Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a paradigm maternal hereditary eye disease, mainly involving the retinal and macular fibers of the optic disc in the anterior ethmoid plate of the sclera. LHON has the characteristics of sex bias among males and incomplete penetrance. Primary mitochondrial DNA mutations m.11778G>A, m. 14484T>C, m.3460G>A are the molecular basis of LHON. However, other risk factors, such as secondary mitochondrial DNA mutations, mitochondrial haplotypes, nuclear modification genes, estrogen, vitamin B12 and environmental factors, work together to affect its phenotypic expression. The clinical diagnosis of LHON mainly limited to the detection of the primary mutation site of mitochondrial DNA. Therefore, comprehensive analysis of multiple risk factors of LHON will facilitate to construct multi-dimensional model of prevention, diagnosis and treatment system, which provide accurate and individualized medical services for patients. These may alleviate the incidence in LHON families. It also provides new ideas and different angles for the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of LHON.
The main function of mitochondrial fusion protein 1 （Mfn1） and mitochondrial fusion protein 2 （Mfn2） was originally thought to be just regulating the fusion of mitochondrial outer membrane. But in recent years，many studies on these two proteins show that they are involved in many important cellular physiological processes including proliferation，apoptosis，necrosis and regulation of respiratory function and oxidative metabolism. There are many aspects of the influenceof Mfn1 and Mfn2 on cardiomyocyte，which have not been thoroughly studied yet，sometimes with even contradictoryconclusions. But these two proteins definitely have significant impact on the growth，development and physiological functionof cardiomyocyte. To investigate the function and mechanism of Mfn1 and Mfn2 in various physiological processes of cardiomyocyte is of great significance for in vitro studies of physiological functions of cardiomyocyte and technological development of myocardial tissue engineering and transplantation in vivo. This article mainly focuses on recent research progress of the influence of Mfn1 and Mfn2 on various physiological functions of cardiomyocyte.
Objective To investigate the role of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatesensitive potassium channel(mitoKATP) in immature myocardial ischemic preconditioning, and to provide evidence for immature myocardial protection. Methods Langendorff isolated heart infused model was used in the experiment. Twentyfour rabbits (aged from 14 to 21 days) were randomly divided into 4 groups：ischemiareperfusion group（I/R group）, myocardial ischemic preconditioning group(E1 group), 5hydroxydecanoate(5-HD) group (E2 group) and Diazoxide (Diaz) group(E3 group). Hemodynamics recovery rate, myocardial water content(MWC), the leakage rates of serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphate content, superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde content, myocardial cell Ca2+ content and myocardial mitochondrial Ca2+ content, myocardial mitochondrial Ca2+-ATPase activity, the adenosine triphosphate(ATP) synthesizing ability of myocardial mitochondria were tested, and myocardial ultrastructure was observed via electron microscopy. Results The hemodynamics recovery rate, myocardial water content(P＜0.05), adenosine triphosphate content, superoxide dismutase activity, myocardial mitochondrial Ca2+-adenosine triphosphyatase(ATPase) activity and the ATP synthesizing ability of myocardial mitochondria of the rabbits in E1 and E3 group were significantly better than that in I/R group and E2 group(P＜0.05). Malondialdehyde content, the leakage rates of serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, myocardial cell Ca2+ content and myocardial mitochondrial Ca2+ content of the rabbits in E1 group and E3 group were significantly lower than that in I/R group and E2 group (P＜0.05). The myocardial ultrastructure injury in E1 and E3 group were significantly reduced compared with that in I/R and E2 group. Conclusion Myocardial ischemic preconditioning has significant protective effects on immature myocardium. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of mitoKATP.
ObjectiveMitochondrial encephalomyopathy is a series of diseases that drag in central nervous system and generalized muscles. The pathogenesis of the disease is lack of ATP for the dysfunction of mitochondria. The misdiagnosis rate of the disease is high and the purpose of this study is to improve the recognition and diagnosis of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy and thus, clinicians could take rational treatment in time and improve patients' prognosis. MethodsThe clinical data of 11 patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy were analyzed including the physical data, clinical presentations, laboratory data, neuroimaging findings, muscle biopsy, genetic testing, treatment and prognosis. Reviewing literature and summarizing the clinical characteristics of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. ResultsAmong the 11 patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, the mean age was 17 years old. 1 case had family history. 7 cases were misdiagnosed in the first clinic visit. The onset of the 11 cases, 9 were paroxysmal and 2 were hidden. In the course, 10 cases had an epileptic seizure. Among the 9 cases who took the determination of serum lactate, 8 was in high level.9 cases had MRI examination and all found abnormality, 10 patients had EEG examination, and 9 cases found abnormality, 6 cases had muscle biopsy and all found the ragged red fiber(RRF). 6 cases had molecular genetic testing, and all found mutations in mitochondrial DNA. Among the 10 cases who had epileptic seizure, 3 cases can be controlled with single kind of antiepileptic drug. The other 7 cases had a recurrence of epilepsy with single kind of antiepileptic drugs, but can be cotrolled after drug adjusting or drug combination. ConclusionMitochondrial encephalomyopathy is often accompanied by seizure, which is usually found in children, and also often accompanied by systemic muscle symptoms. The clinical manifestations of the disease is not typical, but is complex and varied symptoms, so the clinical misdiagnosis rate is high. Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy mainly involves the main intracranial artery distribution area (parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, etc.) in central nervous system, and can involve more than one part. Patients with mitochondrial myopathy brain are usually detected the elevation of serum lactate levels, but if the lactic acid level is normal, it does not rule out the possibility of the disease, the confirmation of the disease is mainly by muscle biopsy or genetic tests. There is no specific treatment for mitochondrial encephalomyopathy till now, and it still give priority to symptomatic treatment. And the prognosis is poorer.
Purpose To investigate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA 11778 mutation and clinical characteristics of patients with Laber is hereditary optic neuropathy(LHON). Methods PCR RFLPs (MaeⅢ) and mutation specific primer PCR(MSP-PCR) were used simultaneously to detect mitochondrial DNA 11778 mutation. Results Among 10 subjects who habored 11778 mutation,one was a carrier and nine were patients with LHON.Of the nine patients,six were males and three were females.The age of onset ranged from 12 to 25 years old and the onset interval of the two eyed varied between 0 to 6 months. The visual acuity was CF/10cm-0.1 except one who lost her vision after delivery but recovered gradually.The results of visual field,VEP and color vision were abnormal but ERG and systemic status were all normal. Conclusion Molecular biological detection of the ten subjects showed that they all habored mtDNA 11778 mutation.The existence of carrier and visual recovery imlied that mtDNA mutation was a primary cause of LHON,but other factors such as endocrine disorder might influence the pathogenesis of LHON. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1998,14:156-158)
ObjectiveTo analyze the variation of perioperative concentration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in circulation system after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). MethodsBetween July and December 2014, 40 continuous patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) in Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, including 16 males and 14 females with their mean age of 48.7±11.0 years and mean body weight of 59.0±6.9 kg. Perioperative mtDNA concentrations of circulatory blood were tested at different time points:before general anesthesia (T1), 1 min before CPB (T2), reperfusion of the ascending aorta (T3), 6 h after operation (T4), 24 h after operation (T5), 48 h after operation (T6). ResultsAll the surgeries were successfully performed without early death. Postoperative complications were low cardiac output syndrome in 3 cases and acute kidney failure in 1 cases. The concentration of mtDNA in circulation system rising gradually after CPB. The mtDNA concentration of T3, T4 and T5 were significantly higher than T1 (P < 0.05). The peak level was observed at T5 and the mtDNA concentration of T6 was still significantly higher than that of T1 (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe concentration of mtDNA in circulation system was rising after CPB and peak level appeared at 24 h after CPB.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a blinding disease caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA. It is a classic disease model for studying mitochondrial abnormalities. Its main mutation sites are m11778G.A, m.3460G.A and m.14484T.C. LHON cell models are mainly produced by lymphoblasts, fibroblasts, cell hybrids and induced pluripotent stem cells, while LHON animal models are mainly mice, which are produced by rotenone and ND4 mutants. Although the research on the LHON model has achieved good results, there are still many difficulties in constructing an ideal experimental model, which severely limit the exploring to the pathogenesis and therapeutic drugs of LHON. A detailed understanding of the application and characteristics of existing models in LHON will help improve experimental design and construct new models.
【Abstract】 Objective To analyze the correlations between the mt5351G and mt6680C genotypes in mitochondrial DNA ( mtDNA) haplogroup M and susceptibility to high altitude pulmonary edema ( HAPE)among the Hans. Methods Specimens from206 Hans cases of HAPE and 144 matched Hans controls were collected. Then PCR-RFLP method was used to determine haplogroup M and N of mtDNA, and PCR-LDR was used to genotype mt5351G and mt6680C in the haplogroup M in these samples. Results The frequencies of haplogroup Mand N were 49. 0% and 51.0% in the HAPE patients, and 47. 2% and 52. 8% in the controls, respectively, with no significant difference between the HAPE patients and the controls. In the haplogroup M, the genotype of mt6680C and mt5351G frequencies in the HAPE patients were both significantly higher than the controls ( both 12. 0% vs. 1. 5% , P = 0. 016) . Conclusion The existence of mt5351G and mt6680C genotypes in the haplogroup Mis a risk factor for HAPE among the Hans.
Objective To explore the effects of drugs on functions of mitochondria in retinal nerve cells, and to lay a foundation of the investigation of drug protection for retinal nerve cells. Methods Cultivation of the retinal nerve cells of 8 eyes of neonatal calves was performed. The changes of fluorescent density of the mitochondria of cultured cells labeled by dye rhodamine 123 (Rh123) before and after the activation of the medicines, including ferulic acid (FA), arginine, glycine,taurine, vitamine E and brain derived neurotrophic factor( BDNF) respectively, were detected by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Results FA with the concentration of 500 μg/ml led the diphasic variation of the fluorescent intensity of mitochondria. After scanning for 60.772 seconds when treated with FA firstly, the fluorescent intensity decreased rapidly (from 45.425±4.153 to 22.135±5.293); while after 112.774 seconds when treated secondly, the in tensity increased obviously (from 19.655±4.383 to 28.247±4.764), and after 168.773 seconds when treated thirdly the intensity still increased. After scanning for 56.457 seconds when treated with vitamin E (12.5 mg/ml), the fluorescent in tensity increased obviously (from 88.255±5.039 to 111.273±4.529), which suggested that vitamin E with the concentration of 12.5 mg/ml strengthen the fluorescent intensity. After scanning for 58.147 and 134.148 seconds when treated with BDNF(50 ng/ml) respectively, the fluorescent intensity increased obviously (from 69.115±5.038 to 77.225±5.131) which suggested that BDNF with the concent ration of 50 ng/ml led the increase of the fluorescent intensity. Glycine (2.5 mg/ml) and arginine(30 mg/ml) didn’t affect the fluorescent intensity of mitochondria, and taurine (6.25 mg/ml) caused the appreciable decrease of the fluorescent intensity . Conclusion FA, BDNF and vitamin E may promote the metabolism of retinal nerve cells via the path of mitochondria, while amino acids may adjust the activation of retinal nerve cells through other ways. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：229-232)
Objective To investigate the effect of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) on mitochondrial injury that was induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rat liver. Methods Fifty-four rats were randomly divided equally into 3 groups: control group, ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R group), and SAM-treated group (SAM group). Hepatic ischemia had been only lasted for 30 min by obstructing the blood stream of hepatic portal vena (the portal vena was only separated but not obstructed in control group). The rats of SAM group received SAM intraperitoneally 2 h prior to ischemia. Blood samples of each group were collected from the inferior cava vena at 0, 1 and 6 h after reperfusion and the serum levels of AST and ALT were detected. Mitochondrial super oxidedismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and energy charge (EC) in samples of liver tissue were detected, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed with electronmicroscope. Results The serum levels of AST, ALT and mitochondrial MDA at 0, 1 and 6 h after reperfusion in the I/R group were significantly higher than those in the control group, whereas the levels of mitochondrial SOD, ATP and EC were significantly lower than those in the control group (P＜0.01). Except the value of 0 h, when it comes to SAM group, the levels of AST, ALT and mitochondrial MDA were significantly lower (P＜0.05) and the levels of mitochondrial SOD, ATP and EC were significantly higher (P＜0.05, P＜0.01) than those in the I/R group, respectively. The mitochondrial ultrastructure was injured obviously in I/R group when compared with that in control group. The number of mitochondria decreased and the mitochondria swelled, making the crista became obscure and the density of matrix became lower. The above changes in SAM group were less obvious when compared with those in I/R group. Conclusion SAM may protect mitochondrion against hepatic ischemia injury, since it may prevent mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, increase ATP, and eventually improve energy metabolism after ischemia-reperfusion.