Respiratory Chain (respiratory + chain)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Kinds of Respiratory Chain

  • mitochondrial respiratory chain

  • Terms modified by Respiratory Chain

  • respiratory chain activity
  • respiratory chain complex
  • respiratory chain complex i

  • Selected Abstracts


    The Endogenous Amine 1-Methyl-1,2,3,4- Tetrahydroisoquinoline Prevents the Inhibition of Complex I of the Respiratory Chain Produced by MPP+

    JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2000
    Juan Parrado
    Abstract : The endogenous monoamine 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline has been shown to prevent the neurotoxic effect of MPP+ and other endogenous neurotoxins, which produce a parkinsonian-like syndrome in humans. We have tested its potential protective effect in vivo by measuring the protection of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in the neurotoxicity elicited by MPP+ in rat striatum by tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry. Because we know that cellular damage caused by MPP+ is primarily the result of mitochondrial respiratory inhibition at the complex I level, we have extended the study further to understand this protective mechanism. We found that the inhibitory effect on the mitochondrial respiration rate induced by MPP+ in isolated rat liver mitochondria and striatal synaptosomes was prevented by addition of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline. This compound has no antioxidant capacity ; therefore, this property is not involved in its protective effect. Thus, we postulate that the preventive effect that 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline has on mitochondrial inhibition for MPP+ could be due to a "shielding effect," protecting the energetic machinery, thus preventing energetic failure. These results suggest that this endogenous amine may protect against the effect of several parkinsonism-inducing compounds that are associated with progressive impairment of the mitochondrial function. [source]


    Decreased activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes in non-mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases

    DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2006
    Joannie Hui MBBS
    The aim of this study was to illustrate the difficulties in establishing a diagnosis of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) disorders based on clinical grounds in combination with intermediate activities of the MRC enzyme complexes. We reviewed retrospectively all medical and laboratory records of patients initially considered likely to have MRC disorders on clinical grounds, and subsequently diagnosed with other disorders (n=20; 11 males, 9 females). Data were retrieved from hospital records, referral letters, and results of enzymatic analysis at a reference laboratory. Clinical symptoms included developmental delay, epilepsy, hypotonia, movement disorder, spastic quadriplegia, tetany, microcephaly, visual problems, carpopedal spasms, dysmorphism, hearing loss, muscle weakness and rhabdomyolysis, and fulminant hepatitis. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels were elevated in 13/20 and 9/20 respectively. One or more MRC complex activities (expressed as ratios relative to citrate synthase and/or complex II activity) were less than 50% of control mean activity in 11/20 patients (including patients with deficiencies of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, pantothenate kinase, holocarboxylase synthetase, long-chain hydroxy acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, molybdenum co-factor, and neonatal haemochromatosis). One patient had a pattern suggestive of mitochondrial proliferation. We conclude that intermediate results of MRC enzymes should be interpreted with caution and clinicians should be actively looking for other underlying diagnoses. [source]


    Cytochrome oxidase deficiency presenting as birth asphyxia

    DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2000
    Tracey A Willis MRCPI
    Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) was diagnosed in an infant with acidosis. At 7 weeks of age further investigations revealed abnormal neuroimaging (CT and MRI scans) and a raised plasma and CSF lactate. A skeletal-muscle biopsy at 2 months of age confirmed the diagnosis of cytochrome oxidase deficiency. The course of the patient's disorder has taken that of a static encephalopathy (cerebral palsy). Inborn disorders of the respiratory chain should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HIE. [source]


    Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by chemicals adsorbed on particulate matter,

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
    Andrea Müller
    Abstract Air particulate matter (PM) and bound chemicals are potential mediators for adverse health effects. The cytotoxicity and changes in energy-providing processes caused by chemical compounds bound to PM of different size fractions were investigated in Tetrahymena pyriformis. The PM samplings were carried out using a high volume cascade impactor (6 size fractions between 10 ,m and less than 0.49 ,m) at three points of La Plata, Argentina: in an industrial area, a traffic-influenced urban area, and a control area. Extracts from respirable particles below 1 ,m initiated the highest cytotoxic effects, demonstrating their higher risk. In contrast, an increase on oxygen consumption was observed especially in tests of extracts from particles less than 1 ,m from urban and industrial areas. The increase on oxygen consumption could be caused by decoupling processes in the respiratory chain. Otherwise the ATP concentration was increased too, even though to a lower extent. The observed imbalance between oxygen consumption and ATP concentration in exposed T. pyriformis cells may be due to oxidative stress, caused by chemical compounds bound to the particles. Owing to the complexity of effects related to PM and their associated chemical compounds, various physiological parameters necessarily need to be investigated to obtain more information about their possible involvement in human relevant pathogenic processes. As shown here, effects on cell proliferation and on energy-providing processes are suitable indicators for the different impact of PM and adsorbed chemicals from various sampling locations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 457,463, 2006. [source]


    An in vitro study of the interaction of sea-nine® with rat liver mitochondria

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2005
    Marcantonio Bragadin
    Abstract The interactions of the antifouling compound Sea-Nine® with rat liver mitochondria have been studied. The results indicate that low doses of this compound inhibit adenosine 5,-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Further investigations indicate that ATP synthesis inhibition should be due to an interaction of Sea-Nine with the succinic dehydrogenase in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. [source]


    Characterization of depolarization and repolarization phases of mitochondrial membrane potential fluctuations induced by tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester photoactivation

    FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 7 2005
    Angela M. Falchi
    Depolarization and repolarization phases (D and R phases, respectively) of mitochondrial potential fluctuations induced by photoactivation of the fluorescent probe tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) were analyzed separately and investigated using specific inhibitors and substrates. The frequency of R phases was significantly inhibited by oligomycin and aurovertin (mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitors), rotenone (mitochondrial complex I inhibitor) and iodoacetic acid (inhibitor of the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). Succinic acid (mitochondrial complex II substrate, given in the permeable form of dimethyl ester) abolished the rotenone-induced inhibition of R phases. Taken together, these findings indicate that the activity of both respiratory chain and ATP synthase were required for the recovery of the mitochondrial potential. The frequency of D phases prevailed over that of R phases in all experimental conditions, resulting in a progressive depolarization of mitochondria accompanied by NAD(P)H oxidation and Ca2+ influx. D phases were not blocked by cyclosporin A (inhibitor of the permeability transition pore) or o -phenyl-EGTA (a Ca2+ chelator), suggesting that the permeability transition pore was not involved in mitochondrial potential fluctuations. [source]


    Tyrosine 9 is the key amino acid in microcin J25 superoxide overproduction

    FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2009
    Miriam C. Chalon
    Abstract Escherichia coli microcin J25 (MccJ25) is a lasso-peptide antibiotic comprising 21 l -amino acid residues (G1 -G-A-G-H5 -V-P-E-Y-F10 -V-G-I-G-T15 -P-I-S-F-Y20 -G). MccJ25 has two independent substrates: RNA-polymerase (RNAP) and the membrane respiratory chain. The latter is mediated by oxygen consumption inhibition together with an increase of superoxide production. In the present paper, the antibiotic MccJ25 was engineered by substituting Tyr9 or Tyr20 with phenylalanine. Both mutants were well transported into the cells and remained active on RNAP. Only the Y9F mutant lost the ability to overproduce superoxide and inhibit oxygen consumption. The last results confirm that the Tyr9, and not Tyr20, is involved in the MccJ25 action on the respiratory chain target. [source]


    KlADH3, a gene encoding a mitochondrial alcohol dehydrogenase, affects respiratory metabolism and cytochrome content in Kluyveromyces lactis

    FEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 8 2006
    Michele Saliola
    Abstract A Kluyveromyces lactis strain, harbouring KlADH3 as the unique alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene, was used in a genetic screen on allyl alcohol to isolate mutants deregulated in the expression of this gene. Here we report the characterization of some mutants that lacked or had highly reduced amounts of KlAdh3p activity; in addition, these mutants showed alterations in glucose metabolism, reduced respiration and reduced cytochrome content. Our results confirm that the KlAdh3p activity contributes to the reoxidation of cytosolic NAD(P)H feeding the respiratory chain through KlNdi1p, the mitochondrial internal transdehydrogenase. The low levels of KlAdh3p in two of the mutants were associated with mutations in KlSDH1, one of the genes of complex II, suggesting signalling between the respiratory chain and expression of the KlADH3 gene. [source]


    Defective hepatic mitochondrial respiratory chain in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

    HEPATOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
    M.D., Mercedes Pérez-Carreras Ph.D.
    Mitochondrial dysfunction might play a central role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatits (NASH). The aims of this study were to evaluate whether free fatty acid (FFA) transport into the mitochondria or the activity of mitochondria respiratory chain (MRC) complexes are impaired in NASH. In patients with NASH and control subjects, we measured free carnitine, short-chain acylcarnitine (SCAC) and long-chain acylcarnitine (LCAC) esters, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity, and MRC enzyme activity in liver tissue as well as serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor , (TNF-,), homeostatic metabolic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR), and body mass index (BMI). In patients with NASH, the LCAC/free carnitine ratio was significantly increased and the SCAC/free carnitine ratio was decreased. In patients with NASH, the activity of the MRC complexes was decreased to 63% ± 20% (complex I), 58.5% ± 16.7% (complex II), 70.6% ± 10.3% (complex III), 62.5% ± 13% (complex IV), and 42.4% ± 9.1% (adenosine triphosphate synthase) of the corresponding control values. Activity of these complexes correlated significantly with serum TNF-, and HOMAIR. Serum TNF-, (36.3 ± 23.1 pg/mL), HOMAIR (4.5 ± 2.38), and BMI (29.9 ± 3.5 kg/m2) values were significantly increased in patients with NASH. In conclusion, activities of MRC complexes were decreased in liver tissue of patients with NASH. This dysfunction correlated with serum TNF-,, insulin resistance, and BMI values. (Hepatology 2003;38:999,1007). [source]


    Single nucleotide polymorphisms in succinate dehydrogenase subunits and citrate synthase genes: association results for impaired spermatogenesis

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 3 2007
    Sandra Bonache
    Abstract Evaluation of the possible implication of the SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD and CS genes in non-obstructive male infertility was performed on the basis that sperm concentration in the ejaculate has been previously correlated with nuclear-encoded mitochondrial enzyme activities (the four subunits of succinate dehydrogenase/complex II of the respiratory chain and citrate synthase). We performed an exhaustive analysis of the five genes for the presence of sequence variants that could be associated with impairment of sperm production. blastn searches in the genomic sequence NCBI database evidenced the presence of highly homologous sequences elsewhere on the genome that can interfere with polymerase chain reaction experiments. Therefore, a careful design of the analytical strategy to search for sequence variants was performed. In this report, we provide primer sequences that allowed selective amplification of coding and immediate flanking regions of the five genes. Fifty-five sequence variations in the five genes were identified in infertile and normozoospermic fertile individuals as controls and only one of them (SDHA c.456+32G>A) showed significant genotype association with impairment of sperm production. Moreover, new single nucleotide polymorphisms identified should be useful in future association studies for other human diseases related to nuclear-encoded genes, leading to mitochondrial respiratory chain activity impairment revealing the physiological role of these genes. [source]


    Cytochrome c oxidase biogenesis: New levels of regulation

    IUBMB LIFE, Issue 9 2008
    Flavia Fontanesi
    Abstract Eukaryotic cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the last enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is a multimeric enzyme of dual genetic origin, whose assembly is a complicated and highly regulated process. COX displays a concerted accumulation of its constitutive subunits. Data obtained from studies performed with yeast mutants indicate that most catalytic core unassembled subunits are posttranslationally degraded. Recent data obtained in the yeast Saccharomycescerevisiae have revealed another contribution to the stoichiometric accumulation of subunits during COX biogenesis targeting subunit 1 or Cox1p. Cox1p is a mitochondrially encoded catalytic subunit of COX which acts as a seed around which the full complex is assembled. A regulatory mechanism exists by which Cox1p synthesis is controlled by the availability of its assembly partners. The unique properties of this regulatory mechanism offer a means to catalyze multiple-subunit assembly. New levels of COX biogenesis regulation have been recently proposed. For example, COX assembly and stability of the fully assembled enzyme depend on the presence in the mitochondrial compartments of two partners of the oxidative phosphorylation system, the mobile electron carrier cytochrome c and the mitochondrial ATPase. The different mechanisms of regulation of COX assembly are reviewed and discussed. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(9): 557,568, 2008 [source]


    Mitochondrial copper metabolism and delivery to cytochrome c oxidase

    IUBMB LIFE, Issue 7 2008
    Darryl Horn
    Abstract Metals are essential elements of all living organisms. Among them, copper is required for a multiplicity of functions including mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and protection against oxidative stress. Here we will focus on describing the pathways involved in the delivery of copper to cytochrome c oxidase (COX), a mitochondrial metalloenzyme acting as the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The catalytic core of COX is formed by three mitochondrially-encoded subunits and contains three copper atoms. Two copper atoms bound to subunit 2 constitute the CuA site, the primary acceptor of electrons from ferrocytochrome c. The third copper, CuB, is associated with the high-spin heme a3 group of subunit 1. Recent studies, mostly performed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have provided new clues about 1) the source of the copper used for COX metallation; 2) the roles of Sco1p and Cox11p, the proteins involved in the direct delivery of copper to the CuA and CuB sites, respectively; 3) the action mechanism of Cox17p, a copper chaperone that provides copper to Sco1p and Cox11p; 4) the existence of at least four Cox17p homologues carrying a similar twin CX9C domain suggestive of metal binding, Cox19p, Cox23p, Pet191p and Cmc1p, that could be part of the same pathway; and 5) the presence of a disulfide relay system in the intermembrane space of mitochondria that mediates import of proteins with conserved cysteines motifs such as the CX9C characteristic of Cox17p and its homologues. The different pathways are reviewed and discussed in the context of both mitochondrial COX assembly and copper homeostasis. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(7): 421,429, 2008 [source]


    Induction of hepatotoxicity by sanguinarine is associated with oxidation of protein thiols and disturbance of mitochondrial respiration

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 8 2008
    Cheuk-Sing Choy
    Abstract Sanguinarine (SANG) has been suggested to be one of the principle constituents responsible for the toxicity of Argemone mexicana seed oil. In this study, we focused on the possible mechanism of SANG-induced hepatotoxicity. The serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, hepatic vacuolization, lipid accumulation and lipid peroxidation of the liver were increased, and triglyceride (TG) was decreased in SANG-treated mice (10 mg kg,1 i.p.), indicating damage to the liver. SANG induced cell death and DNA fragmentation, in a concentration- (0,30 µm) and time-dependent (0,24 h) manner, and the cytotoxicity of SANG (15 µm) was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species and a lessening in protein thiol content; these outcomes were reversed by glutathione, N -acetyl- l -cysteine and 1,4-dithiothretol, and slightly improved by other antioxidants in hepatocytes. SANG can affect the function of mitochondria, leading to the depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine 5,-triphosphate content of hepatocytes. SANG caused an uncoupling effect of the respiratory chain at lower concentrations, but inhibited the respiratory chain at higher concentrations in mitochondria isolated from rat liver. In conclusion, the data suggest that SANG is a liver toxin that induces cytotoxicity in liver cells, possibly through oxidation of protein thiols, resulting in oxidative stress on the cells and disturbance of mitochondrial function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Hepatotoxic effect of cyclosporin A in the mitochondrial respiratory chain

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
    Lilia Cristina De la Cruz Rodríguez
    Abstract Cyclosporin A (CyA), a potent immunosuppressant, was used to determine the hepatotoxic effect in long-term treatments. Male Wistar rats were used in these experiments. They were given CyA chronically at doses used in patients for 120 days, and at doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg,1 day,1. These doses amount to CyA values in blood of 200 ± 24, 314 ± 40, 445 ± 33 and 598 ± 53 ng ml,1, respectively. A significant increase in glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) was found in the groups treated with 15 and 20 mg kg,1 day,1, which would point to mitochondria as the potential target of the toxic action of CyA. The mitochondrial respiratory chain of rat livers was studied in enzyme complexes I and II. Enzyme complex I was determined by spectrophotometry at 340 nm using NADH oxidase with the respirable substrate 10 mm NADH; enzyme complex II was determined by monitoring succinate dehydrogenase by oxymetry using the respirable substrate 10 mm succinate. The results show the inhibition of NADH oxidase in the groups treated with 10, 15 and 20 mg kg,1 day,1, an effect dependent both on time and on CyA concentration. Enzyme complex II showed a decrease in oxygen consumption. These findings were confirmed by histological studies (hematoxylin-eosin technique). Conclusions: Long-term treatment with CyA at doses of 15 and 20 mg kg,1 day,1, amounting to concentrations in blood of 445 ± 33 and 598 ± 53 ng ml,1, causes alterations in the mitochondria, revealed by the increase in serum GLDH and by the functional alteration of enzyme complexes I and II of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Sevoflurane and propofol depolarize mitochondria in rat and human cerebrocortical synaptosomes by different mechanisms

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2009
    R. BAINS
    Background and objectives: The mitochondrial membrane potential drives the main functions of the mitochondria. Sevoflurane depolarizes neural mitochondria. There is still, however, limited information concerning the effect of anaesthetics on neural mitochondria in humans. The effect of sevoflurane and propofol on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i and the mitochondrial membrane potential (,,m) was therefore compared in rat and human synaptosomes, and the changes were related to interventions in the electron transport chain. Methods: Synaptosomes from rat and human cerebral cortex were loaded with the fluorescent probes fura-2 ([Ca2+]i) and JC-1 (,,m) before exposure to sevoflurane 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), and propofol 30 and 100 ,M. The effect on the electron transport chain was investigated by blocking complex V. Results: Sevoflurane and propofol decreased ,,m in rat synaptosomes in a dose-dependent manner, and to the same extent by equipotent doses. Inhibition of complex V enhanced the depolarizing effect of sevoflurane 2 MAC, but not of propofol 100 ,M. Neither sevoflurane nor propofol affected [Ca2+]i significantly. Sevoflurane and propofol decreased ,,m in human synaptosomes to the same extent as in the rat experiments. Conclusions: Sevoflurane and propofol at equipotent doses depolarize the mitochondria in rat and human nerve terminals to the same extent. The depolarizing effect of propofol on ,m was more rapid in onset than that of sevoflurane. Whereas sevoflurane inhibits the respiratory chain sufficiently to cause ATP synthase reversal, the depolarizing effect of propofol seems to be related to inhibition of the respiratory chain from complex I to V. [source]


    Differential proteomic profiling to study the mechanism of cardiac pharmacological preconditioning by resveratrol

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 4 2006
    Karel Bezstarosti
    Abstract Recent studies demonstrated that resveratrol, a grape-derived polyphenolic phytoalexin, provides pharmacological preconditioning of the heart through a NO-dependent mechanism. To further explore the molecular mechanisms involved in resveratrol-mediated cardioprotection, we monitored the effects of resveratrol treatment after ischemia-reperfusion on the protein profile by implementation of proteomic analysis. Two groups of rats were studied; one group of animals was fed resveratrol for 7 days, while the other group was given vehicle only. The rats were sacrificed for the isolated working heart preparation and for isolation of cytoplasmic fraction from left ventricle homogenates to carry out the proteomic as well as immunoblot at baseline and at the end of 30 min ischemia/2-h perfusion. The results demonstrate significant cardiopro-tection with resveratrol evidenced by improved ventricular recovery and reduced infarct size and cardiomyocyte apopto-sis. The left ventricular cytoplasmic fractions were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Differentially regulated proteins were detected with quantitative computer analysis of the Coomassie blue stained 2-DE images and identified by MALDI-TOF (MS) and nanoLC-ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Five redox-regulated and precondi-tioning-related proteins were identified that were all upregulated by resveratrol: MAPKK, two different aB-crystallin species, HSP 27 and PE binding protein. Another HSP27 species and aldose reductase were downregulated and peroxire-doxin-2 remained constant. The results of the immunoblot analysis of phosphorylated MAPKK, -HSP27 and -aB-crys-tallin and PE binding protein were consistent with the proteomic findings, but not with peroxiredoxin-2. The proteomic analysis showed also downregulation of some proteins in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and matrix and the myofila-ment regulating protein MLC kinase-2. The results of the present study demonstrate that proteomic profiling enables the identification of resveratrol induced preconditioning-associated proteins which reflects not only changes in their expression level but also isoforms, post-translational modifications and regulating binding or activating partner proteins. [source]


    Mitochondria, the killer organelles and their weapons

    JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
    Luigi Ravagnan
    Apoptosis is a cell-autonomous mode of death that is activated to eradicate superfluous, damaged, mutated, or aged cells. In addition to their role as the cell's powerhouse, mitochondria play a central role in the control of apoptosis. Thus, numerous pro-apoptotic molecules act on mitochondria and provoke the permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes. Soluble proteins contained in the mitochondrial intermembrane space are released through the outer membrane and participate in the organized destruction of the cell. Several among these lethal proteins can activate caspases, a class of cysteine proteases specifically activated in apoptosis, whereas others act in a caspase-independent fashion, by acting as nucleases (e.g., endonuclease G), nuclease activators (e.g., apoptosis-inducing factor), or serine proteases (e.g., Omi/HtrA2). In addition, mitochondria can generate reactive oxygen species, following uncoupling and/or inhibition of the respiratory chain. The diversity of mitochondrial factors participating in apoptosis emphasizes the central role of these organelles in apoptosis control and unravels novel mechanisms of cell death execution. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Age-associated mitochondrial DNA mutations lead to small but significant changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis in human colonic crypts

    AGING CELL, Issue 1 2010
    Marco Nooteboom
    Summary Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are a cause of human disease and are proposed to have a role in human aging. Clonally expanded mtDNA point mutations have been detected in replicating tissues and have been shown to cause respiratory chain (RC) defects. The effect of these mutations on other cellular functions has not been established. Here, we investigate the consequences of RC deficiency on human colonic epithelial stem cells and their progeny in elderly individuals. We show for the first time in aging human tissue that RC deficiency attenuates cell proliferation and increases apoptosis in the progeny of RC deficient stem cells, leading to decreased crypt cell population. [source]


    Muscle mitochondrial activity increases rapidly after an endotoxin challenge in human volunteers

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009
    K. FREDRIKSSON
    Background: Mitochondrial derangements in muscle of patients suffering from sepsis have been established in several studies and have been related to muscle dysfunction and organ failure. It is not possible to study the early phase of sepsis in patients; therefore, we used a human endotoxaemia model to study the effect of early sepsis on muscle mitochondria. Methods: Seven healthy male volunteers received a standardised endotoxin challenge. Muscle biopsies were obtained immediately before the challenge, and at 2 and 4 h following the endotoxin challenge. The muscle biopsies were analysed for maximal activities of citrate synthase and complexes I and IV of the respiratory chain. In addition, total and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were analysed. The concentrations of ATP, creatine phosphate and lactate were analysed to assess the cellular energy status. Total and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK-P), a key regulator in intracellular energy metabolism, was measured. Results: Activities of citrate synthase and complex I were significantly increased 2 h after the endotoxin challenge. SOD activities were unaffected by the endotoxin challenge. No changes in ATP, creatine phosphate or lactate were observed. Neither total nor AMPK-P changed. Conclusions: An endotoxin challenge given to healthy volunteers rapidly increases mitochondrial enzyme activity in skeletal muscle. The results of this human model indicate that possibly early during sepsis, mitochondrial activity might be increased in contrast to what has been shown in the later phases of sepsis. It is possible that this early activation leads to exhaustion of the mitochondria and a decreased function later during sepsis. [source]


    Oxidative modification of mitochondrial proteins and cell death in Parkinson's disease

    JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2002
    W. Maruyama
    Oxidative stress is one of the cell death mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease. Most of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generate in mitochondria through oxidative phosphorylation, and a part of them are not scavenged by antioxidative system and react with bioactive molecules. Recently, alpha-synuclein containing nitrotyrosine, a marker for oxidative modification by peroxynitrite, was identified in Lewy body. In addition, inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain were reported to induce formation of Lewy body-like inclusion in vivo and in vitro. In this paper it was examined whether ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generated in mitochondria oxidize mitochondrial respiratory enzymes and induce the formation of inclusion body and cell death in PD. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with a peroxynitrite donor, SIN-1, or an inhibitor of complex I, rotenone. After the treatment, proteins modified with toxic aldehydes, 4-hydroxynonenal and acrolein, and containing nitrotyrosine were analyzed by immunoblotting. Particularly in mitochondrial fraction, the oxidized protein was characterized by two-dimensional immunoblotting. Most of the oxidized proteins were detected in subunits proteins of complex I. These results indicate that mitochondrial complex I is a main target of oxidative stress in dopamine neurons and its dysfunction may be involved in the death mechanism in neurodegenerative disorders. [source]


    Glutamate-mediated influx of extracellular Ca2+ is coupled with reactive oxygen species generation in cultured hippocampal neurons but not in astrocytes

    JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 1-2 2005
    Stefan Kahlert
    Abstract Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in brain tissue leads to neurodegeneration. The major source of ROS is the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We studied regulation of Ca2+ level, mitochondrial potential, and ROS generation in defined mixed hippocampal cell cultures exposed to glutamate (100 ,M). Recordings were made from individually identified astrocytes and neurons to compare the physiologic responses in both cell types. Neurons identified by synaptotagmin immunoreactivity were characterized functionally by the fast Ca2+ increase with K+ (50 mM) stimulation, and the astrocytes identified by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining had the functional characteristic of a transient Ca2+ peak in response to ATP (10 ,M) stimulation. We found that the glutamate-mediated Ca2+ response in neurons is due largely to influx of extracellular Ca2+. This is consistent with our finding that in cultured hippocampal neurons, stores depending on the activity of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump had a low Ca2+ content, regardless of whether the neurons were challenged or not with K+ before applying the SERCA inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Astrocytes displayed a large CPA-mediated Ca2+ response, indicating a high level of Ca2+ load in the stores in astrocytes. Importantly, the rise in ROS generation due to glutamate application was cell-type specific. In neurons, glutamate induced a marked rise in generation of ROS, but not in astrocytes. In both astrocytes and neurons, the mitochondrial potential was increased in response to glutamate challenge. We conclude that in neurons, Ca2+ influx accounts for the increased ROS generation in response to glutamate. This might explain the high vulnerability of neurons to glutamate challenge compared to the vulnerability of astrocytes. The high resistance of astrocytes is accompanied by an efficient downregulation of cytosolic Ca2+, which is not found in neurons. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Isoflurane-induced depolarization of neural mitochondria increases with age

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009
    RAVI BAINS
    Background and objectives: The mitochondrial membrane potential (,,m) drives the three fundamental functions of mitochondria, namely adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, Ca2+ uptake/storage, and generation/detoxification of ROS. Isoflurane depolarizes neural mitochondria. The sensitivity for general anesthetics increases with age, but the mechanism for this age-related sensitivity is still unknown. We compared the effect of isoflurane on [Ca2+]i and ,,m in isolated pre-synaptic terminals (synaptosomes) from neonatal, adolescent, and adult rats and the influence of interventions in the respiratory chain was assessed. Methods: Synaptosomes were loaded with the fluorescent probes fura-2 ([Ca2+]i) and JC-1 (,,m) and exposed to isoflurane 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). The effect on the electron transport chain was investigated by blocking complexes I and V. Results: In neonatal rats isoflurane had no significant effect on ,,m. In adolescent and adult synaptosomes, however, isoflurane 1 and 2 MAC decreased ,,m. Isoflurane 2 MAC increased [Ca2+]i in neonatal and adolescent rats, but not in adult synaptosomes. In Ca2+ -depleted medium, isoflurane still decreased ,,m, while [Ca2+]i remained unaltered. By blocking complex V of the respiratory chain, the isoflurane-induced mitochondrial depolarization was enhanced in all age groups. Blocking complex I depolarized the mitochondria to the same extent as isoflurane 2 MAC, but without any additive effect. Conclusions: The depolarizing effect of isoflurane on neural mitochondria is more pronounced in the adolescent and adult than in neonatal synaptosomes. The increased mitochondrial sensitivity with age seems to be related to the reversed function of the ATP synthase of the electron transport chain. [source]


    Volatile anaesthetics depolarize neural mitochondria by inhibiton of the electron transport chain

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2006
    R. Bains
    Background:, The mitochondrial membrane potential (,,m) controls the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species, and sequesteration of intracellular Ca2+[Ca2+]i. Clinical concentrations of sevoflurane affect the ,,m in neural mitochondria, but the mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of isoflurane and sevoflurane on ,,m in rat pre-synaptic terminals (synaptosomes), and to investigate whether these agents affect ,,m by inhibiting the respiratory chain. Methods:, Synaptosomes were loaded with the fluorescent probes JC-1 (,,m) and Fura-2 ([Ca2+]i) and exposed to isoflurane or sevoflurane. The effect of the anaesthetics on the electron transport chain was investigated by blocking complex I and complex V. Results:, Isoflurane 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) decreased the normalized JC-1 ratio from 0.92 ± 0.03 in control to 0.86 ± 0.02 and 0.81 ± 0.01, respectively, reflecting a depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane (n = 9). Isoflurane 2 MAC increased [Ca2+]i. In Ca2+ -depleted medium, isoflurane still decreased ,,m while [Ca2+]i remained unaltered. The effect of isoflurane was more pronounced than for sevoflurane. Blocking complex V of the respiratory chain enhanced the isoflurane- and sevoflurane-induced mitochondrial depolarization, whereas blocking complex I and V decreased ,,m to the same extent in control, isoflurane and sevoflurane experiments. Conclusions:, Isoflurane and sevoflurane may act as metabolic inhibitors by depolarizing pre-synaptic mitochondria through inhibition of the electron transport chain, although isoflurane seems to inhibit mitochondrial function more significantly than sevoflurane. Both agents inhibit the respiratory chain sufficiently to cause ATP synthase reversal. [source]


    Anticandidal low molecular compounds from higher plants with special reference to compounds from essential oils,

    MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 2 2006
    A. Pauli
    Abstract The most active low molecular weight compounds from higher plants against Candida species are compiled from a database of antimicrobials (Amicbase) to find out new hints on their mechanism of action. The selected compounds possess strong inhibitory activities in vitro against Candida species either in the agar diffusion test, bioautography, agar dilution test, serial dilution test, or activity in the vapour phase. The test conditions are listed thoroughly and aspects of the different methods and recent developments in the testing of anticandidal drugs are discussed. The anticandidal spectra of drugs, antiseptics, and disinfectants licensed on the major markets are given for comparision of activities with compounds from natural sources. So far known mechanisms of action are described and some new structure,activity relationships are deduced from relationships between biological activities and chemical and physical parameters. Main specific targets of natural anticandidals are the ergosterol pathway, respiratory chain, and chitin biosynthesis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev [source]


    Cytochrome c oxidase of mammals contains a testes-specific isoform of subunit VIb,the counterpart to testes-specific cytochrome c?,

    MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2003
    Maik Hüttemann
    Abstract Sperm motility is highly dependent on aerobic energy metabolism, of which the apparent rate-limiting step of the mitochondrial respiratory chain is catalyzed by cytochrome c oxidase (COX). COX is the only electron transport chain complex to display isoforms, consistent with its suggested rate-limiting role. Isoforms were previously described for four of the 13 subunits. We now report the discovery that COX subunit VIb displays a testes-specific isoform in human, bull, rat, and mouse (COX VIb-2). Analysis of a variety of rat and mouse tissues, including ovaries, demonstrates exclusive expression of VIb-2 in testes, whereas VIb-1 transcripts are absent in rodent testes, even at early developmental stages. In contrast, both isoforms are transcribed in human testes. In situ hybridizations with human, rat, and mouse testes sections reveal VIb-2 transcripts in all testicular cell types. Within the seminiferous tubules, VIb-1 shows stronger signals in the periphery than in the lumen. Previously, cytochrome c was the only component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain known to express a testes-specific isoform in mammals. COX subunit VIb connects the two COX monomers into the physiological dimeric form, and is the only COX subunit that, like cytochrome c, is solely located in the inter-membrane space. Significant differences between the isoform sequences, in particular changes in charged amino acids, suggest interactions with cytochrome c and sperm-specific energy requirements. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 8,16, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Analysis of sesterterpenoids from Aspergillus terreus using ESI-QTOF and ESI-IT

    PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 4 2010
    Zhi-Jun Wu
    Abstract Introduction , Biosynthesis of terretonin was studied due to the interesting skeleton of this series of sesterterpenoids. Very recently, López-Gresa reported two new sesterterpenoids (terretonins E and F) which are inhibitors of the mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain. Mass spectrometry (MS), especially tandem mass spectrometry, has been one of the most important physicochemical methods for the identification of trace natural products due to it rapidity, sensitivity and low levels of sample consumption. The potential application prospect and unique skeleton prompted us to study structural characterisation using MS. Objective , To obtain sufficient information for rapid structural elucidation of this class of compounds using MS. Methodology , The elemental composition of the product ions was confirmed by low-energy ESI-CID-QTOF-MS/MS analyses. The fragmentation pathways were postulated on the basis of ESI-QTOF-MS/MS/MS and ESI-IT-MSn spectra. Common features and major differences between ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and IT-MSn spectra were compared. For ESI-QTOF-MS/MS/MS experiments, capillary exit voltage was raised to induce in-source dissociation. Ammonium acetate or acetic acid were added into solutions to improve the intensity of [M + H]+. The collision energy was optimised to achieve sufficient fragmentation. Some fragmentation pathways were unambiguously proposed by the variety of abundance of fragment ions at different collision energies even without MSn spectra. Results , Fragmentation pathways of five representative sesterterpenoids were elucidated using ESI-QTOF-MS/MS/MS and ESI-IT-MSn in both positive- and negative-ion mode. The key group of characterising fragmentation profiles was ring B, and these fragmentation patterns are helpful to identify different types of sestertepenoids. Conclusion , Complementary information obtained from fragmentation experiments of [M + H]+ (or [M + NH4]+) and [M , H], precursor ions is especially valuable for rapid identification of this kind of sesterterpenoid. [source]


    Crystal structures of oxidized and reduced forms of human mitochondrial thioredoxin 2

    PROTEIN SCIENCE, Issue 10 2005
    Aude Smeets
    ASK1, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1; TXN, thioredoxin; hTXN1, human cytosolic/nuclear thioredoxin 1; hTXN2, human mitochondrial thioredoxin 2; hPRDX5, human peroxiredoxin 5. Gene symbols in this article follow standard nomenclature defined by the Human Genome Organization Nomenclature Committee (http://www.gene.ucl.ac.uk/nomenclature/). For this reason TXN is used instead of the commonly used Trx for designating thioredoxin in the literature. Abstract Mammalian thioredoxin 2 is a mitochondrial isoform of highly evolutionary conserved thioredoxins. Thioredoxins are small ubiquitous protein,disulfide oxidoreductases implicated in a large variety of biological functions. In mammals, thioredoxin 2 is encoded by a nuclear gene and is targeted to mitochondria by a N-terminal mitochondrial presequence. Recently, mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 was shown to interact with components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and to play a role in the control of mitochondrial membrane potential, regulating mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway. Here we report the first crystal structures of a mammalian mitochondrial thioredoxin 2. Crystal forms of reduced and oxidized human thioredoxin 2 are described at 2.0 and 1.8 Ĺ resolution. Though the folding is rather similar to that of human cytosolic/nuclear thioredoxin 1, important differences are observed during the transition between the oxidized and the reduced states of human thioredoxin 2, compared with human thioredoxin 1. In spite of the absence of the Cys residue implicated in dimer formation in human thioredoxin 1, dimerization still occurs in the crystal structure of human thioredoxin 2, mainly mediated by hydrophobic contacts, and the dimers are associated to form two-dimensional polymers. Interestingly, the structure of human thioredoxin 2 reveals possible interaction domains with human peroxiredoxin 5, a substrate protein of human thioredoxin 2 in mitochondria. [source]


    Physiological adaptation of Corynebacterium glutamicum to benzoate as alternative carbon source , a membrane proteome-centric view

    PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 14 2009
    Ute Haußmann
    Abstract The ability of microorganisms to assimilate aromatic substances as alternative carbon sources is the basis of biodegradation of natural as well as industrial aromatic compounds. In this study, Corynebacterium glutamicum was grown on benzoate as sole carbon and energy source. To extend the scarce knowledge about physiological adaptation processes occurring in this cell compartment, the membrane proteome was investigated under quantitative and qualitative aspects by applying shotgun proteomics to reach a comprehensive survey. Membrane proteins were relatively quantified using an internal standard metabolically labeled with 15N. Altogether, 40 proteins were found to change their abundance during growth on benzoate in comparison to glucose. A global adaptation was observed in the membrane of benzoate-grown cells, characterized by increased abundance of proteins of the respiratory chain, by a starvation response, and by changes in sulfur metabolism involving the regulator McbR. Additional to the relative quantification, stable isotope-labeled synthetic peptides were used for the absolute quantification of the two benzoate transporters of C. glutamicum, BenK and BenE. It was found that both transporters were expressed during growth on benzoate, suggesting that both contribute substantially to benzoate uptake. [source]


    A comparative proteomic approach to understand the adaptations of an H+ -ATPase-defective mutant of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC14067 to energy deficiencies

    PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 18 2007
    Liyuan Li
    Abstract F172-8, an H+ -ATPase-defective mutant of the glutamic acid-producing bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 14067, exhibits enhanced rates of glucose consumption and respiration compared to the parental strain when cultured in a biotin-rich medium with glucose as the carbon source. We conducted a comparative proteomic analysis to clarify the mechanism by which the enhanced glucose metabolism in this mutant is established using a proteome reference map for strain ATCC 14067. A comparison of the proteomes of the two strains revealed the up-regulated expression of the several important enzymes such as pyruvate kinase (Pyk), malate:quinone oxidoreductase (Mqo), and malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) in the mutant. Because Pyk activates glycolysis in response to cellular energy shortages in this bacterium, its increased expression may contribute to the enhanced glucose metabolism of the mutant. A unique reoxidation system has been suggested for NADH in C. glutamicum consisting of coupled reactions between Mqo and Mdh, together with the respiratory chain; therefore, the enhanced expression of both enzymes might contribute to the reoxidation of NADH during increased respiration. The proteomic analysis allowed the identification of unique physiological changes associated with the H+ -ATPase defect in F172-8 and contributed to the understanding of the adaptations of C. glutamicum to energy deficiencies. [source]


    Reversal of diabetes-evoked changes in mitochondrial protein expression of cardiac left ventricle by treatment with a copper(II)-selective chelator

    PROTEOMICS - CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 4 2007
    Mia Jüllig
    Abstract Cardiac disease is the commonest cause of death amongst diabetic patients. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, which has a poor prognosis, is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function and mitochondrial damage is said to contribute to its development. We recently showed that treatment with the CuII -selective chelator, triethylenetetramine (TETA), improved cardiac structure, and function in diabetic subjects without modifying hyperglycemia. Thus, TETA has potential utility for the treatment of heart disease. To further understand the molecular mechanism by which it causes these effects, we have conducted the first study of the effect of oral TETA on protein abundance in the cardiac left ventricle of rats with severe streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Proteomic methods showed that of 211 proteins changed in diabetes, 33 recovered after treatment. Through MS, 16 proteins were identified which may constitute major targets of drug action. Remarkably, most of these were mitochondrial proteins with roles in energy metabolism. In addition to components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation, TETA treatment normalized both myocardial expression and enzymatic activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2. These findings indicate that mitochondria constitute major targets in the mechanism by which TETA restores cardiac structure and function in diabetes. [source]