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Altered expression of mitochondria-related genes in postmortem brains of patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, as revealed by large-scale DNA microarray analysis.

Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction underlies the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ). We performed large-scale DNA microarray analysis of postmortem brains of patients with BD or SZ, and examined expression patterns of mitochondria-related genes. We found a global down-regulation of mitochondrial genes, such as those encoding respiratory chain components, in BD and SZ samples, even after the effect of sample pH was controlled. However, this was likely due to the effects of medication. Medication-free patients with BD showed tendency of up-regulation of subset of mitochondrial genes. Our findings support the mitochondrial dysfunction hypothesis of BD and SZ pathologies. However, it may be the expression changes of a small fraction of mitochondrial genes rather than the global down-regulation of mitochondrial genes. Our findings warrant further study of the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in BD and SZ.

Bipolar Disorder↗

Top down analysis ceramide-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions: role of mitochondrial swelling.

Mitochondrial role in ceramide-induced apoptosis pathway remains unclear. Direct effects of ceramide on mitochondria (cytochrome c release, respiratory chain inhibition, oxygen radicals production...) have been reported [1, 2] and we previously showed that addition of ceramide to intact cells or isolated mitochondria triggers mitochondrial swelling which appeared to be insensitive to cyclosporin A (CsA) [3, 4]. The purpose of this work was to determine to which extent this CsA-insensitive mitochondrial swelling, therefore distinct from permeability transition, participates to ceramide-induced apoptosis. To achieve this, we applied Top-Down analysis of integrated mitochondrial function [5], in order to better understand ceramide-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Animals↗

Respiratory-chain enzyme activities in isolated mitochondria of lymphocytes from patients with Parkinson's disease: preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that promote neural cell death in stroke and in Parkinson's disease. The sites of mitochondrial ROS production are not established but are generally believed to be located within the electron transport chain. AIMS: We studied the mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes function from human circulating lymphocytes. SETTING AND DESIGN: Open study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with 30 age-matched control subjects were selected in this study. The patients had received no treatment before the study was conducted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data from patients and controls were compared using two-tailed student's t-test and values were expressed as means +/- standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: Respiratory complex I + III and IV activities were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in patients than in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The use of lymphocytes for investigating the respiratory chain enzymes provides an easy, noninvasive method to assess mitochondrial function in patients with PD. Furthermore, our study supports the hypothesis that a biochemical defect in the respiratory chain may be involved in the pathogenesis of PD.

Electron Transport↗

Role of mitochondria in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the specific loss of central and peripheral motor neurons. While this pattern of neuronal demise gives rise to a distinct clinical syndrome, at the cellular and molecular level ALS pathology is similar to that seen in other neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS is reminiscent of that observed in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Mitochondria in persons with ALS demonstrate impaired electron transport, increased free radical generation, and an inability to adequately buffer cytosolic calcium shifts. These abnormalities are probably systemic and potentially due to mutation of mitochondrial DNA.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

Role of mitochondria as the gardens of cell death.

Mitochondria play a crucial role in regulating cell death, which is mediated by outer membrane permeabilization in response to death triggers such as DNA damage and growth factor deprivation. Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization induces the release of cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO, and AIF, which are regulated by proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins such as Bax/Bak and Bcl-2/xL in caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis pathways. Mitochondrial dysfunction is mediated in two ways. The first is by increased calcium in mitochondria derived from endoplasmic reticulum (ER); this calcium increase is regulated by Bcl-2 and Bax through the ER-mitochondria connection and the unfolded protein response in the ER. The second is by the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin, which activates Bid through lysosome-mitochondria cross-signaling. The genomic responses in intracellular organelles after DNA damage are controlled and amplified in the cross-signaling via mitochondria; such signals induce apoptosis, autophagy, and other cell death pathways. This review discusses the recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanism of mitochondria-mediated cell death.

Animals↗

Neuroprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning in brain mitochondria following cerebral ischemia.

Numerous studies support the hypothesis that reperfusion following cerebral ischemia contributes substantially to ischemic injury and that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role. Defining the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction occurs may be important for the development of new therapies against delayed neuronal cell death. Ischemic preconditioning (IP) increases an organ's resistance to ischemic injury. There are two windows for IPC, one that requires several hours to develop and another one with a rapid setting (rapid window). However, the rapid window only provides neuroprotection for few days. We have recently determined that this lack of chronic protection by the rapid window was due to lack of protection against mitochondrial dysfunction.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Neurotrophin-3 prevents mitochondrial dysfunction in sensory neurons of streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Sensory neurons from streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats exhibit depolarization of mitochondria and the related induction of reactive oxygen species has been proposed to contribute to the etiology of sensory polyneuropathy in diabetes. There is deficient neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)-dependent neurotrophic support of sensory neurons in diabetes and treatment of STZ-diabetic rats with NT-3 prevents neuropathological alterations in peripheral nerve. Therefore, we hypothesized that loss of NT-3 may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in sensory neurons in diabetic sensory neuropathy. The specific aim of this study was to determine whether treatment of STZ-diabetic rats with systemic NT-3 could prevent depolarization of the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)). In vitro studies with cultured DRG neurons from control rats revealed that treatment with 50 ng/ml NT-3 for 6 h enhanced the Deltapsi(m), e.g., a higher polarized membrane potential, compared to untreated neurons (P < 0.05). Studies on DRG sensory neurons from control vs. STZ-diabetic rats demonstrated that NT-3 therapy prevented the diabetes-induced depolarization of Deltapsi(m) (P < 0.05) in parallel with normalization of diabetes-dependent deficits in sensory nerve conduction velocity. Furthermore, alterations in mitochondrial function in vitro and in vivo correlated with the level of activation/expression of Akt in DRG neurons.

Animals↗

Chenodeoxycholate is a potent inducer of the permeability transition pore in rat liver mitochondria.

Several reports support the concept that bile acids may be cytotoxic during cholestatic disease process by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we report additional data and findings aimed at a better understanding of the involvement of the permeability transition pore (PTP) opening in bile acids toxicity. The mitochondrial PTP is implicated as a mediator of cell injury and death in many situations. In the presence of calcium and phosphate, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) induced a permeability transition in freshly isolated rat liver mitochondria, characterized by membrane depolarization, release of matrix calcium, and osmotic swelling. All these events were blocked by cyclosporine A (CyA) and the calcium uniporter inhibitor ruthenium red (RR). The results suggest that CDCA increases the sensitivity of isolated mitochondria in vitro to the calcium-dependent induction of the PTP.

Animals↗

Verapamil attenuates calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling and respiratory dysfunction.

A protective effect of verapamil against hypoxic renal proximal tubule injury has been demonstrated in vitro. In contrast to other cytoprotective agents such as glycine or alanine, the protective effect of verapamil is associated with better maintenance of cellular ATP and potassium levels. These findings suggested a possible direct effect of verapamil on the mitochondria in addition to known effects of verapamil on membrane Ca channels. In the present study, the direct effects of verapamil on Ca-induced swelling, respiratory dysfunction, Ca uptake rate and phospholipase activity of renal cortical mitochondria were determined. Verapamil (100 microM) significantly inhibited Ca-induced mitochondrial swelling and partially prevented the associated reduction in respiratory control ratio (State 3/State 4: Ca + verapamil: 2.8 +/- 0.1 vs. Ca alone, 2.0 +/- 0.2; P < .01). A phospholipase A2 inhibitor, dibucaine (100 microM), significantly inhibited Ca-induced mitochondrial swelling and attenuated the decrease in respiratory control ratio (Ca + dibucaine: 2.9 +/- 0.1 vs. Ca alone, 2.0 +/- 0.2; P < .001). Neither agent, either alone or combined, completely prevented the respiratory dysfunction. Either verapamil or dibucaine attenuated the mitochondrial Ca uptake rate and reduced the rate of Ca-stimulated polyunsaturated free fatty acid accumulation; verapamil treatment also was associated with diminished net release of saturated and monounsaturated free fatty acids. These findings demonstrate that verapamil exerts a protective effect against Ca-induced mitochondrial damage which may be mediated in part by its effect to suppress mitochondrial Ca uptake and mitochondrial phospholipase activity.

Animals↗

Mitochondrial DNA alterations as a source of human disorders.

The mitochondrial genome has an underdeveloped "DNA repair repertoire" compared with the nuclear genome, making the mitochondrial DNA more susceptible to mutations by endogenous factors such as defects of the mitochondrial polymerase itself, and by exogenous factors such as radiation and UV light. Increased sensitivity to mutagenic factors may account for the mitochondrial DNA polymorphism within ethnic groups and the mitochondrial diseases associated with all mitochondrial DNA mutations, including DNA depletion. The presence in highly developed organisms of a DNA repair repertoire less organized in the mitochondria than in the nuclei might be a source of biologic dysfunction relevant also to aging and cell death. Uncorrected mitochondrial DNA modifications may determine lethal and severe diseases or asymptomatic biochemical dysfunctions. Considering the long life span and the complex metabolism of highly developed cells, the tendency to produce and accumulate mitochondrial DNA mutations may assume a pathogenetic role with aging.

Aging↗

Cell degeneration induced by amyloid-beta peptides: implications for Alzheimer's disease.

Extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide and death of neurons in brain regions involved in learning and memory, particularly the cortex and the hippocampus, are central features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuronal Ca2+ overload and apoptosis are known to occur in AD. Abeta might play a role in disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis, and this AD-associated amyloidogenic peptide has been reported to induce apoptotic death in cultured cells. However, the specific intracellular signaling pathways by which Abeta triggers cell death are not yet well defined. This article provides evidence for the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in Abeta-induced toxicity and for the role of mitochondria in apoptosis triggered by Abeta. In addition, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) seems to play a role in Abeta-induced apoptotic neuronal death, the ER stress being mediated by the perturbation of ER Ca2+ homeostasis. It is likely that a better understanding of how Abeta induces neuronal apoptosis will lead to the identification of potential molecular targets for the development of therapies for AD.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Neural mitochondrial Ca2+ capacity impairment precedes the onset of motor symptoms in G93A Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase mutant mice.

Mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction, impaired intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway are pathological hallmarks in animal and cellular models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase mutations. Although intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is thought to be intimately associated with mitochondrial functions, the temporal and causal correlation between mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake dysfunction and motor neuron death in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains to be established. We investigated mitochondrial Ca2+ handling in isolated brain, spinal cord and liver of mutant Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase transgenic mice at different disease stages. In G93A mutant transgenic mice, we found a significant decrease in mitochondrial Ca2+ loading capacity in brain and spinal cord, as compared with age-matched controls, very early on in the course of the disease, long before the onset of motor weakness and massive neuronal death. Ca2+ loading capacity was not significantly changed in liver G93A mitochondria. We also confirmed Ca2+ capacity impairment in spinal cord mitochondria from a different line of mice expressing G85R mutant Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase. In excitable cells, such as motor neurons, mitochondria play an important role in handling rapid cytosolic Ca2+ transients. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca2+-mediated excitotoxicity are likely to be interconnected mechanisms that contribute to neuronal degeneration in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Maternal treatment with alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone attenuates secondary mitochondrial dysfunction after transient intrauterine asphyxia in the fetal rat brain.

Recirculation following 30 min of ischemia due to transient uterine artery occlusion in pregnant rats at 20 days gestation has previously been found to cause partial recovery and secondary deterioration of the cellular bioenergetic state in the fetal brain, the subsequent damage being ameliorated by a free radical spin trap agent, alpha-phenyl-N-TERT-butylnitrone (PBN). Our objective was to assess whether the secondary deterioration of the cellular bioenergetic state is due to mitochondrial dysfunction and to study whether PBN acts to prevent secondary damage to mitochondria in the fetal rat brain. Fetal neocortical tissues were sampled after 30 min of intrauterine ischemia and after 1, 2 or 4 h of recirculation. PBN or vehicle was given 1 h after recirculation. Homogenates were prepared, and ADP-stimulated, nonstimulated and uncoupled respiratory rates were measured polarographically. Ischemia was associated with a decrease in ADP-stimulated and uncoupled respiratory rates, with a marked fall in the respiratory control ratio, defined as ADP-stimulated divided by nonstimulated respiration (p < 0.01). Recirculation (1 h) brought about partial recovery, but continued reflow (2 and 4 h) was associated with a secondary deterioration of respiratory functions (p < 0.01). The secondary deterioration was prevented by PBN (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that the secondary deterioration of the cellular bioenergetic state in ischemia-reperfusion is due to secondary mitochondrial dysfunction and that this deterioration may be induced by oxygen-derived free radicals in the immature fetal brain.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Widespread gamma-secretase activity in the cell, but do we need it at the mitochondria?

gamma-Secretase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein already subjected to a prior beta-secretase cleavage generates beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide fragments, which are major constituents of the amyloid plagues found in Alzheimer's disease brain tissues. gamma-Secretase activity and components of the gamma-secretase complex are found in the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment, the Golgi, the trans-Golgi network, the plasma membrane, the endosomal-lysosomal system and recently, the mitochondria. Abeta fragments have been shown to be neurotoxic, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced apoptotic cell death. However, if Abeta fragments are indeed detrimental to neurons, the widespread presence of enzymatic activity that would result in their generation in the cell appears to make little sense. The presence of a gamma-secretase complex in the mitochondrion, an organelle that is particularly susceptible to Abeta toxicity, is even more puzzling. Emerging evidence suggests that both secreted and intracellular Abeta fragments have endogenous functions. Also, while the fibrillogenic Abeta1-42 is clearly neurotoxic, the more abundant and soluble Abeta1-40 is an antioxidant and could potentially be neuroprotective in several ways. A "physiological" amount of Abeta1-40 production by cellular gamma-secretase activity may be part of the neuron's natural counter against oxidative damage, in addition to endogenous roles in neuronal survival and modulation of synaptic transmission. In any case, whether Abeta is produced locally in the mitochondria and the function for mitochondrial Abeta, if produced, is yet unclear.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Deficiency of subsarcolemmal mitochondria in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The current study addresses a novel hypothesis of subcellular distribution of mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetes. Vastus lateralis muscle was obtained by percutaneous biopsy from 11 volunteers with type 2 diabetes; 12 age-, sex-, and weight-matched obese sedentary nondiabetic volunteers; and 8 lean volunteers. Subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondrial fractions were isolated by differential centrifugation and digestion techniques. Overall electron transport chain activity was similar in type 2 diabetic and obese subjects, but subsarcolemmal mitochondria electron transport chain activity was reduced in type 2 diabetic subjects (0.017 +/- 0.003 vs. 0.034 +/- 0.007 units/mU creatine kinase [CK], P = 0.01) and sevenfold reduced compared with lean subjects (P < 0.01). Electron transport chain activity in intermyofibrillar mitochondria was similar in type 2 diabetic and obese subjects, though reduced compared with lean subjects. A reduction in subsarcolemmal mitochondria was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Although mtDNA was lower in type 2 diabetic and obese subjects, the decrement in electron transport chain activity was proportionately greater, indicating functional impairment. Because of the potential importance of subsarcolemmal mitochondria for signal transduction and substrate transport, this deficit may contribute to the pathogenesis of muscle insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

Adult↗

Attenuation of zinc-induced intracellular dysfunction and neurotoxicity by a synthetic superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic, in cultured cortical neurons.

Excessive extracellular zinc may contribute to neuronal cell death following ischemia and seizures, although the mechanisms mediating zinc-induced cell death remain largely unknown. In this study, we examined potential cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with zinc neurotoxicity and determined the neuroprotective effects of the superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase mimetic, EUK-134. Cortical neuron cultures exposed to zinc for 24 h exhibited concentration-dependent increases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and number of apoptotic cell bodies. Both effects were prevented by treatment with EUK-134. Zinc exposure resulted in increased release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol. Treatment with EUK-134 blocked this parameter of mitochondrial dysfunction. Exposure of cultures to zinc for 4 h produced an elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as determined by increased 2,7-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence, which was followed by an increase in lipid peroxidation. EUK-134 completely attenuated ROS production and subsequent oxidative damage. Finally, zinc exposure activated NF-kappaB, an effect also prevented by EUK-134. These data indicate that multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms are involved in zinc neurotoxicity. As all these mechanisms appear to be sensitive to treatment with EUK-134, our data suggest that oxidative stress occurs early in the cascade of events triggered by zinc.

Animals↗

Mitochondrial myopathy presenting as temporomandibular dysfunction.

Three patients, all of whom presented with orofacial pain, were initially diagnosed as having temporomandibular dysfunction. Subsequent muscle biopsies proved they had an underlying pathologic abnormality. It is not inconceivable that a number of patients who present with facial pain, whether or not they respond to traditional therapeutic modalities, have an underlying systemic myopathy. The myopathy may be hereditary and the mode of inheritance may be unusual. Practitioners who treat patients with facial pain are cautioned to be aware of this possibility. Mitochondrial myopathy is probably one of a series of pathologic abnormalities that may be present.

Adult↗

BCL-2, BCL-X(L) sequester BH3 domain-only molecules preventing BAX- and BAK-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis.

Critical issues in apoptosis include the importance of caspases versus organelle dysfunction, dominance of anti- versus proapoptotic BCL-2 members, and whether commitment occurs upstream or downstream of mitochondria. Here, we show cells deficient for the downstream effectors Apaf-1, Caspase-9, or Caspase-3 display only transient protection from "BH3 domain-only" molecules and die a caspase-independent death by mitochondrial dysfunction. Cells with an upstream defect, lacking "multidomain" BAX, BAK demonstrate long-term resistance to all BH3 domain-only members, including BAD, BIM, and NOXA. Comparison of wild-type versus mutant BCL-2, BCL-X(L) indicates these antiapoptotics sequester BH3 domain-only molecules in stable mitochondrial complexes, preventing the activation of BAX, BAK. Thus, in mammals, BH3 domain-only molecules activate multidomain proapoptotic members to trigger a mitochondrial pathway, which both releases cytochrome c to activate caspases and initiates caspase-independent mitochondrial dysfunction.

Animals↗