cardiovascular-agents and Mitochondrial-Diseases

Mutations in either the nuclear or the mitochondrial genome can lead to structural and functional changes within the skeletal muscles. These genetic skeletal myopathies are rare, although not infrequent when their cumulative incidence is considered. Dystrophinopathies (Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies) and mitochondrial disease are some of the most frequent clinical entities, and those developing heart failure more frequently. Neurohormonal antagonism represents the cornerstone of heart failure management, even though its role in the prevention and treatment of heart failure in patients with dystrophinopathies or mitochondrial disorders remains undefined. In the present paper we will summarise current available evidence on this topic. Particular attention will be devoted to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and to the approaches modulating neurohormonal function by targeting the skeletal muscle.

Topics: Cardiovascular Agents; Disease Management; Heart Failure; Humans; Mitochondrial Diseases; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne

One target of toxicity caused by cardiac drugs is the mitochondrion. This review focuses on the mitochondrion-toxic effects of cardiac drugs and the extent to which mitochondrion-mediated side effects influence the treatment of cardiac disease in mitochondrial disorders (MIDs).. Areas discussed in this review include the pathogenesis of mitochondrion toxicity and the mechanisms by which cardiac drugs exhibit their mitochondrion-toxic effect. Whenever available, the mitochondrion-toxic effect of cardiac drugs in patients with a MID is highlighted.. Most of the drugs used in cardiology are somewhat mitochondrion-toxic. The degree of toxicity, however, is variable and dependent on the type of drug, tissue, organ, subject, cell system investigated, the co-medication, and the conditions under which the investigations have been carried out. Abnormalities induced by mitochondrion-toxic cardiac drugs include impairment of respiratory chain functions resulting in reduced ATP production, increased production of reactive oxygen species with increased oxidation of proteins or lipids, reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis. Several other mitochondrial functions may be additionally impaired by culprit compounds. Cardiac drugs that should be applied with particular caution in patients with MIDs include amiodarone, phenytoin, lidocaine, quinidine, isoproterenol, clopidogrel, acetyl-salicylic acid and molsidomine.

Topics: Animals; Cardiovascular Agents; Heart Diseases; Humans; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Diseases; Reactive Oxygen Species

To present the recent findings obtained in clinical and experimental studies examining microcirculatory alterations in sepsis, their link to mitochondrial dysfunction, and current knowledge regarding the impact of these alterations on the outcome of septic patients.. Interlinked by a mutual cascade effect and driven by the host-pathogen interaction, microcirculatory and mitochondrial functions are impaired during sepsis. Mitochondrial respiration seems to evolve during the course of sepsis, demonstrating a change from reversible to irreversible inhibition. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of microcirculatory and mitochondrial dysfunction suggests that these processes may be compartmentalized. Although a causal relationship between mitochondrial and microcirculatory dysfunction and organ failure in sepsis is supported by an increasing number of studies, adaptive processes have also emerged as part of microcirculatory and mitochondrial alterations. Treatments for improving or preserving microcirculatory, mitochondrial function, or both seem to yield a better outcome in patients.. Even though there is evidence that microcirculatory and mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the development of sepsis-induced organ failure, their interaction and respective contribution to the disease remains poorly understood. Future research is necessary to better define such relationships in order to identify therapeutic targets and refine treatment strategies.

Topics: Capillary Permeability; Cardiovascular Agents; Cytochromes c; Erythropoietin; Humans; Microcirculation; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Diseases; Poly Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Recombinant Proteins; Sepsis

In addition to their well-known critical role in energy metabolism, mitochondria are now recognized as the location where various catabolic and anabolic processes, calcium fluxes, various oxygen-nitrogen reactive species, and other signal transduction pathways interact to maintain cell homeostasis and to mediate cellular responses to different stimuli. It is important to consider how pharmacological agents affect mitochondrial biochemistry, not only because of toxicological concerns but also because of potential therapeutic applications. Several potential targets could be envisaged at the mitochondrial level that may underlie the toxic effects of some drugs. Recently, antiviral nucleoside analogs have displayed mitochondrial toxicity through the inhibition of DNA polymerase-gamma (pol-gamma). Other drugs that target different components of mitochondrial channels can disrupt ion homeostasis or interfere with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Many known inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain act by interfering with one or more of the respiratory chain complexes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, may behave as oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers. The mitochondrial toxicity of other drugs seems to depend on free radical production, although the mechanisms have not yet been clarified. Meanwhile, drugs targeting mitochondria have been used to treat mitochondrial dysfunctions. Importantly, drugs that target the mitochondria of cancer cells have been developed recently; such drugs can trigger apoptosis or necrosis of the cancer cells. Thus the aim of this review is to highlight the role of mitochondria in pharmacotoxicology, and to describe whenever possible the main molecular mechanisms underlying unwanted and/or therapeutic effects.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Antiviral Agents; Apoptosis; Cardiovascular Agents; DNA, Mitochondrial; Electron Transport; Humans; Ion Channels; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Diseases; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins; Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Toxicology