Peer CJ, Callery PS, Hollander JM. Diabetic cardiomyopathy-associated dysfunction in spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 296: H359 -H369, 2009. First published December 5, 2008 doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00467.2008.-Diabetic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of heart failure among diabetic patients, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as an underlying cause in the pathogenesis. Cardiac mitochondria consist of two spatially, functionally, and morphologically distinct subpopulations, termed subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) and interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM). SSM are situated beneath the plasma membrane, whereas IFM are embedded between myofibrils. The goal of this study was to determine whether spatially distinct cardiac mitochondrial subpopulations respond differently to a diabetic phenotype. Swiss-Webster mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin or citrate saline vehicle. Five weeks after injections, diabetic hearts displayed decreased rates of contraction, relaxation, and left ventricular developed pressures (P Ͻ 0.05 for all three). Both mitochondrial size (forward scatter, P Ͻ 0.01) and complexity (side scatter, P Ͻ 0.01) were decreased in diabetic IFM but not diabetic SSM. Electron transport chain complex II respiration was decreased in diabetic SSM (P Ͻ 0.05) and diabetic IFM (P Ͻ 0.01), with the decrease being greater in IFM. Furthermore, IFM complex I respiration and complex III activity were decreased with diabetes (P Ͻ 0.01) but were unchanged in SSM. Superoxide production was increased only in diabetic IFM (P Ͻ 0.01). Oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, indexed through nitrotyrosine residues and lipid peroxidation, were higher in diabetic IFM (P Ͻ 0.05 and P Ͻ 0.01, respectively). The mitochondria-specific phospholipid cardiolipin was decreased in diabetic IFM (P Ͻ 0.01) but not SSM. These results indicate that diabetes mellitus imposes a greater stress on the IFM subpopulation, which is associated, in part, with increased superoxide generation and oxidative damage, resulting in morphological and functional abnormalities that may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. diabetes; free radical; mitochondria

Cardiac complications and heart failure are the leading cause of death in type 2 diabetic patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction is central in the pathogenesis of the type 2 diabetic heart. However, it is unclear whether this dysfunction is specific for a particular subcellular region. The purpose of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic heart is specific to a spatially distinct subset of mitochondria. We investigated mitochondrial morphology, function, and proteomic composition of subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) and interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM) in 18-wk-old db/db mice. Oxidative damage was assessed in subpopulations through the measurement of lipid peroxidation byproducts and nitrotyrosine residues. Proteomic profiles and posttranslational modifications were assessed in mitochondrial subpopulations using iTRAQ and multi-dimensional protein identification technologies, respectively. SSM from db/db hearts had altered morphology, including a decrease in size and internal complexity, whereas db/db IFM were increased in internal complexity. Db/db SSM displayed decreased state 3 respiration rates, electron transport chain activities, ATP synthase activities, and mitochondrial membrane potential and increased oxidative damage, with no change in IFM. Proteomic assessment revealed a greater impact on db/db SSM compared with db/db IFM. Inner mitochondrial membrane proteins, including electron transport chain, ATP synthesis, and mitochondrial protein import machinery, were predominantly decreased. We provide evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic heart is associated with a specific subcellular locale. Furthermore, mitochondrial morphological and functional indexes are impacted differently during type 2 diabetic insult and may result from the modulation of spatially distinct mitochondrial proteomes.

deletion of mitofusin-1 leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and improves tolerance to ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 302: H167-H179, 2012. First published October 28, 2011 doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00833.2011.-Molecular studies examining the impact of mitochondrial morphology on the mammalian heart have previously focused on dynamin related protein-1 (Drp-1) and mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2), while the role of the other mitofusin isoform, Mfn-1, has remained largely unexplored. In the present study, we report the generation and initial characterization of cardiomyocyte-specific Mfn-1 knockout (Mfn-1 KO) mice. Using electron microscopic analysis, we detect a greater prevalence of small, spherical mitochondria in Mfn-1 KO hearts, indicating that the absence of Mfn-1 causes a profound shift in the mitochondrial fusion/ fission balance. Nevertheless, Mfn-1 KO mice exhibit normal leftventricular function, and isolated Mfn-1 KO heart mitochondria display a normal respiratory repertoire. Mfn-1 KO myocytes are protected from mitochondrial depolarization and exhibit improved viability when challenged with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the form of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, in vitro studies detect a blunted response of KO mitochondria to undergo peroxideinduced mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. These data suggest that Mfn-1 deletion confers protection against ROSinduced mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, we suggest that mitochondrial fragmentation in myocytes is not sufficient to induce heart dysfunction or trigger cardiomyocyte death. Additionally, our data suggest that endogenous levels of Mfn-1 can attenuate myocyte viability in the face of an imminent ROS overload, an effect that could be associated with the ability of Mfn-1 to remodel the outer mitochondrial membrane.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with increased risk of heart failure in type 1 diabetic patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction is suggested as an underlying contributor to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac mitochondria are characterized by subcellular spatial locale, including mitochondria located beneath the sarcolemma, subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM), and mitochondria situated between the myofibrils, interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM). The goal of this study was to determine whether type 1 diabetic insult in the heart influences proteomic make-up of spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations and to evaluate the role of nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein import. Utilizing multiple proteomic approaches (iTRAQ and two-dimensional-differential in-gel electrophoresis), IFM proteomic make-up was impacted by type 1 diabetes mellitus to a greater extent than SSM, as evidenced by decreased abundance of fatty acid oxidation and electron transport chain proteins. Mitochondrial phosphate carrier and adenine nucleotide translocator, as well as inner membrane translocases, were decreased in the diabetic IFM ( P < 0.05 for both). Mitofilin, a protein involved in cristae morphology, was diminished in the diabetic IFM ( P < 0.05). Posttranslational modifications, including oxidations and deamidations, were most prevalent in the diabetic IFM. Mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHsp70) was significantly decreased in diabetic IFM ( P < 0.05). Mitochondrial protein import was decreased in the diabetic IFM with no change in the diabetic SSM ( P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that mitochondrial proteomic alterations in the type 1 diabetic heart are more pronounced in the IFM. Further, proteomic alterations are associated with nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein import dysfunction and loss of an essential mitochondrial protein import constituent, mtHsp70, implicating this process in the pathogenesis of the diabetic heart.

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JM. Enhanced apoptotic propensity in diabetic cardiac mitochondria: influence of subcellular spatial location. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 298: H633-H642, 2010. First published December 4, 2009 doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00668.2009.-Cardiovascular complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, account for the majority of deaths associated with diabetes mellitus. Mitochondria are particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of diabetes mellitus and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac mitochondria consist of two spatially distinct subpopulations, termed subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) and interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM). The goal of this study was to determine whether subcellular spatial location is associated with apoptotic propensity of cardiac mitochondrial subpopulations during diabetic insult. Swiss Webster mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin or citrate saline vehicle. Ten weeks following injection, diabetic hearts displayed increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities, indicating enhanced apoptotic signaling (P Ͻ 0.05, for both). Mitochondrial size (forward scatter) and internal complexity (side scatter) were decreased in diabetic IFM (P Ͻ 0.05, for both) but not in diabetic SSM. Mitochondrial membrane potential (⌬ ⌿m) was lower in diabetic IFM (P Ͻ 0.01) but not in diabetic SSM. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was increased in diabetic compared with control IFM (P Ͻ 0.05), whereas no differences were observed in diabetic compared with control SSM. Examination of mPTP constituents revealed increases in cyclophilin D in diabetic IFM. Furthermore, diabetic IFM possessed lower cytochrome c and BcL-2 levels and increased Bax levels (P Ͻ 0.05, for all 3). No significant changes in these proteins were observed in diabetic SSM compared with control. These results indicate that diabetes mellitus is associated with an enhanced apoptotic propensity in IFM, suggesting a differential apoptotic susceptibility of distinct mitochondrial subpopulations based upon subcellular location.

There is growing evidence suggesting that dietary fat intake affects the development and progression of heart failure. Studies in rodents show that in the absence of obesity replacing refined carbohydrate with fat can attenuate or prevent ventricular expansion and contractile dysfunction in response to hypertension, infarction or genetic cardiomyopathy. Relatively low intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from marine sources alters cardiac membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition, decreases the onset of new heart failure, and slows the progression of established heart failure. This effect is associated with decreased inflammation and improved resistance to mitochondrial permeability transition. High intake of saturated, monounsaturated or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids has also shown beneficial effects in rodent studies. The underlying mechanisms are complex and a more thorough understanding is needed of the effects on cardiac phospholipids, lipid metabolites and metabolic flux in the normal and failing heart. In summary, manipulation of dietary fat intake shows promise in the prevention and treatment of heart failure. Clinical studies generally support high intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from marine sources to prevent and treat heart failure. Additional clinical and animals studies are needed to determine the optimal diet in terms of saturated, monounsaturated and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake for this vulnerable patient population.