not well established. Aside from direct effects on the brain, exercise may also regulate brain function through secretion of muscle-derived myokines. Aims. This study examined the effects of AT and RT on hippocampal BDNF and IGF-1 signaling, β-amyloid expression, and myokine cathepsin B in the triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) model of AD. 3xTg-AD mice were assigned to one of the following groups: sedentary (Tg), aerobic trained (Tg+AT, 9 wks treadmill running), or resistance trained (Tg+RT, 9 wks weighted ladder climbing) (''N''=10/group). Rotarod latency and strength were assessed pre- and posttraining. Hippocampus and skeletal muscle were collected after training and analyzed by high-resolution respirometry, ELISA, and immunoblotting. Tg+RT showed greater grip strength than Tg and Tg+AT at posttraining (''p''<0.01). Only Tg+AT improved rotarod peak latency (''p''<0.01). Hippocampal IGF-1 concentration was ~15 % greater in Tg+AT and Tg+RT compared to Tg (''p''<0.05); however, downstream signals of p-IGF-1R, p-Akt, p-MAPK, and p-GSK3β were not altered. Cathepsin B, hippocampal p-CREB and BDNF, and hippocampal mitochondrial respiration were not affected by AT or RT. β-Amyloid was ~30 % lower in Tg+RT compared to Tg (''p''<0.05). This data suggests that regular resistance training reduces β-amyloid in the hippocampus concurrent with increased concentrations of IGF-1. Both types of training offered distinct benefits, either by improving physical function or by modifying signals in the hippocampus. Therefore, inclusion of both training modalities may address central defects, as well as peripheral comorbidities in AD.al defects, as well as peripheral comorbidities in AD. +
Aerobic training can improve vascular endo … Aerobic training can improve vascular endothelial function ''in-vivo''. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this improvement in isolated human microvascular endothelial cells. Sedentary males, aged 57 ± 6 years completed 8 weeks of intense aerobic training. Resting muscle biopsies were obtained from the thigh muscle and used for isolation of endothelial cells (pre n = 23, post n = 16). The cells were analyzed for mitochondrial respiration, H2O2 emission, glycolysis, protein levels of antioxidants, NADPH oxidase, endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and prostacyclin synthase (PGI2S). ''In-vivo'' microvascular function, assessed by acetylcholine infusion and arterial blood pressure were also determined. Endothelial mitochondrial respiration and H2O2 formation were similar before and after training whereas the expression of superoxide dismutase and the expression of glutathione peroxidase were 2.4-fold (p = 0.012) and 2.3-fold (p = 0.006) higher, respectively, after training. ''In-vivo'' microvascular function was increased by 1.4-fold (p = 0.036) in parallel with a 2.1-fold increase in endothelial PGI2S expression (p = 0.041). Endothelial cell glycolysis was reduced after training, as indicated by a 65% lower basal production of lactate (p = 0.003) and a 30% lower expression of phosphofructokinase (p = 0.011). Subdivision of the participants according to blood pressure at base-line (n = 23), revealed a 2-fold higher (p = 0.049) rate of H2O2 production in endothelial cells from hypertensive participants. Our data show that exercise training increases skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cell metabolism, antioxidant capacity and the capacity to form prostacyclin. Moreover, elevated blood pressure is associated with increased endothelial mitochondrial ROS formation.the capacity to form prostacyclin. Moreover, elevated blood pressure is associated with increased endothelial mitochondrial ROS formation. +
African-American women (AAW) have an incre … African-American women (AAW) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to Caucasian women (CW). Lower insulin sensitivity has been reported in AAW, but the reasons for this racial difference and the contributions of liver versus skeletal muscle are incompletely understood.We tested the hypothesis that young, non-obese AAW manifest lower insulin sensitivity specific to skeletal muscle, not liver, and is accompanied by lower skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Participants and Main Outcome Measures: Twenty-two non-obese (BMI 22.7±3.1 kg/m2) AAW and twenty-two matched CW (BMI 22.7±3.1 kg/m2) underwent characterization of body composition, objectively-assessed habitual physical activity, and insulin sensitivity with euglycemic clamps and stable-isotope tracers. Skeletal muscle biopsies were performed for lipid content, fiber-typing, and mitochondrial measurements. Peripheral insulin sensitivity was 26% lower in AAW (''p''<0.01), but hepatic insulin sensitivity was similar between groups. Physical activity levels were similar between groups. Lower insulin sensitivity in AAW was not explained by total or central adiposity. Skeletal muscle triglyceride content was similar but mitochondrial content was lower in AAW. Mitochondrial respiration was 24% lower in AAW and correlated with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (''r''=0.33, ''p''<0.05).When compared to CW, AAW have similar hepatic insulin sensitivity, but a muscle phenotype characterized by both lower insulin sensitivity and lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity. These observations occur in the absence of obesity and are not explained by physical activity. The only factor associated with lower insulin sensitivity in AAW was mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Because exercise training improves both mitochondrial capacity and insulin sensitivity, we suggest that it may be of particular benefit as a strategy for diabetes prevention in AAW.y be of particular benefit as a strategy for diabetes prevention in AAW. +
After a century, it's time to turn the pag … After a century, it's time to turn the page on understanding of lactate metabolism and appreciate that lactate shuttling is an important component of intermediary metabolism in vivo. Cell-cell and intracellular lactate shuttles fulfil purposes of energy substrate production and distribution, as well as cell signalling under fully aerobic conditions. Recognition of lactate shuttling came first in studies of physical exercise where the roles of driver (producer) and recipient (consumer) cells and tissues were obvious. Moreover, the presence of lactate shuttling as part of postprandial glucose disposal and satiety signalling has been recognized. Mitochondrial respiration creates the physiological sink for lactate disposal in vivo. Repeated lactate exposure from regular exercise results in adaptive processes such as mitochondrial biogenesis and other healthful circulatory and neurological characteristics such as improved physical work capacity, metabolic flexibility, learning, and memory. The importance of lactate and lactate shuttling in healthful living is further emphasized when lactate signalling and shuttling are dysregulated as occurs in particular illnesses and injuries. Like a phoenix, lactate has risen to major importance in 21st century biology. major importance in 21st century biology. +
After more than a century, aspirin remains … After more than a century, aspirin remains one of the most commonly used drugs in western medicine. Although mainly used for its anti-thrombotic, anti-pyretic, and analgesic properties, a multitude of clinical studies have provided convincing evidence that regular, low-dose aspirin use dramatically lowers the risk of cancer. These observations coincide with recent studies showing a functional relationship between platelets and tumors, suggesting that aspirin's chemopreventive properties may result, in part, from direct modulation of platelet biology and biochemistry. Here, we present a review of the biochemistry and pharmacology of aspirin with particular emphasis on its cyclooxygenase-dependent and cyclooxygenase-independent effects in platelets. We also correlate the results of proteomic-based studies of aspirin acetylation in eukaryotic cells with recent developments in platelet proteomics to identify non-cyclooxygenase targets of aspirin-mediated acetylation in platelets that may play a role in its chemopreventive mechanism.y a role in its chemopreventive mechanism. +
After overcoming COVID-19, some people dev … After overcoming COVID-19, some people develop a variety of mid- and long-term effects like fatigue, breathlessness, cognitive dysfunction as part of post COVID-19 condition. These symptoms might persist from the initial illness or develop after the recovery. Spa rehabilitation is recommended for patients with post COVID-19 syndrome. In our previous study deficit of CI-linked mitochondrial function and reduced endogenous coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) concentration was found in platelets of non-hospitalized, non-vaccinated patients 3 – 6 weeks after acute COVID-19 [1].In this project we studied effects of mountain spa rehabilitation (MR) and MR combined with ubiquinol (reduced form of CoQ10) supplementation (MRQ) on pulmonary function, clinical and psychological symptoms, endogenous CoQ10 levels, and platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics of patients with post COVID-19 syndrome.In total, 36 patients with post COVID-19 syndrome and 15 healthy volunteers (control group) were included in the study. The patients acomplished mountain spa rehabilitation in Sanatorium of Dr. Guhr in Tatranská Polianka, High Tatras, Slovakia with individual therapeutic program including special respiratory physiotherapy procedures, mental well-being, nutrition counseling and adequate exercise therapy. Fourteen patients were on mountain spa rehabilitation (MR) lasting 16 – 18 days and 22 patients were on MR with simultaneous supplementation with ubiquinol (2x100 mg/day) lasting 16 – 18 days and on ubiquinol supplementation for next 12 – 14 days after leaving the spa. Pulmonary function by 6-minute walking test (6MWT), exercise dyspnea by Borg scale (BS), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and clinical symptoms by questionnaire were evaluated before and after 16 – 18 days of MR. Platelet bioenergetics by high-resolution respirometry, plasma TBARS concentration, and CoQ10 concentration in blood, plasma and platelets were evaluated before (MR1 and MRQ1 groups) and after MR (MR2 and MRQ2 groups), and additionally in 8 patients with CoQ10 supplementation 12 – 14 days after MR (MRQ3 group).Platelet mitochondrial Complex I (CI)-linked oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and electron transfer (ET) capacity was markedly reduced in patients with post COVID-19 syndrome vs the control group (Fig. 1). After 16 – 18 days of MR these parameters improved in both groups vs before MR. The improvement in the group of patients supplemented with ubiquinol was higher than in the non-supplemented group. CI-linked OXPHOS and ET capacity increased further after additional 12 – 14 days of CoQ10 supplementation at home (MRQ3 group).The CoQ10 concentration markedly raised after 16 – 18 days of supplementation with ubiquinol in platelets (+60%, p <0.0001), blood (+185%, p<0.0001), and plasma (+232%, p<0.0001) reflecting high bioavailability of supplemented CoQ10. The increase of platelet mitochondrial CI-linked OXPHOS and ET capacity correlated with the increase of CoQ10 in platelets and there was a trend to positive correlation between the improvement of pulmonary function and the increase of CoQ10 in platelets.These data show significant role of supplemented ubiquinol in acceleration of mitochondrial health regeneration in patients with post COVID-19 syndrome. Mountain spa rehabilitation with coenzyme Q10 supplementation could be recommended to the patients with post COVID-19 syndrome.# Sumbalová Z, Kucharská J, Palacka P, Rausová Z, Langsjoen P, Langsjoen AM, Gvozdjáková A (2022) Platelet mitochondrial function and endogenous coenzyme Q10 levels are reduced in patients after COVID-19. https://doi.org/10.4149/BLL_2022_002# [[SUIT-001 O2 ce-pce D004]]4]] +
After several decades, the Pasteur-, Crabt … After several decades, the Pasteur-, Crabtree- and [[Warburg effect]]s have experienced a renaissance in current research. The interaction between [[glycolysis]] (i.e., the direct breakdown of glucose to lactate/lactic acid) and mitochondrial [[oxidative phosphorylation]] (i.e., glucose oxidation) was first described by Pasteur in 1857.n) was first described by Pasteur in 1857. +
Age related changes in brain cortex NO met … Age related changes in brain cortex NO metabolism were investigated in mitochondria and cytosolic extracts from youth to adulthood. Decreases of 19%, 40% and 71% in NO production were observed in mitochondrial fractions from 3, 7, and 14 months old rats, respectively, as compared with 1-month-old rats. Decreased nNOS protein expression in 14 months old rats was also observed in mitochondria as compared with the nNOS protein expression in 1-month-old rats. Low levels of eNOS protein expression close to the detection limits and no iNOS protein expression were significantly detected in mitochondrial fraction for both groups of age. NO production in the cytosolic extracts also showed a marked decreasing tendency, showing higher levels than those observed in mitochondrial fractions for all groups of age. In the cytosolic extracts, however, the levels were stabilized in adult animals from 7 to 14 months. nNOS protein expression showed a similar age-pattern in cytosolic extracts for both groups of age, while the protein expression pattern for eNOS was higher expressed in adult rats (14 months) than in young animals. As well as in mitochondrial extracts iNOS protein expression was not significantly detected in cytosolic extracts at any age. RT-PCR assays indicated increased levels of nNOS mRNA in 1-month-old rats as compared with 14 months old rats, showing a similar pattern to that one observed for protein nNOS expression. A different aged pattern was observed for eNOS mRNA expression, being lower in 1-month-old rats as compared with 14 months old animals. iNOS mRNA was very low expressed in both groups of age, showing a residual iNOS mRNA that was not significantly detected. State 3 respiration rates were 78% and 85% higher when succinate and malate-glutamate were used as substrates, respectively, in 14 months rats as compared with 1-month-old rats. No changes were observed in state 4 respiration rates. These results could indicate 1 that nNOS and eNOS mRNA and protein expression can be age-dependent, and confirmed the nNOS origin for the mitochondrial NOS. During rat growth, the respiratory function seems to be modulated by NO produced by the different NOS enzymes: nNOS, eNOS and mtNOS present in the cytosol and in the mitochondria.nt in the cytosol and in the mitochondria. +
Age related declines in walking performanc … Age related declines in walking performance may be partly attributable to skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction as mitochondria produce over 90% of ATP needed for movement and the capacity for oxidative phosphorylation decreases with age.Participants were from two studies: an ancillary to the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study (n=33), which recruited lower functioning participants (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB], 7.8±1.2), and the Study of Energy and Aging-Pilot (SEA, n=29), which enrolled higher functioning (SPPB, 10.8±1.4). Physical activity was measured objectively using the Actigraph accelerometer (LIFE) and SenseWear Pro armband (SEA). Phosphocreatine recovery following muscle contraction of the quadriceps was measured using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ATPmax (mM ATP/s) was calculated. Walking performance was defined as time (s) to walk 400m at a usual-pace. The cross-sectional association between mitochondrial function and walking performance was assessed using multivariable linear regression.Participants were 77.6±5.3years, 64.2% female and 67.2% white. ATPmax was similar in LIFE vs. SEA (0.52±0.14 vs. 0.55±0.14, p=0.31), despite different function and activity levels (1.6±2.2 vs.77.4±73.3min of moderate activity/day, p<0.01). Higher ATPmax was related to faster walk-time in SEA (r(2)=0.19, p=0.02,); but not the LIFE (r(2)<0.01, p=0.74) cohort.Mitochondrial function was associated with walking performance in higher functioning, active older adults, but not lower functioning, sedentary older adults.t not lower functioning, sedentary older adults. +
Age related loss of independence and mobil … Age related loss of independence and mobility and an ill health are largely associated with sarcopenia, for which a prominent explanation is mitochondrial damage. Increases in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction have been reported in aging skeletal muscle [1,2]. Master athletes (MAs) continue training and competing well into old age and represent an prominent model of healthy muscle aging [3]. The cellular mechanisms facilitating this achievement are currently unknown. Given their remarkable aging trajectory, it is reasonable to hypothesize that MAs have superior mitochondrial function and indices of mtDNA integrity. 15 world class elite MAs and 14 age-sex matched none-athlete controls (NAC), all over the age of 75, underwent muscle MRI scans to assess muscle mass and a biopsy of the vastus lateralis. mtDNA integrity was assessed using the duel cytochrome ''c'' oxidase/succinate dehydrogenase stain to ascertain the number of fibres with a respiratory system defect (RSD) and QPCR to provide an indication of mtDNA deletions and copy number. Three aspects of mitochondrial function were assessed in permeabilized myofibres: ROS production, respiration and calcium retention capacity. MAs had significantly more muscle mass than their sedentary counterparts, fewer myofibres with a RSD and an increased mtDNA copy number. However, there were very few differences in any of the three aspects of mitochondrial function examined. Therefore, while MAs have less RSD than NACs at the individual fibre level, this is not sufficient to result in an improvement in mitochondrial function, when studied at the whole muscle level. Thus a superior mitochondrial profile probably does not explain MAs’ remarkable muscle aging trajectory. However, in the presence of age related comorbidities the increased RSD may result in an exacerbation of these conditions in NACs. This data raises questions regarding the impact of age related mitochondrial changes on the muscle, as MAs, with the same level of mitochondrial function as controls, still displayed remarkable strength.rols, still displayed remarkable strength. +
Age-associated accumulation of somatic mut … Age-associated accumulation of somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been proposed to be responsible for the age-associated mitochondrial respiration defects found in elderly human subjects. We carried out reprogramming of human fibroblast lines derived from elderly subjects by generating their induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and examined another possibility, namely that these aging phenotypes are controlled not by mutations but by epigenetic regulation. Here, we show that reprogramming of elderly fibroblasts restores age-associated mitochondrial respiration defects, indicating that these aging phenotypes are reversible and are similar to differentiation phenotypes in that both are controlled by epigenetic regulation, not by mutations in either the nuclear or the mitochondrial genome. Microarray screening revealed that epigenetic downregulation of the nuclear-coded GCAT gene, which is involved in glycine production in mitochondria, is partly responsible for these aging phenotypes. Treatment of elderly fibroblasts with glycine effectively prevented the expression of these aging phenotypes. the expression of these aging phenotypes. +
Age-associated loss of muscle mass and fun … Age-associated loss of muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) has a profound effect on the quality of life in the elderly. Our previous studies show that CuZnSOD deletion in mice (Sod1-/- mice) recapitulates sarcopenia phenotypes, including elevated oxidative stress and accelerated muscle atrophy, weakness, and disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). To determine whether deletion of Sod1 initiated in neurons in adult mice is sufficient to induce muscle atrophy, we treated young (2- to 4-month-old) Sod1flox/SlickHCre mice with tamoxifen to generate i-mn-Sod1KO mice. CuZnSOD protein was 40-50% lower in neuronal tissue in i-mn-Sod1KO mice. Motor neuron number in ventral spinal cord was reduced 28% at 10 months and more than 50% in 18- to 22-month-old i-mn-Sod1KO mice. By 24 months, 22% of NMJs in i-mn-Sod1KO mice displayed a complete lack of innervation and deficits in specific force that are partially reversed by direct muscle stimulation, supporting the loss of NMJ structure and function. Muscle mass was significantly reduced by 16 months of age and further decreased at 24 months of age. Overall, our findings show that neuronal-specific deletion of CuZnSOD is sufficient to cause motor neuron loss in young mice, but that NMJ disruption, muscle atrophy, and weakness are not evident until past middle age. These results suggest that loss of innervation is critical but may not be sufficient until the muscle reaches a threshold beyond which it cannot compensate for neuronal loss or rescue additional fibers past the maximum size of the motor unit.tional fibers past the maximum size of the motor unit. +
Age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction a … Age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage are primary causes for multiple health problems including sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Though the role of Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates cytoprotective gene expression, in myopathy remains poorly defined, it has shown beneficial properties in both sarcopenia and CVD. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural compound Nrf2-related activator of cytoprotective genes, provides protection in several disease states including CVD and is in various stages of clinical trials, from cancer prevention to reducing insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine whether SFN may prevent age-related loss of function in the heart and skeletal muscle. Cohorts of 2-month-old and 21- to 22-month-old mice were administered regular rodent diet or diet supplemented with SFN for 12 weeks. At the completion of the study, skeletal muscle and heart function, mitochondrial function, and Nrf2 activity were measured. Our studies revealed a significant drop in Nrf2 activity and mitochondrial functions, together with a loss of skeletal muscle and cardiac function in the old control mice compared to the younger age group. In the old mice, SFN restored Nrf2 activity, mitochondrial function, cardiac function, exercise capacity, glucose tolerance, and activation/differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells. Our results suggest that the age-associated decline in Nrf2 signaling activity and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction might be implicated in the development of age-related disease processes. Therefore, the restoration of Nrf2 activity and endogenous cytoprotective mechanisms by SFN may be a safe and effective strategy to protect against muscle and heart dysfunction due to aging.muscle and heart dysfunction due to aging. +
Age-dependent changes in nitric oxide ((•) … Age-dependent changes in nitric oxide ((•)NO) concentration dynamics may play a significant role in both decaying synaptic and metabolic functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This neuromodulator acts presynaptically to increase vesicle release and glutamatergic transmission and also regulates mitochondrial function. Under conditions of altered intracellular redox environment, (•)NO may react and produce reactive species such as peroxynitrite. Using the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTgAD), we investigated age-dependent changes in the glutamate-(•)NO axis in the hippocampus. Direct measurement of (•)NO concentration dynamics revealed a significant increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate type receptor-evoked peak (•)NO in the 3xTgAD model at an early age. Aging produced a decrease in peak (•)NO accompanied by significant decrease in production and decay rates in the transgenic model. Evaluation of energy metabolism revealed age-dependent decrease in basal oxygen consumption rate, a general decrease in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation parameters, and loss in mitochondrial sparing capacity in both genotypes. Finally, we observed age-dependent increase in 3-nitrotyrosine residues in the hippocampus, consistent with a putative shift in (•)NO bioactivity toward oxidative chemistry associated with neurotoxicity.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Age-related arterial endothelial dysfuncti … Age-related arterial endothelial dysfunction, characterized by a decline in endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD), is mediated largely by oxidative stress. Excessive levels of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (mtROS), a hallmark of mitochondrial dysfunction, are an important contributor to tonic arterial oxidative stress-mediated suppression of EDD with aging [1]. In addition to baseline deficits in arterial function, aging may also be accompanied by reduced arterial resilience, i.e., the ability to withstand stress. Aging exacerbates the effects of common stressors such as a “Western”-style (high fat/high sugar) diet, hyperglycemia, and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, such that the age- and stressor-associated impairments in arterial function are compounded [2]. However, whether declines in arterial mitochondrial health contribute to decreased resilience with aging is unknown. Aerobic exercise is a powerful intervention that restores baseline endothelial function with aging and improves mitochondrial health in many non-vascular tissues but the effects of exercise on arterial resilience and mitochondrial health with primary aging are unexplored. We tested the hypothesis that aging would be associated with reduced arterial mitochondrial health and impaired arterial resilience to acute stress, and that voluntary aerobic exercise initiated in late life would improve arterial mitochondrial health and increase resilience of aging arteries. Young (5 mo) and old (25 mo) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either a sedentary cage control group (young and old control [YC, n=11 and OC, n=12]) or a voluntary aerobic exercise group (young and old voluntary wheel running [YVR, n=10 and OVR, n=11] for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, endothelial function was assessed in isolated carotid arteries as EDD in response to increasing doses of acetylcholine (ACh). Arterial resilience was determined as the change in EDD response with ACh alone versus following acute application of a mitochondrial stressor (rotenone 0.5 µM, 40 min [1]) or a simulated “Western Diet (WD)” stressor (8 mM glucose + 160 µM palmitate; 40 min intraluminal infusion). The contribution of mtROS to the “WD” stress was determined by assessing EDD with “WD” in the presence of the mitochondria-specific antioxidant MitoQ (1 µM) [3]. Arterial mtROS production was assessed in aortic segments via electron paramagnetic resonance with the mitochondrial superoxide-specific spin probe mitoTEMPO-H. Arterial protein markers of mitochondrial health (PGC-1α, SIRT-3, Fis-1 [TTC11]) were assessed by Western blotting (normalized to GAPDH).by Western blotting (normalized to GAPDH). +
Age-related decline in circulating levels … Age-related decline in circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is associated with reduced cognitive function, neuronal aging, and neurodegeneration. Decreased mitochondrial function along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accumulation of damaged macromolecules are hallmarks of cellular aging. Based on numerous studies indicating pleiotropic effects of IGF-1 during aging, we compared the central and peripheral effects of circulating IGF-1 deficiency on tissue mitochondrial function using an inducible liver IGF-1 knockout (LID). Circulating levels of IGF-1 (~ 75%) were depleted in adult male Igf1f/f mice via AAV-mediated knockdown of hepatic IGF-1 at 5 months of age. Cognitive function was evaluated at 18 months using the radial arm water maze and glucose and insulin tolerance assessed. Mitochondrial function was analyzed in hippocampus, muscle, and visceral fat tissues using high-resolution respirometry O2K as well as redox status and oxidative stress in the cortex. Peripherally, IGF-1 deficiency did not significantly impact muscle mass or mitochondrial function. Aged LID mice were insulin resistant and exhibited ~ 60% less adipose tissue but increased fat mitochondrial respiration (20%). The effects on fat metabolism were attributed to increases in growth hormone. Centrally, IGF-1 deficiency impaired hippocampal-dependent spatial acquisition as well as reversal learning in male mice. Hippocampal mitochondrial OXPHOS coupling efficiency and cortex ATP levels (~ 50%) were decreased and hippocampal oxidative stress (protein carbonylation and F2-isoprostanes) was increased. These data suggest that IGF-1 is critical for regulating mitochondrial function, redox status, and spatial learning in the central nervous system but has limited impact on peripheral (liver and muscle) metabolism with age. Therefore, IGF-1 deficiency with age may increase sensitivity to damage in the brain and propensity for cognitive deficits. Targeting mitochondrial function in the brain may be an avenue for therapy of age-related impairment of cognitive function. Regulation of mitochondrial function and redox status by IGF-1 is essential to maintain brain function and coordinate hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. While a decline in IGF-1 in the periphery may be beneficial to avert cancer progression, diminished central IGF-1 signaling may mediate, in part, age-related cognitive dysfunction and cognitive pathologies potentially by decreasing mitochondrial function.gies potentially by decreasing mitochondrial function. +
Age-related frailty may be due to decrease … Age-related frailty may be due to decreased skeletal muscle regeneration. The role of TGF-β molecules myostatin and GDF11 in regeneration is unclear. Recent studies showed an age-related decrease in GDF11 and that GDF11 treatment improves muscle regeneration, which were contrary to prior studies. We now show that these recent claims are not reproducible and the reagents previously used to detect GDF11 are not GDF11 specific. We develop a GDF11-specific immunoassay and show a trend toward increased GDF11 levels in sera of aged rats and humans. GDF11 mRNA increases in rat muscle with age. Mechanistically, GDF11 and myostatin both induce SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, inhibit myoblast differentiation, and regulate identical downstream signaling. GDF11 significantly inhibited muscle regeneration and decreased satellite cell expansion in mice. Given early data in humans showing a trend for an age-related increase, GDF11 could be a target for pharmacologic blockade to treat age-related sarcopenia. blockade to treat age-related sarcopenia. +
Age-related loss of muscle mass and force … Age-related loss of muscle mass and force (sarcopenia) contributes to disability and increased mortality. Ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) is the skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel required for muscle contraction. RyR1 from aged (24 months) rodents was oxidized, cysteine-nitrosylated, and depleted of the channel-stabilizing subunit calstabin1, compared to RyR1 from younger (3-6 months) adults. This RyR1 channel complex remodeling resulted in "leaky" channels with increased open probability, leading to intracellular calcium leak in skeletal muscle. Similarly, 6-month-old mice harboring leaky RyR1-S2844D mutant channels exhibited skeletal muscle defects comparable to 24-month-old wild-type mice. Treating aged mice with S107 stabilized binding of calstabin1 to RyR1, reduced intracellular calcium leak, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced tetanic Ca(2+) release, muscle-specific force, and exercise capacity. Taken together, these data indicate that leaky RyR1 contributes to age-related loss of muscle function.es to age-related loss of muscle function. +
Age-related loss of muscle mass and streng … Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) leads to a decline in physical function and frailty in the elderly. Among the many proposed underlying causes of sarcopenia, mitochondrial dysfunction is inherent in a variety of aged tissues. The intent of this study was to examine the effect of aging on key groups of regulatory proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and how this relates to physical performance in two groups of sedentary elderly participants, classified as high- and low-functioning based on the Short Physical Performance Battery test. Muscle mass was decreased by 38% and 30% in low-functioning elderly (LFE) participants when compared to young and high-functioning elderly (HFE) participants, respectively, and positively correlated to physical performance. Mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized muscle fibers was reduced (41%) in the LFE group when compared to the young, and this was associated with a 30% decline in COX activity. Levels of key metabolic regulators, SIRT3 and [[PGC-1α]] were significantly reduced (50%) in both groups of elderly participants when compared to young. Similarly, the fusion protein OPA1 was lower in muscle from elderly subjects, however no changes were detected in Mfn2, Drp1 or Fis1 among the groups. In contrast, protein import machinery (PIM) components Tom22 and cHsp70 were increased in the LFE group when compared to the young. This study suggests that aging in skeletal muscle is associated with impaired mitochondrial function and altered biogenesis pathways, and that this may contribute to muscle atrophy and the decline in muscle performance observed in the elderly population.rmance observed in the elderly population. +
Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and contractile dysfunction, or sarcopenia, reduces independence and quality of life in the elderly and leads to increased risk of comorbidities... +
Age-related muscle atrophy and weakness, o … Age-related muscle atrophy and weakness, or sarcopenia, are significant contributors to compromised health and quality of life in the elderly. While the mechanisms driving this pathology are not fully defined, reactive oxygen species, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disruption, and loss of innervation are important risk factors. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide on neurogenic atrophy and contractile dysfunction. Mice with muscle-specific overexpression of the mitochondrial H2O2 scavenger peroxiredoxin3 (mPRDX3) were crossed to Sod1KO mice, an established mouse model of sarcopenia, to determine whether reduced mitochondrial H2O2 can prevent or delay the redox-dependent sarcopenia. Basal rates of H2O2 generation were elevated in isolated muscle mitochondria from Sod1KO, but normalized by mPRDX3 overexpression. The mPRDX3 overexpression prevented the declines in maximum mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and calcium retention capacity in Sod1KO. Muscle atrophy in Sod1KO was mitigated by ~20% by mPRDX3 overexpression, which was associated with an increase in myofiber cross-sectional area. With direct muscle stimulation, maximum isometric specific force was reduced by ~20% in Sod1KO mice, and mPRDX3 overexpression preserved specific force at wild-type levels. The force deficit with nerve stimulation was exacerbated in Sod1KO compared to direct muscle stimulation, suggesting NMJ disruption in Sod1KO. Notably, this defect was not resolved by overexpression of mPRDX3. Our findings demonstrate that muscle-specific PRDX3 overexpression reduces mitochondrial H2O2 generation, improves mitochondrial function, and mitigates loss of muscle quantity and quality, despite persisting NMJ impairment in a murine model of redox-dependent sarcopenia.ion, and mitigates loss of muscle quantity and quality, despite persisting NMJ impairment in a murine model of redox-dependent sarcopenia. +
Ageing is associated with suppressed regen … Ageing is associated with suppressed regenerative potential of muscle precursor cells due to decrease of satellite cells and suppressive intramuscular milieu on their activation, associated with ageing-related low-grade inflammation. The aim of the study was to characterize the function of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), glycolysis, adenylate kinase (AK), and creatine kinase (CK)-mediated systems in young and older individuals.Myoblasts were cultivated from biopsies taken by transcutaneous conchotomy from ''vastus lateralis'' muscle in young (20-29 yrs, n=7) and older (70-79 yrs, n=7) subjects. Energy metabolism was assessed in passages 2 to 6 by oxygraphy and enzyme analysis.In myoblasts of young and older subjects the rate of OXPHOS decreased during proliferation from passage 2 to 6. The total activities of CK and AK decreased. Myoblasts of passage 2 cultivated from young muscle showed higher rate of OXPHOS and activities of CK and AK compared to myoblasts from older subjects while hexokinase and pyruvate kinase were not affected by ageing.Proliferation of myoblasts ''in vitro'' is associated with down-regulation of OXPHOS and energy storage and transfer systems. Ageing ''in vivo'' exerts an impact on satellite cells which results in altered metabolic profile in favour of the prevalence of glycolytic pathways over mitochondrial OXPHOS of myoblasts.ys over mitochondrial OXPHOS of myoblasts. +
Ageing is frequently associated with sarco … Ageing is frequently associated with sarcopenia, which has been attributed to low grade inflammation, suppressed regenerative potential of muscle precursor cells and homeostatic changes in the niches of satellite cells of old persons [1,2]. The aim of this study was to investigate mitochondrial function in primary cell cultures, derived from biopsies taken from young and old individuals.Primary muscle cell culture myoblasts, obtained from biopsies of vastus lateralis in young (19-29 y) and old (70-80 y) subjects, were purified with CD56 antibody microbeads on MACS and cultured in the presence of HGF. The cultures were stimulated with differentiation media supplement, insulin-transferrin-sodium selenite (ITS), for 6 days with one of cytokines IL1, IL6 or TNF-α. The function of respiratory complexes (OXPHOS) was assessed by high-resolution respirometry.The myoblasts cultivated from old individuals differentiated into myotubes markedly slower than myoblasts from young individuals in ITS medium (''P''<0.0001). The effect of IL-6 depended on donor age, as its effect on myoblast differentiation decreased with age. Treatment of human myoblasts with TNF-α and IL-1β increased the proliferation and blocked differentiation in the presence of ITS. The inhibitory effect of TNF-α and IL-1β on myotubes formation was mediated by down-regulation of mRNA levels of myogenin and muscle-specific isoforms of CK (CKM and CKMT2). The data on mitochondrial respiration revealed that IL-1β caused a significant decrease in mitochondrial Complex I- and II-linked respiration, normalized on cell protein content both in the myotubes of old and young individuals. This action of IL1-β was not seen when the respiratory results were normalized on citrate synthase activity, revealing the role of a decrease in mitochondrial content in these cells. TNF-α, on the contrary, caused a significant increase in mitochondrial Complex I- and II-linked respiration, normalized on protein in myotubes of old and young subjects. This action of TNF-α remained significant when respiration was normalized on citrate synthase activity. The mode of action of these pro-inflammatory cytokines on OXPHOS of muscle cell cultures was the same in both groups, young and old persons.Our data suggest that the myoblasts cultivated from biopsies of old individuals differentiate into myotubes slower than those from young individuals. The actions of pro-inflammatory cytokines on OXPHOS level of these cell cultures are different: IL-1β decreased, TNF-α stimulated but IL-6 exerted no alteration on OXPHOS activity, both in old or young individuals. The OXPHOS capacity in myogenic cell culture depends more on the mode of action of cytokine than the donor’s age.e of action of cytokine than the donor’s age. +
Aging implicates a progressive decline in … Aging implicates a progressive decline in muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) which is counteracted by strength training, and a decline of aerobic performance (muscle fatigability, reduced aerobic capacity and loss of mitochondrial power or OXPHOS capacity in muscle tissue). OXPHOS capacity is increased or maintained high by a life style involving endurance exercise and strength training [1]. Life style changes from the age of 20-30 years to the elderly, but is subject to change and intervention. Depending on group selection in cross-sectional studies, OXPHOS capacity declines from the age of 20-30 years [2,3], or is independent of age up to 80 years [4,5]. Independent of age, there is a strong decline of OXPHOS capacity in human vastus lateralis from BMI of 20 to 30 [6]. The relationship between BMI, training and OXPHOS capacity is also observed in horse skeletal muscle [7]. At a BMI >30, a minimum OXPHOS capacity is reached in human v. lateralis that may be characteristic of a low-grade inflammatory state (‘mitochondrial fever’). Onset of degenerative diseases (diabetes 2, neuromuscular degeneration, various cancers) and mitochondrial dysfunction interact in an amplification loop progressing slowly with age, such that cause and effect of mitochondrial dysfunction cannot be distinguished. Diminished antioxidant capacity at low mitochondrial density is an important mechanistic candidate in the state of mitochondrial fever.Contribution to K-Regio ''[[MitoCom_O2k-Fluorometer|MitoCom Tyrol]]''. # [[Pesta_2011_Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol|Pesta D, Hoppel F, Macek C, Messner H, Faulhaber M, Kobel C, Parson W, Burtscher M, Schocke M, Gnaiger E (2011) Similar qualitative and quantitative changes of mitochondrial respiration following strength and endurance training in normoxia and hypoxia in sedentary humans. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 301:R1078–87.]]# Short KR, Bigelow ML, Kahl J, Singh R, Coenen-Schimke J, Raghavakaimal S, Nair KS (2005) Decline in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function with aging in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102:5618-23.# [[Joseph 2012 Aging Cell|Joseph AM, Adhihetty PJ, Buford TW, Wohlgemuth SE, Lees HA, Nguyen LM, Aranda JM, Sandesara BD, Pahor M, Manini TM, Marzetti E, Leeuwenburgh C (2012) The impact of aging on mitochondrial function and biogenesis pathways in skeletal muscle of sedentary high- and low-functioning elderly individuals. Aging Cell 11:801-9.]]# Lanza IR, Short DK, Short KR, Raghavakaimal S, Basu R, Joyner MJ, McConnell JP, Nair KS (2008) Endurance exercise as a countermeasure for aging. Diabetes 57:2933-42.# [[Larsen 2012 Acta Physiol (Oxf)|Larsen S, Hey-Mogensen M, Rabol R, Stride N, Helge JW, Dela F (2012) The influence of age and aerobic fitness: Effects on mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 205:423-32.]]# [[Gnaiger 2009 Int J Biochem Cell Biol|Gnaiger E (2009) Capacity of oxidative phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle. New perspectives of mitochondrial physiology. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 41:1837–45.]]# [[Votion_2012_PLoS One|Votion DM, Gnaiger E, Lemieux H, Mouithys-Mickalad A, Serteyn D (2012) Physical fitness and mitochondrial respiratory capacity in horse skeletal muscle. PLoS One 7:e34890.]]_2012_PLoS One|Votion DM, Gnaiger E, Lemieux H, Mouithys-Mickalad A, Serteyn D (2012) Physical fitness and mitochondrial respiratory capacity in horse skeletal muscle. PLoS One 7:e34890.]] +
Aging increases the risk of type 2 diabete … Aging increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and this can be prevented by dietary restriction (DR). We have previously shown that DR inhibits the downregulation of miRNAs and their processing enzymes - mainly Dicer - that occurs with aging in mouse white adipose tissue (WAT). Here we used fat-specific Dicer knockout mice (AdicerKO) to understand the contributions of adipose tissue Dicer to the metabolic effects of aging and DR. Metabolomic data uncovered a clear distinction between the serum metabolite profiles of Lox control and AdicerKO mice, with a notable elevation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in AdicerKO. These profiles were associated with reduced oxidative metabolism and increased lactate in WAT of AdicerKO mice and were accompanied by structural and functional changes in mitochondria, particularly under DR. AdicerKO mice displayed increased mTORC1 activation in WAT and skeletal muscle, where Dicer expression is not affected. This was accompanied by accelerated age-associated insulin resistance and premature mortality. Moreover, DR-induced insulin sensitivity was abrogated in AdicerKO mice. This was reverted by rapamycin injection, demonstrating that insulin resistance in AdicerKO mice is caused by mTORC1 hyperactivation. Our study evidences a DR-modulated role for WAT Dicer in controlling metabolism and insulin resistance.rolling metabolism and insulin resistance. +
Aging is accompanied by impaired glucose h … Aging is accompanied by impaired glucose homeostasis and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, culminating in the failure of insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells. To investigate the effects of age on β cell metabolism, we established a novel assay to directly image islet metabolism using NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). We determined that impaired mitochondrial activity underlies an age-dependent loss of insulin secretion in human islets. NAD(P)H FLIM revealed a comparable decline in mitochondrial function in the pancreatic islets of aged mice (≥ 24 months), resulting from 52% and 57% defects in flux through complex I and II of the electron transport chain. However, insulin secretion and glucose tolerance are preserved in aged mouse islets by the heightened metabolic sensitivity of the β cell triggering pathway, an adaptation clearly encoded in the metabolic and Ca2+ oscillations that trigger insulin release (Ca2+ plateau fraction: young, 0.211 ± 0.006; aged, 0.380 ± 0.007, P < 0.0001). This enhanced sensitivity is driven by a reduction in KATP channel conductance (diazoxide: young, 5.1 ± 0.2 nS; aged, 3.5 ± 0.5 nS, P < 0.01), resulting in a ∼2.8 mM left shift in the β cell glucose threshold. Our results demonstrate how mice, but not humans, are able to successfully compensate for age-associated metabolic dysfunction by adjusting their β cell glucose sensitivity, and highlight an essential mechanism for ensuring the maintenance of insulin secretion.© 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.perly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered. +
Aging is associated with a decline in mito … Aging is associated with a decline in mitochondrial function which may contribute to age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, mitochondrial Complex II has emerged as an important player in the aging process. Mitochondrial Complex II converts succinate to fumarate and plays an essential role in both the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the electron transport chain (ETC). The dysfunction of Complex II not only limits mitochondrial energy production; it may also promote oxidative stress, contributing, over time, to cellular damage, aging, and disease. Intriguingly, succinate, the substrate for Complex II which accumulates during mitochondrial dysfunction, has been shown to have widespread effects as a signaling molecule. Here, we review recent advances related to understanding the function of Complex II, succinate signaling, and their combined roles in aging and aging-related diseases.roles in aging and aging-related diseases. +
Aging is associated with an increased risk … Aging is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Here we show that oral supplementation of the natural polyamine spermidine extends the lifespan of mice and exerts cardioprotective effects, reducing cardiac hypertrophy and preserving diastolic function in old mice. Spermidine feeding enhanced cardiac autophagy, mitophagy and mitochondrial respiration, and it also improved the mechano-elastical properties of cardiomyocytes ''in vivo'', coinciding with increased titin phosphorylation and suppressed subclinical inflammation. Spermidine feeding failed to provide cardioprotection in mice that lack the autophagy-related protein Atg5 in cardiomyocytes. In Dahl salt-sensitive rats that were fed a high-salt diet, a model for hypertension-induced congestive heart failure, spermidine feeding reduced systemic blood pressure, increased titin phosphorylation and prevented cardiac hypertrophy and a decline in diastolic function, thus delaying the progression to heart failure. In humans, high levels of dietary spermidine, as assessed from food questionnaires, correlated with reduced blood pressure and a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. Our results suggest a new and feasible strategy for protection against cardiovascular disease.protection against cardiovascular disease. +
Aging is associated with diminished cardio … Aging is associated with diminished cardiovascular function and sarcopenia, and loss of muscle oxidative capacity is considered a salient feature of aging. While moderate-to-high intensity training evokes mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle, it remains unclear to what extent aging in itself or rather a lower training stimulus that accompanies aging contributes to loss of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. To address this question leg muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity in 8 older men (65±2 yrs) who had maintained road cycling training 200 km/week for 50 years was compared to that of 8 age-matched sedentary (UT) controls (67±1 yrs).V˙ O2 max was measured on a bicycle ergometer and a biopsy obtained from vastus lateralis muscle was permeabilized and prepared for high resolution respirometry (Oxygraph, Oroboros, AT). V˙ O2 max was substantially higher (p<0.05) in lifelong trained (45±2 ml/kg/min) compared to UT (27±2 ml/kg/min). Mitochondrial LEAK respiration was higher in ET, and Vmax of mitochondrial respiration (OXPHOS) with mixed substrates was 2-fold higher in the ET (132±6 pmol/sec/mg) compared to UT (72±4 pmol/sec/mg, p<0.01). Higher fatty acid oxidation and substrate control ratios in ET indicate regulatory changes in mitochondria in addition to a larger mitochondrial volume. The findings indicate that skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity of ‘lifelong trained’ older males is retained at a level comparable to young athletic individuals, and suggest that decrements in aerobic performance with age are primarily attributed to diminished cardiovascular function.ttributed to diminished cardiovascular function. +
Aging is associated with impaired scavengi … Aging is associated with impaired scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we show that TAp73, a p53 family member, protects against aging by regulating mitochondrial activity and preventing ROS accumulation. TAp73-null mice show more pronounced aging with increased oxidative damage and senescence. TAp73 deletion reduces cellular ATP levels, oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial complex IV activity, with increased ROS production and oxidative stress sensitivity. We show that the mitochondrial complex IV subunit cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (Cox4i1) is a direct TAp73 target and that Cox4i1 knockdown phenocopies the cellular senescence of TAp73-null cells. Results indicate that TAp73 affects mitochondrial respiration and ROS homeostasis, thus regulating aging.nd ROS homeostasis, thus regulating aging. +
Aging is associated with vulnerability to … Aging is associated with vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases, and mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. Exercise training is associated with benefits against chronic cardiac diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aging and treadmill exercise training on mitochondrial function and apoptosis in the rat heart. Fischer 344 rats were divided into young sedentary (YS; ''N'' = 10, 4 months), young exercise (YE; n''N''= 10, 4 months), old sedentary (OS; ''N'' = 10, 20 months), and old exercise (OE; ''N'' = 10, 20 months) groups. Exercise training groups ran on a treadmill at 15 m/min (young) or 10 m/min (old), 45 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Morphological parameters, mitochondrial function, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis were analyzed in cardiac muscle. Mitochondrial O2 respiratory capacity and Ca2+ retention capacity gradually decreased, and mitochondrial H2O2 emitting potential significantly increased with aging. Exercise training attenuated aging-induced mitochondrial H2O2 emitting potential and mitochondrial O2 respiratory capacity, while protecting Ca2+ retention in the old groups. Aging triggered imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics and excess mitophagy, while exercise training ameliorated the aging-induced imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics and excess mitophagy. Aging induced increase in Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels, while decreasing Bcl-2 levels. Exercise training protected against the elevation of apoptotic signaling markers by decreasing Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and increasing Bcl-2 protein levels, while decreasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive myonuclei. These data demonstrate that regular exercise training prevents aging-induced impairment of mitochondrial function and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cardiac muscles.ular exercise training prevents aging-induced impairment of mitochondrial function and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cardiac muscles. +
Aging is one of the most fundamental, yet … Aging is one of the most fundamental, yet least understood biological processes that affect all forms of eukaryotic life. Mitochondria are intimately involved in aging, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Electron cryotomography of whole mitochondria from the aging model organism ''Podospora anserina'' revealed profound age-dependent changes in membrane architecture. With increasing age, the typical cristae disappear and the inner membrane vesiculates. The ATP synthase dimers that form rows at the cristae tips dissociate into monomers in inner-membrane vesicles, and the membrane curvature at the ATP synthase inverts. Dissociation of the ATP synthase dimer may involve the peptidyl prolyl isomerase cyclophilin D. Finally, the outer membrane ruptures near large contact-site complexes, releasing apoptogens into the cytoplasm. Inner-membrane vesiculation and dissociation of ATP synthase dimers would impair the ability of mitochondria to supply the cell with sufficient ATP to maintain essential cellular functions. to maintain essential cellular functions. +
Aging is one of the strongest risk factors … Aging is one of the strongest risk factors for atherosclerosis. Yet whether aging increases the risk of atherosclerosis independently of chronic hyperlipidemia is not known. The objective was to determine if vascular aging prior to the induction of hyperlipidemia enhances atherogenesis. We analyzed the aortas of young and aged normolipidemic wild type (WT), disease free mice and found that aging led to elevated IL-6 levels and mitochondrial dysfunction, associated with increased mitophagy and the associated protein Parkin. In aortic tissue culture, we found evidence that with aging mitochondrial dysfunction and IL-6 exist in a positive feedback loop. We triggered acute hyperlipidemia in aged and young mice by inducing liver-specific degradation of the LDL receptor combined with a 10-week western diet and found that atherogenesis was enhanced in aged WT mice. Hyperlipidemia further reduced mitochondrial function and increased the levels of Parkin in the aortas of aged mice but not young mice. Genetic disruption of autophagy in smooth muscle cells of young mice exposed to hyperlipidemia led to increased aortic Parkin and IL-6 levels, impaired mitochondrial function, and enhanced atherogenesis. Importantly, enhancing mitophagy in aged, hyperlipidemic mice via oral administration of spermidine prevented the increase in aortic IL-6 and Parkin, attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced atherogenesis.Prior to hyperlipidemia, aging elevates IL-6 and impairs mitochondrial function within the aorta, associated with enhanced mitophagy and increased Parkin levels. These age-associated changes prime the vasculature to exacerbate atherogenesis upon acute hyperlipidemia. Our work implies that novel therapeutics aimed at improving vascular mitochondrial bioenergetics or reducing inflammation before hyperlipidemia may reduce age-related atherosclerosis.ia may reduce age-related atherosclerosis. +
Aging is the greatest risk factor for a mu … Aging is the greatest risk factor for a multitude of diseases including cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and cancer. Despite decades of research dedicated to understanding aging, the mechanisms underlying the aging process remain incompletely understood. The widely-accepted free radical theory of aging (FRTA) proposes that the accumulation of oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the primary causes of aging. To define the relationship between ROS and aging, there have been two main approaches: comparative studies that measure outcomes related to ROS across species with different lifespans, and experimental studies that modulate ROS levels within a single species using either a genetic or pharmacologic approach. Comparative studies have shown that levels of ROS and oxidative damage are inversely correlated with lifespan. While these studies in general support the FRTA, this type of experiment can only demonstrate correlation, not causation. Experimental studies involving the manipulation of ROS levels in model organisms have generally shown that interventions that increase ROS tend to decrease lifespan, while interventions that decrease ROS tend to increase lifespan. However, there are also multiple examples in which the opposite is observed: increasing ROS levels results in extended longevity, and decreasing ROS levels results in shortened lifespan. While these studies contradict the predictions of the FRTA, these experiments have been performed in a very limited number of species, all of which have a relatively short lifespan. Overall, the data suggest that the relationship between ROS and lifespan is complex, and that ROS can have both beneficial or detrimental effects on longevity depending on the species and conditions. Accordingly, the relationship between ROS and aging is difficult to generalize across the tree of life.ult to generalize across the tree of life. +
Aging is typically associated with a decli … Aging is typically associated with a decline in whole animal performance that ultimately contributes to death. It is suspected that a decline in ATP production leads to dysfunction in cellular processes, contributing to the decline in performance. Birds require large amounts of ATP to support physiological process, especially flight, which is one of the most energetically expensive forms of locomotion in the animal kingdom to sustain. Since the bulk of ATP production is coordinated through mitochondrial activity, we set out to explore mitochondrial function in young (~8 months) and old (~73 months) zebra finches (''Taeniopygia guttata''). We exploited the fact that avian red blood cells (RBCs) are nucleated and have functional mitochondria to explore the phenomenon of age-related decline in mitochondrial function without the need for terminal sampling. We found that RBCs from old zebra finches have lower flux control ratios (mitochondrial O2 consumption attributed to ATP production; 0.29-0.36-fold), exhibit higher respiration (1.4-fold), and significantly higher citrate synthase activity (1.4-fold) than young birds. Respiration rates normalized to citrate synthase activity suggest that mitochondrial quality is changing, as leak state is significantly lower (0.39-fold) in old zebra finches in comparison to young animals. Overall, our findings indicate a possible change in the function of mitochondria in older zebra finches, which may be associated with a corresponding increase in mitochondrial quantity, possibly to offset a decline in mitochondrial quality.Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.mall>Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. +
Aging muscle experiences functional declin … Aging muscle experiences functional decline in part mediated by impaired mitochondrial ADP sensitivity. Elamipretide (ELAM) rapidly improves physiological and mitochondrial function in aging and binds directly to the mitochondrial ADP transporter ANT. We hypothesized that ELAM improves ADP sensitivity in aging leading to rescued physiological function. We measured the response to ADP stimulation in young and old muscle mitochondria with ELAM treatment, ''in vivo'' heart and muscle function, and compared protein abundance, phosphorylation, and S-glutathionylation of ADP/ATP pathway proteins. ELAM treatment increased ADP sensitivity in old muscle mitochondria by increasing uptake of ADP through the ANT and rescued muscle force and heart systolic function. Protein abundance in the ADP/ATP transport and synthesis pathway was unchanged, but ELAM treatment decreased protein s-glutathionylation incuding of ANT. Mitochondrial ADP sensitivity is rapidly modifiable. This research supports the hypothesis that ELAM improves ANT function in aging and links mitochondrial ADP sensitivity to physiological function. ELAM binds directly to ANT and ATP synthase and ELAM treatment improves ADP sensitivity, increases ATP production, and improves physiological function in old muscles.ves physiological function in old muscles. +
Aging of biological systems is accompanied … Aging of biological systems is accompanied by degeneration of mitochondrial functions. Different pathways are active to counteract the processes which lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dynamics, the fission and fusion of mitochondria, is one of these quality control pathways. Mitophagy, the controlled degradation of mitochondria, is another one. Here we show that these pathways are linked. A double deletion mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which two essential components of the fission and fusion machinery, Dnm1 and Mgm1, are simultaneously ablated, contain wild-type like filamentous mitochondria, but are characterized by impaired respiration, an increased sensitivity to different stressors, increased mitochondrial protein carbonylation, and a decrease in mitophagy and replicative lifespan. These data show that a balanced mitochondrial dynamics and not a filamentous mitochondrial morphotype per se is the key for a long lifespan and demonstrate a cross-talk between two different mitochondrial quality control pathways.nt mitochondrial quality control pathways. +
Aging of skeletal muscle is associated wit … Aging of skeletal muscle is associated with progressive atrophy, reaching clinically relevant thresholds in terms of weakness, mobility impairment and physical frailty in a significant fraction of individuals ≥80 y of age. Amongst the factors posited to be involved, mitochondrial alterations are implicated in the atrophy of aging muscle through recruitment of mitochondrial-mediated pathways of apoptosis and proteolysis. However, denervation is also known to recruit these same mitochondrial pathways. In view of the sporadic denervation that occurs in aging muscle, consideration of denervation’s role in recruitment of mitochondrial atrophy pathways is essential to identify relevant therapeutic targets. As such, this presentation will review our current evidence from human skeletal muscle biopsies across a range of ages and physical activity levels, examining the impact of aging on mitochondrial function and the role played by denervation across this continuum. As will be demonstrated, skeletal muscle mitochondrial alterations in septuagenarian subjects appears to be a primary event unrelated to denervation, where an increased susceptibility to mitochondrial permeability transition persists even in physically active subjects. In contrast, octogenarian subjects exhibit denervation-induced modulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species emission, suggesting failed reinnervation rather than mitochondrial dysfunction as a more appropriate therapeutic target when aging muscle atrophy becomes most clinically relevant. atrophy becomes most clinically relevant. +
Aging of the vasculature is characterized … Aging of the vasculature is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening, two key events in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Treatment with sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors is now known to decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. However, whether SGLT2 inhibition attenuates vascular aging is unknown. We first confirmed in a cohort of adult subjects that aging is associated with impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness and that these two variables are inversely correlated. Next, we investigated whether SGLT2 inhibition with empagliflozin (Empa) ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and reduces arterial stiffness in aged mice with confirmed vascular dysfunction. Specifically, we assessed mesenteric artery endothelial function and stiffness (via flow-mediated dilation and pressure myography mechanical responses, respectively) and aortic stiffness (''in vivo'' via pulse wave velocity and ''ex vivo'' via atomic force microscopy) in Empa-treated (14 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) and control 80-week-old C57BL/6 J male mice. We report that Empa-treated mice exhibited improved mesenteric endothelial function compared with control, in parallel with reduced mesenteric artery and aortic stiffness. Additionally, Empa-treated mice had greater vascular endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation, lower phosphorylated cofilin, and filamentous actin content, with downregulation of pathways involved in production of reactive oxygen species. Our findings demonstrate that Empa improves endothelial function and reduces arterial stiffness in a preclinical model of aging, making SGLT2 inhibition a potential therapeutic alternative to reduce the progression of CVD in older individuals.e progression of CVD in older individuals. +
Aging represents a major risk factor for d … Aging represents a major risk factor for developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). As components of the Mediterranean diet, olive polyphenols may play a crucial role in the prevention of AD. Since mitochondrial dysfunction acts as a final pathway in both brain aging and AD, respectively, the effects of a mixture of highly purified olive secoiridoids were tested on cognition and ATP levels in a commonly used mouse model for brain aging. Over 6 months, female NMRI mice (12 months of age) were fed with a blend containing highly purified olive secoiridoids (POS) including oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and oleurosid standardized for 50 mg oleuropein/kg diet (equivalent to 13.75 mg POS/kg b.w.) or the study diet without POS as control. Mice aged 3 months served as young controls. Behavioral tests showed deficits in cognition in aged mice. Levels of ATP and mRNA levels of NADH-reductase, cytochrome-c-oxidase, and citrate synthase were significantly reduced in the brains of aged mice indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, gene expression of Sirt1, CREB, Gap43, and GPx-1 was significantly reduced in the brain tissue of aged mice. POS-fed mice showed improved spatial working memory. Furthermore, POS restored brain ATP levels in aged mice which were significantly increased. Our results show that a diet rich in purified olive polyphenols has positive long-term effects on cognition and energy metabolism in the brain of aged mice.ergy metabolism in the brain of aged mice. +
Aging represents a major risk factor for n … Aging represents a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondria are significantly involved in both the aging process and neurodegeneration. One strategy to protect the brain and to prevent neurodegeneration is a healthy lifestyle including a diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Rice bran extract (RBE) contains various antioxidants including natural vitamin E forms (tocopherols and tocotrienols) and gamma-oryzanol. In this work, we examined the effects of a stabilized RBE on mitochondrial function in 18-month-old Naval Medical Research Institute mice (340 mg/kg body weight/day), which received the extract for 3 weeks via oral gavage.Mitochondrial parameters were measured using high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros Oxygraph-2k), Western blot analysis, and photometric methods in dissociated brain cells, isolated mitochondria, and brain homogenate. Vitamin E concentrations in blood plasma and brain tissue were measured using HPLC with fluorescence detection. Aging leads to decreased mitochondrial function (decreased mitochondrial respiration and ATP production) and decreased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1alpha). RBE administration increased alpha-tocopherol concentrations in the brain and compensated for age-related mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, PGC1alpha protein expression, and citrate synthase activity. Furthermore, resistance of brain cells to sodium nitroprusside-induced nitrosative stress was improved. According to these results, RBE is a promising candidate nutraceutical for the prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. +
Aging represents a major risk factor for t … Aging represents a major risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). As mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in brain aging and occurs early in the development of AD, the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction might help to slow brain aging and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Rice bran extract (RBE) contains high concentrations of vitamin E congeners and γ-oryzanol. We have previously shown that RBE increased mitochondrial function and protected from mitochondrial dysfunction ''in vitro'' and in short-term ''in vivo'' feeding studies. To mimic the use of RBE as food additive, we have now investigated the effects of a long-term (6 months) feeding of RBE on survival, behavior and brain mitochondrial function in aged NMRI mice. RBE administration significantly increased survival and performance of aged NMRI mice in the passive avoidance and Y-maze test. Brain mitochondrial dysfunction found in aged mice was ameliorated after RBE administration. Furthermore, data from mRNA and protein expression studies revealed an up-regulation of mitochondrial proteins in RBE-fed mice, suggesting an increase in mitochondrial content which is mediated by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α)-dependent mechanism. Our findings suggest that a long-term treatment with a nutraceutical containing RBE could be useful for slowing down brain aging and thereby delaying or even preventing AD.nd thereby delaying or even preventing AD. +
Aging-associated muscle insulin resistance … Aging-associated muscle insulin resistance has been hypothesized to be due to decreased mitochondrial function, secondary to cumulative free radical damage, leading to increased intramyocellular lipid content. To directly test this hypothesis, we examined both ''in vivo'' and ''in vitro'' mitochondrial function, intramyocellular lipid content, and insulin action in lean healthy mice with targeted overexpression of the human catalase gene to mitochondria (MCAT mice). Here, we show that MCAT mice are protected from age-induced decrease in muscle mitochondrial function (∼30%), energy metabolism (∼7%), and lipid-induced muscle insulin resistance. This protection from age-induced reduction in mitochondrial function was associated with reduced mitochondrial oxidative damage, preserved mitochondrial respiration and muscle ATP synthesis, and AMP-activated protein kinase-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. Taken together, these data suggest that the preserved mitochondrial function maintained by reducing mitochondrial oxidative damage may prevent age-associated whole-body energy imbalance and muscle insulin resistance.y imbalance and muscle insulin resistance. +
Aim of this thesis was to observe changes … Aim of this thesis was to observe changes in oxidative metabolism and expression of important neuroenergetic proteins in human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y due to inhibition of FTO. FTO is a RNA demethylase that uses N6-methyladenosine as substrate. Differences in enzyme expression are connected to a broad area of effects involving energy homeostasis.Mitochondria are the cellular powerhouses, a key elements in production of energy and metabolic substrates, yet a source of potentially dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and analogous reactive molecules. In order to better understand FTO purpose in neuronal energetic metabolism, we examined mitochondrial respiratory chain. Using high-resolution respirometry we were capable of observing impairment in mitochondrial respiration after FTO inhibition. There was a considerable decline in endogenous respiration, maximal respiration rate and reserve capacity. In order to obtain a more detailed view into mitochondrial respiration, expression levels of electron-transport complexes were quantified by Western blot technique. A slight reduction was identified in subunits of complex I and IV. However, the most prominent alteration was seen in the complex II subunit. There were no differences in expression of complex III and ATP synthase subunits. Beside disrupted activity of electron-transport system, ROS production can reflect mitochondrial dysfunction. By using fluorescence probes, we managed to observe increased ROS production in cells treated with FTO inhibitor.Furthermore, we studied how FTO inhibition affects insulin signaling. Expression of selected proteins involved in insulin signaling was detected by Western blot. Increased levels of insulin receptor and insulin degrading enzyme accompanied FTO inhibition. Additionally, a decreased ratio of p-Akt/Akt and p-p38/p38 together with an elevated ratio of p-ERK/ERK was observed. A minimal difference was sighted in PI3K p110 expression or p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio.Taken together, these results suggest a considerable link between FTO activity and neuronal signaling and metabolic actions. Further research could undoubtedly prove to be beneficial in gaining knowledge about bioenergetics processes in the nervous system.nergetics processes in the nervous system. +
Aim/hypothesis: The aim of the study was t … Aim/hypothesis: The aim of the study was to investigate mitochondrial function, fibre type distribution and substrate oxidation in arm and leg muscle during exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes and in obese and lean controls.Methods: Indirect calorimetry was used to calculate fat and carbohydrate oxidation during both progressive arm-cranking and leg-cycling exercises. Muscle biopsies from arm and leg were obtained. Fibre type, as well as O2 flux capacity of saponin-permeabilised muscle fibres were measured, the latter by high resolution respirometry, in patients with type 2 diabetes, age- and BMI-matched obese controls, and age-matched lean controls.Results: Fat oxidation was similar in the groups during either arm or leg exercise. During leg exercise at higher intensities, but not during arm exercise, carbohydrate oxidation was lower in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with the other groups. In patients with type 2 diabetes, ADP-stimulated state 3 respiration per mg muscle with parallel electron input from complex I+II was lower in ''m. vastus lateralis'' compared with obese and lean controls, whereas no differences between groups were present in ''m. deltoideus''. A higher percentage of type IIX fibres was seen in ''m. vastus lateralis'' in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with obese and lean controls, whereas no difference was found in the deltoid muscle.Conclusions/interpretation: This study demonstrates similar O2 flux capacity, fibre type distribution and carbohydrate oxidation in arm muscle in the groups despite the presence of attenuated values in leg muscle in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with obese and lean controls.tients with type 2 diabetes compared with obese and lean controls. +
Aim: Skeletal muscle mitochondrial content … Aim: Skeletal muscle mitochondrial content is reduced in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Whether hyperglycemia inhibits mitochondrial biogenesis and/or function is unknown. This study examined the effect of different levels of glycemia on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in patients with T2DM.Patients and Methods: Eleven patients with T2DM [9 males, 2 females; age, 52.8 ± 2.5 yr (mean ± SE); body mass index, 30.2 ± 1.1 kg/m2 ] in poor glycemic control were treated with insulin aspart and NPH insulin for a median period of 46 d (range, 31–59). Mitochondrial respiration and citrate synthase activity (a marker of mitochondrial content) were measured before and after treatment. Eleven healthy subjects (age, 53.3 ± 2.7 yr; body mass index, 30.6 ± 1.1 kg/m2) were included as controls.Results: Hemoglobin A1c (9.1 ± 0.5 to 7.5 ± 0.3%; P < 0.001) and fasting plasma glucose (12.7 ± 1.1 to 6.5 ± 0.3 mmol/liter; P < 0.001) were reduced after treatment. Mitochondrial respiration per milligram muscle was lower in T2DM compared to controls [substrates for complex I, 24% lower (P < 0.05); substrates for complex I+II, 17% lower (P < 0.05)]. Mitochondrial respiration and citrate synthase activity did not differ before and after improvements in glycemic control, but mitochondrial respiration correlated with fasting plasma glucose before (r2 = 0.53; P < 0.05) but not after treatment [r2 = 0.0024; not significant (NS)]. Mitochondrial respiration normalized to mitochondrial content did not differ between control subjects and patients with T2DM.Discussion: Mitochondrial respiration and content was not improved after significant improvements in glycemic control. However, severe hyperglycemia inhibited respiration reversibly, but moderate hyperglycemia and mitochondrial function were not correlated.ration reversibly, but moderate hyperglycemia and mitochondrial function were not correlated. +
Aim: The aim of this thesis was the analys … Aim: The aim of this thesis was the analysis of copy number variations of themitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in several tissues and cell types with regard to different mitochondrial associated disorders.Background: The mtDNA copy number can be reduced due to mutations in thenuclear encoded DNA polymerase g (POLG) or damages caused by deleteriousreactive oxygen species (ROS), which are created by the respiratory chain. Thisleads to the insufficient expression of mitochondrial encoded subunits of complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS). Consequently an impairment of the biochemical activity and integrity of the cells occurs.Methods: The quantification of the mtDNA was performed by quantitative PCR(qPCR). Biochemical activities were determined by enzymatic assays such as direct measurement of the citrate synthase (CS) activity or comprehensive measurement of the respiratory activity.Results: Mutations in the nuclear inherited gene POLG result in mtDNA depletion in mitochondrial disorders including a mild phenotype of progressive externalophthalmoplegia (PEO) with epilepsy/ataxia. A mtDNA depletion was detected indifferent tissues and cell types of Alpers-Huttenlocher patients with pathogenicnuclear mutations. The mtDNA copy number was reduced in specific hippocampalregions of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with Ammons’ horn sclerosis (AHS)accompanied by a decreased CS activity. An ''in vitro'' reduction of the mtDNA in fibroblasts results in an impaired respiratory activity.Conclusions: The mtDNA content is proportional to the mitochondria content andthe energy demand of the respective tissue or cell type under normal conditions. A cell type- and tissue-specific depletion of the mtDNA can be present in several inherited and somatic mitochondrial disorders ''in vivo'' or can be generated by an ''in vitro'' system. The mtDNA depletion diminishes the biochemical activity and integrity of the cells and can contribute to the disease phenotype.d can contribute to the disease phenotype. +
Aim: The subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfib … Aim: The subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) mitochondria in skeletal muscle appear to have distinct biochemical properties affecting metabolism in health and disease. The isolation of mitochondrial subpopulations has been a long-time challenge while the presence of a continuous mitochondrial reticulum challenges the view of distinctive SSM and IFM bioenergetics. Here, a comprehensive approach is developed to identify the best conditions to separate mitochondrial fractions.Methods: The main modifications to the protocol to isolate SSM and IFM from rat skeletal muscle were: (a) decreased dispase content and homogenization speed; (b) trypsin treatment of SSM fractions; (c) recentrifugation of mitochondrial fractions at low speed to remove subcellular components. To identify the conditions preserving mitochondrial function, integrity, and maximizing their recovery, microscopy (light and electron) were used to monitor effectiveness and efficiency in separating mitochondrial subpopulations while respiratory and enzyme activities were employed to evaluate function, recovery, and integrity.Results: With the modifications described, the total mitochondrial yield increased with a recovery of 80% of mitochondria contained in the original skeletal muscle sample. The difference between SSM and IFM oxidative capacity (10%) with complex-I substrate was significant only with a saturated ADP concentration. The inner and outer membrane damage for both subpopulations was <1% and 8%, respectively, while the respiratory control ratio was 16.Conclusion: Using a multidisciplinary approach, conditions were identified to maximize SSM and IFM recovery while preserving mitochondrial integrity, biochemistry, and morphology. High quality and recovery of mitochondrial subpopulations allow to study the relationship between these organelles and disease.ionship between these organelles and disease. +
Aim: This study aimed to compare mitochond … Aim: This study aimed to compare mitochondrial oxygen consumption in C57BL/6J wild-type and myostatin-deficient mouse soleus and white gastrocnemius muscles.Methods: Muscles were obtained from 4 month-old male mice. Mass-specific oxygen consumption (pmol.O2/mg/sec) was measured in permeabilised muscle, using high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros Oxygraph-2k). Maximal activities of citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase were determined by spectrophotometry.Results: Myostatin-deficient soleus (n=6) consumed 20% more oxygen per mg than wild-type soleus (n=6) during oxidative phosphorylation. This was accompanied by greater citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in myostatin-deficient soleus (29% and 80% respectively). Myostatin-deficient gastrocnemius (n=7) showed 26% lower oxygen consumption during uncoupled respiration, and 34% lower oxygen consumption when oxidising glycerol-3-phosphate compared to wild-type gastrocnemius (n=8). Citrate synthase activity was not significantly different and lactate dehydrogenase activity 26% greater in myostatin-deficient gastrocnemius compared to wild-type gastrocnemius.Conclusion: These data suggest that myostatin-deficiency exerts fiber-type specific effects on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function.on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. +
Aim: To determine the impact of cold ischa … Aim: To determine the impact of cold ischaemia on hepatic mitochondrial function in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution in the setting of hepatic steatosis.Methods: Livers were harvested from 10-week old genetically obese (ob/ob, ''n'' = 9) or lean C57 control mice (''n'' = 9); and preserved in ice-cold UW solution. Mitochondrial function analysis was performed on permeabilised liver samples using a substrate and inhibitor titration protocol in conjunction with a high-resolution respirometer (OROBOROS® Oxygraph-2k) at multiple time-points over 24 h during cold ischemia (CI).Results: Ob/ob mice livers and control mice livers showed either severe (> 60%) or no macrovesicular steatosis respectively. Mitochondria from ob/ob mice livers demonstrated a faster and greater decrease in the percentage of respiration contributing to oxidative phosphorylation over 24 hours of cold storage compared to control mice. After 12 hours of CI, there was also an increased dependence on Complex II respiration relative to Complex I in ob/ob mice livers suggestive of Complex I damage and potential loss of key ATP synthesis efficiency.Conclusion: There was a time-dependant damage of hepatic mitochondrial function during CI. Steatotic livers demonstrated greater mitochondrial dysfunction during CI compared to lean livers.ysfunction during CI compared to lean livers. +
Aim: To investigate if training during hyp … Aim: To investigate if training during hypoxia (H) improves the adaptation of muscle oxidative function compared with normoxic (N) training performed at the same relative intensity.Method: Eight untrained volunteers performed one-legged cycle training during 4 weeks in a low-pressure chamber. One leg was trained under N conditions and the other leg under hypobaric hypoxia (526 mmHg) at the same relative intensity as during N (65% of maximal power output, ''W''max). Muscle biopsies were taken from vastus lateralis before and after the training period. Muscle samples were analysed for the activities of oxidative enzymes [citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX)] and mitochondrial respiratory function.Results: ''W''max increased with more than 30% over the training period during both N and H. CS activity increased significantly after training during N conditions (+20.8%, P < 0.05) but remained unchanged after H training (+4.5%, ns) with a significant difference between conditions (''P'' < 0.05 H vs. N). COX activity was not significantly changed by training and was not different between exercise conditions [+14.6 (N) vs. -2.3% (H), ns]. Maximal ADP stimulated respiration (state 3) expressed per weight of muscle tended to increase after N (+31.2%, ''P'' < 0.08) but not after H training (+3.2%, ns). No changes were found in state four respiration, respiratory control index, P/O ratio, mitochondrial Ca2+ resistance and apparent ''K''m for oxygen.Conclusion: The training-induced increase in muscle oxidative function observed during N was abolished during H. Altitude training may thus be disadvantageous for adaptation of muscle oxidative function.ng may thus be disadvantageous for adaptation of muscle oxidative function. +
Aim: To investigate whether slight variati … Aim: To investigate whether slight variations in core temperature prior to cardiac arrest (CA) influence short-term outcomes and mitochondrial functions.Three groups of New Zealand White rabbits (n = 12/group) were submitted to 15 minutes of CA at 38°C (T-38 group), 39°C (T-39), or 40°C (T 40) and 120 minutes of reperfusion. A Sham-operated group (n = 6) underwent only surgery. Restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival, hemodynamics, and pupillary reactivity were recorded. Animals surviving to the end of the observation period were euthanized to assess fresh brain and heart mitochondrial functions (permeability transition and oxidative phosphorylation). Markers of brain and heart damages were also measured.The duration of asphyxia required to induce CA was significantly lower in the T-40 group when compared to the T-38 group (''p''<.05). The rate of ROSC was >80% in all groups (''p''=nonsignificant [ns]). Survival significantly differed among the T-38, T-39, and T-40 groups: 10 (83%) of 12, 7 (58%) of 12, and 4 (33%) of 12, respectively (log-rank test, ''p''=.027). At the end of the protocol, none of the animals in the T-40 group had pupillary reflexes compared to 8 (67%) of 12 in the T-38 group (''p''<.05). Troponin and protein S100B were significantly higher in the T-40 versus T-38 group (''p''<.05). Cardiac arrest significantly impaired both inner mitochondrial membrane integrity and oxidative phosphorylation in all groups. Brain mitochondria disorders were significantly more severe in the T-40 group compared to the T-38 group (''p''< .05).Small changes in body temperature prior to asphyxial CA significantly influence brain mitochondrial functions and short-term outcomes in rabbits.tochondrial functions and short-term outcomes in rabbits. +
Aim: To successfully translate magneticall … Aim: To successfully translate magnetically mediated cell targeting from bench to bedside, there is a need to systematically assess the potential adverse effects of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) interacting with ‘therapeutic’ cells. Here, we examined in detail the effects of internalized polymeric MNPs on primary rat endothelial cells’ structural intactness, metabolic integrity and proliferation potential.Materials & methods: The intactness of cytoskeleton and organelles was studied by fluorescentconfocal microscopy, flow cytometry and high-resolution respirometry. Results: MNPloaded primary endothelial cells preserve intact cytoskeleton and organelles, maintain normal rate of proliferation, calcium signaling and mitochondria energy metabolism.Conclusion: This study provides supportive evidence that MNPs at doses necessaryfor targeting did not induce significant adverse effects on structural integrity and functionality of primary endothelial cells – potential cell therapy vectors.helial cells – potential cell therapy vectors. +
Aims. Previous data showed that melatonin … Aims. Previous data showed that melatonin maintains liver mitochondrial homeostasis during sepsis, but neither the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction nor the target of melatonin are known.Main methods. Here, we analyzed mitochondrial respiration in isolated mouse liver mitochondria with different substrate combinations (glutamate/malate, glutamate/malate/sucinate or succinate/rotenone) to identify mitochondrial defects and melatonin targets during sepsis. Other bioenergetic parameters including a + a3, b, and c + c1 content, mitochondrial mass, and mitochondrial supercomplexes formation were analyzed. Mitochondrial function was assessed during experimental sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in livers of 3 mo. C57BL/6 mice at early and late phases of sepsis, i.e., at 8 and 24 h after sepsis induction.Key findings. Septic mice showed mitochondrial injury with a decrease in state 3, respiratory control rate, mitochondrial mass, and cytochrome b and c + c1 content, which was prevented by melatonin treatment. Mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis was mainly linked to complex I damage, because complex II was far less impaired. These mitochondria preserved the respiratory supramolecular organization, maintaining their electron transport system capacity.Significance. This work strengthens the use of substrate combinations to identify specific respiratory defects and selective melatonin actions in septic mitochondria. Targeting mitochondrial complex I should be a main therapeutical approach in the treatment of sepsis, whereas the use of melatonin should be considered in the therapy of clinical sepsis.sidered in the therapy of clinical sepsis. +
Aims/hypothesis: Insulin resistance and ty … Aims/hypothesis: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport capacity are diminished in the skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic subjects, as a result of a reduction in the mitochondrial content.Materials and methods: The O2 flux capacity of permeabilised muscle fibres from biopsies of the quadriceps in healthy subjects (''n''=8; age 58±2 years [mean±SEM]; BMI 28±1 kg/m2; fasting plasma glucose 5.4±0.2 mmol/l) and patients with type 2 diabetes (''n''=11; age 62±2 years; BMI 32±2 kg/m2; fasting plasma glucose 9.0±0.8 mmol/l) was measured by high-resolution respirometry.Results: O2 flux expressed per mg of muscle (fresh weight) during ADP-stimulated state 3 respiration was lower ( ''p''<0.05) in patients with type 2 diabetes in the presence of complex I substrate (glutamate) (31±2 vs 43±3 pmol O2 s-1 mg-1) and in response to glutamate + succinate (parallel electron input from complexes I and II) (63±3 vs 85±6 pmol s-1 mg-1). Further increases in O2 flux capacity were observed in response to uncoupling by FCCP, but were again lower ( ''p''<0.05) in type 2 diabetic patients than in healthy control subjects (86±4 vs 109±8 pmol s-1 mg-1). However, when O2 flux was normalised for mitochondrial DNA content or citrate synthase activity,there were no differences in oxidative phosphorylation or electron transport capacity between patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy control subjects.Conclusions/interpretation: Mitochondrial function is normal in type 2 diabetes. Blunting of coupled and uncoupled respiration in type 2 diabetic patients can be attributed to lower mitochondrial content.Conclusions/interpretation: Mitochondrial function is normal in type 2 diabetes. Blunting of coupled and uncoupled respiration in type 2 diabetic patients can be attributed to lower mitochondrial content. +
Aims: Asthma, characterized by airway obst … Aims: Asthma, characterized by airway obstruction and hyper-responsiveness, is more severe and less responsive to treatment in obese subjects. While alterations in mitochondrial function and redox signaling have been implicated in asthma pathogenesis, it is unclear whether these mechanisms differ in lean versus obese asthmatics. In addition, we previously demonstrated that circulating platelets from asthmatic individuals have altered bioenergetics; however, it is unknown whether platelet mitochondrial changes reflect those observed in airway epithelial cells. Herein we hypothesized that lean and obese asthmatics show differential bioenergetics and redox signaling in airway cells and that these alterations could be measured in platelets from the same individual. Results: Using freshly isolated bronchial airway epithelial cells and platelets from lean and obese asthmatics and healthy individuals, we show that both cell types from obese asthmatics have significantly increased glycolysis, basal and maximal respiration, and oxidative stress compared with lean asthmatics and healthy controls. This increased respiration was associated with enhanced arginine metabolism by arginase, which has previously been shown to drive respiration. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was also upregulated in cells from all asthmatics. However, due to nitric oxide synthase uncoupling in obese asthmatics, overall nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was decreased, preventing NO-dependent inhibition in obese asthmatic cells that was observed in lean asthmatics. Innovation and Conclusion: These data demonstrate bioenergetic differences between lean and obese asthmatics that are, in part, due to differences in NO signaling. They also suggest that the platelet may serve as a useful surrogate to understand redox, oxidative stress and bioenergetic changes in the asthmatic airway.energetic changes in the asthmatic airway. +
Aims: Exercise capacity is reduced in hear … Aims: Exercise capacity is reduced in heart failure (HF) patients, due mostly to skeletal muscle abnormalities including impaired energy metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, fibre type transition, and atrophy. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been shown to improve exercise capacity in HF patients. We investigated the effects of the administration of a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor on the exercise capacity and skeletal muscle abnormalities in an HF mouse model after myocardial infarction (MI).Methods and results: MI was created in male C57BL/6J mice by ligating the left coronary artery, and a sham operation was performed in other mice. The mice were then divided into two groups according to the treatment with or without a DPP-4 inhibitor, MK-0626 [1 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day] provided in the diet. Four weeks later, the exercise capacity evaluated by treadmill test was revealed to be limited in the MI mice, and it was ameliorated in the MI + MK-0626 group without affecting the infarct size or cardiac function. The citrate synthase activity, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity, supercomplex formation, and their quantity were reduced in the skeletal muscle from the MI mice, and these decreases were normalized in the MI + MK-0626 group, in association with the improvement of mitochondrial biogenesis. Immunohistochemical staining also revealed that a shift toward the fast-twitch fibre type in the MI mice was also reversed by MK-0626. Favourable effects of MK-0626 were significantly inhibited by treatment of GLP-1 antagonist, Exendin-(9-39) (150 pmol/kg BW/min, subcutaneous osmotic pumps) in MI + MK-0626 mice. Similarly, exercise capacity and mitochondrial function were significantly improved by treatment of GLP-1 agonist, Exendin-4 (1 nmol/kg/BW/h, subcutaneous osmotic pumps).Conclusions: A DPP-4 inhibitor may be a novel therapeutic agent against the exercise intolerance seen in HF patients by improving the mitochondrial biogenesis in their skeletal muscle.drial biogenesis in their skeletal muscle. +
Aims: Exercise intolerance in patients wit … Aims: Exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure (HF) is partly attributed to skeletal muscle abnormalities. We have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in skeletal muscle abnormalities, but the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. Xanthine oxidase (XO) is reported to be an important mediator of ROS overproduction in ischaemic tissue. Here, we tested the hypothesis that skeletal muscle abnormalities in HF are initially caused by XO-derived ROS and are prevented by the inhibition of their production.Methods and results: Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in male C57BL/6J mice, which eventually led to HF, and a sham operation was performed in control mice. The time course of XO-derived ROS production in mouse skeletal muscle post-MI was first analysed. XO-derived ROS production was significantly increased in MI mice from Days 1 to 3 post-surgery (acute phase), whereas it did not differ between the MI and sham groups from 7 to 28 days (chronic phase). Second, mice were divided into three groups: sham + vehicle (Sham + Veh), MI + vehicle (MI + Veh), and MI + febuxostat (an XO inhibitor, 5 mg/kg body weight/day; MI + Feb). Febuxostat or vehicle was administered at 1 and 24 h before surgery, and once-daily on Days 1-7 post-surgery. On Day 28 post-surgery, exercise capacity and mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle fibres were significantly decreased in MI + Veh compared with Sham + Veh mice. An increase in damaged mitochondria in MI + Veh compared with Sham + Veh mice was also observed. The wet weight and cross-sectional area of slow muscle fibres (higher XO-derived ROS) was reduced via the down-regulation of protein synthesis-associated mTOR-p70S6K signalling in MI + Veh compared with Sham + Veh mice. These impairments were ameliorated in MI + Feb mice, in association with a reduction of XO-derived ROS production, without affecting cardiac function.Conclusion: XO inhibition during the acute phase post-MI can prevent skeletal muscle abnormalities and exercise intolerance in mice with HF. and exercise intolerance in mice with HF. +
Aims: Storkhead Box 1 (STOX1) is a winged- … Aims: Storkhead Box 1 (STOX1) is a winged-helix transcription factor implicated in the genetic forms of a high-prevalence human gestational disease, preeclampsia. STOX1 overexpression confers preeclampsia-like transcriptomic features to trophoblastic cell lines, and preeclampsia symptoms to pregnant mice. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of STOX1 on free radical equilibrium and mitochondrial function, ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo''. Results: Transcriptome analysis of STOX1-transgenic versus non-transgenic placentas at 16.5 days of gestation revealed alterations of mitochondria-related pathways. Placentas overexpressing STOX1 displayed altered mitochondrial mass and were severely biased towards protein nitration, indicating nitroso-redox imbalance ''in vivo''. Trophoblast cells overexpressing STOX1 displayed an increased mitochondrial activity at 20% O2 and in hypoxia, despite a reduction of the mitochondrial mass in this situation. STOX1 overexpression is therefore associated to hyperactive mitochondria leading to increased free radical production. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) production pathways were activated, resulting in peroxynitrite formation. At low oxygen pressure, STOX1 overexpression in the placenta as well as in a trophoblast cell line, switched the free radical balance from Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS). Innovation: In preeclamptic placentas, NO interacts with ROS to generate peroxynitrite and nitrated proteins as end products. This process will deprive the maternal organism of NO, a crucial vasodilator molecule. Conclusion: Our data posit STOX1 as a genetic switch in the ROS/RNS balance and suggest an explanation for elevated blood pressure in preeclampsia.r elevated blood pressure in preeclampsia. +
Akt, a serine/threonine kinase has been sh … Akt, a serine/threonine kinase has been shown to stimulate glycolysis in cancer cells but its role in mitochondrial respiration is unknown. Using PTEN-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF(PTEN-/-)) with hyper-activated Akt as a cell model, we observed a higher respiratory capacity in MEF(PTEN-/-) compared to the wildtype (MEF(WT)). The respiratory phenotype observed in MEF(PTEN-/-) was reproduced in MEF(WT) by gene silencing of PTEN which substantiated its role in regulating mitochondrial function. The increased activities of the respiratory complexes (RCs) I, III and IV were retained in the same relative proportions as those present in MEF(WT), alluding to a possible co-ordinated regulation by PTEN/Akt. Using LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) and Akt inhibitor IV, we showed that the regulation of enzyme activities and protein expressions of the RCs was dependent on PI3K/Akt. There was insignificant difference in the protein expressions of mitochondrial transcription factor: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and its downstream targets, the nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) between MEF(PTEN-/-) and MEF(WT). Similarly, mRNA levels of the same subunits of the RCs detected in Western blots were not significantly different between MEF(PTEN-/-) and MEF(WT) suggesting that the regulation by Akt on mitochondrial function was probably not via gene transcription. On the other hand, a decrease of total 4E-BP1 with a higher expression of its phosphorylated form relative to total 4E-BP1 was found in MEF(PTEN-/-), which inferred that the regulation of mitochondrial respiratory activities by Akt was in part through this protein translation pathway. Notably, gene silencing of 4E-BP1 up-regulated the protein expressions of all RCs and the action of 4E-BP1 appeared to be specific to these mitochondrial proteins. In conclusion, PTEN inactivation bestowed a bioenergetic advantage to the cells by up-regulating mitochondrial respiratory capacity through the 4E-BP1-mediated protein translation pathway.-BP1-mediated protein translation pathway. +
Albeit previous experiments suggest potent … Albeit previous experiments suggest potential anti-inflammatory effect of exogenous methane (CH4) in various organs, the mechanism of its bioactivity is not entirely understood. We aimed to investigate the potential mitochondrial effects and the underlying mechanisms of CH4 in rat cardiomyocytes and mitochondria under simulated ischaemia/reperfusion (sI/R) conditions. Three-day-old cultured cardiomyocytes were treated with 2.2% CH4 -artificial air mixture during 2-hour-long reoxygenation following 4-hour-long anoxia (sI/R and sI/R + CH4 , n = 6-6), with normoxic groups serving as controls (SH and SH + CH4 ; n = 6-6). Mitochondrial functions were investigated with high-resolution respirometry, and mitochondrial membrane injury was detected by cytochrome c release and apoptotic characteristics by using TUNEL staining. CH4 admixture had no effect on complex II (CII)-linked respiration under normoxia but significantly decreased the complex I (CI)-linked oxygen consumption. Nevertheless, addition of CH4 in the sI/R + CH4 group significantly reduced the respiratory activity of CII in contrast to CI and the CH4 treatment diminished mitochondrial H2O2 production. Substrate-induced changes to membrane potential were partially preserved by CH4 , and additionally, cytochrome c release and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were reduced in the CH4 -treated group. In conclusion, the addition of CH4 decreases mitochondrial ROS generation via blockade of electron transport at CI and reduces anoxia-reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte injury ''in vitro''.4 decreases mitochondrial ROS generation via blockade of electron transport at CI and reduces anoxia-reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte injury ''in vitro''. +
Alcohol hangover (AH) is defined as the te … Alcohol hangover (AH) is defined as the temporary state after alcohol binge-like drinking, starting when ethanol (EtOH) is absent in plasma. Previous data indicate that AH induces mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical production in mouse brain cortex. The aim of this work was to study mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species production in mouse cerebellum at the onset of AH. Male mice received a single i.p. injection of EtOH (3.8g/kg BW) or saline solution. Mitochondrial function was evaluated 6h after injection (AH onset). At the onset of AH, malate-glutamate and succinate-supported state 4 oxygen uptake was 2.3 and 1.9-fold increased leading to a reduction in respiratory control of 55% and 48% respectively, as compared with controls. Decreases of 38% and 16% were found in Complex I-III and IV activities. Complex II-III activity was not affected by AH. Mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial permeability changes were evaluated by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential and permeability were decreased by AH in cerebellum mitochondria. Together with this, AH induced a 25% increase in superoxide anion and a 92% increase in hydrogen peroxide production in cerebellum mitochondria. Related to nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein expression was 52% decreased by the hangover condition compared with control group. No differences were found in cerebellum NO production between control and treated mice. The present work demonstrates that the physiopathological state of AH involves mitochondrial dysfunction in mouse cerebellum showing the long-lasting effects of acute EtOH exposure in the central nervous system.OH exposure in the central nervous system. +
Alcohol use has become far too prevalent i … Alcohol use has become far too prevalent in our society. Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youth than all other illicit drugs combined. In combination with traumatic and hemorrhagic injuries, alcohol results in a much higher mortality rate. Alcohol, alone and in high dosages, also causes great damage to the body, often leading to death as well. Thus, it is of utmost importance that research is conducted to help explain the pathological mechanism of high fatalities and injuries associated with alcohol use. In order to simulate this complex situation in vitro, a rat hepatoma cell line (H-II-4-E) was exposed to various concentrations of ethanol as well as the condition of hypoxia. Hypoxia mimics the primary level of tissue damage caused by hemorrhage after impact in a car accident. In this way, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of ethanol in combination with hypoxia causes greater cellular damage compared to conditions of ethanol or hypoxia alone. Ethanol, alone and in high concentrations, was found to greatly affect cell function as shown by decreased cellular ATP levels, increased LDH release, and a downregulated expression of CYP2E1 gene. By adding the condition of hypoxia to low concentrations of ethanol, cellular damage increased dramatically as well. Decreased gene expression and protein levels of CYP2E1 correlated with increased hepatocyte injury and thus, this enzyme may significantly contribute to the severity of cellular damage. These results provide useful information for future research on the effects of ethanol in combination with hemorrhage on cells in vitro, simulating the condition of driving while intoxicated and binge drinking.ving while intoxicated and binge drinking. +
Alcoholic myopathy is caused by chronic co … Alcoholic myopathy is caused by chronic consumption of alcohol (ethanol) and is characterized by weakness and atrophy of skeletal muscle. Regular exercise is one of the important ways to prevent or alleviate skeletal muscle myopathy. However, the beneficial effects and the exact mechanisms underlying regular exercise on alcohol myopathy remain unclear. In this study, a model of alcoholic myopathy was established using zebrafish soaked in 0.5% ethanol. Additionally, these zebrafish were intervened to swim for 8 weeks at an exercise intensity of 30% of the absolute critical swimming speed (Ucrit), aiming to explore the beneficial effects and underlying mechanisms of regular exercise on alcoholic myopathy. This study found that regular exercise inhibited protein degradation, improved locomotion ability, and increased muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in ethanol-treated zebrafish. In addition, regular exercise increases the functional activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes and upregulates the expression levels of MRC complexes. Regular exercise can also improve oxidative stress and mitochondrial dynamics in zebrafish skeletal muscle induced by ethanol. Additionally, regular exercise can activate mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibit mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Together, our results suggest regular exercise is an effective intervention strategy to improve mitochondrial homeostasis to attenuate alcoholic myopathy.meostasis to attenuate alcoholic myopathy. +
Algal biotechnology has emerged as a high- … Algal biotechnology has emerged as a high-potential industry for efficient and CO2-neutral production of biomass providing biofuels, food and feed, and a variety of carbon-based chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Algal metabolism is directly involved in the regulation of growth, cell concentration, and biosynthesis of biotechnologically-relevant phytochemicals such as vitamins, antioxidants, and immune response boosters. Photoautotrophic growth rates of algae are based on light-to-chemical energy conversion and CO2 fixation, and any optimization of biomass production requires maximizing energy-use efficiency of photosynthesis and respiration, both of which vary as a function of light intensity. As such, the bioenergetic crosstalk between mitochondria and chloroplasts plays a key role in maintaining metabolic integrity and controlling intermediary metabolite production. In the present study, we investigated how photosynthetic O2 production and respiratory O2 consumption was influenced as a function of light intensity, O2 concentration, and culture density in the unicellular model green alga ''Chlamydomonas reinhardtii''. Cultures were grown photoautotrophically in a modified Tris-Phosphate growth medium (TRIS, N- and P-nutrient replete) at 25 °C, pH 7.0, and light intensity of 100 µmol photons·s-1·m-2 (16:8 h light:dark cycle). Kinetics of light-induced O2 production and dark respiration of these microalgae was measured under culture conditions and three cell concentrations, while varying O2 concentrations in the Oroboros [[NextGen-O2k]] equipped with the PhotoBiology-Module [1] during stepwise increases of blue actinic light from from 10 to 350 µmol∙s-1∙m-2, followed by darkness, again at various controlled O2 concentrations. Maximum net photosynthesis was inhibited by 40 % at hyperoxic O2 concentrations of 550 to 650 µM, when ROS production is known to be increased [2,3]. Transient light-enhanced dark respiration [4] peaked within 30 to 60 s after light-dark transitions and was 3.5- to 4-fold higher than steady-state dark respiration independent of O2 concentration in the range of 200 to 650 µM. We conclude that high-resolution photorespiratory analysis provides a new method to investigate the oxygen kinetics of O2 production and O2 consumption that reveal interactions of chloroplasts and mitochondria under precisely regulated experimental light and oxygen regimes.# Went N, Di Marcello M, Gnaiger E (2021) Oxygen dependence of photosynthesis and light-enhanced dark respiration studied by High-Resolution PhotoRespirometry. https://doi.org/10.26124/mitofit:2021-0005# Komlódi T, Sobotka O, Gnaiger E (2021) Facts and artefacts on the oxygen dependence of hydrogen peroxide production using Amplex UltraRed. https://doi.org/10.26124/bec:2021-0004# Shimakawa G, Kohara A, Miyake C (2020) Characterization of light-enhanced respiration in cyanobacteria. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22010342drogen peroxide production using Amplex UltraRed. https://doi.org/10.26124/bec:2021-0004 # Shimakawa G, Kohara A, Miyake C (2020) Characterization of light-enhanced respiration in cyanobacteria. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22010342 +
All animals have evolved the ability to su … All animals have evolved the ability to survive nutrient deprivation, and nutrient signaling pathways are conserved modulators of health and disease. In ''C. elegans'', late-larval starvation provokes the adult reproductive diapause (ARD), a long-lived quiescent state that enables survival for months without food, yet underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that ARD is distinct from other forms of diapause, showing little requirement for canonical longevity pathways, autophagy, and fat metabolism. Instead it requires the HLH-30/TFEB transcription factor to promote the morphological and physiological remodeling involved in ARD entry, survival, and recovery, suggesting that HLH-30 is a master regulator of reproductive quiescence. HLH-30 transcriptome and genetic analyses reveal that Max-like HLH factors, AMP-kinase, mTOR, protein synthesis, and mitochondrial fusion are target processes that promote ARD longevity. ARD thus rewires metabolism to ensure long-term survival and may illuminate similar mechanisms acting in stem cell quiescence and long-term fasting.Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
All metazoans depend on O2</ … All metazoans depend on O2 delivery and consumption by the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system to produce energy. A decrease in O2 availability (hypoxia) leads to profound metabolic rewiring. In addition, OXPHOS uses O2 to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can drive cell adaptations through redox signalling, but also trigger cell damage, and both phenomena occur in hypoxia. However, the precise mechanism by which acute hypoxia triggers mitochondrial ROS production is still unknown. Ca2+ is one of the best known examples of an ion acting as a second messenger, yet the role ascribed to Na+ is to serve as a mere mediator of membrane potential and collaborating in ion transport. Here we show that Na+ acts as a second messenger regulating OXPHOS function and ROS production by modulating fluidity of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). We found that a conformational shift in mitochondrial complex I during acute hypoxia drives the acidification of the matrix and solubilization of calcium phosphate precipitates. The concomitant increase in matrix free-Ca2+ activates the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCLX), which imports Na+ into the matrix. Na+ interacts with phospholipids reducing IMM fluidity and mobility of free ubiquinone between complex II and complex III, but not inside supercomplexes. As a consequence, superoxide is produced at complex III, generating a redox signal. Inhibition of mitochondrial Na+ import through NCLX is sufficient to block this pathway, preventing adaptation to hypoxia. These results reveal that Na+ import into the mitochondrial matrix controls OXPHOS function and redox signalling through an unexpected interaction with phospholipids, with profound consequences in cellular metabolismlt;/sup> import into the mitochondrial matrix controls OXPHOS function and redox signalling through an unexpected interaction with phospholipids, with profound consequences in cellular metabolism +
All metazoans depend on the consumption of … All metazoans depend on the consumption of O2 by the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) to produce energy. In addition, the OXPHOS uses O2 to produce reactive oxygen species that can drive cell adaptations, a phenomenon that occurs in hypoxia and whose precise mechanism remains unknown. Ca2+ is the best known ion that acts as a second messenger, yet the role ascribed to Na+ is to serve as a mere mediator of membrane potential. Here we show that Na+ acts as a second messenger that regulates OXPHOS function and the production of reactive oxygen species by modulating the fluidity of the inner mitochondrial membrane. A conformational shift in mitochondrial complex I during acute hypoxia drives acidification of the matrix and the release of free Ca2+ from calcium phosphate (CaP) precipitates. The concomitant activation of the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger promotes the import of Na+ into the matrix. Na+ interacts with phospholipids, reducing inner mitochondrial membrane fluidity and the mobility of free ubiquinone between complex II and complex III, but not inside supercomplexes. As a consequence, superoxide is produced at complex III. The inhibition of Na+ import through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger is sufficient to block this pathway, preventing adaptation to hypoxia. These results reveal that Na+ controls OXPHOS function and redox signalling through an unexpected interaction with phospholipids, with profound consequences for cellular metabolism.oxia. These results reveal that Na+ controls OXPHOS function and redox signalling through an unexpected interaction with phospholipids, with profound consequences for cellular metabolism. +
All organisms live within a given thermal … All organisms live within a given thermal range, but little is known about the mechanisms setting the limits of this range. We uncovered cellular features exhibiting signature changes at thermal limits in ''Caenorhabditis elegans'' embryos. These included changes in embryo size and shape, which were also observed in ''Caenorhabditis briggsae'', indicating evolutionary conservation. We hypothesized that such changes could reflect restricted aerobic capacity at thermal limits. Accordingly, we uncovered that relative respiration in ''C. elegans'' embryos decreases at the thermal limits as compared to within the thermal range. Furthermore, by compromising components of the respiratory chain, we demonstrated that the reliance on aerobic metabolism is reduced at thermal limits. Moreover, embryos thus compromised exhibited signature changes in size and shape already within the thermal range. We conclude that restricted aerobic metabolism at the thermal limits contributes to setting the thermal range in a metazoan organism. the thermal range in a metazoan organism. +
All organisms require oxygen for metabolis … All organisms require oxygen for metabolism, but the oxygen in water is unavailable to mammals. Divers (and diving mammals such as whales and seals) are entirely dependent on the oxygen carried in the air in their lungs or their gas supply. Divers also have a paradoxical problem with oxygen. At higher partial pressures oxygen causes acute toxicity leading to convulsions. To understand the diver's narrow knife edge between fatal hypoxia and fatal hyperoxia we need to recall some of the physical properties of gases. At sea level atmospheric pressure is 1 bar absolute (1 standard atmosphere =101 kPa=1.013 bars). The weight of the atmosphere exerts a pressure which will support a column of water 10 m high; 10 m under water the pressure on a diver is 200 kPa. The volume of gas in an early diving bell full of air at sea level is halved at 10 m according to Boyle's law; at 20 m pressure is 300 kPa absolute and the gas is compressed into one third the volume. Dry air is composed of roughly 21 % oxygen, 78 % nitrogen, and 1 % other gases. According to Dalton's law the partial pressure of oxygen at any depth will be 21 % of the total pressure exerted by the air and the partial pressure of nitrogen will be 78 % of total pressure. Gases dissolve in the liquid with which they are in contact. Nitrogen is fat soluble and at sea level we have several litres dissolved in our bodies. If the partial pressure of nitrogen is doubled (by breathing air at 10 m depth) for long enough for equilibration to take place we will contain twice as many dissolved nitrogen molecules as at sea level. Gases dissolve in the liquid with which they are in contact. Nitrogen is fat soluble and at sea level we have several litres dissolved in our bodies. If the partial pressure of nitrogen is doubled (by breathing air at 10 m depth) for long enough for equilibration to take place we will contain twice as many dissolved nitrogen molecules as at sea level. The effect of the increased partial pressures of oxygen is more complex. Doubling our inspired partial pressure of oxygen doubles the amount of oxygen in solution but does not double the amount of oxygen in the body since a large part of our oxygen content is bound to oxygen carrying pigments. The haemoglobin in arterial blood is virtually saturated at an inspired partial pressure of oxygen (Fio2) of 21 kPa, and increasing the partial pressure of oxygen has little effect on the amount of oxygen bound to haemoglobin.the amount of oxygen bound to haemoglobin. +
All students and professors need to write, … All students and professors need to write, and many struggle to finish their stalled dissertations, journal articles, book chapters, or grant proposals. Writing is hard work and can be difficult to wedge into a frenetic academic schedule.In this practical, light-hearted, and encouraging book, Paul Silvia explains that writing productively does not require innate skills or special traits but specific tactics and actions. Drawing examples from his own field of psychology, he shows readers how to overcome motivational roadblocks and become prolific without sacrificing evenings, weekends, and vacations. After describing strategies for writing productively, the author gives detailed advice from the trenches on how to write, submit, revise, and resubmit articles, how to improve writing quality, and how to write and publish academic work.nd how to write and publish academic work. +
All-trans-retinal (atRAL) is a highly reac … All-trans-retinal (atRAL) is a highly reactive carbonyl specie, known for its reactivity on cellular phosphatidylethanolamine in photoreceptor. It is generated by photoisomerization of 11-cis-retinal chromophore linked to opsin by the Schiff's base reaction. In ABCA4-associated autosomal recessive Stargardt macular dystrophy, atRAL results in carbonyl and oxidative stress, which leads to bisretinoid A2E, accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This A2E-accumulation presents as lipofuscin fluorescent pigment, and its photooxidation causes subsequent damage. Here we describe protection against a lethal dose of atRAL in both photoreceptors and RPE in primary cultures by a lipidic polyphenol derivative, an isopropyl-phloroglucinol linked to DHA, referred to as IP-DHA. Next, we addressed the cellular and molecular defence mechanisms in commonly used human ARPE-19 cells. We determined that both polyunsaturated fatty acid and isopropyl substituents bond to phloroglucinol are essential to confer the highest protection. IP-DHA responds rapidly against the toxicity of atRAL and its protective effect persists. This healthy effect of IP-DHA applies to the mitochondrial respiration. IP-DHA also rescues RPE cells subjected to the toxic effects of A2E after blue light exposure. Together, our findings suggest that the beneficial role of IP-DHA in retinal cells involves both anti-carbonyl and anti-oxidative capacities.© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.ndation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine. +
Allergic rhinitis is the most common of th … Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the atopic diseases, affecting up to 25% of the population worldwide. Grass pollen sensitization has been recognized as a major cause of allergic rhinitis. On the pathophysiologic level, allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Grass pollen allergy, commonly called hay fever, can also cause more general symptoms, such as fatigue and unwellness as seen in flulike syndromes. This might be partly related to the activation of a systemic inflammatory pathway after the local nasal inflammatory response, but data from studies concerning the systemic effects of nasal mucosal allergen exposure are limited....ucosal allergen exposure are limited. ... +
Allergien, Burn-out, Fibromyalgie, Multipl … Allergien, Burn-out, Fibromyalgie, Multiple Chemikalien-Sensitivität, Fatigue-Syndrom, … die Liste der Krankheiten, die die herkömmliche Medizin – vor allem für Kassenpatienten – weder gut diagnostizieren noch wirklich erfolgreich behandeln kann, ist lang. Hinzu kommt, dass zu den bereits Genannten fast unbegrenzt weitere Erkrankungen hinzugefügt werden müssen, von denen die Lehrmedizin meint, dass sie sie behandeln kann, ihre Behandlung dem Patienten jedoch oft auch erheblich schadet: Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, Krebs, Autoimmunerkrankungen, neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Depressionen und viele mehr. Diese Patienten werden mit einer Reihe von Pharmaka versorgt, die die Symptome der Erkrankung abmildert oder bestenfalls zum Verschwinden bringt, jedoch wird dieser „Erfolg“ mit erheblichen Nebenwirkungen teuer erkauft. Meist ist die jahrzehntelange „Patienten-Karriere“ bereits klar vorgezeichnet, wenn ein Mensch in die Mühle der pharmazeutisch geprägten Medizin gerät. Es ist nur eine Frage der Zeit, wann die nächsten schwerwiegenden Symptome auftreten. Denn viele der millionenfach verschriebenen Arzneien greifen in die Physiologie einer jeden Körperzelle ein und können Stoffwechselwege ausbremsen oder gar Schäden an Organellen erzeugen – allem voran Schäden an den Mitochondrien (sekundäre Mitochondriopathien), den existenziellen Zellbestandteilen für die Energieversorgung in der kleinesten Einheit eines jeden Organs und Gewebes. Ganz zu schweigen davon, dass die ursächlich auslösenden physiologischen Bedingungen weder erkannt noch behoben werden, damit unterschwellig fortbestehen und langfristig folgerichtig weitere, neue Symptome und Erkrankungen zum Vorschein bringen. Wie viel besser steht bei einem Vergleich doch die mitochondriale Medizin mit einer klar definierten Ausrichtung auf die Unterstützung und Förderung der Zellphysiologie da! Sie setzt darauf,die tatsächlichen Belastungen des Körpers und seiner Zellen aufzuspüren und weitestmöglich zu beseitigen,Mängel im Stoffwechsel zu orten und durch eine für den Patienten passende Ernährung und die gezielte Gabe von Makro- und Mikroelementensowie weiteren Vitalstoffen aufzuheben sowie durch geeignete Maßnahmen die Regeneration und die Teilung der Mitochondrien anzuregen und den gesamten Zellstoffwechsel zu unterstützen und zu fördern.So kann mit der Zeit wieder Gesundheit entstehen und tatsächliche Heilung ist möglich.ehen und tatsächliche Heilung ist möglich. +
Allometric decline of mass-specific metabo … Allometric decline of mass-specific metabolic rate with increasing body size in organisms is a long-known and well-documented phenomenon. The patterns observed at the organismal level indicate fundamental allometric changes in the rate of cellular metabolism and mitochondrial functioning; however, the mechanistic causes of these differences remain under debate. The aerobic metabolic rate is performed through the mitochondrial pathway of oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, it is meaningful to predict that allometric pattern for mitochondrial functioning would reflect the pattern of aerobic metabolism. Surprisingly, there have been relatively few studies that have assessed the possible link between mitochondrial respiration and body size in invertebrates. We studied body size dependence of mitochondrial respiration of blue mussels ''Mytilus edulis'' L. Mussels were of the same age (3 years), but differed in size. In order to test functional capacities of mitochondria from mussels of different sizes respiration was determined at normal (15°C) and elevated (27°C) exposure temperatures. Mitochondria were isolated from hepatopancreas and respiration rate was measured using high-resolution respirometry method (by Oxygraph-2k, Oroboros Instruments). Substrates, inhibitors and uncoupling agents for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and electron transport system (ETS) were added step-by-step in order to assess maximal respiration rates, respiratory control ratio, proton leak, activity and impact of all complexes of ETC. Temperature significantly accelerated state 3 (ADP-stimulated) mitochondrial respiration, maximal respiration with uncoupled ETS, and caused an increase of Respiratory Control Ratios. On the contrary, state 4 respiration (indicative of the proton leak) as well as respiration related to electron flux through complexes of ETC did not show an increase at stress temperature (27°C). Body size of mussels had a strong effect on most studied parameters. ADP-stimulated respiration, electron flux through complex IV, proton leak and uncoupled respiration showed a pronounced increase with body mass of mussels with power coefficients of 1.8, 1.2, 0.2 and 0.8, respectively. The obtained results showed that larger mussels had higher OXPHOS rates than smaller ones. Since all mussels were of the same age, larger ones obviously were characterized by rapid growth. It is possible that elevated growth abilities in some specimens compared to the others result from more efficient metabolic regulation which in turn is related to higher mitochondrial capacities.elated to higher mitochondrial capacities. +
Allometric scaling of metabolic rate resul … Allometric scaling of metabolic rate results in lower total mitochondrial oxygen consumption with increasing organismal size. This is considered a universal law in biology. Here, we discuss how allometric laws impose size-dependent limits to mitochondrial activity at the cellular level. This cell-size-dependent mitochondrial metabolic activity results in nonlinear scaling of metabolism in proliferating cells, which can explain size homeostasis. The allometry in mitochondrial activity can be controlled through mitochondrial fusion and fission machinery, suggesting that mitochondrial connectivity can bypass transport limitations, the presumed biophysical basis for allometry. As physical size affects cellular functionality, cell-size-dependent metabolism becomes directly relevant for development, metabolic diseases, and aging.evelopment, metabolic diseases, and aging. +
Allostasis is the process by which the bod … Allostasis is the process by which the body’s physiological systems adapt to environmental changes. Chronic stress increases the allostatic load to the body, producing wear and tear that could, over time, become pathological. In this study, young adult male Wistar Kyoto rats were exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS) protocol to increase allostatic load. First, physiological systems which may be affected by extended uCMS exposure were assessed. Secondly, 5 weeks of uCMS were used to investigate early adaptations in the previously selected systems. Adverse experiences during developmentally sensitive periods like adolescence are known to severely alter the individual stress vulnerability with long-lasting effects. To elucidate how early life adversity impacts stress reactivity in adulthood, an additional group with juvenile single-housing (JSH) prior to uCMS was included in the second cohort. The aim of this work was to assess the impact of chronic stress with or without adversity during adolescence on two domains known to be impacted in numerous stress-related disorders: mitochondrial energy metabolism and the immune system. Both, uCMS and adolescence stress increased kynurenine and kynurenic acid in plasma, suggesting a protective, anti-oxidant response from the kynurenine pathway. Furthermore, uCMS resulted in a down-regulation of immediate early gene expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, while only rats with the double-hit of adolescent stress and uCMS demonstrated increased mitochondrial activity in the hippocampus. These results suggest that early life adversity may impact on allostatic load by increasing energetic requirements in the brain.asing energetic requirements in the brain. +
Almost all extant organisms use the same, … Almost all extant organisms use the same, so-called canonical, genetic code with departures from it being very rare. Even more exceptional are the instances when a eukaryote with non-canonical code can be easily cultivated and has its whole genome and transcriptome sequenced. This is the case of ''Blastocrithidia nonstop'', a trypanosomatid flagellate that reassigned all three stop codons to encode amino acids.We ''in silico'' predicted the metabolism of ''B. nonstop'' and compared it with that of the well-studied human parasites ''Trypanosoma brucei'' and ''Leishmania major''. The mapped mitochondrial, glycosomal and cytosolic metabolism contains all typical features of these diverse and important parasites. We also provided experimental validation for some of the predicted observations, concerning, specifically presence of glycosomes, cellular respiration, and assembly of the respiratory complexes.In an unusual comparison of metabolism between a parasitic protist with a massively altered genetic code and its close relatives that rely on a canonical code we showed that the dramatic differences on the level of nucleic acids do not seem to be reflected in the metabolisms. Moreover, although the genome of ''B. nonstop'' is extremely AT-rich, we could not find any alterations of its pyrimidine synthesis pathway when compared to other trypanosomatids. Hence, we conclude that the dramatic alteration of the genetic code of ''B. nonstop'' has no significant repercussions on the metabolism of this flagellate.ions on the metabolism of this flagellate. +
Alogliptin is a commonly prescribed drug t … Alogliptin is a commonly prescribed drug treating patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we show that long-term intervention with alogliptin (0.03% w/w in diet) improves survival and health of mice on a high-fat diet. Alogliptin intervention takes beneficial effects associated with longevity, including increased insulin sensitivity, attenuated functionality decline, decreased organ pathology, preserved mitochondrial function, and reduced oxidative stress. Autophagy activation is proposed as an underlying mechanism of these beneficial effects. We conclude that alogliptin intervention could be considered as a potential strategy for extending lifespan and healthspan in obesity and overweight.© 2019 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.mical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. +
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulphur-conta … Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulphur-containing organic compound, derived from octanoic acid, and an important cofactor for mitochondrial respiratory enzymes. It has strong antioxidant properties that improve mitochondrial function. We investigated if ALA improves mitochondrial dysfunction in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease (AD).SH-SY5Y-APP695 cells were used as a model for an early stage of AD. Vector-transfected SH-SY5Y-MOCK cells served as controls. Using these cells, we investigated mitochondrial respiration (OXPHOS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and citrate synthase activity (CS) in cells treated with ALA. Cells were treated for 24 h with different concentrations of ALA and with or without the complex I inhibitor rotenone.Incubation with ALA showed a significant increase in ATP levels in both SH-SY5Y-APP695 and SH-SY5Y-MOCK cells. MMP levels were elevated in SH-SY5Y-MOCK cells, treatment with rotenone showed a reduction in MMP, which could be partly alleviated after incubation with ALA in SH-SY5Y-MOCK cells. ALA treatment showed significant differences in respiration chain complex activities in SH-SY5Y-MOCK cells. Citrate synthase activity was unaffected. ROS levels were significantly lower in both cell lines treated with ALA.ALA increased the activity of the different complexes of the respiratory chain, and consequently enhanced the MMP, leading to increased ATP levels indicating improved mitochondrial function. ALA only marginally protects from additional rotenone-induced mitochondrial stress.ly protects from additional rotenone-induced mitochondrial stress. +
Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (alpha-K … Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (alpha-KGDH) is a highly regulated enzyme, which could determine the metabolic flux through the Krebs cycle. It catalyses the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA and produces NADH directly providing electrons for the respiratory chain. alpha-KGDH is sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of this enzyme could be critical in the metabolic deficiency induced by oxidative stress. Aconitase in the Krebs cycle is more vulnerable than alpha-KGDH to ROS but as long as alpha-KGDH is functional NADH generation in the Krebs cycle is maintained. NADH supply to the respiratory chain is limited only when alpha-KGDH is also inhibited by ROS. In addition being a key target, alpha-KGDH is able to generate ROS during its catalytic function, which is regulated by the NADH/NAD+ ratio. The pathological relevance of these two features of alpha-KGDH is discussed in this review, particularly in relation to neurodegeneration, as an impaired function of this enzyme has been found to be characteristic for several neurodegenerative diseases.ic for several neurodegenerative diseases. +
Alteration in mitochondrial respiratory ca … Alteration in mitochondrial respiratory capacity has been linked to several conditions that are associated with a sedentary lifestyle, such as obesity and insulin resistance. It is well known that endurance training can diminish these conditions, but some high intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols have shown similar improvements in insulin sensitivity, in spite of the reduced training volume. However it is sparse with literature regarding HIIT and the effect on mitochondrial respiratory capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a low volume HIIT protocol on mitochondrial respiratory capacity and VO2max in sedentary overweight adults. 8 healthy sedentary men (n=2) and women (n=6) (age 40±3 yrs, BMI 32±2, VO2max 2383 ±115 ml•min-1) were recruited for this study. They underwent 6 weeks of supervised HIIT on a cycle ergometer (18 sessions of 7x1min exercise bouts interspersed with 1min rest periods). Muscle biopsies were taken from m. vastus lateralis before and after training. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity was measured ex vivo in permeabilized muscle fibers using high resolution respirometry (Oxygraph-2k, Oroboros, Innsbruck, Austria). The respiratory protocol investigated maximal coupled state 3 respiration (complex I + II linked substrates) with the following substrates (malate, glutamate, octanoyl carnitine, succinate and ADP; GMSO3), as well as state 4o (oligomycin; LEAK). Body composition was measured by DXA, and VO2max using an incremental cycle test to exhaustion. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity increased significantly following training; GMSO3 respiration increased by 13% (57± 4 to 64±5 pmol O2•mg-1•s-1) and LEAK respiration increased by 24% (21±2 to 25±2 pmol O2 •mg-1•s-1).The present training protocol didn’t elicit a significant improvement in VO2max (4%, P = 0.37), but time to fatigue during the VO2max test was significantly increased by 18% post training (P <0.001). BMI and body composition were not changed following training.Interestingly the present training protocol induced a significant improvement in mitochondrial respiratory capacity, but not in whole body VO2max, thus implying that the training stimulus was adequate to improve the respiratory capacity locally. The observed improvement in mitochondrial respiratory capacity and time to fatigue suggest that the HIIT training may induce positive metabolic effects that can attenuate the development of lifestyle diseases, independently of VO2max.The project is funded by the EU FP7 program The project is funded by the EU FP7 program +
Alteration of mitochondrial ultrastructure … Alteration of mitochondrial ultrastructure has emerged as phenotypical marker of dysfunction. In particular, changes in cristae shape and number regulate the respiratory efficiency of the cell and the release of proapoptotic factors. Moreover, in the last years a growing number of studies have observed a loss of mtDNA associated to mitochondrial related disorders but whether and how mtDNA and nucleoids regulation is influenced by mitochondrial ultrastructure is unknown. To address this question we studied nucleoids distribution and mtDNA copynumber in cellular models where the mitochondrial ultrastructure has been altered. We show that nucleoids distribution vary depending on mitochondrial ultrastructure and accordingly also mtDNA copy number. Furthermore, we have identified a mitochondrial complex that decrease with nucleoids suggesting a relevant role of this complex for nucleoids and mtDNA stability. Our results suggest that nucleoids and mtDNA stability is regulated by mitochondrial ultrastructure.regulated by mitochondrial ultrastructure. +
Alterations in ER homeostasis have been im … Alterations in ER homeostasis have been implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity and type-2 diabetes (T2D). Acute ER stress induction in the hypothalamus produces glucose metabolism perturbations. However, the neurobiological basis linking hypothalamic ER stress with abnormal glucose metabolism remains unknown. Here, we report that genetic and induced models of hypothalamic ER stress are associated with alterations in systemic glucose homeostasis due to increased gluconeogenesis (GNG) independent of body weight changes. Defective alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) production underlies this metabolic phenotype, as pharmacological strategies aimed at rescuing hypothalamic α-MSH content reversed this phenotype at metabolic and molecular level. Collectively, our results posit defective α-MSH processing as a fundamental mediator of enhanced GNG in the context of hypothalamic ER stress and establish α-MSH deficiency in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons as a potential contributor to the pathophysiology of T2D.contributor to the pathophysiology of T2D. +
Alterations in lipid metabolism within the … Alterations in lipid metabolism within the heart may have a causal role in the establishment of diabetic cardiomyopathy, however this remains equivocal. Therefore, in the current study we determined cardiac mitochondrial bioenergetics in ZDF rats before overt type 2 diabetes and diabetic cardiomyopathy developed. In addition, we utilized resveratrol, a compound previously shown to improve prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction in high fat-fed rodents, as a tool to potential recover dysfunctions within mitochondria. Fasting blood glucose and invasive left ventricular hemodynamic analysis confirmed the absence of type 2 diabetes and diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, fibrosis was already increased (P<0.05) ~70% in ZDF rats at this early stage in disease progression. Assessments of mitochondrial ADP and pyruvate respiratory kinetics in permeabilized fibres from the left ventricle revealed normal electron transport chain function and content. In contrast, the apparent Km to palmitoyl-CoA (P-CoA) was increased (P<0.05) ~60%, which was associated with an accumulation of intracellular triacylgycerol, diacylglycerol and ceramide species. In addition, the capacity for mitochondrial ROS emission was increased (P<0.05) ~3-fold in ZDF rats. The provision of resveratrol recovered fibrosis, P-CoA respiratory sensitivity, reactive lipid accumulation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species emission rates. Altogether the current data supports the supposition that a chronic dysfunction within mitochondrial lipid-supported bioenergetics contributes to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, as this was present before overt diabetes or cardiac dysfunction. In addition, we show resveratrol supplementation prevents these changes, supporting the belief that resveratrol is a potent therapeutic approach for preventing diabetic cardiomyopathy.ic approach for preventing diabetic cardiomyopathy. +
Alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics … Alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics have been associated with brain aging. In order to evaluate the susceptibility of brain cortex synaptosomes and non-synaptic mitochondria to aging-dependent dysfunction, male Swiss mice of 3 or 17 months old were used. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory complexes activity, together with UCP-2 protein expression. Basal respiration and respiration driving proton LEAK were decreased by 26 and 33 % in synaptosomes from 17-months old mice, but spare respiratory capacity was not modified by aging. Succinate supported state 3 respiratory rate was decreased by 45 % in brain cortex non-synaptic mitochondria from 17-month-old mice, as compared with young animals, but respiratory control was not affected. Synaptosomal mitochondria would be susceptible to undergo calcium-induced depolarization in 17 months-old mice, while non-synaptic mitochondria would not be affected by calcium overload. UCP-2 was significantly up-regulated in both synaptosomal and submitochondrial membranes from 17-months old mice, compared to young animals. UCP-2 upregulation seems to be a possible mechanism by which mitochondria would be resistant to suffer oxidative damage during aging.t to suffer oxidative damage during aging. +
Alterations in mitochondrial function are … Alterations in mitochondrial function are an important control variable in the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), while also noted by increased de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and hepatic insulin resistance. We hypothesized that the organization and function of a mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) in this pathologic condition is a consequence of shifted substrate availability. We addressed this question using a transgenic mouse model with increased hepatic insulin resistance and DNL due to constitutively active human SREBP-1c. The abundance of ETC complex subunits and components of key metabolic pathways are regulated in the liver of these animals. Further omics approaches combined with functional assays in isolated liver mitochondria and primary hepatocytes revealed that the SREBP-1c-forced fatty liver induced a substrate limitation for oxidative phosphorylation, inducing enhanced complex II activity. The observed increased expression of mitochondrial genes may have indicated a counteraction. In conclusion, a shift of available substrates directed toward activated DNL results in increased electron flows, mainly through complex II, to compensate for the increased energy demand of the cell. The reorganization of key compounds in energy metabolism observed in the SREBP-1c animal model might explain the initial increase in mitochondrial function observed in the early stages of human MAFLD.served in the early stages of human MAFLD. +
Alterations in mitochondrial function are … Alterations in mitochondrial function are believed to play a major role in aging processes in many species, including fungi and animals, and increased oxidative stress is considered a major consequence of altered mitochondrial function. In support of this theory, a lot of correlative evidence has been collected, suggesting that changes in mitochondrial DNA accumulate with age in certain tissues. Furthermore, genetic experiments from lower eukaryotic model organisms, indicate a strong correlative link between increased resistance to oxidative stress and an extended lifespan; in addition, limited experimental evidence suggests that the inhibition of mitochondrial function by selected pharmacologically active compounds can extend lifespan in certain species. However, changes in mitochondrial function may affect aging in a different way in various tissues, and a clear statement about the role of mitochondrial deterioration during physiological aging is missing for most if not all species.At this point, respirometric analyses of mitochondrial function provide a tool to study age-associated changes in mitochondrial respiratory chain function and mitochondrial ATP production within living cells and isolated mitochondria. In the recent years, new instruments have been developed, which allow for an unprecedented high-resolution respirometry, which enables us to determine many parameters of mitochondrial function in routine assays using small samples of biological material. It is conceivable that this technology will become an important tool for all those, who are interested in experimentally addressing the mitochondrial theory of aging. In this article, we provide a synopsis of traditional respirometry and the advances of modern high-resolution respirometry, and discuss how future applications of this technology to recentlyestablished experimental models in aging research may provide exciting new insights into the role of mitochondria in the aging process.role of mitochondria in the aging process. +
Alterations in mitochondrial morphology an … Alterations in mitochondrial morphology and function have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease. Metabolic defects, resulting from dysfunctional mitochondria, have been reported in patients and respective animal models of all those diseases. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3), another neurodegenerative disorder, also presents with metabolic defects and loss of body weight in early disease stages although the possible role of mitochondrial dysfunction in SCA3 pathology is still to be determined. Interestingly, the SCA3 disease protein ataxin-3, which is predominantly localized in cytoplasm and nucleus, has also been associated with mitochondria in both its mutant and wildtype form. This observation provides an interesting link to a potential mitochondrial involvement of mutant ataxin-3 in SCA3 pathogenesis. Furthermore, proteolytic cleavage of ataxin-3 has been shown to produce toxic fragments and even overexpression of artificially truncated forms of ataxin-3 resulted in mitochondria deficits. Therefore, we analyzed the repercussions of expressing a naturally occurring N-terminal cleavage fragment of ataxin-3 and the influence of an endogenous expression of the S256 cleavage fragment ''in vitro'' and ''in vivo''. In our study, expression of a fragment derived from calpain cleavage induced mitochondrial fragmentation and cristae alterations leading to a significantly decreased capacity of mitochondrial respiration and contributing to an increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Furthermore, analyzing mitophagy revealed activation of autophagy in the early pathogenesis with reduced lysosomal activity. In conclusion, our findings indicate that cleavage of ataxin-3 by calpains results in fragments which interfere with mitochondrial function and mitochondrial degradation processes.n and mitochondrial degradation processes. +
Alterations in mitochondrial respiration a … Alterations in mitochondrial respiration are an important hallmark of Huntington's disease (HD), one of the most common monogenetic causes of neurodegeneration. The ubiquitous expression of the disease causing mutant huntingtin gene raises the prospect that mitochondrial respiratory deficits can be detected in skeletal muscle. While this tissue is readily accessible in humans, transgenic animal models offer the opportunity to cross-validate findings and allow for comparisons across organs, including the brain. The integrated respiratory chain function of the human ''vastus lateralis'' muscle was measured by high-resolution respirometry (HRR) in freshly taken fine-needle biopsies from seven pre-manifest HD expansion mutation carriers and nine controls. The respiratory parameters were unaffected. For comparison skeletal muscle isolated from HD knock-in mice (HdhQ111) as well as a broader spectrum of tissues including cortex, liver and heart muscle were examined by HRR. Significant changes of mitochondrial respiration in the HdhQ knock-in mouse model were restricted to the liver and the cortex. Mitochondrial mass as quantified by mitochondrial DNA copy number and citrate synthase activity was stable in murine HD-model tissue compared to control. mRNA levels of key enzymes were determined to characterize mitochondrial metabolic pathways in HdhQ mice. We demonstrated the feasibility to perform high-resolution respirometry measurements from small human HD muscle biopsies. Furthermore, we conclude that alterations in respiratory parameters of pre-manifest human muscle biopsies are rather limited and mirrored by a similar absence of marked alterations in HdhQ skeletal muscle. In contrast, the HdhQ111 murine cortex and liver did show respiratory alterations highlighting the tissue specific nature of mutant huntingtin effects on respiration. mutant huntingtin effects on respiration. +
Alterations in oxygen transport and use ar … Alterations in oxygen transport and use are integral to the development of multiple organ failure; therefore, the ultimate goal of resuscitation is to restore effective tissue oxygenation and cellular metabolism. Hemodynamic monitoring is the cornerstone of management to promptly identify and appropriately manage (impending) organ dysfunction. Prospective randomized trials have confirmed outcome benefit when preemptive or early treatment is directed toward maintaining or restoring adequate tissue perfusion. However, treatment end points remain controversial, in large part because of current difficulties in determining what constitutes "optimal." Information gained from global whole-body monitoring may not detect regional organ perfusion abnormalities until they are well advanced. Conversely, the ideal "canary" organ that is readily accessible for monitoring, yet offers an early and sensitive indicator of tissue "unwellness," remains to be firmly identified. This review describes techniques available for real-time monitoring of tissue perfusion and metabolism and highlights novel developments that may complement or even supersede current tools.omplement or even supersede current tools. +
Alterations of cellular bioenergetics are … Alterations of cellular bioenergetics are a common feature in most neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is a selective vulnerability of different brain regions, cell types, and even mitochondrial populations to these metabolic disturbances. Thus, the aim of our study was to establish and validate an ''in vivo'' metabolic imaging technique to screen for mitochondrial function on the subcellular level. Based on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy [NAD(P)H FLIM], we performed a quantitative correlation to high-resolution respirometry. Thereby, we revealed mitochondrial matrix pH as a decisive factor in imaging NAD(P)H redox state. By combining both parameters, we illustrate a quantitative, high-resolution assessment of mitochondrial function in metabolically modified cells as well as in an amyloid precursor protein-overexpressing model of Alzheimer's disease. Our metabolic imaging technique provides the basis for dissecting mitochondrial deficits not only in a range of neurodegenerative diseases, shedding light onto bioenergetic failures of cells remaining in their metabolic microenvironment.ining in their metabolic microenvironment. +
Alterations of hepatic mitochondrial funct … Alterations of hepatic mitochondrial function have been observed in states of insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Patients with overt type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can exhibit reduction in hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and impaired repletion of their hepatic ATP stores upon ATP depletion by fructose. Obesity and NAFLD may also associate with impaired ATP recovery after ATP-depleting challenges and augmented oxidative stress in the liver. On the other hand, patients with obesity or NAFLD can present with upregulated hepatic anaplerotic and oxidative fluxes, including β-oxidation and tricarboxylic cycle activity. The present review focuses on the methods and data on hepatic energy metabolism in various states of human insulin resistance. We propose that the liver can adapt to increased lipid exposition by greater lipid storing and oxidative capacity, resulting in increased oxidative stress, which in turn could deteriorate hepatic mitochondrial function in chronic insulin resistance and NAFLD.n in chronic insulin resistance and NAFLD. +
Alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) c … Alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number appear to be associated with several pathologies including encephalopathies and neuropathies as well as the process of aging [1-2].The aim of this study was to set up a reliable quantitative PCR based assay for mitochondrial DNA copy number determination meeting quality requirements for mtDNA specificity.We established a duplex quantitative PCR assay that allows for targeting a single copy nuclear gene (ß2-microglobulin) and the mtDNA (t-RNA Leu) simultaneously. The use of a plasmid containing both targets in a 1:1 ratio was used to normalize against differences in emission intensities of the fluorescent dyes VIC and FAM. QPCR on the serial dilution of the calibrator plasmid revealed that the FAM dye emission signal exceeded the VIC signal, resulting in a ΔCT value of up to 1.2 cycles corresponding to more than a double amount of molecules. Using the plasmid calibrator with internal positive controls reduced the intra-assay variability from 21% (uncorrected) to 7% (plasmid corrected). We evaluated the applicability of the method by using DNA samples that were isolated with different methods and revealed significantly different numbers of mtDNA copies (copy number ratio: salting out/magnetic beads = 1.65).We developed a sensitive and robust assay for mitochondrial copy number detection relative to nuclear DNA. The use of the dual insert calibrator plasmid allows for correction against unequal emission intensities of the differently fluorescence labelled targets. Furthermore, we discovered that the diverse extraction methods selectively isolate different DNA molecules within a sample.e different DNA molecules within a sample. +
Alterations of mitochondrial membrane pote … Alterations of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial respiration are possible triggers of pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We investigated the role of MMP in PH and hypothesized that deletion of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) increases MMP, thus promoting pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH. MMP was measured by JC-1 in isolated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of patients with PH and animals with PH induced by exposure to monocrotaline (MCT) or chronic hypoxia. PH was quantified ''in vivo'' in UCP2-deficient (UCP2(-/-)) mice by hemodynamics, morphometry, and echocardiography. ROS were measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and proliferation by thymidine incorporation. Mitochondrial respiration was investigated by high-resolution respirometry. MMP was increased in PASMCs of patients and in animal models of PH. UCP2(-/-) mice exhibited pulmonary vascular remodeling and mild PH compared with wild-type (WT) mice. PASMCs of UCP2(-/-) mice showed increased proliferation, MMP, and ROS release. Increased proliferation of UCP2(-/-) PASMCs could be attenuated by ROS inhibitors and inhibited by carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone, which decreased MMP to the level of WT mice. Mitochondrial respiration was altered in PASMCs from MCT rats and PASMCs exposed to hypoxia but not in isolated pulmonary mitochondria of UCP2(-/-) mice or PASMCs after treatment with small interfering RNA for UCP2. Our data suggest that increased MMP causes vascular remodeling in UCP2(-/-) mice partially via increased ROS. In chronic hypoxia and MCT-induced PH, additional pathomechanisms such as decreased respiration may play a role. as decreased respiration may play a role. +
Alterations to branched-chain keto acid (B … Alterations to branched-chain keto acid (BCKA) oxidation have been implicated in a wide variety of human diseases, ranging from diabetes to cancer. Although global shifts in BCKA metabolism-evident by gene transcription, metabolite profiling, and ''in vivo'' flux analyses have been documented across various pathological conditions, the underlying biochemical mechanism(s) within the mitochondrion remain largely unknown. ''In vitro'' experiments using isolated mitochondria represent a powerful biochemical tool for elucidating the role of the mitochondrion in driving disease. Such analyses have routinely been utilized across disciplines to shed valuable insight into mitochondrial-linked pathologies. That said, few studies have attempted to model ''in vitro'' BCKA oxidation in isolated organelles. The impetus for the present study stemmed from the knowledge that complete oxidation of each of the three BCKAs involves a reaction dependent upon bicarbonate and ATP, both of which are not typically included in respiration experiments. Based on this, it was hypothesized that the inclusion of exogenous bicarbonate and stimulation of respiration using physiological shifts in ATP-free energy, rather than excess ADP, would allow for maximal BCKA-supported respiratory flux in isolated mitochondria. This hypothesis was confirmed in mitochondria from several mouse tissues, including heart, liver and skeletal muscle. What follows is a thorough characterization and validation of a novel biochemical tool for investigating BCKA metabolism in isolated mitochondria. BCKA metabolism in isolated mitochondria. +
Alterations to branched-chain keto acid (B … Alterations to branched-chain keto acid (BCKA) oxidation have been implicated in a wide variety of human diseases, ranging from diabetes to cancer. Although global shifts in BCKA metabolism-evident by gene transcription, metabolite profiling, and ''in vivo'' flux analyses have been documented across various pathological conditions, the underlying biochemical mechanism(s) within the mitochondrion remain largely unknown. ''In vitro'' experiments using isolated mitochondria represent a powerful biochemical tool for elucidating the role of the mitochondrion in driving disease. Such analyses have routinely been utilized across disciplines to shed valuable insight into mitochondrial-linked pathologies. That said, few studies have attempted to model ''in vitro'' BCKA oxidation in isolated organelles. The impetus for the present study stemmed from the knowledge that complete oxidation of each of the three BCKAs involves a reaction dependent upon bicarbonate and ATP, both of which are not typically included in respiration experiments. Based on this, it was hypothesized that the inclusion of exogenous bicarbonate and stimulation of respiration using physiological shifts in ATP-free energy, rather than excess ADP, would allow for maximal BCKA-supported respiratory flux in isolated mitochondria. This hypothesis was confirmed in mitochondria from several mouse tissues, including heart, liver and skeletal muscle. What follows is a thorough characterization and validation of a novel biochemical tool for investigating BCKA metabolism in isolated mitochondria.© 2019 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.ed on behalf of the Biochemical Society. +
Altered amyloid metabolism and mitochondri … Altered amyloid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction play key roles in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We asked whether an association exists between disturbed platelet mitochondrial respiration and the plasma concentrations of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in patients with AD.Plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 concentrations and mitochondrial respiration in intact and permeabilized platelets were measured in 50 patients with AD, 15 patients with vascular dementia and 25 control subjects. A pilot longitudinal study was performed to monitor the progression of AD in a subgroup 11 patients with AD.The mean Aβ40, Aβ42 and Aβ42/Aβ40 levels were not significantly altered in patients with AD compared with controls. The mitochondrial respiratory rate in intact platelets was significantly reduced in patients with AD compared to controls, particularly the basal respiratory rate, maximum respiratory capacity, and respiratory reserve; however, the flux control ratio for basal respiration was increased. A correlation between the plasma Aβ42 concentration and mitochondrial respiration in both intact and permeabilized platelets differs in controls and patients with AD.Based on our data, (1) mitochondrial respiration in intact platelets, but not the Aβ level itself, may be included in a panel of biomarkers for AD; (2) dysfunctional mitochondrial respiration in platelets is not explained by changes in plasma Aβ concentrations; and (3) the association between mitochondrial respiration in platelets and plasma Aβ levels differs in patients with AD and controls. The results supported the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction is the primary factor contributing to the development of AD.Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.at mitochondrial dysfunction is the primary factor contributing to the development of AD. Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc. +
Altered cellular metabolism is considered … Altered cellular metabolism is considered a hallmark of cancer and is fast becoming an avenue for therapeutic intervention. Mitochondria have recently been viewed as an important cellular compartment that fuels the metabolic demands of cancer cells. Mitochondria are the major source of ATP and metabolites necessary to fulfill the bioenergetics and biosynthetic demands of cancer cells. Furthermore, mitochondria are central to cell death and the main source for generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overall, the growing evidence now suggests that mitochondrial bioenergetics, biogenesis, ROS production, and adaptation to intrinsic oxidative stress are elevated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Hence, recent studies have shown that mitochondrial metabolism could be targeted for cancer therapy. This review focuses the recent advancements in targeting mitochondrial metabolism for the treatment of CLL.drial metabolism for the treatment of CLL. +
Altered mitochondrial metabolism plays a p … Altered mitochondrial metabolism plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer. Cell lines are frequently used as models to study mitochondrial (dys)function but little is known about their mitochondrial respiration and metabolic properties in comparison to the primary tissue of origin. We have developed a method for assessment of oxidative phosphorylation in prostate tissue samples of only 2 mg wet weight using high-resolution respirometry. Reliable protocols were established to investigate the respiratory activity of different segments of the mitochondrial electron transfer-pathway in mechanically permeabilized tissue biopsies. Additionally, the widely used immortalized prostate epithelial and fibroblast cell lines RWPE1 and NAF, representing the major cell types in prostate tissue, were analyzed and compared to the tissue of origin. Our results show that mechanical treatment without chemical permeabilization agents or sample processing constitutes a reliable preparation method for OXPHOS analysis in small amounts of prostatic tissue typically obtained by prostate biopsy. The cell lines represented the bioenergetic properties of fresh tissue to a limited extent only. Particularly, tissue showed a higher oxidative capacity with succinate and glutamate, whereas pyruvate was a substrate supporting significantly higher respiratory activities in cell lines. Several fold higher zinc levels measured in tissue compared to cells confirmed the role of aconitase for prostate specific metabolism in agreement with observed respiratory properties. In conclusion, combining the flexibility of cell culture models and tissue samples for respirometric analysis are powerful tools for investigation of mitochondrial function and tissue specific metabolism. n and tissue specific metabolism. +
Altered neuronal Ca2+</sup&g … Altered neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction play a central role in the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). R-Phenibut ((3R)-phenyl-4-aminobutyric acid) is an antagonist of the α2δ subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) and an agonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABA-B) receptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of R-phenibut following the lateral fluid percussion injury (latFPI) model of TBI in mice and the impact of R- and S-phenibut on mitochondrial functionality ''in vitro''. By determining the bioavailability of R-phenibut in the mouse brain tissue and plasma, we found that R-phenibut (50 mg/kg) reached the brain tissue 15 min after intraperitoneal (i.p.) and peroral (p.o.) injections. The maximal concentration of R-phenibut in the brain tissues was 0.6 μg/g and 0.2 μg/g tissue after i.p. and p.o. administration, respectively. Male Swiss-Webster mice received i.p. injections of R-phenibut at doses of 10 or 50 mg/kg 2 h after TBI and then once daily for 7 days. R-Phenibut treatment at the dose of 50 mg/kg significantly ameliorated functional deficits after TBI on postinjury days 1, 4, and 7. Seven days after TBI, the number of Nissl-stained dark neurons (N-DNs) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) expression in the cerebral neocortex in the area of cortical impact were reduced. Moreover, the addition of R- and S-phenibut at a concentration of 0.5 μg/ml inhibited calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling in the brain homogenate and prevented anoxia-reoxygenation-induced increases in mitochondrial H2O2 production and the H2O2/O ratio. Taken together, these results suggest that R-phenibut could serve as a neuroprotective agent and promising drug candidate for treating TBI.erve as a neuroprotective agent and promising drug candidate for treating TBI. +
Altered skeletal muscle mitochondrial func … Altered skeletal muscle mitochondrial function contributes to the pathophysiological stress response to burns. However, the acute and chronic impact of burn trauma on skeletal muscle bioenergetics remains poorly understood. Here, we determined the temporal relationship between burn trauma and mitochondrial function in murine skeletal muscle local to and distal from burn wounds. Male BALB/c mice (8-10 weeks old) were burned by submersion of the dorsum in water (∼95°C) to create a full thickness burn on ∼30% of the body. Skeletal muscle was harvested spinotrapezius underneath burn wounds (local) and the quadriceps (distal) of sham and burn treated mice at 3h, 24h, 4d and 10d post-injury. Mitochondrial respiration was determined in permeabilized myofiber bundles by high-resolution respirometry. Caspase 9 and caspase 3 protein concentration were determined by western blot. In muscle local to burn wounds, respiration coupled to ATP production was significantly diminished at 3h and 24h post-injury (''P''<0.001), as was mitochondrial coupling control (''P''<0.001). There was a 5- (''P''<0.05) and 8-fold (''P''<0.001) increase in respiration in response to cytochrome at 3h and 24h post burn, respectively, indicating damage to the outer mitochondrial membranes. Moreover, we also observed greater active caspase 9 and caspase 3 in muscle local to burn wounds, indicating the induction of apoptosis. Distal muscle mitochondrial function was unaltered by burn trauma until 10d post burn, where both respiratory capacity (''P''<0.05) and coupling control (''P''<0.05) were significantly lower than sham. These data highlight a differential response in muscle mitochondrial function to burn trauma, where the timing, degree and mode of dysfunction are dependent on whether the muscle is local or distal to the burn wound. on whether the muscle is local or distal to the burn wound. +
Altering incubation temperature during emb … Altering incubation temperature during embryogenesis has an impact on chicken embryo growth, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not understood; the present study was performed to address these changes. Broiler eggs were incubated at low (36.8°C), control (37.8°C), and high (38.8°C) temperatures between Embryonic Day (ED) 7 and 10 or ED 10 and 13, which cover critical periods of embryonic myogenesis. The embryos were then dissected immediately after treatment on ED 10 or 13 to assess body, liver, and heart weights as well as to analyze breast and leg muscle fibers for their mitochondrial respiratory activity (MRA). Breast muscle samples were additionally used to evaluate the activity of enzymes involved in energy metabolism and cell-cycle progression. ED-10 embryos incubated at 38.8°C showed elevated weights (body, liver, and heart), MRA, and activities of lactate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase compared to the ED-10 embryos incubated at 36.8°C. Similarly, the ED-13 embryos incubated at 38.8°C showed elevated body weight, MRA, and activities of glycogen phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, and cytochrome oxidase compared to their 36.8°C counterparts. Embryos incubated at the normal temperature (37.8°C), however, showed variable differences from those incubated at 38.8°C versus 36.8°C. Cell-cycle enzyme activities were not impacted by the different temperature treatments. Thus, an increase or decrease in the incubation temperature during embryonic broiler myogenesis results in altered embryo activity, muscle energy metabolism, and activity-dependent muscle growth.ism, and activity-dependent muscle growth. +
Alternations of pivotal mitochondrial func … Alternations of pivotal mitochondrial function – oxidative phosphorylation as well as abnormal cellular ROS production - can potentially be responsible for pathogenesis of cancer. In the last years, implications of p66Shc adaptor protein in the cellular response to oxidative stress have been discovered. Involvement of this protein in cell death is related to oxidative stress. Phosphorylation of p66Shc at Ser36 can be activated by extracellular or intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and an initiated cascade of events is finally involved in the amplification of mitochondrial ROS production. The available literature does not contain a lot of data concerning the role of p66shc and its Ser36 phosphorylation in tumorigenesis and cancer growth. Therefore, we studied the relationship between ROS production, antioxidant defense systems and the level of p66Shc as well as p66Shc phosphorylation in murine cancer cell lines, derived from ectoderm (B16-F10, B78, MmB16, EMT6, 4T1), mesoderm (Renca) and endoderm (CT26.WT, Hepa1-6, LLC, Panc02).The cancer cells exhibited various levels of p66Shc and its Ser36 phosphorylation, which simultaneously is negatively correlated with the level of superoxide dismutase 2 in some of the investigated cancer cell lines. ROS can mediate opposing cellular functions like cell proliferation and apoptosis. In turn, p66Shc Ser36 phosphorylation pathway is involved in regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and is responsible for elevated intracellular ROS levels. Moreover, p66Shc seems to play an important role in cancer metastasis and cancer cell adhesion. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms and sites of ROS formation in cancer cells, the role of p66Shc in this process and the effect on tumor physiology.Supported by Statutory Founding from Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology and Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education grant W100/HFSC/2011.and Higher Education grant W100/HFSC/2011. +
Alternative functions, apart from cathepsi … Alternative functions, apart from cathepsins inhibition, are being discovered for stefin B. Here, we investigate its role in vesicular trafficking and autophagy. Astrocytes isolated from stefin B knock-out (KO) mice exhibited an increased level of protein aggregates scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Addition of stefin B monomers or small oligomers to the cell medium reverted this phenotype, as imaged by confocal microscopy. To monitor the identity of proteins embedded within aggregates in wild type (wt) and KO cells, the insoluble cell lysate fractions were isolated and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Chaperones, tubulins, dyneins, and proteosomal components were detected in the insoluble fraction of wt cells but not in KO aggregates. In contrast, the insoluble fraction of KO cells exhibited increased levels of apolipoprotein E, fibronectin, clusterin, major prion protein, and serpins H1 and I2 and some proteins of lysosomal origin, such as cathepsin D and CD63, relative to wt astrocytes. Analysis of autophagy activity demonstrated that this pathway was less functional in KO astrocytes. In addition, synthetic dosage lethality (SDL) gene interactions analysis in ''Saccharomyces cerevisiae'' expressing human stefin B suggests a role in transport of vesicles and vacuoles These activities would contribute, directly or indirectly to completion of autophagy in wt astrocytes and would account for the accumulation of protein aggregates in KO cells, since autophagy is a key pathway for the clearance of intracellular protein aggregates.rance of intracellular protein aggregates. +
Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a non-mammali … Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a non-mammalian enzyme that can bypass blockade of the complex III-IV segment of the respiratory chain (RC). We crossed a Ciona intestinalis AOX transgene into RC complex III (cIII)-deficient Bcs1lp.S78G knock-in mice, displaying multiple visceral manifestations and premature death. The homozygotes expressing AOX were viable, and their median survival was extended from 210 to 590 days due to permanent prevention of lethal cardiomyopathy. AOX also prevented renal tubular atrophy and cerebral astrogliosis, but not liver disease, growth restriction, or lipodystrophy, suggesting distinct tissue-specific pathogenetic mechanisms. Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and damage suggested that ROS were not instrumental in the rescue. Cardiac mitochondrial ultrastructure, mitochondrial respiration, and pathological transcriptome and metabolome alterations were essentially normalized by AOX, showing that the restored electron flow upstream of cIII was sufficient to prevent cardiac energetic crisis and detrimental decompensation. These findings demonstrate the value of AOX, both as a mechanistic tool and a potential therapeutic strategy, for cIII deficiencies.© 2018 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license. +
Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a terminal ox … Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a terminal oxidase within the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) present in many organisms where it functions in the electron transport system (ET-pathway). AOX directly accepts electrons from ubiquinol and is therefore capable of bypassing ET-pathway Complexes III and IV. The human genome does not contain a gene coding for AOX, so AOX expression has been suggested as a gene therapy for a range of human mitochondrial diseases caused by genetic mutations that render Complex III and/or IV dysfunctional. An effective means of screening mutations amenable to AOX treatment remains to be devised. We have generated such a tool by heterologously expressing AOX from the Pacific oyster (''Crassostrea gigas'') in the yeast ''Saccharomyces cerevisiae'' under the control of a galactose promoter. Our results show that this animal AOX is monomeric and is correctly targeted to yeast mitochondria. Moreover, when expressed in yeast, Pacific oyster AOX is a functional quinol oxidase, conferring cyanide-resistant growth and myxothiazol-resistant oxygen consumption to yeast cells and isolated mitochondria. This system represents a high-throughput screening tool for determining which Complex III and IV genetic mutations in yeast will be amenable to AOX gene therapy. As many human genes are orthologous to those found in yeast, our invention represents an efficient and cost-effective way to evaluate viable research avenues. In addition, this system provides the opportunity to learn more about the localization, structure, and regulation of AOXs from animals that are not easily reared or manipulated in the lab.t easily reared or manipulated in the lab. +
Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a ubiquinol t … Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a ubiquinol terminal oxidase present in the respiratory electron transport chains of a wide variety of organisms [1]. AOX by-passes 2 of the 3 proton pumping complexes in the respiratory chain and therefore makes respiration less efficient in terms of the amount of ATP generated per oxygen consumed. Our previous work using bioinformatics has revealed the presence of AOX genes in eukaryotic organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, algae, and protists, as well as in prokaryotes in several species of eubacteria [2]. Recent work using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments has demonstrated that these genes are transcribed in many organisms [3]. Our focus is now shifting to exploring the respiratory capacity of AOX proteins in these different systems and in identifying how the activity of AOX proteins is regulated at the post-translational level.regulated at the post-translational level. +
Alternative oxidases (AOXs) bypass respira … Alternative oxidases (AOXs) bypass respiratory complexes III and IV by transferring electrons from coenzyme Q directly to O2. They have therefore been proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for mitochondrial diseases. We crossed the severely myopathic skeletal muscle-specific COX15 knockout (KO) mouse with an AOX-transgenic mouse. Surprisingly, the double KO-AOX mutants had decreased lifespan and a substantial worsening of the myopathy compared with KO alone. Decreased ROS production in KO-AOX versus KO mice led to impaired AMPK/PGC-1α signaling and PAX7/MYOD-dependent muscle regeneration, blunting compensatory responses. Importantly, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine had a similar effect, decreasing the lifespan of KO mice. Our findings have major implications for understanding pathogenic mechanisms in mitochondrial diseases and for the design of therapies, highlighting the benefits of ROS signaling and the potential hazards of antioxidant treatment.ng and the potential hazards of antioxidant treatment. +
Alternatives for the treatment of amyotrop … Alternatives for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are scarce and controversial. The etiology of neuronal vulnerability in ALS is being studied in motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells to determine the underlying mechanisms leading to selective loss of motor neurons. One such mechanism is associated with mitochondrial oxidative stress, Ca2+ overload, and low expression of Ca2+-buffering proteins. Therefore, in order to elicit neuronal death in ALS, NSC-34 cells were exposed to the following cytotoxic agents: (1) a mixture of oligomycin 10 µM and rotenone 30 µM (O/R), or (2) phenylarsine oxide 1 µM (PAO) (to mimic excess free radical production during mitochondrial dysfunction), and (3) veratridine 100 µM (VTD) (to induce overload of Na(+) and Ca2+ and to alter distribution of Ca2+-buffering proteins [parvalbumin and calbindin-D28k]). Thus, the aim of the study was to test the novel neuroprotective compound ITH33/IQM9.21 (ITH33) and to compare it with riluzole on ''in vitro'' models of neurotoxicity. Cell viability measured with MTT showed that only ITH33 protected against O/R at 3 μM and PAO at 10 μM, but not riluzole. ITH33 and riluzole were neuroprotective against VTD, blocked the maximum peak and the number of [Ca2+]c oscillations per cell, and restored the effect on parvalbumin. However, only riluzole reversed the effect on calbindin-D28k levels. Therefore, ITH33 was neuroprotective against oxidative stress and Na+/Ca2+ overload, both of which are involved in ALS.ainst oxidative stress and Na+/Ca2+ overload, both of which are involved in ALS. +
Although Alzheimer's disease (AD)'s underl … Although Alzheimer's disease (AD)'s underlying pathophysiology is incompletely understood, reductions in mitochondrial bioenergetics are observed during AD development. Reductions in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability can reduce cerebral blood flow, promote the deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ), and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, pathological elevations in NO can also inhibit mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial quality control. High-Fat Diets (HFD) are associated with reductions in NO bioavailability and AD development. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effects of dietary NO donors (Na+-nitrite and citrulline) on mitochondrial bioenergetics in female APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) fed a HFD.We fed 10-week-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice, and their littermate controls (wild-type, WT) either a normal chow diet, HFD, or HFD supplemented with a NO promoter (Na+-nitrite or L-citrulline) for six months. Specifically, 100 mg/L Na+-nitrite or 2.5 mM L-citrulline was provided in their drinking water. The mice were euthanized, and the hypothalami were carefully dissected out and placed in ice-cold BIOPS. The hypothalami were homogenized in a mitochondrial respiration media (MiR05-Kit, pH 7.1).We used high-resolution respirometry (HRR, Oroboros O2k) coupled with a standardized substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor-titration (SUIT) protocol to measure respiration rates in duplicate during LEAK (State 4), OXPHOS capacity (State 3), and electron transfer capacity (ET) states in permeabilized hypothalami homogenates at 37 °C and O2 concentrations between ~450 µM and ~150 µM. We supplement the MiR05 with α-chaconine (40 µM) to chemically permeabilize the plasma membranes and synaptosomes. First, we measured NADH-linked LEAK respiration (N''L'') in the presence of pyruvate (5 mM), malate (2 mM), and glutamate (10 mM) in the absence of ADP. We measured NADH-Linked OXPHOS (N''P'') following the addition of a saturating concentration of ADP-Mg++ (5 mM). Next, we assessed the mitochondrial membrane integrity using cytochrome ''c'' (10 µM). We measured NS-linked OXPHOS (NS''P'') after the addition of succinate (10 mM). Next, we titrated in carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP) (0.5 µM/step) to achieve NS-linked ET capacity (NS''E''). Next, we titrated rotenone (0.5 µM) to measure succinate-linked ET capacity (S''E''), followed by the titration of glycerol-3-phosphate (15 mM) to measure SGp-linked ET capacity (SGp''E''). Finally, we added antimycin A (2.5 µM) to measure residual oxygen consumption (''Rox''). The respiration rates were normalized per mg mass [pmol·s-1·mg-1], referred to as oxygen flux (''J''O2).The final body and fat masses of HFD-fed APP/PS1 mice (48.2 g & 17.7 g) were significantly higher than those of HFD-fed WT mice (42.4 g & 14.3 g). NO donors (Na+-nitrite or citrulline) had no effect on body mass or fat mass. There was a significant group effect (''p''<0.05) effect on OXPHOS and ET capacity. Specifically, the APS/PS1 mice had significantly lower OXPHOS and ET capacity while on the HFD compared to WT. The NO donors (Na+-nitrite or citrulline) could rescue the OXPHOS and ET capacity in the APS/PS1 mice fed a HFD.In summary, the APS/PS1 mice had lower OXPHOS and ET capacity than their WT controls while on an HFD. Physiologically relevant NO donors may provide an opportunity to mitigate some of the negative consequences of AD pathology.n the APS/PS1 mice fed a HFD. In summary, the APS/PS1 mice had lower OXPHOS and ET capacity than their WT controls while on an HFD. Physiologically relevant NO donors may provide an opportunity to mitigate some of the negative consequences of AD pathology. +
Although Neanderthals are extinct, fragmen … Although Neanderthals are extinct, fragments of their genomes persist in contemporary humans. Here we show that while the genome-wide frequency of Neanderthal-like sites is approximately constant across all contemporary out-of-Africa populations, genes involved in lipid catabolism contain more than threefold excess of such sites in contemporary humans of European descent. Evolutionally, these genes show significant association with signatures of recent positive selection in the contemporary European, but not Asian or African populations. Functionally, the excess of Neanderthal-like sites in lipid catabolism genes can be linked with a greater divergence of lipid concentrations and enzyme expression levels within this pathway, seen in contemporary Europeans, but not in the other populations. We conclude that sequence variants that evolved in Neanderthals may have given a selective advantage to anatomically modern humans that settled in the same geographical areas.at settled in the same geographical areas. +
Although Tibetans and Sherpa present sever … Although Tibetans and Sherpa present several physiological adjustments evolved to cope with selective pressures imposed by the high altitude environment, especially hypobaric hypoxia, few selective sweeps at a limited number of hypoxia related genes were confirmed by multiple genomic studies. Nevertheless, variants at these loci were found to be associated only with downregulation of the erythropoietic cascade, which represents an indirect aspect of the considered adaptive phenotype. Accordingly, the genetic basis of Tibetan/Sherpa adaptive traits remains to be fully elucidated, in part due to limitations of selection scans implemented so far and mostly relying on the hard sweep model.In order to overcome this issue, we used whole genome sequence data and several selection statistics as input for gene network analyses aimed at testing for the occurrence of polygenic adaptation in these high-altitude Himalayan populations. Being able to detect also subtle genomic signatures ascribable to weak positive selection at multiple genes of the same functional subnetwork, this approach allowed us to infer adaptive evolution at loci individually showing small effect sizes, but belonging to highly interconnected biological pathways overall involved in angiogenetic processes.Therefore, these findings pinpointed a series of selective events neglected so far, which likely contributed to the augmented tissue blood perfusion observed in Tibetans and Sherpa, thus uncovering the genetic determinants of a key biological mechanism that underlies their adaptation to high altitude.derlies their adaptation to high altitude. +
Although a burst of oxidants has been well … Although a burst of oxidants has been well described with reperfusion, less is known about the oxidants generated by the highly reduced redox state and low O(2) of ischemia. This study aimed to further identify the species and source of these oxidants. Cardiomyocytes were exposed to 1 h of simulated ischemia while oxidant generation was assessed by intracellular dihydroethidine (DHE) oxidation. Ischemia increased DHE oxidation significantly (0.7 +/- 0.1 to 2.3 +/- 0.3) after 1 h. Myxothiazol (mitochondrial site III inhibitor) attenuated oxidation to 1.3 +/- 0.1, as did the site I inhibitors rotenone (1.0 +/- 0.1), amytal (1.1 +/- 0.1), and the flavoprotein oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (0.9 +/- 0.1). By contrast, the site IV inhibitor cyanide, as well as inhibitors of xanthine oxidase (allopurinol), nitric oxide synthase (nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), and NADPH oxidase (apocynin), had no effect. Finally, DHE oxidation increased with Cu- and Zn-containing superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibition using diethyldithiocarbamate (2.7 +/- 0.1) and decreased with exogenous SOD (1.1 +/- 0.1). We conclude that significant superoxide generation occurs during ischemia before reperfusion from the ubisemiquinone site of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.he mitochondrial electron transport chain. +
Although advances in cardiopulmonary resus … Although advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation have improved survival from cardiac arrest (CA), neurologic injury persists and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics may be critical for targeted neuroresuscitation. The authors sought to determine if excellent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and postresuscitation care and good traditional survival rates result in persistently disordered cerebral mitochondrial bioenergetics in a porcine pediatric model of asphyxia-associated ventricular fibrillation CA.After 7 minutes of asphyxia, followed by ventricular fibrillation, 5 female 1-month-old swine (4 sham) received blood pressure-targeted care: titration of compression depth to systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg and vasopressor administration to a coronary perfusion pressure >20 mm Hg. All animals received protocol-based vasopressor support after return of spontaneous circulation for 4 hours before they were killed. The primary outcome was integrated mitochondrial electron transport system (ET-pathway) function. CA animals displayed significantly decreased maximal, coupled oxidative phosphorylating respiration (OXPHOSCI + CII) in cortex (P<0.02) and hippocampus (P<0.02), as well as decreased phosphorylation and coupling efficiency (cortex, P<0.05; hippocampus, P<0.05). Complex I- and complex II-driven respiration were both significantly decreased after CA (cortex: OXPHOSCI P<0.01, ETSCII P<0.05; hippocampus: OXPHOSCI P<0.03, ETSCII P<0.01). In the hippocampus, there was a significant decrease in maximal uncoupled, nonphosphorylating respiration (ETSCI + CII), as well as a 30% reduction in citrate synthase activity (P<0.04).Mitochondria in both the cortex and hippocampus displayed significant alterations in respiratory function after CA despite excellent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and postresuscitation care in asphyxia-associated ventricular fibrillation CA. Analysis of integrated ET-pathway function identifies mitochondrial bioenergetic failure as a target for goal-directed neuroresuscitation after CA. IACUC Protocol: IAC 13-001023.oal-directed neuroresuscitation after CA. IACUC Protocol: IAC 13-001023. +
Although classically appreciated for their … Although classically appreciated for their role as the powerhouse of the cell, the metabolic functions of mitochondria reach far beyond bioenergetics. In this Review, we discuss how mitochondria catabolize nutrients for energy, generate biosynthetic precursors for macromolecules, compartmentalize metabolites for the maintenance of redox homeostasis and function as hubs for metabolic waste management. We address the importance of these roles in both normal physiology and in disease. in both normal physiology and in disease. +
Although cyclosporin (CsA) is considered t … Although cyclosporin (CsA) is considered to be the best immunosuppressive molecule in transplantation, it has been suspected to alter mitochondrial respiration of various tissues.We evaluated the acute effect of CsA and its vehicle on maximal oxidative capacity (Vmax) of cardiac, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles of rats by an oxygraphic method in saponin skinned muscle fibres. The effects of Sandimmun (a formulation of CsA), vehicle of Sandimmun (cremophor and ethanol (EtOH)), CsA in EtOH and EtOH alone were tested. Increasing concentrations (5 – 20 – 50 – 100 μM) of CsA (or vehicles) were used.Sandimmun profoundly altered the Vmax of all muscles. For example, at 20 μM, inhibition reached 18±3, 23±5, 45±5%, for heart, soleus and gastrocnemius respectively. There were only minor effects of CsA diluted in EtOH and EtOH alone on Vmax of cardiac muscle. Because the effects of vehicle on Vmax were similar or higher than those of Sandimmun, the inhibition of oxidative capacity could be entirely attributed to the vehicle for all muscles.Next, we investigated the potential sites of action of the vehicle on the different complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain by using specific substrates and inhibitors. The vehicle affected mitochondrial respiration mainly at the level of complex I (≈−85 % in skeletal muscles, and −32 % in heart), but also at complex IV (≈−26 % for all muscles).The mechanism of action of the vehicle on the mitochondrial membrane and the implications for the clinical use of immunosuppressive drugs are discussed. of immunosuppressive drugs are discussed. +
Although diabetes mellitus is known to be … Although diabetes mellitus is known to be a disease associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, not everything is clear about mitochondrial Ca2+ transport and Ca2+-induced permeability transition in diabetic cells. The objective of this work was to study the operation of MCU and Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial permeabilization in the liver cells of Sprague-Dawley rats under the streptozotocin-induced type I diabetes. It was shown that two weeks after the induction of diabetes, the rate of Ca2+ uptake by the mitochondria of diabetic animals increased ~1.4-fold. The expression of MCU and MICU1 subunits did not change, yet the quantity of dominant-negative MCUb channel subunits was almost twice as lower. The organelles also became more resistant to the induction of CsA-sensitive MPT pore and less resistant to the induction of CsA-insensitive palmitate/Ca2+-induced pore. The mitochondria of diabetic liver cells also showed changes in the lipid matrix of their membranes. The content of fatty acids in the membranes grew, and microviscosity of the lipid bilayer (assessed with laurdan) increased. At the same time, lipid peroxidation (assessed by the production of malonic dialdehyde) was stimulated. The paper discusses the consequences of the diabetes-related changes in mitochondria in the context of cell physiology.es the consequences of the diabetes-related changes in mitochondria in the context of cell physiology. +
Although elevated cholesterol and other re … Although elevated cholesterol and other recognised cardiovascular risk factors are important in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack, the susceptibility of humans to this fatal process is distinct from other animals. Mitochondrial dysfunction of cells in the arterial wall, particularly the endothelium, has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. In this manuscript, we review the established evidence and mechanisms in detail and explore the potential opportunities arising from analysing mitochondrial function in patient-derived cells such as endothelial colony-forming cells easily cultured from venous blood. We discuss how emerging technology and knowledge may allow us to measure mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and risk management. We also discuss the "pros and cons" of animal models of atherosclerosis, and how patient-derived cell models may provide opportunities to develop novel therapies relevant for humans. Finally, we review several targets that potentially alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction working both via direct and indirect mechanisms and evaluate the effect of several classes of compounds in the cardiovascular context.f compounds in the cardiovascular context. +
Although incidence and prevalence of predi … Although incidence and prevalence of prediabetes are increasing, little is known about its cardiac effects. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effect of prediabetes on cardiac function and to characterize parameters and pathways associated with deteriorated cardiac performance. Long-Evans rats were fed with either control or high-fat chow for 21 wk and treated with a single low dose (20 mg/kg) of streptozotocin at week 4 High-fat and streptozotocin treatment induced prediabetes as characterized by slightly elevated fasting blood glucose, impaired glucose and insulin tolerance, increased visceral adipose tissue and plasma leptin levels, as well as sensory neuropathy. In prediabetic animals, a mild diastolic dysfunction was observed, the number of myocardial lipid droplets increased, and left ventricular mass and wall thickness were elevated; however, no molecular sign of fibrosis or cardiac hypertrophy was shown. In prediabetes, production of reactive oxygen species was elevated in subsarcolemmal mitochondria. Expression of mitofusin-2 was increased, while the phosphorylation of phospholamban and expression of Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3, a marker of mitophagy) decreased. However, expression of other markers of cardiac auto- and mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation, heat shock proteins, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, mammalian target of rapamycin, or apoptotic pathways were unchanged in prediabetes. This is the first comprehensive analysis of cardiac effects of prediabetes indicating that mild diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy are multifactorial phenomena that are associated with early changes in mitophagy, cardiac lipid accumulation, and elevated oxidative stress and that prediabetes-induced oxidative stress originates from the subsarcolemmal mitochondria.tress originates from the subsarcolemmal mitochondria. +
Although insulin-like growth factor-1 rece … Although insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) has been accepted as a major determinant of cancers, its biological roles and corresponding mechanisms in tumorigenesis have remained elusive. Herein, we demonstrate that IGF-1R plays pivotal roles in the regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain and functions during colitis and tumorigenesis. Heterozygous knockout IGF-1R attenuated azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and colitis associated cancer (CAC) in Igf1r+/- mice. Heterozygous knockout IGF-1R confers resistance to oxidative stress-induced damage on colorectal epithelial cells by protecting mitochondrial dynamics and structures. IGF-1R low expression improves the biological function of mitochondrial fusion under oxidative stress. Mechanically, an increase in respiratory coupling index (RCI) and oxidative phosphorylation index (ADP/O) was seen in colorectal epithelial cells of Igf1r+/- mice. Seahorse XFe-24 analyzer analysis of mitochondrial bioenergetics demonstrated an increase in oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and a decrease of extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in Igf1r+/- cells. Further analysis suggests the protection mechanisms of Igf1r+/- cells from oxidative stress through the activation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and LKB1/AMPK pathways. These results highlight the biological roles of IGF-1R at the nexus between oxidative damage and mitochondrial function and a connection between colitis and colorectal cancer.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.een colitis and colorectal cancer. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Although it has long been known that mitoc … Although it has long been known that mitochondria take up Ca2+, the molecular identities of the channels and transporters involved in this process were revealed only recently. Here, we discuss the recent work that has led to the characterization of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex, which includes the channel-forming subunit MCU (mitochondrial calcium uniporter) and its regulators MICU1, MICU2, MCUb, EMRE, MCUR1 and miR-25. We review not only the biochemical identities and structures of the proteins required for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake but also their implications in different physiopathological contexts. in different physiopathological contexts. +
Although it is well known that selective i … Although it is well known that selective intra-arterial cooling (SI-AC) elicits cerebral protection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether SI-AC can protect against cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction through regulation of Sirt3 deSUMOylation via SENP1.All mice were subjected to 2 h of cerebral ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion. SI-AC treatment was performed by infusion with cold saline (10 °C, 20 mL/kg) for 15 min through a microcatheter placed in the internal carotid artery immediately before reperfusion. The infarct volume, survival rate, neurological deficit scores, behavioral parameters, histopathology findings, and apoptosis were assessed. HT22 cells were subjected to 2 h of oxygen and sugar deprivation (OGD) and 22 h of reoxygenation. HA-SUMO1, Flag-Sirt3, a Sirt3 mutation plasmid (Flag-Sirt3 K288R), His-SENP1, and SENP1 small interfering RNA were transfected into HT22 cells 48 h before OGD. Apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed by western blotting. SUMOylation of Sirt3, acetylation of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2), the activities of COX1, SOD2, and IDH2, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction were evaluated.Compared with the I/R group, SI-AC decreased cerebral infarct volume and neurological deficit scores and increased motor coordination, exploratory behavior, and memory. Hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining showed that SI-CA decreased karyopyknosis, nuclear fragmentation, and nucleolysis, increased neuron density, and decreased the cell apoptosis rate. In addition, Sirt3 was revealed as a target protein of SUMO1. SI-AC attenuated cerebral I/R injury through Sirt3 deSUMOylation via SENP1.SENP1-mediated deSUMOylation of Sirt3 plays an essential role in SI-AC-induced cerebral protection against I/R injury. Our findings provide a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of acute cerebral I/R injury.or treatment of acute cerebral I/R injury. +
Although many researches regarding risk fa … Although many researches regarding risk factors for hypertension have been reported, little information is known about the effect of BMI on the prevalence of hypertension considering sex differences. The aim of this study was to examine the sex difference in the prevalence of hypertension with the predicting indicator BMI. A total number of 6330 subjects in Shaanxi were examined using multivariable logistic regression to study the relationship between genders in different levels of BMI and prevalence of hypertension. Overall, females had a higher prevalence of hypertension than males, being 28.36 % and 21.55 %, respectively. The mean of blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension increased as BMI getting larger. The result of multivariable logistic regression showed that obese and overweight males had higher risk of getting hypertension than their female counterparts. Further prevention of hypertension should be focused on obese and overweight males more than females and examining the mechanism of how sex differences influence the prevalence of hypertension. influence the prevalence of hypertension. +
Although mature myocytes rely on mitochond … Although mature myocytes rely on mitochondria as the primary source of energy, the role of mitochondria in the developing heart is not well known. Here, we find that closure of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) drives maturation of mitochondrial structure and function and myocyte differentiation. Cardiomyocytes at embryonic day (E) 9.5, when compared to E13.5, displayed fragmented mitochondria with few cristae, a less-polarized mitochondrial membrane potential, higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and an open mPTP. Pharmacologic and genetic closing of the mPTP yielded maturation of mitochondrial structure and function, lowered ROS, and increased myocyte differentiation (measured by counting Z bands). Furthermore, myocyte differentiation was inhibited and enhanced with oxidant and antioxidant treatment, respectively, suggesting that redox-signaling pathways lie downstream of mitochondria to regulate cardiac myocyte differentiation. regulate cardiac myocyte differentiation. +
Although microRNA-7 (miRNA-7) is known to … Although microRNA-7 (miRNA-7) is known to regulate proliferation of cancer cells by targeting Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ERBB) family, less is known about its role in cardiac physiology. Transgenic (Tg) mouse with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of miRNA-7 was generated to determine its role in cardiac physiology and pathology. Echocardiography on the miRNA-7 Tg mice showed cardiac dilation instead of age-associated physiological cardiac hypertrophy observed in non-Tg control mice. Subjecting miRNA-7 Tg mice to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) resulted in cardiac dilation associated with increased fibrosis bypassing the adaptive cardiac hypertrophic response to TAC. miRNA-7 expression in cardiomyocytes resulted in significant loss of ERBB2 expression with no changes in ERBB1 (EGFR). Cardiac proteomics in the miRNA-7 Tg mice showed significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane structural proteins compared to NTg reflecting role of miRNA-7 beyond the regulation of EGFR/ERRB in mediating cardiac dilation. Consistently, electron microscopy showed that miRNA-7 Tg hearts had disorganized rounded mitochondria that was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings show that expression of miRNA-7 in the cardiomyocytes results in cardiac dilation instead of adaptive hypertrophic response during aging or to TAC providing insights on yet to be understood role of miRNA-7 in cardiac function.stood role of miRNA-7 in cardiac function. +
Although mitochondria are presumed to emit … Although mitochondria are presumed to emit and consume reactive oxygen species (ROS), the quantitative interplay between the two processes in ROS regulation is not well understood. Here, we probed the role of mitochondrial bioenergetics in H2O2 metabolism using rainbow trout liver and heart mitochondria. Both liver and heart mitochondria emitted H2O2 at rates that depended on their metabolic state, with the emission rates (free radical leak) constituting 0.8 to 2.9% and 0.2 to 2.5% of the respiration rate in liver and heart mitochondria, respectively. When presented with exogenous H2O2, liver and heart mitochondria consumed it by first order reactions with half-lives (s) of 117 and 210, and rate constants of 5.96 and 3.37 (× 10-3 s-1), respectively. The mitochondrial bioenergetic status greatly affected the rate of H2O2 consumption in heart but not liver mitochondria. Moreover, the activities and contribution of H2O2 scavenging systems varied between liver and heart mitochondria. The significance of the scavenging systems ranked by the magnitude (%) of inhibition of H2O2 removal after correcting for emission were, liver (un-energized and energized): catalase > glutathione (GSH) ≥ thioredoxin reductase (TrxR); un-energized heart mitochondria: catalase > TrxR > GSH and energized heart mitochondria: GSH > TrxR > catalase. Notably, depletion of GSH evoked a massive surge in H2O2 emission that grossly masked the contribution of this pathway to H2O2 scavenging in heart mitochondria. Irrespective of the organ of their origin, mitochondria behaved as H2O2 regulators that emitted or consumed it depending on the ambient H2O2 concentration, mitochondrial bioenergetic state and activity of the scavenging enzyme systems. Indeed, manipulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics and H2O2 scavenging systems caused mitochondria to switch from being net consumers to net emitters of H2O2. Overall, our data suggest that the low levels of H2O2 typically present in cells would favor emission of this metabolite but the scavenging systems would prevent its accumulation.cavenging systems caused mitochondria to switch from being net consumers to net emitters of H2O2. Overall, our data suggest that the low levels of H2O2 typically present in cells would favor emission of this metabolite but the scavenging systems would prevent its accumulation. +
Although mitochondria are presumed to emit … Although mitochondria are presumed to emit and consume reactive oxygen species (ROS), the quantitative interplay between the two processes in ROS regulation is not well understood. Here, we probed the role of mitochondrial bioenergetics in H2O2 metabolism using rainbow trout liver and heart mitochondria. Both liver and heart mitochondria emitted H2O2 at rates that depended on their metabolic state, with the emission rates (free radical leak) constituting 0.8-2.9% and 0.2-2.5% of the respiration rate in liver and heart mitochondria, respectively. When presented with exogenous H2O2, liver and heart mitochondria consumed it by first order reactions with half-lives (s) of 117 and 210, and rate constants of 5.96 and 3.37 (× 10-3 s-1), respectively. The mitochondrial bioenergetic status greatly affected the rate of H2O2 consumption in heart but not liver mitochondria. Moreover, the activities and contribution of H2O2 scavenging systems varied between liver and heart mitochondria. The significance of the scavenging systems ranked by the magnitude (%) of inhibition of H2O2 removal after correcting for emission were, liver (un-energized and energized): catalase > glutathione (GSH) ≥ thioredoxin reductase (TrxR); un-energized heart mitochondria: catalase > TrxR > GSH and energized heart mitochondria: GSH > TrxR > catalase. Notably, depletion of GSH evoked a massive surge in H2O2 emission that grossly masked the contribution of this pathway to H2O2 scavenging in heart mitochondria. Irrespective of the organ of their origin, mitochondria behaved as H2O2 regulators that emitted or consumed it depending on the ambient H2O2 concentration, mitochondrial bioenergetic state and activity of the scavenging enzyme systems. Indeed, manipulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics and H2O2 scavenging systems caused mitochondria to switch from being net consumers to net emitters of H2O2. Overall, our data suggest that the low levels of H2O2 typically present in cells would favor emission of this metabolite but the scavenging systems would prevent its accumulation.cavenging systems caused mitochondria to switch from being net consumers to net emitters of H2O2. Overall, our data suggest that the low levels of H2O2 typically present in cells would favor emission of this metabolite but the scavenging systems would prevent its accumulation. +
Although mitochondria have a central role … Although mitochondria have a central role in energy transduction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the regulatory mechanisms and their involvement in plant stress signaling are not fully established. The phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) is an important regulator of mitochondria-mediated ROS production and defense signaling. The role of SA and adenine nucleotides in the regulation of the mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex activity and ROS production was analyzed using WT, RNAi SDH1-1 and disrupted stress response 1 (dsr1) mutants, which show a point mutation in SDH1 subunit and are defective in SA signaling. Our results showed that SA and adenine nucleotides regulate SDH complex activity by distinct patterns, contributing to increased SDH-derived ROS production. As previously demonstrated, SA induces the succinate-quinone reductase activity of SDH complex, acting at or near the ubiquinone binding site. On the other hand, here we demonstrated that adenine nucleotides, such as AMP, ADP and ATP, induce the SDH activity provided by the SDH1 subunit. The regulation of SDH activity by adenine nucleotides is dependent on mitochondrial integrity and is prevented by atractyloside, an inhibitor of adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), suggesting that the regulatory mechanism occurs on the mitochondrial matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane, and not in the intermembrane space, as previously suggested. On the other hand, in the intermembrane space, ADP and ATP limit mitochondrial oxygen consumption by a mechanism that appears to be related to cytochrome bc1 complex inhibition. Altogether, these results indicate that SA signaling and adenine nucleotides regulate the mitochondrial electron transport system and mitochondria-derived ROS production by direct effect in the electron transport system complexes, bringing new insights into mechanisms with direct implications in plant development and responses to different environmental responses, serving as a starting point for future physiological explorations.int for future physiological explorations. +
Although mitochondrial deficiency in cance … Although mitochondrial deficiency in cancer has been described by Warburg, many years ago, the mechanisms underlying this impairment remain essentially unknown. Many types of cancer cells are concerned and, in particular, clear cell renal carcinoma (CCRC). In this cancer, the tumor suppressor gene, VHL (von Hippel-Lindau factor) is invalidated. Previous studies have shown that the transfection of the VHL gene in VHL-deficient cells originating from CCRCs could suppress their ability to form tumors when they were injected into nude mice. However, various additional genetic alterations are observed in such cancer cells. In order to investigate whether VHL invalidation was related to the mitochondrial impairment, we have studied the effects of wild-type VHL transfection into VHL-deficient 786-0 or RCC10 cells on their oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunit contents and functions. We show that the presence of wild-type VHL protein (pVHL) increased mitochondrial DNA and respiratory chain protein contents and permitted the cells to rely on their mitochondrial ATP production to grow in the absence of glucose. In parallel to mtDNA increase, the presence of pVHL up regulated the mitochondrial transcription factor A, as shown by western blot analysis. In conclusion, in CCRCs, pVHL deficiency is one of the factors responsible for down-regulation of the biogenesis of OXPHOS complexes.ion of the biogenesis of OXPHOS complexes. +
Although mitochondrial dysfunction is ofte … Although mitochondrial dysfunction is often accompanied by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, we previously showed that an increase in random somatic mtDNA mutations does not result in increased oxidative stress. Normal levels of ROS and oxidative stress could also be a result of an active compensatory mechanism such as a mild increase in proton leak. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) was proposed to play such a role in many physiological situations. However, we show that upregulation of UCP2 in mtDNA mutator mice is not associated with altered proton leak kinetics or ROS production, challenging the current view on the role of UCP2 in energy metabolism. Instead, our results argue that high UCP2 levels allow better utilization of fatty acid oxidation resulting in a beneficial effect on mitochondrial function in heart, postponing systemic lactic acidosis and resulting in longer lifespan in these mice. This study proposes a novel mechanism for an adaptive response to mitochondrial cardiomyopathy that links changes in metabolism to amelioration of respiratory chain deficiency and longer lifespan.tory chain deficiency and longer lifespan. +
Although mitochondrial dysfunction is thou … Although mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to contribute to the development of posttraumatic organ failure, current techniques to assess mitochondrial function in tissues are invasive and clinically impractical. We hypothesized that mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) would reflect cellular respiration in other organs during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.Using a fixed-pressure HS model, Long-Evans rats were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg. When blood pressure could no longer be sustained without intermittent fluid infusion (decompensated HS), lactated Ringer's solution was incrementally infused to maintain the mean arterial pressure at 40 mmHg until 40% of the shed blood volume was returned (severe HS). Animals were then resuscitated with 4× total shed volume in lactated Ringer's solution over 60 min (resuscitation). Control animals underwent the same surgical procedures, but were not hemorrhaged. Animals were randomized to control (''n'' = 6), decompensated HS (''n'' = 6), severe HS (''n'' = 6), or resuscitation (''n'' = 6) groups. Kidney, liver, and heart tissues as well as PBMCs were harvested from animals in each group to measure mitochondrial oxygen consumption using high-resolution respirometry. Flow cytometry was used to assess mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm) in PBMCs. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were performed.Mitochondrial oxygen consumption decreased in all tissues, including PBMCs, following decompensated HS, severe HS, and resuscitation. However, the degree of impairment varied significantly across tissues during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Of the tissues investigated, PBMC mitochondrial oxygen consumption and Ψm provided the closest correlation to kidney mitochondrial function during HS (complex I: ''r'' = 0.65; complex II: ''r'' = 0.65; complex IV: ''r'' = 0.52; ''P'' < 0.05). This association, however, disappeared with resuscitation. A weaker association between PBMC and heart mitochondrial function was observed, but no association was noted between PBMC and liver mitochondrial function.All tissues including PBMCs demonstrated significant mitochondrial dysfunction following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Although PBMC and kidney mitochondrial function correlated well during hemorrhagic shock, the variability in mitochondrial response across tissues over the spectrum of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation limits the usefulness of using PBMCs as a proxy for tissue-specific cellular respiration.oxy for tissue-specific cellular respiration. +
Although mitochondrial respiration is decr … Although mitochondrial respiration is decreased in most cancer cells, the role of this decrease in carcinogenesis and cancer progression is still unclear. To better understand this phenomenon, instead of further inhibiting mitochondrial function, we induced mitochondrial biogenesis in transformed cells by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α [[PGC-1alpha|(PGC-1α)]] pathways. This was achieved by treating the cells with bezafibrate, a PPARs panagonist that also enhances [[PGC-1α]] expression. We confirmed that bezafibrate treatment led to increased mitochondrial proteins and enzyme functions. We found that cells with increased mitochondrial biogenesis had decreased growth rates in glucose-containing medium. In addition, they became less invasive, which was directly linked to the reduced lactate levels. Surprisingly, even though bezafibrate-treated cells had higher levels of mitochondrial markers, total respiration was not significantly altered. However, respiratory coupling, and ATP levels were. Our data show that by increasing the efficiency of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system, cancer progression is hampered by decreases in cell proliferation and invasiveness.es in cell proliferation and invasiveness. +
Although most attention has been focused o … Although most attention has been focused on mitochondrial ATP production and transfer in failing hearts, less has been focused on the nonfailing hypertensive heart. Here, energetic complications are less obvious, yet they may provide insight into disease ontogeny. We studied hearts from 12-mo-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) relative to normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The ex vivo working-heart model of SHR showed reduced compliance and impaired responses to increasing preloads. High-resolution respirometry showed higher state 3 (with excess ADP) respiration in SHR left ventricle fibers with complex I substrates and maximal uncoupled respiration with complex I + complex II substrates. Respiration with ATP was depressed 15% in SHR fibers relative to WKY fibers, suggesting impaired ATP hydrolysis. This finding was consistent with a 50% depression of actomyosin ATPase activities. Superoxide production from SHR fibers was similar to that from WKY fibers respiring with ADP; however, it was increased by 15% with ATP. In addition, the apparent ''K''m for ADP was 54% higher for SHR fibers, and assays conducted after ''ex vivo'' work showed a 28% depression of complex I in SHR, but not WKY, fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed similar mitochondrial volumes but a decrease in the number of cristae in SHR mitochondria. Tissue lipid peroxidation was also 15% greater in SHR left ventricle. Overall, these data suggest that although cardiac mitochondria from nonfailing SHR hearts function marginally better than those from WKY hearts, they show dysfunction after intense work. Impaired ATP turnover in hard-working SHR hearts may starve cardiac mitochondria of ADP and elevate superoxide.ve cardiac mitochondria of ADP and elevate superoxide. +
Although on-line calorimetry has been wide … Although on-line calorimetry has been widely used to detect transitions in global metabolic activity during the growth of microorganisms, the relationships between oxygen consumption flux and heat production are poorly documented. In this work, we developed a respirometric and calorimetric approach to determine the enthalpy efficiency of respiration-linked energy transformation of isolated yeast mitochondria and yeast cells under growing and resting conditions. On isolated mitochondria, the analysis of different phosphorylating and non-phosphorylating steady states clearly showed that the simultaneous measurements of heat production and oxygen consumption rates can lead to the determination of both the enthalpy efficiency and the ATP/O yield of oxidative phosphorylation. However, these determinations were made possible only when the net enthalpy change associated with the phosphorylating system was different from zero. On whole yeast cells, it is shown that the simultaneous steady state measurements of the heat production and oxygen consumption rates allow the enthalpy growth efficiency (i.e. the amount of energy conserved as biomass compared to the energy utilised for complete catabolism plus anabolism) to be assessed. This method is based on the comparison between the calorimetric-respirometric ratio (CR ratio) determined under growth versus resting conditions during a purely aerobic metabolism. Therefore, in contrast to the enthalpy balance approach, this method does not rely on the exhaustive and tedious determinations of the metabolites and elemental composition of biomass. Thus, experiments can be performed in the presence of non-limiting amounts of carbon substrate, an approach which has been successfully applied to slow growing cells such as yeast cells expressing wild-type or a mutant rat uncoupling protein-1.type or a mutant rat uncoupling protein-1. +
Although originally defined as harmful byp … Although originally defined as harmful byproducts of aerobic metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are currently believed to play a critical role in downstream signaling, which regulates protein kinases, phosphatases, transcription factors and ion transport channels. However, mechanisms by which ROS is responsively produced, sensed and translated in cellular domains, especially neurons, remain elusive. Recently, NADPH oxidase (NOX), which is a multimeric enzyme that catalyzes the production of superoxide (O2•) from O2 and NADPH and was originally identified in neutrophils as essential for the host response respiratory burst, has been shown to localize in the brain. The unexpected presence of NOX in neurons has led to the idea that NOX-induced ROS are important in non-host defense contexts; e.g. intracellular and intercellular redox signaling. In previous works, we showed that NOX is actively producing O2• in the brain and might therefore be an important element that influences redox homeostasis in health, disease, and aging. Questions on specific connections between NOX activation and neuronal dysfunctions remain open for exploration by unconventional experimental approaches capable of probing the implications of in vivo NOX assembly and activation. Here, we studied oxygen-consuming, superoxide-producing NOX basal as well as induced activities in synaptosomes. Isolated synaptosomes (severed nerve terminals) are studied because they contain all necessary components of a functional neuronal environment including ion channels, receptors, and mitochondria. We demonstrate the ability of the Oroboros Oxygraph-2k, in parallel with spin-trapping/labeling electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques, to study sources and dynamics of ROS in synaptosomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the Oroboros system has been employed to quantify NOX activity in synaptosomes. to quantify NOX activity in synaptosomes. +
Although oxygen levels in the extracellula … Although oxygen levels in the extracellular space of most mammalian tissues are just a few percent, under standard cell culture conditions they are not regulated and are often substantially higher. Some cellular sources of reactive oxygen species, like NADPH oxidase 4, are sensitive to oxygen levels in the range between 'normal' physiological (typically 1-5%) and standard cell culture (up to 18%). Hydrogen peroxide in particular participates in signal transduction pathways via protein redox modifications, so the potential increase in its production under standard cell culture conditions is important to understand. We measured the rates of cellular hydrogen peroxide production in some common cell lines, including C2C12, PC-3, HeLa, SH-SY5Y, MCF-7, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) maintained at 18% or 5% oxygen. In all instances the rate of hydrogen peroxide production by these cells was significantly greater at 18% oxygen than at 5%. The increase in hydrogen peroxide production at higher oxygen levels was either abolished or substantially reduced by treatment with GKT 137831, a selective inhibitor of NADPH oxidase subunits 1 and 4. These data indicate that oxygen levels experienced by cells in culture influence hydrogen peroxide production via NADPH oxidase 1/4, highlighting the importance of regulating oxygen levels in culture near physiological values. However, we measured pericellular oxygen levels adjacent to cell monolayers under a variety of conditions and with different cell lines and found that, particularly when growing at 5% incubator oxygen levels, pericellular oxygen was often lower and variable. Together, these observations indicate the importance, and difficulty, of regulating oxygen levels experienced by cells in culture.en levels experienced by cells in culture. +
Although pathological alterations in gene … Although pathological alterations in gene expression and mitochondria function in response to cardiac ischemia are well recognized, the mechanisms driving these changes are incompletely understood. Nuclear to mitochondrial communication regulating gene expression and mitochondrial function is a critical process following cardiac ischemic injury. Here we determine that cyclin C, a component of the transcriptional regulator, Mediator complex, directly regulates cardiac and mitochondrial function by modifying mitochondrial fission. We tested the hypothesis that cyclin C has a binary function as a transcriptional cofactor in the nucleus and acute regulation of cardiac energetics in ischemia by enhancing mitochondrial fission in the cytoplasm.In response to stress, cyclin C translocates to the cytoplasm enhancing mitochondria fission in part through interactions with Cdk1. Using cardiac specific cyclin C knockout and overexpression mouse models, we determined cyclin C regulates mitochondria morphology under basal and ischemic conditions ''in vivo''. Furthermore, pretreatment with a Cdk1 inhibitor followed by ischemia ''in vivo'' results in reduced mitochondrial fission. Together, our study reveals that cyclin C regulates both hypertrophic gene expression and mitochondrial fission providing new insights into the regulation of cardiac energy metabolism following acute ischemic injury.etabolism following acute ischemic injury. +
Although restoration of mitochondrial func … Although restoration of mitochondrial function in mitochondrial diseases through peptide-mediated allogeneic mitochondrial delivery (PMD) has been demonstrated ''in vitro'', the ''in vivo'' therapeutic efficacy of PMD in Parkinson's disease (PD) has yet to be determined. In this study, we compared the functionality of mitochondrial transfer with or without Pep-1 conjugation in neurotoxin (6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OHDA)-induced PC12 cells and PD rat models. We injected mitochondria into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of the PD rats after subjecting the nigrostriatal pathway to a unilateral 6-OHDA lesion for 21 days, and we verified the effectiveness of the mitochondrial graft in enhancing mitochondrial function in the soma of the substantia nigra (SN) neuron through mitochondrial transport dynamics in the nigrostriatal circuit. The result demonstrated that only PMD with allogeneic and xenogeneic sources significantly sustained mitochondrial function to resist the neurotoxin-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic death in the rat PC12 cells. The remaining cells exhibited a greater capability of neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, allogeneic and xenogeneic transplantation of peptide-labeled mitochondria after 3 months improved the locomotive activity in the PD rats. This increase was accompanied by a marked decrease in dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and consistent enhancement of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive immunoreaction of dopaminergic neurons in the SNc and striatum. We also observed that in the SN dopaminergic neuron in the treated PD rats, mitochondrial complex I protein and mitochondrial dynamics were restored, thus ameliorating the oxidative DNA damage. Moreover, we determined signal translocation of graft allogeneic mitochondria from the MFB to the calbindin-positive SN neuron, which demonstrated the regulatory role of mitochondrial transport in alleviating 6-OHDA-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Although seasonal modifications of brown a … Although seasonal modifications of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in hibernators are well documented, we know little about functional regulation of BAT in different phases of hibernation. In the 13-lined ground squirrel, liver mitochondrial respiration is suppressed by up to 70% during torpor. This suppression is reversed during arousal and interbout euthermia (IBE), and corresponds with patterns of maximal activities of electron transport system (ET-pathway) enzymes. Uncoupling of BAT mitochondria is controlled by free fatty acid release stimulated by sympathetic activation of adipocytes, so we hypothesized that further regulation at the level of the ET-pathway would be of little advantage. As predicted, maximal ET-pathway enzyme activities of isolated BAT mitochondria did not differ between torpor and IBE. In contrast to this pattern, respiration rates of mitochondria isolated from torpid individuals were suppressed by ~60% compared with rates from IBE individuals when measured at 37°C. At 10°C, however, mitochondrial respiration rates tended to be greater in torpor than IBE. As a result, the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of mitochondrial respiration was significantly lower in torpor (~1.4) than IBE (~2.4), perhaps facilitating energy savings during entrance into torpor and thermogenesis at low body temperatures. Despite the observed differences in isolated mitochondria, norepinephrine-stimulated respiration rates of isolated BAT adipocytes did not differ between torpor and IBE, perhaps because the adipocyte isolation requires lengthy incubation at 37°C, potentially reversing any changes that occur in torpor. Such changes may include remodeling of BAT mitochondrial membrane phospholipids, which could change ''in situ'' enzyme activities and temperature sensitivities.Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.© 2017 the American Physiological Society. +
Although severe water loss is often detrim … Although severe water loss is often detrimental to life, some exceptional animals have developed mechanisms to survive water loss to 0.02–0.05 g H2O/g dry mass (anhydrobiosis). How the structural and functional integrity of the mitochondrion is maintained during desiccation and rehydration is currently not understood. The brine shrimp Artemia franciscana serves as an important model organism for anhydrobiosis. Desiccation tolerance in this animal is correlated with the accumulation of large amounts of highly hydrophilic macromolecules termed Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins. Most LEA proteins are intrinsically disordered in solution and thought to stabilize other proteins and membranes during desiccation [1]. Two mitochondrial targeted LEA proteins, AfrLEA3m and AfLEA1.3, have been described in A. franciscana and may help to maintain the integrity and functionality of the organelle when water is scarce [2, 3]. In order to evaluate the impact of AfLEA1.3 on water-stress tolerance of mitochondria the protein was transgenically expressed in Kc167 cells from the desiccation intolerant fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster [4]. A protein construct composed of AfLEA1.3 and green fluorescent protein was found to accumulate within mitochondria. Expression of AfLEA1.3 in non-permeabilized cells reduced mitochondrial proton leak by 20-30% in presence and absence of hyperosmotic stress. Oxygen consumption of permeabilized cells in presence of mixed substrates and ADP was 18% less inhibited by increasing concentrations of NaCl in cells expressing AfLEA1.3 compared to control cells. Mitochondria isolated from wild-type and AfLEA1.3 expressing cells showed a high respiratory control ratio (RCR) of 11.3 ± 1.4. Oxygen consumption in presence of ADP and substrates that supply NADH to Complex I were significantly reduced after freezing and thawing and this reduction was significantly greater in mitochondria from control cells (RCR = 7.3 ± 1.0) than in cells expressing AfLEA1.3 (RCR = 10.1 ± 0.7, ''P''< 0.05). Expression of AfLEA1.3 improved functions of mitochondria from D. melanogaster in several models of water stress. Protection was observed at hydration states in which AfLEA1.3 most likely lacks extensive secondary structure and the protein was most likely intrinsically disordered. AfLEA1.3 thus can operate outside the classic structure function paradigm. However, the observed effects afforded by the hydrated AfLEA1.3 protein do not preclude even greater stabilization of biological structure and function in the dried state.al structure and function in the dried state. +
Although some species of fish, crustaceans … Although some species of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs may behaviorally avoid hypoxic masses of small size and limited duration, others cannot. In a series of crustaceans, tolerance of hypoxia over 28 days at 30 °C, decreases as follows: ''Eurypanopeus depressus'' (38 Torr = LC50) > ''Palaemonetes pugio'' > ''Rhithropanopeus harrisii'' > ''Penaeus aztecus'' > ''Callinectes sapidus' (121 Torr = LC50). ''Callinectes sapidus'' and ''E. depressus'' die during 12-h exposure to anoxia and their heat dissipation rates (quantified by microcalorimetry) are depressed in seawater at 25 % air saturation (normoxia) to only 32 and 47 % of their metabolic rate at normoxia. In contrast, starved ''Crassostrea virginica'' and ''Thais haemastoma'' are anoxia tolerant; their metabolic rates are depressed under anoxia to 75 % and 9 % of the normoxic rate. Hypoxia tolerance is greater at 20 °C than at 30 °C for ''Penaeus aztecus'' and ''Crassostrea virginica'', but no temperature effect on tolerance exists for ''Callinectes sapidus''. Hypoxia tolerance varies inversely with salinity for Penaeus aztecus at 20 ° and 30 °C and for ''Callinectes sapidus'' at 30 °C, but it varies directly with salinity at 20 °C in ''Callinectes sapidus''. Greater depression of metabolic rate occurs in molluscs during anoxia exposure (and is correlated with greater hypoxia tolerance) than occurs in ''Callinectes sapidus'' and ''Penaeus aztecus'', which are not anoxia tolerant. Heavy mortality probably occurs in young ''Callinectes sapidus'' and ''Penaeus aztecus'' and in stages of the life history when the organisms are incapable of avoiding hypoxic water masses.anisms are incapable of avoiding hypoxic water masses. +
Although superoxide anions (O2.-) and H2O2 … Although superoxide anions (O2.-) and H2O2 are generally considered to be toxic by-products of respiration, recent evidence suggests that the production of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) might be an integral component of membrane receptor signaling. In mammalian cells, a variety of extracellular stimuli have recently been shown to induce a transient increase in the intracellular concentration of ROS, and specific inhibition of the ROS generation resulted in a complete blockage of stimulant-dependent signaling. In the next few years, therefore, a flurry of research activity is expected in relation to the elucidation of ROS production in response to receptor stimulation, identification of ROS target molecules, and investigation of ROS elimination. The goal of this report is to review our current knowledge of ROS-regulated signal transduction and propose future directions.ransduction and propose future directions. +
Although sustained predominantly by nutrie … Although sustained predominantly by nutrients obtained directly from the environment, metabolic requirements for both gametogenesis and general maintenance in an open-shore population of the bivalve mollusc ''Mytilus edulis'' L. from southwest England were also 'subsidized' from substantial energy reserves accumulated during periods of somatic growth. Depletion of these reserves over late winter was associated with a greater sensitivity in the rate of oxidative metabolism to exogenous nutrient availability, diminished metabolic efficiencies with which absorbed ration was utilized, and an associated increase in the instantaneous maintenance requirements. Absorption rates, which were nevertheless minimal during winter, are suggested to be endogenously regulated in a manner more indicative of time-averaged than immediate optimization. It is proposed that such regulation may be especially adaptive within ''M. edulis'', a sedentary species that experiences pronounced annual cycles of food availability, and in which costs deriving from feeding and associated activities are shown to add as much as 38 % to standard metabolic demands.uch as 38 % to standard metabolic demands. +
Although the collection of completely sequ … Although the collection of completely sequenced mitochondrial genomes is expanding rapidly, only recently has a phylogenetically broad representation of mtDNA sequences from protists (mostly unicellular eukaryotes) become available. This review surveys the 23 complete protist mtDNA sequences that have been determined to date, commenting on such aspects as mitochondrial genome structure, gene content, ribosomal RNA, introns, transfer RNAs and the genetic code and phylogenetic implications. We also illustrate the utility of a comparative genomics approach to gene identification by providing evidence that orfB in plant and protist mtDNAs is the homolog of atp8 , the gene in animal and fungal mtDNA that encodes subunit 8 of the F0portion of mitochondrial ATP synthase. Although several protist mtDNAs, like those of animals and most fungi, are seen to be highly derived, others appear to be have retained a number of features of the ancestral, proto-mitochondrial genome. Some of these ancestral features are also shared with plant mtDNA, although the latter have evidently expanded considerably in size, if not in gene content, in the course of evolution. Comparative analysis of protist mtDNAs is providing a new perspective on mtDNA evolution: how the original mitochondrial genome was organized, what genes it contained, and in what ways it must have changed in different eukaryotic phyla.ave changed in different eukaryotic phyla. +
Although the decrease of pyruvate secretio … Although the decrease of pyruvate secretion by brewer’s yeasts during fermentation has long been desired in the alcohol beverage industry, rather little is known about the regulation of pyruvate accumulation. In this study, we have characterized a previously developed a pyruvate undersecreting sake yeast obtained by isolating a strain (TCR7) tolerant to ethyl α-transcyanocinnamate, an inhibitor of pyruvate transport into mitochondria. To obtain insights into pyruvate metabolism, we investigated the mitochondrial activity of TCR7 by oxigraphy and 13C-metabolic flux analysis during aerobic growth . While mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation was higher, glycerol production was decreased in TCR7 compared to the reference. These results indicate that mitochondrial activity is elevated in the TCR7 strain with the consequence of decreased pyruvate accumulation. Surprisingly mitochondrial activity is much higher in the sake yeast compared to CEN.PK 113-7D, the reference strain in metabolic engineering. When shifted from aerobic to anaerobic conditions, sake yeast retains a branched mitochondrial structure for a longer time than laboratory strains. The regulation of mitochondrial activity can become a completely novel approach to manipulate metabolic profile during fermentation of brewer’s yeasts.[[File:Abstract Agrimi G Graphical.jpg|center|450px]]e:Abstract Agrimi G Graphical.jpg|center|450px]] +
Although the inhibition of succinic dehydr … Although the inhibition of succinic dehydrogenase by oxalacetate is a generally accepted fact, there is a paucity of data on the subject. In 1937Das (l), using a modified Thunberg technique, reported that the enzyme was 50 per cent inhibited by 2 X 1O-5 M oxalacetate when the succinateconcentration was 0.025 M. In 1939 Potter (2) reported that the oxidation of succinate by liver and kidney homogenates was inhibited bycozymase (DPN). Keilin and Hartree (3) and Mann and Quastel (4) attributed this effect, no doubt correctly, to the formation of oxalacetate,although no data on the effect of oxalacetate were presented. The inhibitory effect of DPN upon the succinate system was later studied bySwingle, Axelrod, and Elvehjem (5) who also determined the effect of oxalacetate upon the succinic dehydrogenase system by measuring oxygenuptake. They reported that at succinate concentrations of 0.045 M oxalacetate produced 98, 65, and 22 per cent inhibition at concentrations of50, 10, and 5 X 10e5 M. From the data given it is not possible to tell whether the inhibition was transitory, as will be shown below, or whetherthe experiments were of such short duration that the decreased inhibition was not revealed. Since we found that the inhibition declined with time,it is clear that the earlier experiments (1,5) cannot be accepted as quantitative measures of the inhibition by oxalacetate. They do, however, establish the fact that this substance has a remarkable affinity for the succinic enzyme; remarkable because it appears to be at least 1000 times greater than the affinity of the normal substrate for the enzyme, and because oxalacetate has been assumed to be formed in the course of succinate oxidation. If the physiologically formed oxalacetate were as toxic to succinate oxidation as added oxalacetate, the inhibition would have profound regulatory effects upon oxidative metabolism. Such does not seem to be the case, however, although the reasons are as yet obscure....hough the reasons are as yet obscure. ... +
Although the intermittent Pringle maneuver … Although the intermittent Pringle maneuver is used for major transplant surgery, traumas, and hepatic protection, long ischemia time and reperfusion may limit some protection in Wistar rats. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protection effects of intermittent clamping in the total hepatic pedicle after a long period of ischemia and reperfusion in Wistar rats.Forty-two male Wistar rats, weighing ± 327.7 g, were anesthetized intravenously with sodium thiopental and given a U-shaped incision in the abdomen. The total hepatic pedicle was isolated and subjected to clamping with a microvascular clamp. Groups included were the continuous group (CG, n = 14, 40 minutes of ischemia/40 minutes of reperfusion); the intermittent group (IG, n = 14, 4 cycles a 10 minute ischemia/reperfusion 10 minutes); and the sham group (SG, n = 14, 80 minutes of observation time). Blood collection for transaminase dosage was carried out, and hepatic biopsy specimens were taken for mitochondrial respiration and histological evaluation.In groups CG and IG, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes were elevated in comparison to group SG (P < .008); mitochondrias, when stimulated by use of adenosine diphosphate or carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, had a significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration (P < .05), and the respiratory control ratio in the ischemic groups was lower (P < .03) when compared with the GS. On histological examination, 100% of the GC had lesions: 33% focal hemorrhagic necrosis, 17% sinuzoidal congestion and/or vacuolization, and 50% venous congestion; in the IG, 100% had lesions: 43% sinusoidal congestion and/or vacuolization and 57% venous congestion.The intermittent total hepatic pedicle clamping for a long period of time in the Wistar rats had no efficacy in protection of liver injury.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.pyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. +
Although the molluscicidal activity of cru … Although the molluscicidal activity of crude dichloromethane extract of ''Millettia thonningii'', known to be rich in alpinumisoflavones was attributed to its inhibition of isolated rat liver mitochondrial complex I activity, the effects of the constituent alpinuisoflavones on mitochondrial function have not been reported. The present study, therefore investigated the effect of O, O-dimethyl-alpinumisoflavone, a constituent of the crude dichloromethane extract of ''M. thonningii'' seeds and 4'-O-methyl-alpinumsioflavone, a naturally occurring alpinumisoflavone in ''Lonchocarpus glabrescens'' in isolated rat liver mitochondria and permeabilised mouse heart fibers using substrate-inhibitor titrations. The O, O-dimethyl-alpinumisoflavone inhibited State 3 respirations supported by glutamate/malate (complex I), succinate (complex II) and Ascorbate/TMPD (complex IV) in the permeabilised cardiac tissues but inhibited only the State 3 respiration supported by glutamate (complex I) in the isolated rat liver mitochondria. The 4'-O-methyl-alpinumsioflavone on the other hand inhibited State 3 respirations supported by all the substrates in both the isolated rat liver mitochondria and the permeabilised cardiac tissues. Thus, whilst O, O-dimethyl-alpinumisoflavone, a naturally occurring phyto-compound in the extract of ''M. thonningii'' seeds inhibits mitochondrial respiratory chain activity essentially at complex I, its derivative 4'-O-methyl-alpinumisoflavone, a naturally occurring phytocompound in ''Lonchocarpus glabrescens'' inhibits mitochondrial respiratory complexes I, II and IV.ndrial respiratory complexes I, II and IV. +
Although the only effective drug against p … Although the only effective drug against primary hepatocarcinoma, the multikinase inhibitor Sorafenib (SFB) usually fails to eradicate liver cancer. Since SFB targets mitochondria, cell metabolic reprogramming may underlie intrinsic tumor resistance. To characterize cancer cell metabolic response to SFB, we measured oxygen consumption, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP content in rat LCSC (Liver Cancer Stem Cells) -2 cells exposed to the drug. Genome wide analysis of gene expression was performed by Affymetrix technology. SFB cytotoxicity was evaluated by multiple assays in the presence or absence of metabolic inhibitors, or in cells genetically depleted of mitochondria. We found that low concentrations (2.5-5 μM) of SFB had a relatively modest effect on LCSC-2 or 293 T cell growth, but damaged mitochondria and increased intracellular ROS. Gene expression profiling of SFB-treated cells was consistent with a shift toward aerobic glycolysis and, accordingly, SFB cytotoxicity was dramatically increased by glucose withdrawal or the glycolytic inhibitor 2-DG. Under metabolic stress, activation of the AMP dependent Protein Kinase (AMPK), but not ROS blockade, protected cells from death. We conclude that mitochondrial damage and ROS drive cell killing by SFB, while glycolytic cell reprogramming may represent a resistance strategy potentially targetable by combination therapies.ially targetable by combination therapies. +
Although the prognostic value of persisten … Although the prognostic value of persistent hyperlactatemia in septic shock is unequivocal, its physiological determinants are controversial. Particularly, the role of impaired hepatic clearance has been underestimated and is only considered relevant in patients with liver ischemia or cirrhosis. Our objectives were to establish whether endotoxemia impairs whole body net lactate clearance, and to explore a potential role for total liver hypoperfusion during the early phase of septic shock.After anesthesia, 12 sheep were subjected to hemodynamic/perfusion monitoring including hepatic and portal catheterization, and a hepatic ultrasound flow probe. After stabilization (point A), sheep were alternatively assigned to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mcg/kg bolus followed by 4 mcg/kg/h) or sham for a three-hour study period. After 60 minutes of shock, animals were fluid resuscitated to normalize mean arterial pressure. Repeated series of measurements were performed immediately after fluid resuscitation (point B), and one (point C) and two hours later (point D). Monitoring included systemic and regional hemodynamics, blood gases and lactate measurements, and ''ex-vivo'' hepatic mitochondrial respiration at point D. Parallel exogenous lactate and sorbitol clearances were performed at points B and D. Both groups included an intravenous bolus followed by serial blood sampling to draw a curve using the least squares method.Significant hyperlactatemia was already present in LPS as compared to sham animals at point B (4.7 (3.1 to 6.7) versus 1.8 (1.5 to 3.7) mmol/L), increasing to 10.2 (7.8 to 12.3) mmol/L at point D. A significant increase in portal and hepatic lactate levels in LPS animals was also observed. No within-group difference in hepatic DO2, VO2 or O2 extraction, total hepatic blood flow (point D: 915 (773 to 1,046) versus 655 (593 to 1,175) ml/min), mitochondrial respiration, liver enzymes or sorbitol clearance was found. However, there was a highly significant decrease in lactate clearance in LPS animals (point B: 46 (30 to 180) versus 1,212 (743 to 2,116) ml/min, P <0.01; point D: 113 (65 to 322) versus 944 (363 to 1,235) ml/min, P <0.01).Endotoxemia induces an early and severe impairment in lactate clearance that is not related to total liver hypoperfusion.re impairment in lactate clearance that is not related to total liver hypoperfusion. +
Although the regulation of mitochondrial r … Although the regulation of mitochondrial respiration and energy production in mammalian tissues has been exhaustively studied and extensively reviewed, a clear understanding of the regulation of cellular respiration has not yet been achieved. In particular, the role of tissue pO2 as a factor regulatingcellular respiration remains controversial. The concept of a complex and multisite regulation of cellular respiration and energy production signaled bycellular and intercellular messengers has evolved in the last few years and isstill being researched. A recent concept that regulation of cellular respirationis regulated by ADP, O2 and NO preserves the notion that energy demandsdrive respiration but places the kinetic control of both respiration and energysupply in the availability of ADP to F1-ATPase and of O2 and NO to cytochromeoxidase. In addition, recent research indicates that NO participates inredox reactions in the mitochondrial matrix that regulate the intramitochondrialsteady state concentration of NO itself and other reactive species such assuperoxide radical (O2−) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−). In this way, NO acquiresan essential role as a mitochondrial regulatory metabolite. NO exhibits a richbiochemistry and a high reactivity and plays an important role as intercellularmessenger in diverse physiological processes, such as regulation of blood flow,neurotransmission, platelet aggregation and immune cytotoxic response.aggregation and immune cytotoxic response. +
Although the renaissance of functional mit … Although the renaissance of functional mitochondrial studies targets many tissues and organs, small intestinal mitochondria are less frequently examined. Nevertheless, the integrity of small intestinal mucosa is potentially threatened in various local and systemic pathologies, such as ischemia-reperfusion, septic shock or inflammatory bowel diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is critically involved in the pathomechanism of these diseases. Furthermore, timely restitution of adequate mitochondrial function can be a key step towards potentially effective therapeutic strategies.Our goal was to provide firm experimental data for functional mitochondrial investigations, and as a first step, we aimed to test and validate the available methods used for isolation of small intestinal mitochondria in rodents [1,2]. Whole thickness small intestinal mucosal samples of rats and guinea pigs were used, and mitochondria were isolated according to published protocols using chelating agents and differential centrifugation. The assessment of the functional state of isolated mitochondria was performed by means of high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros Oxygraph-2k). The integrity of the outer mt-membrane was tested with cytochrome ''c'' addition and photometric assay for mitochondrial swelling, while membrane potential changes were monitored by safranin fluorescence measurements.In case of rat samples, low respiratory control rates and extremely high cytochrome ''c'' responses were found, and swelling of mitochondria indicated serious damage of the outer mt-membrane. In contrast, guinea pig mitochondria were presented with good respiratory control, low cytochrome ''c'' response and baseline swelling parameters.Based on high-resolution respirometry we conclude that using the accessible, published methodologies, only functionally impaired mitochondria can be isolated from the rat. However, high quantities of intact and well coupled mitochondria can be obtained from the guinea pig. These mitochondria are suitable for further focused studies. Further methodological investigations, possible modifications or even new protocols are needed in order to clarify the cause of this significant interspecies difference. this significant interspecies difference. +
Although the role of inflammation to comba … Although the role of inflammation to combat infection is known, the contribution of metabolic changes in response to sepsis is poorly understood. Sepsis induces the release of lipid mediators, many of which activate nuclear receptors such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α, which controls both lipid metabolism and inflammation. However, the role of hepatic PPARα in the response to sepsis is unknown.Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli in different models of cell-specific Pparα-deficiency and their controls. The systemic and hepatic metabolic response was analysed using biochemical, transcriptomic and functional assays. PPARα expression was analysed in livers from elective surgery and critically ill patients and correlated with hepatic gene expression and blood parameters RESULTS: Both whole body and non-hematopoietic Pparα-deficiency in mice decreased survival upon bacterial infection. Livers of septic Pparα-deficient mice displayed an impaired metabolic shift from glucose to lipid utilization resulting in more severe hypoglycemia, impaired induction of hyperketonemia and increased steatosis due to lower expression of genes involved in fatty acid catabolism and ketogenesis. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of PPARα impaired the metabolic response to sepsis and was sufficient to decrease survival upon bacterial infection. Hepatic PPARA expression was lower in critically ill patients and correlated positively with expression of lipid metabolism genes, but not with systemic inflammatory markers.Metabolic control by PPARα in hepatocytes plays a key role in the host defense to infection. Lay summary: As the main cause of death of critically ill patients, sepsis remains a major health issue lacking efficacious therapies. While current clinical literature suggests an important role for inflammation, metabolic aspects of sepsis have been mostly overlooked. Here, we show that mice with an impaired metabolic response, due to deficiency of the nuclear receptor PPARα in the liver, exhibit enhanced mortality upon bacterial infection despite a similar inflammatory response, suggesting that metabolic interventions may be a viable strategy for improving sepsis outcomes.Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.right © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V. +
Although the salutary effects of bariatric … Although the salutary effects of bariatric surgery as a treatment for excess weight and type 2 diabetes are established, there is scant evidence for effects on other contributors to cardiovascular diseases such as repair of endothelial dysfunction. This study evaluates outcomes of bariatric surgery on late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells (LOEPCs), a cell phenotype essential for endothelial repair.Patients with a body mass index >35 kg/m(2) and type 2 diabetes were enrolled into either medical or bariatric surgical arms. Primary outcomes included analysis of isolated LOEPCs from peripheral blood for growth, function, and mitochondrial respiration. Plasma was used for metabolic profiling.Medical arm patients showed no improvement in any of the parameters tested. Bariatric surgical arm patients showed a 24% reduction in body mass index as early as 3 months postintervention and resolution of type 2 diabetes at 24 months postintervention (HbA1c 31% reduction; fasting glucose 29% reduction). Bariatric surgery increased the numbers of LOEPCs 8-fold and increased LOEPC network formation 3-fold at 24 months postintervention. The increased numbers and activity of LOEPCs in the bariatric surgical arm correlated with improvements in body mass index, insulin, and triglyceride levels only at 24 month postintervention. LOEPC mitochondrial respiration displayed a trend toward improvement compared with baseline as evidenced by an increase (36%) at 24 months in the bariatric arm.Bariatric surgery increases LOEPC levels and activity, which correlates with weight loss and improved metabolic profile at 24 months postintervention.abolic profile at 24 months postintervention. +
Although theoretically sound, the accuracy … Although theoretically sound, the accuracy and precision of (31)P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS) approaches to quantitatively estimate mitochondrial capacity are not well documented. Therefore, employing four differing models of respiratory control [linear, kinetic, and multipoint adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphorylation potential], this study sought to determine the accuracy and precision of (31)P-MRS assessments of peak mitochondrial adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis rate utilizing directly measured peak respiration (State 3) in permeabilized skeletal muscle fibers. In 23 subjects of different fitness levels, (31)P-MRS during a 24-s maximal isometric knee extension and high-resolution respirometry in muscle fibers from the vastus lateralis was performed. Although significantly correlated with State 3 respiration (r = 0.72), both the linear (45 ± 13 mM/min) and phosphorylation potential (47 ± 16 mM/min) models grossly overestimated the calculated ''in vitro'' peak ATP synthesis rate (P < 0.05). Of the ADP models, the kinetic model was well correlated with State 3 respiration (r = 0.72, P < 0.05), but moderately overestimated ATP synthesis rate (P < 0.05), while the multipoint model, although being somewhat less well correlated with State 3 respiration (r = 0.55, P < 0.05), most accurately reflected peak ATP synthesis rate. Of note, the PCr recovery time constant (τ), a qualitative index of mitochondrial capacity, exhibited the strongest correlation with State 3 respiration (r = 0.80, P < 0.05). Therefore, this study reveals that each of the (31)P-MRS data analyses, including PCr τ, exhibit precision in terms of mitochondrial capacity. As only the multipoint ADP model did not overstimate the peak skeletal muscle mitochondrial ATP synthesis, the multipoint ADP model is the only quantitative approach to exhibit both accuracy and precision.titative approach to exhibit both accuracy and precision. +
Although there has been considerable debat … Although there has been considerable debate about whether paternal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transmission may coexist with maternal transmission of mtDNA, it is generally believed that mitochondria and mtDNA are exclusively maternally inherited in humans. Here, we identified three unrelated multigeneration families with a high level of mtDNA heteroplasmy (ranging from 24 to 76%) in a total of 17 individuals. Heteroplasmy of mtDNA was independently examined by high-depth whole mtDNA sequencing analysis in our research laboratory and in two Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and College of American Pathologists-accredited laboratories using multiple approaches. A comprehensive exploration of mtDNA segregation in these families shows biparental mtDNA transmission with an autosomal dominantlike inheritance mode. Our results suggest that, although the central dogma of maternal inheritance of mtDNA remains valid, there are some exceptional cases where paternal mtDNA could be passed to the offspring. Elucidating the molecular mechanism for this unusual mode of inheritance will provide new insights into how mtDNA is passed on from parent to offspring and may even lead to the development of new avenues for the therapeutic treatment for pathogenic mtDNA transmission.eatment for pathogenic mtDNA transmission. +
Although there is evidence linking sugar-s … Although there is evidence linking sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake with the development of cardio-metabolic diseases, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study therefore evaluated the effects of SSB consumption by establishing a unique in-house ''in vivo'' experimental model.Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a) one consuming a popular local SSB (SSB- Jive), and b) a control group (Control-water) for a period of three and six months (n = 6 per group), respectively. Rats were gavaged on a daily basis with an experimental dosage amounting to half a glass per day (in human terms) (SSB vs. water). Cardiac function was assessed at baseline (echocardiography) and following ''ex vivo'' ischemia-reperfusion of the isolated perfused working rat heart. Oral glucose tolerance tests and mitochondrial respiratory analyses were also performed. In addition, the role of non-oxidative glucose pathways (NOGPs), i.e. the polyol pathway, hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) and PKC were assessed.These data show that SSB intake: a) resulted in increased weight gain, but did not elicit major effects in terms of insulin resistance and cardiac function after three and six months, respectively; b) triggered myocardial NOGP activation after three months with a reversion after six months; and c) resulted in some impairment in mitochondrial respiratory capacity in response to fatty acid substrate supply after six months.SSB intake did not result in cardiac dysfunction or insulin resistance. However, early changes at the molecular level may increase risk in the longer term.evel may increase risk in the longer term. +
Although two main hypotheses of mitochondr … Although two main hypotheses of mitochondrial origin have been proposed, i.e., the autogenous and the endosymbiotic, only the second is being seriously considered currently. The 'hydrogen hypothesis' invokes metabolic symbiosis as the driving force for a symbiotic association between an anaerobic, strictly hydrogen-dependent (the host) and an eubacterium (the symbiont) that was able to respire, but which generated molecular hydrogen as an end product of anaerobic metabolism. The resulting proto-eukaryotic cell would have acquired the essentials of eukaryotic energy metabolism, evolving not only aerobic respiration, but also the physiological cost of the oxygen consumption, i.e., generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the associated oxidative damage. This is not the only price to pay for respiring oxygen: mitochondria possess nitric oxide (NO·) for regulatory purposes but, in some instances it may react with superoxide anion radical to produce the toxic reactive nitrogen species (RNS), i.e. peroxynitrite anion, and the subsequent nitrosative damage. New mitochondria contain their own genome with a modified genetic code that is highly conserved among mammals. The transcription of certain mitochondrial genes may depend on the redox potential of the mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondria are related to the life and death of cells. They are involved in energy production and conservation, having an uncoupling mechanism to produce heat instead of ATP, but they are also involved in programmed cell death. Increasing evidence suggest the participation of mitochondria in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases involving alterations in both nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA. Melatonin is a known powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and increasing experimental and clinical evidence shows its beneficial effects against oxidative/nitrosative stress status, including that involving mitochondrial dysfunction. This review summarizes the data and mechanisms of action of melatonin in relation to mitochondrial pathologies. in relation to mitochondrial pathologies. +
Aluminum (Al) toxicity has been recognized … Aluminum (Al) toxicity has been recognized to be a main limiting factor of crop productivity in acid soil. Al interacts with cell walls disrupting the functions of the plasma membrane and is associated with oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. ''Jatropha curcas'' L. (''J. curcas'') is a drought resistant plant, widely distributed around the world, with great economic and medicinal importance. Here we investigated the effects of Al on ''J. curcas'' mitochondrial function and cell viability, analyzing mitochondrial respiration, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars and cell viability in cultured ''J. curcas'' cells. The results showed that at 70 μM, Al limited mitochondrial respiration by inhibiting the alternative oxidase (AOX) pathway in the respiratory chain. An increased concentration of reducing sugars and reduced concentration of intracellular phenolic compounds was observed during respiratory inhibition. After inhibition, a time-dependent upregulation of AOX mRNA was observed followed by restoration of respiratory activity and reducing sugar concentrations. Cultured ''J. curcas'' cells were very resistant to Al-induced cell death. In addition, at 70 μM, Al also appeared as an inhibitor of cell wall invertase. In conclusion, Al tolerance in cultured ''J. curcas'' cells involves a inhibition of mitochondrial AOX pathway, which seems to start an oxidative burst to induce AOX upregulation, which in turn restores consumption of O2 and substrates. These data provide new insight into the signaling cascades that modulate the Al tolerance mechanism.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.ght © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. +
Aluminum (Al) toxicity has been recognized … Aluminum (Al) toxicity has been recognized to be a main limiting factor of crop productivity in acid soil. Al interacts with cell walls disrupting the functions of the plasma membrane and is associated with oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. ''Jatropha curcas'' L. (J. curcas) is a drought resistant plant, widely distributed around the world, with great economic and medicinal importance. Here we investigated the effects of Al on ''J. curcas'' mitochondrial function and cell viability, analyzing mitochondrial respiration, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars and cell viability in cultured ''J. curcas'' cells. The results showed that at 70 μM, Al limited mitochondrial respiration by inhibiting the alternative oxidase (AOX) pathway in the respiratory chain. An increased concentration of reducing sugars and reduced concentration of intracellular phenolic compounds was observed during respiratory inhibition. After inhibition, a time-dependent upregulation of AOX mRNA was observed followed by restoration of respiratory activity and reducing sugar concentrations. Cultured ''J. curcas'' cells were very resistant to Al-induced cell death. In addition, at 70 μM, Al also appeared as an inhibitor of cell wall invertase. In conclusion, Al tolerance in cultured ''J. curcas'' cells involves a inhibition of mitochondrial AOX pathway, which seems to start an oxidative burst to induce AOX upregulation, which in turn restores consumption of O2 and substrates. These data provide new insight into the signaling cascades that modulate the Al tolerance mechanism. that modulate the Al tolerance mechanism. +
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a devastating … Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder without a cure. Here we show that mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I is an important small molecule druggable target in AD. Partial inhibition of complex I triggers the AMP-activated protein kinase-dependent signaling network leading to neuroprotection in symptomatic APP/PS1 female mice, a translational model of AD. Treatment of symptomatic APP/PS1 mice with complex I inhibitor improved energy homeostasis, synaptic activity, long-term potentiation, dendritic spine maturation, cognitive function and proteostasis, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in brain and periphery, ultimately blocking the ongoing neurodegeneration. Therapeutic efficacy ''in vivo'' was monitored using translational biomarkers FDG-PET, 31P NMR, and metabolomics. Cross-validation of the mouse and the human transcriptomic data from the NIH Accelerating Medicines Partnership-AD database demonstrated that pathways improved by the treatment in APP/PS1 mice, including the immune system response and neurotransmission, represent mechanisms essential for therapeutic efficacy in AD patients.l for therapeutic efficacy in AD patients. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabet … Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Both diseases are characterized by amyloid deposition in target tissues: aggregation of amylin in T2DM is associated with loss of insulin-secreting beta-cells, while amyloid beta (A beta) aggregation in AD brain is associated with neuronal loss. Here, we used quantitative iTRAQ proteomics as a discovery tool to show that both A beta and human amylin (HA) deregulate identical proteins, a quarter of which are mitochondrial, supporting the notion that mitochondrial dysfunction is a common target in these two amyloidoses. A functional validation revealed that mitochondrial complex IV activity was significantly reduced after treatment with either HA or A beta, as was mitochondrial respiration. In comparison, complex I activity was reduced only after treatment with HA. A beta and HA, but not the non-amyloidogenic rat amylin, induced significant increases in the generation of ROS. Co-incubation of HA and A beta did not produce an augmented effect in ROS production, again suggesting common toxicity mechanisms. In conclusion, our data suggest that A beta and HA both exert toxicity, at least in part, via mitochondrial dysfunction, thus restoring their function may be beneficial for both AD and T2DM.on may be beneficial for both AD and T2DM. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a conformation … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a conformational disease that is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the brain. Aβ exerts its toxicity in part by receptor-mediated interactions that cause down-stream protein misfolding and aggregation, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent reports indicate that Aβ may also interact directly with intracellular proteins such as the mitochondrial enzyme ABAD (Aβ binding alcohol dehydrogenase) in executing its toxic effects. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs early in AD, and Aβ's toxicity is in part mediated by inhibition of ABAD as shown previously with an ABAD decoy peptide. Here, we employed AG18051, a novel small ABAD-specific compound inhibitor, to investigate the role of ABAD in Aβ toxicity. Using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, we found that AG18051 partially blocked the Aβ-ABAD interaction in a pull-down assay while it also prevented the Aβ42-induced down-regulation of ABAD activity, as measured by levels of estradiol, a known hormone and product of ABAD activity. Furthermore, AG18051 is protective against Aβ42 toxicity, as measured by LDH release and MTT absorbance. Specifically, AG18051 reduced Aβ42-induced impairment of mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress as shown by reduced ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels. Guided by our previous finding of shared aspects of the toxicity of Aβ and human amylin (HA), with the latter forming aggregates in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pancreas, we determined whether AG18051 would also confer protection from HA toxicity. We found that the inhibitor conferred only partial protection from HA toxicity indicating distinct pathomechanisms of the two amyloidogenic agents. Taken together, our results present the inhibition of ABAD by compounds such as AG18051 as a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of AD, and suggest levels of estradiol as a suitable read-out.evels of estradiol as a suitable read-out. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal dysfunction, and decreased memory and cognitive function. Iron is critical for neuronal activity, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, and energy homeostasis. Iron accumulation occurs in AD and results in neuronal dysfunction through activation of multifactorial mechanisms. Mitochondria generate energy and iron is a key co-factor required for: (1) ATP production by the electron transport chain, (2) heme protein biosynthesis and (3) iron-sulfur cluster formation. Disruptions in iron homeostasis result in mitochondrial dysfunction and energetic failure. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic iron-dependent form of cell death mediated by uncontrolled accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, is associated with AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. AD pathogenesis is complex with multiple diverse interacting players including Aβ-plaque formation, phosphorylated tau, and redox stress. Unfortunately, clinical trials in AD based on targeting these canonical hallmarks have been largely unsuccessful. Here, we review evidence linking iron dysregulation to AD and the potential for targeting ferroptosis as a therapeutic intervention for AD.osis as a therapeutic intervention for AD. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disabling an … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disabling and highly prevalent neurodegenerative condition, for which there are no effective therapies. Soluble oligomers of the amyloid-β peptide (AβOs) are thought to be proximal neurotoxins involved in early neuronal oxidative stress and synapse damage, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration and memory impairment in AD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) against the deleterious impact of AβOs on hippocampal neurons. To this end, we established transwell cocultures of rat hippocampal neurons and MSCs. We show that MSCs and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles protect neurons against AβO-induced oxidative stress and synapse damage, revealed by loss of pre- and postsynaptic markers. Protection by MSCs entails three complementary mechanisms: 1) internalization and degradation of AβOs; 2) release of extracellular vesicles containing active catalase; and 3) selective secretion of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor to the medium. Results support the notion that MSCs may represent a promising alternative for cell-based therapies in AD.lternative for cell-based therapies in AD. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder that affects a large part of the world's population. It is characterized by memory loss, progressive dementia, behavioral changes and inability to perform routine activities. Histopathologically, AD presents the formation of plaques by the aggregation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in gene and protein expression related to AD and to evaluate the mechanisms involved in initial events of Aβ1-40 peptide toxicity after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion. In addition, it was evaluated whether pre-treatment with atorvastatin prevents the toxic effects of this peptide. Adult male Swiss albino mice (3 months / 40-50g) were treated with atorvastatin 10 mg / kg / day, orally, or vehicle (0.9% saline) for 7 days. On the seventh day the aggregate form of Aβ1-40 (i.c.v., 400pmol / site) or saline was administered. After 24h, the animals were euthanized for biochemical analysis. The results show that atorvastatin is able to prevent the gene expression reduction of the postsynaptic protein PSD-95, the NMDA receptor GluN1 subunit and glutamatergic transporters GLAST and GLT-1 induced by Aβ1-40 infusion in the hippocampus. Aβ promoted a decrease in BDNF expression and an increase in reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species levels. Pretreatment with atorvastatin was able to prevent the increased ROS and RNS. Through the evaluation of mitochondrial functionality by high resolution respirometry, we observed that Aβ1-40 did not significantly alter parameters of oxygen consumption. However, atorvastatin increased the mitochondrial respiratory capacity assessed in hippocampal homogenates. In conclusion, we observed that Aβ1-40 toxicity presents as initial events changes in proteins related to glutamatergic neurotransmission and oxidative stress. Atorvastatin prevents initial oxidative stress and increases mitochondrial respiratory capacity by an as yet unknown action mechanism, requiring further studies.s mitochondrial respiratory capacity by an as yet unknown action mechanism, requiring further studies. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-beta (Abeta)-containing plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuron and synapse loss. Tangle formation has been reproduced in P301L tau transgenic pR5 mice, whereas APPswPS2N141I double-transgenic APP152 mice develop Abeta plaques. Cross-breeding generates triple transgenic (tripleAD) mice that combine both pathologies in one model. To determine functional consequences of the combined Abeta and tau pathologies, we performed a proteomic analysis followed by functional validation. Specifically, we obtained vesicular preparations from tripleAD mice, the parental strains, and nontransgenic mice, followed by the quantitative mass-tag labeling proteomic technique iTRAQ and mass spectrometry. Within 1,275 quantified proteins, we found a massive deregulation of 24 proteins, of which one-third were mitochondrial proteins mainly related to complexes I and IV of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS). Notably, deregulation of complex I was tau dependent, whereas deregulation of complex IV was Abeta dependent, both at the protein and activity levels. Synergistic effects of Abeta and tau were evident in 8-month-old tripleAD mice as only they showed a reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential at this early age. At the age of 12 months, the strongest defects on OXPHOS, synthesis of ATP, and reactive oxygen species were exhibited in the tripleAD mice, again emphasizing synergistic, age-associated effects of Abeta and tau in perishing mitochondria. Our study establishes a molecular link between Abeta and tau protein in AD pathology in vivo, illustrating the potential of quantitative proteomics.link between Abeta and tau protein in AD pathology in vivo, illustrating the potential of quantitative proteomics. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques (aggregates of amyloid-β [Aβ]) and neurofibrillary tangles (aggregates of tau) in the brain, but the underlying mechanisms of the disease are still partially unclear. A growing body of evidence supports mitochondrial dysfunction as a prominent and early, chronic oxidative stress-associated event that contributes to synaptic abnormalities, and, ultimately, selective neuronal degeneration in AD. Using a high-resolution respirometry system, we shed new light on the close interrelationship of this organelle with Aβ and tau in the pathogenic process underlying AD by showing a synergistic effect of these two hallmark proteins on the oxidative phosphorylation capacity of mitochondria isolated from the brain of transgenic AD mice. In the present chapter, we first introduce the principle of the Aβ and tau interaction on mitochondrial respiration, and secondly, we describe in detail the used respiratory protocol.e in detail the used respiratory protocol. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most commo … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and it affects more women than men. Mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) plays a key role in AD, and it is detectable at an early stage of the degenerative process in peripheral tissues, such as peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs). However, whether these changes are also reflected in cerebral energy metabolism and whether sex-specific differences in mitochondrial function occur are not clear. Therefore, we estimated the correlation between mitochondrial function in PBMCs and brain energy metabolites and examined sex-specific differences in healthy participants to elucidate these issues.The current pilot study included 9 male and 15 female healthy adults (mean age 30.8 ± 7.1 years). Respiration and activity of mitochondrial respiratory complexes were measured using a Clark-electrode (Oxygraph-2k system), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were determined using a bioluminescence-based assay in isolated PBMCs. Citrate synthase activity as a mitochondrial marker was measured using a photometric assay. Concentrations of brain energy metabolites were quantified in the same individuals using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).We detected sex-associated differences in mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial complexes I, I+II, and IV and uncoupled respiration and electron transport system (ETS) capacity in PBMCs isolated from blood samples of females were significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) higher compared to males. ATP levels in the PBMCs of female participants were approximately 10% higher compared to males. Citrate synthase (CS) activity, a marker of mitochondrial content, was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in females compared to males. Sex-associated differences were also found for brain metabolites. The N-acetylaspartate (NAA) concentration was significantly higher in female participants compared to males in targeted regions. This difference was observed in white matter (WM) and an area with a high percentage (> 50%) of gray matter (GM) (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). The effect sizes indicated a strong influence of sex on these parameters. Sex-associated differences were found in PBMCs and brain, but the determined parameters were not significantly correlated.Our study revealed sex-associated differences in mitochondrial function in healthy participants. The underlying mechanisms must be elucidated in more detail, but our study suggests that mitochondrial function in PBMCs is a feasible surrogate marker to detect differences in mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in humans and it underscores the necessity of sex-specific approaches in therapies that target mitochondrial dysfunction.proaches in therapies that target mitochondrial dysfunction. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most commo … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common late onset neurodegenerative disorder with indications that women are disproportionately affected. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been one of the most discussed hypotheses associated with the early onset and progression of AD, and it has been attributed to intraneuronal accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ). It was suggested that one of the possible mediators for Aβ-impaired mitochondrial function is the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. NF-κB plays important roles in brain inflammation and antioxidant defense, as well as in the regulation of mitochondrial function, and studies have confirmed altered NF-κB signaling in AD brain. In this study, we looked for sex-based differences in impaired bioenergetic processes and NF-κB signaling in the AD-like brain using transgenic (Tg) CRND8 mice that express excessive brain Aβ, but without tau pathology. Our results show that mitochondrial dysfunction is not uniform in affected brain regions. We observed increased basal and coupled respiration in the hippocampus of TgCRND8 females only, along with a decreased Complex II-dependent respiratory activity. Cortical mitochondria from TgCRND8 mice have reduced uncoupled respiration capacity, regardless of sex. The pattern of changes in NF-κB signaling was the same in both brain structures, but was sex specific. Whereas in females there was an increase in all three subunits of NF-κB, in males we observed increase in p65 and p105, but no changes in p50 levels. These results demonstrate that mitochondrial function and inflammatory signaling in the AD-like brain is region- and sex-specific, which is an important consideration for therapeutic strategies. consideration for therapeutic strategies. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most commo … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease. Today, AD affects millions of people worldwide and the number of AD cases will increase with increased life expectancy. The AD brain is marked by severe neurodegeneration like the loss of synapses and neurons, atrophy and depletion of neurotransmitter systems in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Recent findings suggest that these pathological changes are causally induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. These changes are not only observed in the brain of AD patients but also in the periphery. In this review, we discuss the potential role of elevated apoptosis, increased oxidative stress and especially mitochondrial dysfunction as peripheral markers for the detection of AD in blood cells especially in lymphocytes. We discuss recent not otherwise published findings on the level of complex activities of the respiratory chain comprising mitochondrial respiration and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). We obtained decreased basal MMP levels in lymphocytes from AD patients as well as enhanced sensitivity to different complex inhibitors of the respiratory chain. These changes are in line with mitochondrial defects obtained in AD cell and animal models, and in post-mortem AD tissue. Importantly, these mitochondrial alterations where not only found in AD patients but also in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These new findings point to a relevance of mitochondrial function as an early peripheral marker for the detection of AD and MCI.al marker for the detection of AD and MCI. +
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequ … Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment, and there are currently no broadly effective therapies. The underlying pathogenesis is complex, but a growing body of evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction as a common pathomechanism involved in many of the hallmark features of the AD brain, such as formation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates (amyloid plaques), neurofibrillary tangles, cholinergic system dysfunction, impaired synaptic transmission and plasticity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, that lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. Indeed, mitochondrial dysfunction concomitant with progressive accumulation of mitochondrial Aβ is an early event in AD pathogenesis. Healthy mitochondria are critical for providing sufficient energy to maintain endogenous neuroprotective and reparative mechanisms, while disturbances in mitochondrial function, motility, fission, and fusion lead to neuronal malfunction and degeneration associated with excess free radical production and reduced intracellular calcium buffering. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) expression and misprocessing to produce pathogenic fragments (e.g., Aβ1-40). Given this background, we present an overview of the importance of mitochondria for maintenance of neuronal function and how mitochondrial dysfunction acts as a driver of cognitive impairment in AD. Additionally, we provide a brief summary of possible treatments targeting mitochondrial dysfunction as therapeutic approaches for AD.function as therapeutic approaches for AD. +
Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's diseas … Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are the most common forms of neurodegenerative illnesses. It has been widely accepted that neuroinflammation is the key pathogenic mechanism in neurodegeneration. Both mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3) inflammasome complex activity have a crucial role in inducing and sustaining neuroinflammation. In addition, mitochondrial-related inflammatory factors could drive the formation of inflammasome complexes, which are responsible for the activation, maturation, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). The present review includes a broadened approach to the role of mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in abnormal NLRP3 activation in selected neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we also discuss the potential mitochondria-focused treatments that could influence the NLRP3 complex.ts that could influence the NLRP3 complex. +
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain … Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder with characteristic symptoms and several pathological hallmarks. The concept of "one drug, one target" has not generated any new drugs since 2004. The new era of drug development in the field of AD builds upon rationally designed multi-target directed ligands that can better address the complexity of AD. Herewith, we designed ten novel derivatives of 2-propargylamino-naphthoquinone. The biological evaluation of these compounds includes inhibition of monoamine oxidase A/B, inhibition of amyloid-beta aggregation, radical-scavenging, and metal-chelating properties. Some of the compounds possess low cytotoxicity profile with an anti-inflammatory ability in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cellular model. All these features warrant their further testing in the field of AD. their further testing in the field of AD. +
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cancer procee … Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cancer proceedvia one or more common molecular mechanisms: a metabolicshift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis—corresponding to the activation of the Warburg effect—occurs in both diseases. The findings reported in this paperdemonstrate that, in the early phase of apoptosis, glucosemetabolism is enhanced, i.e. key proteins which internalizeand metabolize glucose—glucose transporter, hexokinaseand phosphofructokinase—are up-regulated, in concomitancewith a parallel decrease in oxygen consumption bymitochondria and increase of L-lactate accumulation.Reversal of the glycolytic phenotype occurs in the presenceof dichloroacetate, inhibitor of the pyruvate dehydrogenasekinase enzyme, which speeds up apoptosis of cerebellargranule cells, reawakening mitochondria and then modulatingglycolytic enzymes. Loss of the adaptive advantageafforded by aerobic glycolysis, which occurs in the latephase of apoptosis, exacerbates the pathological processesunderlying neurodegeneration, leading inevitably the cellto death. In conclusion, the data propose that both aerobic,i.e. Warburg effect, essentially due to the protectivenumbness of mitochondria, and anaerobic glycolysis, ratherdue to the mitochondrial impairment, characterize theentire time frame of apoptosis, from the early to the latephase, which mimics the development of AD.phase, which mimics the development of AD. +
American Physiological Society’s (APS)Integrative Physiology of Exercise (IPE) 2020 conference, Virtual Event, 2020 +
Amidines are chemically characterized by t … Amidines are chemically characterized by the presence of two nitrogen atoms that bind to the same carbon atom in its structure. Several biological activities have been ascribed to these compounds. Pentamidine, an aromatic diamidine, is effective in the treatment against ''Pneumocystis carinii'' and leishmaniasis, but it can also have severe side effects. New amidine derivatives have been synthesized, among them N,N'-diphenyl-4-methoxy-benzamidine (methoxyamidine), which is effective against ''Leishmania amazonensis'' (LD50 = 20 μM) and ''Trypanosoma cruzi'' (LD50 = 59 nM). In the present study, methoxyamidine toxicity was evaluated in isolated rat liver mitochondria at the same range of concentrations that exert antiprotozoal activity. In these organelles, actively oxidizing glutamate + malate inhibited state 3 respiration (25 nmol mg-1 of protein) by ∼15%. The sites of inhibition in the respiratory chain were complex I and the segment between ubiquinone and complex III. Methoxyamidine also stimulated state 4 respiration by ∼32% and ∼43% at 50 and 65 nmol mg-1 of protein, respectively. Its uncoupling effect was confirmed by a dose-dependent increase in oxygen consumption in state 4 respiration that was induced by oligomycin, reaching up to ∼69% (65 nmol mg-1 of protein) and an increase in ATPase activity in intact mitochondria by ∼27% and ∼83% at 50 and 65 nmol mg-1 protein, respectively. Swelling that was supported by the oxidation of glutamate + malate in the presence of sodium acetate was reduced by methoxyamidine by ∼16% and 32% at 50 and 65 nmol mg-1 protein, respectively. Mitochondrial swelling in the absence of substrate and in the presence of K+ and valinomycin was inhibited by ∼20% at the same concentrations, suggesting that methoxyamidine affects mitochondrial membrane permeability and fluidity. Our data show that methoxyamidine has slight effects on the energy-linked functions of isolated mitochondria at concentrations that correspond to the LD50 against ''Leishmania amazonensis'' and ''Trypanosoma cruzi''. These findings may prompt further studies that evaluate methoxyamidine toxicity ''in vivo''.nst ''Leishmania amazonensis'' and ''Trypanosoma cruzi''. These findings may prompt further studies that evaluate methoxyamidine toxicity ''in vivo''. +
Amino acid catabolism is essential for adj … Amino acid catabolism is essential for adjusting pool sizes of free amino acids and takes part in energy production as well as nutrient remobilization. The carbon skeletons are generally converted to precursors or intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In the case of cysteine, the reduced sulfur derived from the thiol group also has to be oxidized in order to prevent accumulation to toxic concentrations. Here we present a mitochondrial sulfur catabolic pathway catalyzing the complete oxidation of l-cysteine to pyruvate and thiosulfate. After transamination to 3-mercaptopyruvate, the sulfhydryl group from l-cysteine is transferred to glutathione by sulfurtransferase 1 and oxidized to sulfite by the sulfur dioxygenase ETHE1. Sulfite is then converted to thiosulfate by addition of a second persulfide group by sulfurtransferase 1. This pathway is most relevant during early embryo development and for vegetative growth under light-limiting conditions. Characterization of a double mutant produced from ''Arabidopsis thaliana'' T-DNA insertion lines for ETHE1 and sulfurtransferase 1 revealed that an intermediate of the ETHE1 dependent pathway, most likely a persulfide, interferes with amino acid catabolism and induces early senescence.© 2016 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.016 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society. +
Amino acids participate in several critica … Amino acids participate in several critical processes in the biology of trypanosomatids, such as osmoregulation, cell differentiation, and host cell invasion. Some of them provide reducing power for mitochondrial ATP synthesis. It was previously shown that alanine, which is formed mainly by the amination of pyruvate, is a metabolic end product formed when parasites are replicating in a medium rich in glucose and amino acids. It was shown as well that this amino acid can also be used for the regulation of cell volume and resistance to osmotic stress. In this work, we demonstrate that, despite it being an end product of its metabolism, ''Trypanosoma cruzi'' can take up and metabolize l-Ala through a low-specificity nonstereoselective active transport system. The uptake was dependent on the temperature in the range between 10 and 40°C, which allowed us to calculate an activation energy of 66.4 kJ/mol and estimate the number of transporters per cell at ~436,000. We show as well that, once taken up by the cells, l-Ala can be completely oxidized to CO2, supplying electrons to the electron transport chain, maintaining the electrochemical proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane, and supporting ATP synthesis in ''T. cruzi'' epimastigotes. Our data demonstrate a dual role for Ala in the parasite's bioenergetics, by being a secreted end product of glucose catabolism and taken up as nutrient for oxidative mitochondrial metabolism.It is well known that trypanosomatids such as the etiological agent of Chagas' disease, ''Trypanosoma cruzi'', produce alanine as a main end product of their energy metabolism when they grow in a medium containing glucose and amino acids. In this work, we investigated if under starvation conditions (which happen during the parasite life cycle) the secreted alanine could be recovered from the extracellular medium and used as an energy source. Herein we show that indeed, in parasites submitted to metabolic stress, this metabolite can be taken up and used as an energy source for ATP synthesis, allowing the parasite to extend its survival under starvation conditions. The obtained results point to a dual role for Ala in the parasite's bioenergetics, by being a secreted end product of glucose catabolism and taken up as nutrient for oxidative mitochondrial metabolism.up as nutrient for oxidative mitochondrial metabolism. +
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) are modul … Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) are modular enzymes that aminoacylate transfer RNAs (tRNA) for their use by the ribosome during protein synthesis. ARS are essential and universal components of the genetic code that were almost completely established before the appearance of the last common ancestor of all living species. This long evolutionary history explains the growing number of functions being discovered for ARS, and for ARS homologues, beyond their canonical role in gene translation. Here we present a previously uncharacterized paralogue of seryl-tRNA synthetase named SLIMP (seryl-tRNA synthetase-like insect mitochondrial protein). SLIMP is the result of a duplication of a mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase (SRS) gene that took place in early metazoans and was fixed in Insecta. Here we show that SLIMP is localized in the mitochondria, where it carries out an essential function that is unrelated to the aminoacylation of tRNA. The knockdown of SLIMP by RNA interference (RNAi) causes a decrease in respiration capacity and an increase in mitochondrial mass in the form of aberrant mitochondria.mass in the form of aberrant mitochondria. +
Ammonia is a cytotoxic metabolite with ple … Ammonia is a cytotoxic metabolite with pleiotropic molecular and metabolic effects, including senescence induction. During dysregulated ammonia metabolism, which occurs in chronic diseases, skeletal muscle becomes a major organ for nonhepatocyte ammonia uptake. Muscle ammonia disposal occurs in mitochondria via cataplerosis of critical intermediary metabolite α-ketoglutarate, a senescence-ameliorating molecule. Untargeted and mitochondrially targeted data were analyzed by multiomics approaches. These analyses were validated experimentally to dissect the specific mitochondrial oxidative defects and functional consequences, including senescence. Responses to ammonia lowering in myotubes and in hyperammonemic portacaval anastomosis rat muscle were studied. Whole-cell transcriptomics integrated with whole-cell, mitochondrial, and tissue proteomics showed distinct temporal clusters of responses with enrichment of oxidative dysfunction and senescence-related pathways/proteins during hyperammonemia and after ammonia withdrawal. Functional and metabolic studies showed defects in electron transport chain complexes I, III, and IV; loss of supercomplex assembly; decreased ATP synthesis; increased free radical generation with oxidative modification of proteins/lipids; and senescence-associated molecular phenotype-increased β-galactosidase activity and expression of p16INK, p21, and p53. These perturbations were partially reversed by ammonia lowering. Dysregulated ammonia metabolism caused reversible mitochondrial dysfunction by transcriptional and translational perturbations in multiple pathways with a distinct skeletal muscle senescence-associated molecular phenotype.senescence-associated molecular phenotype. +
Amniocytes represent a population of foeta … Amniocytes represent a population of foetal cells that can be used for prenatal diagnosis in families with suspected mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) defects. In this paper, we present a complex protocol for evaluation of the function of mitochondrial OXPHOS enzymes in cultured amniocytes using three independent and complementary methods: (a) spectrophotometry as a tool for determination of the capacities of mitochondrial respiratory-chain enzymes (NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase, succinate- and glycerophosphate cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome c oxidase and citrate synthase); (b) polarography as a tool for the evaluation of mitochondrial OXPHOS enzyme functions in situ using digitonin-permeabilised amniocytes (rotenone-sensitive oxidation of pyruvate+malate, antimycin A-sensitive oxidation of succinate, KCN-sensitive oxidation of cytochrome c, ADP-activated substrate oxidation) and (c) cytofluorometric determination of tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) fluorescence in digitonin-permeabilised amniocytes as a sensitive way to determine the mitochondrial membrane potential under steady-state conditions (state 4 with succinate). These protocols are presented together with reference control values using 9–22 independent cultures of amniocytes.g 9–22 independent cultures of amniocytes. +
Amniotic cells show exciting stem cell fea … Amniotic cells show exciting stem cell features, which has led to the idea of using living cells of human amniotic membranes (hAMs) in toto for clinical applications. However, under common cell culture conditions, viability of amniotic cells decreases rapidly, whereby reasons for this decrease are unknown so far. Recently, it has been suggested that loss of tissue tension ''in vivo'' leads to apoptosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tissue distention on the viability of amniotic cells ''in vitro''. Thereby, particular focus was put on vital mitochondria-linked parameters, such as respiration and ATP synthesis. Biopsies of hAMs were incubated for 7-21 days either non-distended or distended. We observed increased B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (BAX)/B-cell lymphoma (BCL)-2 ratios in non-distended hAMs at day seven, followed by increased caspase 3 expression at day 14, and, consequently, loss of viability at day 21. In contrast, under distention, caspase 3 expression increased only slightly, and mitochondrial function and cellular viability were largely maintained. Our data suggest that a mechano-sensing pathway may control viability of hAM cells by triggering mitochondria-mediated apoptosis upon loss of tension ''in vitro''. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms between tissue distention and viability of hAM cells.sue distention and viability of hAM cells. +
Among all cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) … Among all cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common and the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide. New therapeutic strategies are required to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells highly resistant to present-day therapy and responsible for tumor relapse. CSCs display dynamic genetic and epigenetic alterations that allow quick adaptations to perturbations. Lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (KDM1A also known as LSD1), a FAD-dependent H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2 demethylase, was found to be upregulated in several tumors and associated with a poor prognosis due to its ability to maintain CSCs staminal features. Here, we explored the potential role of KDM1A targeting in CRC by characterizing the effect of KDM1A silencing in differentiated and CRC stem cells (CRC-SCs). In CRC samples, KDM1A overexpression was associated with a worse prognosis, confirming its role as an independent negative prognostic factor of CRC. Consistently, biological assays such as methylcellulose colony formation, invasion, and migration assays demonstrated a significantly decreased self-renewal potential, as well as migration and invasion potential upon KDM1A silencing. Our untargeted multi-omics approach (transcriptomic and proteomic) revealed the association of KDM1A silencing with CRC-SCs cytoskeletal and metabolism remodeling towards a differentiated phenotype, supporting the role of KDM1A in CRC cells stemness maintenance. Also, KDM1A silencing resulted in up-regulation of miR-506-3p, previously reported to play a tumor-suppressive role in CRC. Lastly, loss of KDM1A markedly reduced 53BP1 DNA repair foci, implying the involvement of KDM1A in the DNA damage response. Overall, our results indicate that KDM1A impacts CRC progression in several non-overlapping ways, and therefore it represents a promising epigenetic target to prevent tumor relapse.pigenetic target to prevent tumor relapse. +
Among all humans, the Polar Inuit of Thule … Among all humans, the Polar Inuit of Thule and Qaarnaak in Greenland are the northernmost population, limited to 302 in 1950 and dwindling to 180 in 2004. This human heritage of a culture and physiological type is endangered not only by a historical politically forced limitation of their territory, but by the current effects of global environmental pollution and climate change, causing social destabilization and a shift towards an unhealthy sedentary life style in contrast to the traditional active life style of Inuit hunters. 10 years ago the uncoupling hypothesis was presented for mitochondrial haplogroups of arctic populations suggesting that lower coupling of mitochondrial respiration to ATP production was selected for in favour of higher heat dissipation as an adaptation to cold climates [1,2]. It has been hypothesized that climatic pressures exerted selection for mitochondrial haplogroups in arctic populations as an adaptation to the cold, by increasing heat production through a higher mitochondrial proton leak. We studied muscle mitochondrial function in traditional Inuit hunters from Qaarnaak, Northern Greenland and sedentary Caucasian Danes who engaged in a 42 day ski sojourn across the polar ice caps (80-82o latitude). Small muscle biopsies were obtained from the leg (vastus lateralis) and arm (deltoid) muscles in both Inuit and Danes and mitochondrial function was assessed by high-resolution respirometry [3,4]. OXPHOS capacity in the leg was lower in Inuit compared to Danes consistent with differences in mitochondrial density. Nonetheless, Inuit had a higher OXPHOS capacity with fat substrate in both leg and arm muscles. LEAK respiration was proportionate with OXPHOS such that coupling control was equivalent between groups and across muscles of both arm and leg. After 42 days of skiing Danes demonstrated adaptive substrate control through an increase in fatty acid oxidation towards levels of the Inuit. Biochemical coupling efficiency was preserved across variations in mtDNA, muscle fibre type, uncoupling protein-3 content, muscle OXPHOS capacity, leg and arm muscle, and acclimatization level. This study refutes the hypothesis that uncoupling is higher in skeletal muscle of arctic haplotype populations and reveals that mitochondrial coupling control is tightly conserved across haplotype groups and training status despite large adaptive capacities for substrate oxidation.aptive capacities for substrate oxidation. +
Among mitochondrial NADP-reducing enzymes, … Among mitochondrial NADP-reducing enzymes, nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) establishes an elevated matrix NADPH/NADP+ by catalyzing the reduction of NADP+ at the expense of NADH oxidation coupled to inward proton translocation across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, we characterize NNT activity and mitochondrial redox balance in the brain using a congenic mouse model carrying the mutated ''Nnt'' gene from the C57BL/6J strain. The absence of NNT activity resulted in lower total NADPH sources activity in the brain mitochondria of young mice, an effect that was partially compensated in aged mice. Nonsynaptic mitochondria showed higher NNT activity than synaptic mitochondria. In the absence of NNT, an increased release of H2O2 from mitochondria was observed when the metabolism of respiratory substrates occurred with restricted flux through relevant mitochondrial NADPH sources or when respiratory complex I was inhibited. In accordance, mitochondria from ''Nnt''-/- brains were unable to sustain NADP in its reduced state when energized in the absence of carbon substrates, an effect aggravated after H2O2 bolus metabolism. These data indicate that the lack of NNT in brain mitochondria impairs peroxide detoxification, but peroxide detoxification can be partially counterbalanced by concurrent NADPH sources depending on substrate availability. Notably, only brain mitochondria from ''Nnt''-/- mice chronically fed a high-fat diet exhibited lower activity of the redox-sensitive aconitase, suggesting that brain mitochondrial redox balance requires NNT under the metabolic stress of a high-fat diet. Overall, the role of NNT in the brain mitochondria redox balance especially comes into play under mitochondrial respiratory defects or high-fat diet. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.ay under mitochondrial respiratory defects or high-fat diet. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. +
Among the branched chain amino acids (BCAA … Among the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine and isoleucine have been well-studied for their roles in improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. However, role of valine in mitochondrial function regulation and oxidative stress management remains elusive. This study investigated valine effect on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress ''in vitro''. Valine increased expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. It upregulates mitochondrial function at Complexes I, II and IV levels of electron transport chain. Flow cytometry studies revealed, valine reduced oxidative stress by significantly lowering mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein expression of 4 hydroxynonenal. Functional role of valine against oxidative stress was analyzed by XFe96 Analyzer. Valine sustained oxidative phosphorylation and improved ATP generation rates during oxidative stress. In conclusion, our findings shed more light on the critical function of valine in protecting mitochondrial function thereby preventing mitochondrial/cellular damage induced by oxidative stress.llular damage induced by oxidative stress. +
Among the wide range of mitochondrial diso … Among the wide range of mitochondrial disorders, defects in the oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) are the most prevalent. OxPhos deficiencies often lead to early death and are associated with severe and highly variable clinical symptoms. Despite intense efforts in the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial disorders, patients are still without effective treatment. The need of predictive ''in vivo'' models of the pathology is an important issue in the development of new therapeutics in order to study their therapeutic potential, toxicity and pharmacokinetics. Due to the extreme genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of OxPhos disorders one cannot rely on a single in ''vivo model''. Here we present the method and strategy we use to create, characterize and validate a set of ''Drosophila melanogaster'' models of nuclear DNA-encoded OxPhos subunits and preliminary results of systematic evaluation of Khondrion´s lead compound. We primarily focus on complex I by knocking down the core and accessory subunits the most prone to mutation in patients and selecting phenotypes-readouts suitable for drug screening (death at critical stages of development, survival curves, ROS level).These models will represent a valuable tool with predictive power to evaluate new potential therapeutics as an initial step in the drug development process.tial step in the drug development process. +
Ample experimental evidence suggests that … Ample experimental evidence suggests that sepsis could interfere with any mitochondrial function; however, the true role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction is still a matter of controversy. This review is primarily focused on mitochondrial oxygen consumption in various animal models of sepsis in relation to human disease and potential sources of variability in experimental results documenting decrease, increase or no change in mitochondrial respiration in various organs and species. To date, at least three possible explanations of sepsis-associated dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory system and consequently impaired energy production have been suggested: 1. Mitochondrial dysfunction is secondary to tissue hypoxia. 2. Mitochondria are challenged by various toxins or mediators of inflammation that impair oxygen utilization (cytopathic hypoxia). 3. Compromised mitochondrial respiration could be an active measure of survival strategy resembling stunning or hibernation. To reveal the true role of mitochondria in sepsis, sources of variability of experimental results based on animal species, models of sepsis, organs studied, or analytical approaches should be identified and minimized by the use of appropriate experimental models resembling human sepsis, wider use of larger animal species in preclinical studies, more detailed mapping of interspecies differences and organ-specific features of oxygen utilization in addition to use of complex and standardized protocols evaluating mitochondrial respiration.cols evaluating mitochondrial respiration. +
Ample sperm production is essential for su … Ample sperm production is essential for successful male reproduction in many species. The amount of sperm a male can produce is typically constrained by the size of his testes, which can be energetically expensive to grow and maintain. Whilst the economics of ejaculate allocation has been the focus of much theoretical and empirical literature, relatively little attention has been paid to individual adult variation and plasticity at the source of sperm production, the testes themselves. We experimentally address this issue using the insect ''Narnia femorata'' Stål (Hemiptera: Coreidae). We established the metabolic cost of testicular tissue, then quantified variation in individual testes mass in response to multiple mate quality and quantity treatments. We uncovered extreme variation across individuals and considerable short-term effects of mating activity on testes dry mass. Importantly, the observed variation in testes mass was associated with notable fitness consequences; females paired with males with larger testes had greater hatching success. Overall, pairing with a female resulted in a 11% reduction in dry testes mass. Despite this apparent considerable mating investment, we found no evidence of strategic allocation to higher quality females or longer-term changes in testes mass. The dynamic nature of testes mass and its metabolic cost is vital to consider in the context of re-mating rates, polyandry benefits and general mating system dynamics both in this species and more broadly.© 2019 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2019 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.ropean Society For Evolutionary Biology. +