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Mitochondria are impaired in the adipocytes of type 2 diabetic mice.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to confirm a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cellular levels of mitochondrial proteins, cellular mitochondrial DNA content, and mitochondrial function and morphology were assessed by MitoTracker staining and electron microscopy, in white adipose tissue of 12-week-old male wild-type, obese (ob/ob), and diabetic (db/db) mice. RESULTS: Levels of mitochondrial proteins were found to be very similar in the livers and muscles of all the mice studied. However, levels were greatly decreased in the adipocytes of db/db mice, but not in those of the wild-type and ob/ob mice. Levels of mitochondrial DNA were also found to be considerably reduced in the adipocytes of db/db mice. MitoTracker staining and under electron microscopy revealed that the number of mitochondria was reduced in adipocytes of db/db mice. Respiration and fatty acid oxidation studies indicated mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes of db/db mice. Interestingly, there was an increase in mitochondria and mitochondrial protein production in adipocytes of db/db mice treated with rosiglitazone, an agent that enhances insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Taken together, these data indicate that mitochondrial loss in adipose tissue is correlated with the development of type 2 diabetes.

Adipocytes↗

Complete repopulation of mouse mitochondrial DNA-less cells with rat mitochondrial DNA restores mitochondrial translation but not mitochondrial respiratory function.

By the fusion of mtDNA-less (rho(0)) cells of Mus musculus domesticus with platelets from different species, mtDNA repopulated cybrids were obtained for finding the mtDNA species that could induce mitochondrial abnormalities. Expression of mitochondrial dysfunction might be expected in these cybrids due to incompatibility between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes from different species. The results showed that mouse rho(0) cells could receive mtDNA from a different mouse species, M. spretus, or even mtDNA from the rat, Rattus norvegicus, and that the introduced rat mtDNA, but not M. spretus mtDNA, caused mitochondrial dysfunction, even though rat mtDNA could restore normal mitochondrial translation in the cybrids. Considering that mitochondrial respiratory complexes consist of nuclear DNA- and mtDNA-coded polypeptides, these observations suggest that the nuclear and mitochondrial interactions required for replication, transcription, and translation of introduced rat mtDNA must be less stringently controlled than those required for formation of normal respiratory complexes. As no procedure for introduction of mutagenized mouse mtDNA into living cells has yet been established, these findings provide important insights into generating mtDNA-knockout mice.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Fetal hypoxia causes oocyte oxidative stress damage via the Sirt3/Sod2 pathway and can be alleviated by nicotinamide mononucleotide.

Environmental hypoxia exerts detrimental effects on the reproductive capabilities of both humans and animals. A fetal hypoxia model was established in which fetal mice were kept in a high-plateau hypoxic setting from embryonic day (E) 0 to 16.5. In our previous research, we found that fetal hypoxia exposure perturbs the methylation of imprinted genes in adult sperm and causes intergenerational placental impairments in male offspring. However, the specific impacts of fetal hypoxia on the female reproductive system, particularly regarding oocyte maturation, remain poorly understood. First, we found that fetal hypoxia mice exhibited a significant reduction in the average number of pups per litter. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome in oocytes from the hypoxic group and investigated the metabolic alterations within the follicular microenvironment. Fetal hypoxic stress contributed to cleavage and blastocyst rate reduction and induced early apoptosis and DNA damage triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress aggravation and Sirt3/Sod2 downregulation. Additionally, administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has been shown to prevent oocytes from mitochondrial dysfunction and developmental impairment by increasing the expression of Sirt3/Sod2 and autophagy. The number of pups per litter in fetal hypoxia mice was reduced by 57.7% compared to the control group, while NMN intervention could restore it to 73.1% of the control group. These results indicate that fetal hypoxia exposure exerts multiple potential damages to adult female reproduction, while highlighting the clinical potential of NMN supplementation as a targeted intervention to alleviate such hypoxia-associated female reproductive impairment.

Animals↗

Pharmacology of nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor-induced mitochondrial toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the function of the mitochondria and the mechanisms by which nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) cause mitochondrial toxicity. BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduces rates of morbidity and mortality due to HIV disease. However, long-term treatment with these drugs may be associated with adverse effects. Nucleoside and nucleotide analogues are potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase and have become the cornerstone of HAART. Unfortunately, these drugs have also been shown to inhibit cellular polymerases, most notably mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma. RESULTS: Studies of the NRTIs in enzyme assays and cell cultures demonstrate the following hierarchy of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma inhibition: zalcitabine > didanosine > stavudine > lamivudine > zidovudine > abacavir. In vitro investigations have also documented impairment of the mitochondrial enzymes adenylate kinase and the adenosine diphosphate/adenosine triphosphate translocator. Inhibition of DNA polymerase gamma and other mitochondrial enzymes can gradually lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular toxicity. The clinical manifestations of NRTI-induced mitochondrial toxicity resemble those of inherited mitochondrial diseases (ie, hepatic steatosis, lactic acidosis, myopathy, nephrotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and pancreatitis). Fat redistribution syndrome, or HIV-associated lipodystrophy, is another side effect attributed in part to NRTI therapy. The morphologic and metabolic complications of this syndrome are similar to those of the mitochondrial disorder known as multiple symmetric lipomatosis: suggesting that this too may be related to mitochondrial toxicity. The pathophysiology of less common adverse effects of nucleoside analogue therapy, such as diabetes, ototoxicity, and retinal lesions, may be related to mitochondrial dysfunction but have not been adequately studied. CONCLUSION: NRTls can block both HIV reverse transcriptase and mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma. Inhibition of the latter enzyme is the most likely cause of the adverse effects associated with these drugs.

Animals↗

Biochemical evaluation of obstructive bladder dysfunction in men secondary to BPH: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: In the rabbit, two of the major cellular alterations that mediate bladder dysfunction secondary to partial outlet obstruction are a decreased ability of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to store and release Ca2+, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective of the current study was to determine whether SR and mitochondrial dysfunctions are associated with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. METHODS: Bladder biopsies were obtained from men with symptomatic BPH and from age-matched men with no urologic dysfunction. Each biopsy was analyzed for the following enzyme activities: malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase (mitochondrial markers) and the sarcoplasmic reticular enzyme Ca2+ -dependent adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase). These values were compared with the enzyme activities of control rabbit bladder smooth muscle and bladder smooth muscle obtained from rabbits subjected to 2 weeks of partial outlet obstruction. RESULTS: The enzymatic activities of all three enzymes are significantly lower in human bladder smooth muscle than in rabbit bladder smooth muscle. The maximal activities of all three enzymes are significantly lower in human bladder samples obtained from men with diagnosed obstructive uropathy than in men of equal age with no urologic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate that similar to the response of the rabbit to partial outlet obstruction, obstructive dysfunction secondary to BPH is characterized by mitochondrial and SR dysfunction.

Animals↗

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 protects the immature brain from excitotoxic neuronal death.

Excitotoxic cell death is the fundamental process responsible for many human neurodegenerative disorders, yet the basic mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Here, we exploited the fact that the immature brain is remarkably resistant to seizure-induced excitotoxic cell death and examined the underlying protective mechanisms. We found that, unlike in the adult, seizures do not increase the formation of reactive oxygen species or result in mitochondrial dysfunction in neonatal brain, because of high levels of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP2). UCP2 expression and function were basally increased in neonatal brain by the fat-rich diet of maternal milk, and substituting a low-fat diet reduced UCP2, restored mitochondrial coupling, and permitted seizure-induced neuronal injury. Thus, modulation of UCP2 expression and function by dietary fat protects neonatal neurons from excitotoxicity by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. This mechanism offers novel neuroprotective strategies for individuals, greater than 1% of the world's population, who are affected by seizures.

Age Factors↗

Consequences of mitochondrial injury induced by pharmaceutical fatty acid oxidation inhibitors is characterized in human and rat liver slices.

Inhibition of liver mitochondrial beta-oxidation by pharmaceuticals may lead to safety concerns including mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, inflammation and necrosis. In this study, the consequences of mitochondrial beta-oxidation inhibition by pharmaceuticals is investigated in human and rat liver slices. The fatty acid oxidation inhibitors Etomoxir and CPI975, inhibit the rate limiting mitochondrial beta-oxidation enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, while FOX988 and SDZ51-641, sequester mitochondrial coenzyme A to inhibit carnitine palmitoyltransferase II. Mitochondrial dysfunction was evident by a significant decrease of liver slice ATP levels and mitochondrial injury was verified by ultrastructural changes in morphology, manifested as enlarged mitochondria, C- or O-shaped mitochondria, and granular or crystalline inclusions. Gene expression changes were evident prior to changes in mitochondrial morphology. Time- and concentration dependent changes in mitochondrial genes linked with respiration and mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation were associated with an up-regulation of peroxisome fatty acid oxidation genes, likely as a compensatory mechanism for the inhibition of the mitochondrial pathways. Gene expression changes preceding the decline of liver slice ATP and GSH levels included an up-regulation of stress response and oxidative stress gene expression, as well as genes linked with transcription, transporters, proliferation, cell matrix and signaling. In association with the decline of liver slice ATP and GSH was increased apoptosis and inflammation. Caspase activity, a functional indicator of apoptosis, was significantly increased as well as an up-regulation of genes linked with apoptosis. The increased gene and protein expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8, produced by endothelial cells, is likely in response to the manifestation of oxidative stress and GSH depletion; further amplifying the oxidative stress response induced by the fatty acid oxidation inhibitors and triggering an inflammatory response. In summary, human and rat liver slices exhibited similar effects to the inhibitors of mitochondrial beta-oxidation, and the mitochondrial injury is associated with apoptosis and inflammation in the liver slices.

Acetophenones↗

Mitochondrial inhibition and oxidative stress: reciprocating players in neurodegeneration.

Although the etiology for many neurodegenerative diseases is unknown, the common findings of mitochondrial defects and oxidative damage posit these events as contributing factors. The temporal conundrum of whether mitochondrial defects lead to enhanced reactive oxygen species generation, or conversely, if oxidative stress is the underlying cause of the mitochondrial defects remains enigmatic. This review focuses on evidence to show that either event can lead to the evolution of the other with subsequent neuronal cell loss. Glutathione is a major antioxidant system used by cells and mitochondria for protection and is altered in a number of neurodegenerative and neuropathological conditions. This review also addresses the multiple roles for glutathione during mitochondrial inhibition or oxidative stress. Protein aggregation and inclusions are hallmarks of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence that links protein aggregation to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction will also be examined. Lastly, current therapies that target mitochondrial dysfunction or oxidative stress are discussed.

Animals↗

Hyperlactataemia in HIV-infected patients: the role of NRTI-treatment.

BACKGROUND: Long-term treatment with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) can induce mitochondrial dysfunction, most severely represented by lactic acidosis. Diagnostic tests for mitochondrial dysfunction are lacking, although persistently elevated serum lactate might be a surrogate marker. OBJECTIVES: To determine the occurrence of hyperlactataemia in HIV-infected patients on NRTI-treatment and to evaluate the possible risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of lactic-acid levels in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients. Hyperlactactaemia was considered mild if between 2.0-5 mmol/l, serious if >5 mmol/l and lactic acidosis was defined as lactic acid levels >5 mmol/l with bicarbonate <20 mmol/l. Possible risk factors, such as current and preceding NRTI-treatment as well as treatment with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or protease inhibitors and concurrent liver disease, were analysed. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty three asymptomatic HIV-infected patients were studied, including 174 patients (78%) on NRTI treatment, 12 patients (5%) treated without NRTIs and 37 patients (17%) not treated. Mild hyperlactataemia was found in 42 patients (19%), from whom 38/42 (90%) were NRTI-treated and the remaining patients (4/42, 10%) received no treatment (chi2, P<0.05). The significant risk factors for hyperlactataemia in the univariate analysis were NRTI-treatment as a group (P=0.03) and elevated ALT (P=0.008). In multivariate analysis NRTI use (P=0.05) and ALT level (P=0.03) remained a significant determinant of hyperlactataemia. Among the different individual NRTIs, a stavudine-containing (P=0.004) and a zalcitabine-containing (P=0.07) regimen were most notably associated with the development of hyperlactataemia, whereas for the combinations of NRTIs, such association was only found for stavudine/lamivudine (P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A correlation between hyperlactataemia and NRTI treatment was found, but the value of routine lactate measurement for individual treatment monitoring remains uncertain.

Acidosis, Lactic↗

Mitochondrial oxidative stress in human hepatoma cells exposed to stavudine.

The toxicity of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) is linked to altered mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and subsequent disruption of cellular energetics. This manifests clinically as elevated concentrations of lactate in plasma. The mechanism(s) underlying how the changes in mtDNA replication lead to lactic acidosis remains unclear. It is hypothesized that mitochondrial oxidative stress links the changes in mtDNA replication to mitochondrial dysfunction and ensuing NRTIs toxicity. To test this hypothesis, changes in mitochondrial function, mtDNA amplification efficiency, and oxidative stress were assessed in HepG2-cultured human hepatoblasts treated with the NRTI stavudine (2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-deoxythymidine or d4T) for 48 h. d4T produced significant mitochondrial dysfunction with a 1.5-fold increase in cellular lactate to pyruvate ratios. In addition, d4T caused a dose-dependent decrease in mtDNA amplification and a correlative increase in abundance of markers of mitochondrial oxidative stress. Manganese (III) meso-tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin, MnTBAP, a catalytic antioxidant, ameliorated or reversed d4T-induced changes in cell injury, energetics, mtDNA amplification, and mitochondrial oxidative stress. In conclusion, d4T treatment elevates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhances mitochondrial oxidative stress, and contributes mechanistically to NRTI-induced toxicity. These deleterious events may be potentiated in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection itself, coinfection (e.g., viral hepatitis), aging, substance, and alcohol use.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Mitochondrial function as a determinant of recovery or death in cell response to injury.

Many pathological conditions can be the cause or the consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction. For instance anoxia, which is initiated by a critical reduction of oxygen availability for mitochondrial oxidations, is followed by a wide variety of mitochondrial alterations. A crucial role in the evolution of cell injury is to be attributed to the direction of operation of the F0F1 ATPase, which may turn mitochondria into the major consumers of cellular ATP in the futile attempt to restore the proton electrochemical gradient. On the other hand, functional mitochondria can paradoxically accelerate or exacerbate cell damage. This concept is particularly relevant for the ischemic myocardium. Indeed, inhibition of the respiratory chain or addition of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation can both limit the extent of enzyme release in the intact heart and prevent the onset of irreversible morphological changes in isolated myocytes. From studies on different tissues in a variety of pathological conditions a general consensus emerges on the role of intracellular Ca2+ overload as a pivotal link between cellular alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative phosphorylation is reduced by a massive mitochondrial uptake of Ca2+, resulting in a vicious cycle whereby the reduced ATP availability is followed by a failure of the mechanisms which extrude Ca2+ from the sarcoplasm. In addition, the rise in [Ca2+]i could promote opening of the cyclosporin-sensitive mitochondrial permeability transition pore, leading to a sudden deltapsi(m) dissipation. Here, we review the changes in intracellular and intramitochondrial ionic homeostasis occurring during ischemia and reperfusion. In particular, we evaluate the potential contribution of the permeability transition pore to cellular damage and discuss the mechanisms which can determine the cellular fate from a mitochondrial point of view.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Exploring mitochondrial nephrotoxicity as a potential mechanism of kidney dysfunction among HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir (TDF) exposure has been associated with renal dysfunction. Mitochondrial nephrotoxicity was investigated as an underlying mechanism. Given the interaction between TDF and didanosine (ddl), their concurrent use was also investigated. DESIGN: Relative kidney biopsy mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to nuclear DNA ratios were measured retrospectively. HIV+ individuals on TDF within 6 months preceeding the biopsy (HIV+/TDF+, n=21) were compared to HIV+ individuals who never received TDF (HIV+/TDF-, n=10) and to HIV uninfected controls (HIV-,n=22). Twelve of the HIV+/TDF+ individuals received concurrent ddl, 10 of those once at unadjusted ddl dosage. Tubular mitochondria morphology was also examined by electron microscopy. Statistical analyses were done on log-transformed mtDNA/nDNA, using non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Kidney mtDNA levels were different among the three groups (P=0.046). mtDNA ratios were lower in HIV+/TDF+ subjects (7.5 [2.0-12.1]) than in HIV- ones (14.3 [6.0-16.5], P=0.014), but not lower than HIV+/TDF- controls (6.4 [2.8-11.9], P=0.82). Among HIV+ subjects, there was a difference between TDF-, TDF+/ddl- and TDF+/ddl+ (P=0.005), with concurrent TDF/ddl use associated with lower mtDNA (2.1 [1.9-5.5], n=12) than TDF+/ddl- (13.8 [7.5-16.4], n=9, P=0.003). No TDF-/ddl+ biopsies were available. In regression analyses, only HIV infection (P=0.03), and TDF/ddl use (P=0.003) were associated with lower mtDNA. At the ultrastructural level, abnormal tubular mitochondria was more prevalent in HIV+/TDF+ biopsies than HIV+/TDF- and HIV- ones together (P<0.001) but not more so in TDF+/ddl+ biopsies than TDF+/ddl- ones (P=0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Renal dysfunction in this population may be mediated through mitochondrial nephrotoxicity that involves more than one drug and/or pathogenesis. Kidney mtDNA depletion was associated with HIV infection and concurrent TDF/ddl therapy but not TDF use alone, while kidney ultrastructural mitochondrial abnormalities were seen with TDF use. The interaction between TDF and ddl may be relevant in the kidney where both drugs are cleared. The clinical relevance of our findings needs to be evaluated given the current recommendation for reduced doses of ddl when used in conjunction with TDF.

Adenine↗

Mitochondrial function in schimke-immunoosseous dysplasia.

Schimke-immunoosseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a multisystemic disorder caused by a mutation of a putative chromatin remodelling protein. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with disproportionate growth deficiency, nephrotic syndrome with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, defective cellular immunity, and transient ischemic attacks are major clinical features in the severe form of SIOD. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction may be an underlying pathophysiologic mechanism in this multisystemic disease. Mitochondrial parameters were studied in blood (lactate, pyruvate, ketone bodies, alanine) and in urine (organic acids) of four patients with the severe form of SIOD. Activities of respiratory chain enzymes were measured spectrophotometrically in fibroblasts of two of these patients. In patients with the severe form of SIOD normal concentrations of lactate as well as normal lactate/pyruvate- and ketone-body ratios were found in plasma. Alanine, the long-term parameter for lactate, was normal as well; metabolites of the citrate cycle were not found in the urine. Activities of respiratory chain enzymes I-V were not significantly reduced in fibroblasts from two patients with the severe form of SIOD. There was no evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in SIOD. The underlying pathophysiology of SIOD remains unclear.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Mechanism of cell death induction by nitroxide and hyperthermia.

Heat stress and nitroxides induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proapoptotic effects. The underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here we report that Tempo (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl) is a potent thermosensitizer for promoting cell death in human leukemia U937 cells. Treatment with Tempo (10 mM, 37 degrees C/30 min) and hyperthermia (44 degrees C/30 min) induced 30 and 70-80% apoptosis, respectively, through Bax-mediated cytochrome c release and DEVDase activation. The Tempo/heat combination also caused Bax-mediated cytochrome c release, but switched heat-induced apoptosis to the particular pyknotic cell death, resulting in the irreparable inhibition of proliferation. Tempo and heat stress, but not the combination, caused an early transient elevation of H2O2/O2*- and a late induction of only O2*-, respectively. Mitochondrial Ca2+ overloads were indistinguishable after any treatment. Heat stress induced the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk-suppressible low-Deltapsi (mitochondrial membrane potential) in 75% of cells as a result of DEVDase activation. In contrast, Tempo yielded low-Deltapsi by deprivation of the mitochondrial H+ gradient. The combined treatment induced 97% zVAD-resistant low-Deltapsi cells through irreversible mitochondrial dysfunction. Together, thus, Tempo or heat stress induced Bax-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis with the possible help of ROS or mitochondrial Ca2+, and Tempo when combined with hyperthermia acts a sensitizer by inducing irreparable pyknotic cell death through irreversible mitochondrial dysfunction.

Apoptosis↗

Fiber atrophy and hypertrophy in skeletal muscles of late middle-aged Fischer 344 x Brown Norway F1-hybrid rats.

We examined young adult and late middle-aged male rats to test the hypothesis that gastrocnemius (a locomotor muscle) demonstrates reduced fiber size with aging, whereas soleus (a postural muscle) demonstrates atrophy of some fibers and compensatory hypertrophy in other fibers. Although body mass was greater in late middle-aged animals, mass was reduced in gastrocnemius but not soleus muscle. In another group of animals, physical activity was reduced by 34% in late middle-aged animals. Whereas mean fiber size was lower in gastrocnemius of late middle-aged animals, it was not different in soleus. Histograms revealed atrophied fibers (</=1000 micro m(2)) in soleus and gastrocnemius and hypertrophied fibers (>/=8000 micro m(2)) in soleus with aging. Atrophied fibers often demonstrated no subsarcolemmal mitochondrial staining, suggesting denervation, whereas hypertrophied fibers often demonstrated cytochrome oxidase deficiency, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. These results underscore the divergent influences (e.g., physical inactivity, denervation, mitochondrial dysfunction) affecting fiber size with aging.

Aging↗

Supranuclear eye movement dysfunction in mitochondrial myopathy with tRNA(LEU) mutation.

A patient with multiple neurological deficits and biopsy-proven mitochondrial myopathy with mutation of tRNA(LEU) at nucleotide 3243 was referred for eye movement evaluation. He had restricted range of voluntary motions in all directions and full range of eye movements on passive rotation of head while fixating a visual target. Eye movement recordings revealed decreased horizontal and vertical saccadic velocities and markedly decreased smooth pursuit gain in both directions. The vestibulo-ocular reflex showed gain abnormalities with many saccadic intrusions on the smooth reflex response. His brother, with similar mutation, was clinically asymptomatic. However, his eye movement recordings revealed slow horizontal saccadic velocities leftward and normal saccadic velocities rightward in both eyes as well as in upward and downward direction. Smooth pursuit and vestibulo-ocular reflexes were within normal limits. Although eye movement abnormalities are seen commonly in mitochondrial myopathies, the exact mechanism is not known. Our cases suggest supranuclear dysfunction as one of the mechanisms for ophthalmoparesis.

Biopsy↗

Dopamine toxicity involves mitochondrial complex I inhibition: implications to dopamine-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dopamine, which is suggested as a prominent etiological factor in several neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, demonstrates neurotoxic properties. In such dopamine-related diseases mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported. Dopamine oxidized metabolites were shown to inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory system both in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we suggest an additional mechanism for dopamine toxicity, which involves mitochondrial complex I inhibition by dopamine. In human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells dopamine induced a reduction in ATP concentrations, which was negatively correlated to intracellular dopamine levels (r = - 0.96, P = 0.012), and was already evident at non-toxic dopamine doses. In disrupted mitochondria dopamine inhibited complex I activity with IC50 = 11.87 +/- 1.45 microm or 8.12 +/- 0.75 microM in the presence of CoQ or ferricyanide, respectively, with no effect on complexes IV and V activities. The catechol moiety, but not the amine group, of dopamine is essential for complex I inhibition, as is indicated by comparing the inhibitory potential of functionally and structurally dopamine-related compounds. In line with the latter is the finding that chelatable FeCl2 prevented dopamine-induced inhibition of complex I. Monoamine oxidase A and B inhibitors, as well as the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), did not prevent dopamine-induced inhibition, suggesting that dopamine oxidation was not involved in this process. The present study suggests that dopamine toxicity involves, or is initiated by, its interaction with the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system. We further hypothesize that this interaction between dopamine and mitochondria is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction observed in dopamine-related neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

[Change in calcium transport as a factor in causing dysfunction of myocardial mitochondria during hypoxia].

During normoxic incubation of isolated myocardial mitochondria, there were marked increases in mitochondrial calcium when free calcium concentration in the incubation medium was enhanced. The increases were concomitant with rises increase in the rate of state 4 respiration. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between the mitochondrial calcium and the rate of state 4 respiration. During hypoxic incubation, when the calcium concentration of the incubation medium was enhanced, there was no significant increase in mitochondrial calcium and the rises in the rate of state 4 respiration were much lower than the rises during normoxia. Hypoxic incubation in medium of low calcium concentration (pCa 8.0) resulted in slight rises in rate of state 4 respiration. The above results suggest that in myocytes, the mitochondrial dysfunction under hypoxia may be caused indirectly by changes in cytoplasm rather than directly by hypoxia. It seems that the change of cellular free calcium concentration is an important factor in the mitochondrial dysfunction.

Animals↗