Mitochondria and cardiovascular diseases—from pathophysiology to treatment

Abstract

Mitochondria are the source of cellular energy production and are present in different types of cells. However, their function is especially important for the heart due to the high demands in energy which is achieved through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria form large networks which regulate metabolism and the optimal function is achieved through the balance between mitochondrial fusion and mitochondrial fission. Moreover, mitochondrial function is upon quality control via the process of mitophagy which removes the damaged organelles. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the development of numerous cardiac diseases such as atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, hypertension, diabetes, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF), due to the uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, early control of mitochondrial dysfunction is a crucial step in the therapy of cardiac diseases. A number of anti-oxidant molecules and medications have been used but the results are inconsistent among the studies. Eventually, the aim of future research is to design molecules which selectively target mitochondrial dysfunction and restore the capacity of cellular anti-oxidant enzymes.

Lunasin attenuates oxidant‐induced endothelial injury and inhibits atherosclerotic plaque progression in ApoE−/−mice by up‐regulating heme oxygenase‐1viaPI3K/Akt/Nrf2/ARE pathway

“…It has been shown that endothelial mitochondria play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction results in excessive production of ROS, which oxidize mitochondrial components, including mitochondrial DNA, proteins, and lipids, and further exacerbate ROS generation and set up a vicious cycle, thereby contributing to atherosclerosis (40, 41). Because alteration of MMP is a risk factor that drives excess mitochondrial ROS production, we measured the effects of lunasin on MMP to estimate the influence of lunasin on mitochondrial function in EA.hy926 cells.…”

A Review on the Antioxidative and Prooxidative Properties of Luteolin

“…Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are commonly defined as a class of small and highly reactive chemical species resulting from incomplete one-electron reduction of oxygen (e.g., superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide) [1,2]. In physiological settings, ROS are produced through both non-enzymatic and enzyme-catalyzed reactions.…”

“…Cellular ROS are commonly generated through mitochondrial respiratory chain in most tissues. Steady-state ROS are maintained at nontoxic levels through various antioxidant and repair enzymes [2,5,6]. The delicate balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses appears to play an essential role in cell survival, proliferation, and cell death [7,8].…”

“…The delicate balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses appears to play an essential role in cell survival, proliferation, and cell death [7,8]. In pathological conditions, accumulation of ROS can result in the oxidization and damage of proteins, DNA, and lipids, resulting in pathological sequelae such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy [2]. On the other hand, cells generate non-enzymatic or enzymatic anti-oxidative defensive factors including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione, thioredoxin, catalase, and peroxidases to scavenge ROS and combat oxidative stress [2,9].…”

“…In pathological conditions, accumulation of ROS can result in the oxidization and damage of proteins, DNA, and lipids, resulting in pathological sequelae such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy [2]. On the other hand, cells generate non-enzymatic or enzymatic anti-oxidative defensive factors including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione, thioredoxin, catalase, and peroxidases to scavenge ROS and combat oxidative stress [2,9]. This oxidative/anti-oxidative balance plays a crucial role in the physiological processes of various organisms and disruption of this balance can lead to a number of diseases including cardiovascular disorders, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases [2,4].…”