Roles of mitochondria in health and disease

Implications of altered glutathione metabolism in aspirin-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in HepG2 cells

We have previously reported that acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, ASA) induces cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in HepG2 cells. In the present study, we have further elucidated that altered glutathione (GSH)-redox metabolism in HepG2 cells play a critical role in ASA-induced cytotoxicity. Using selected doses and time point for ASA toxicity, we have demonstrated that when GSH synthesis is inhibited in HepG2 cells by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), prior to ASA treatment, cytotoxicity of the drug is augmented. On the other hand, when GSH-depleted cells were treated with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), cytotoxicity/apoptosis caused by ASA was attenuated with a significant recovery in oxidative stress, GSH homeostasis, DNA fragmentation and some of the mitochondrial functions. NAC treatment, however, had no significant effects on the drug-induced inhibition of mitochondrial aconitase activity and ATP synthesis in GSH-depleted cells. Our results have confirmed that aspirin increases apoptosis by increased reactive oxygen species production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory functions. These effects were further amplified when GSH-depleted cells were treated with ASA. We have also shown that some of the effects of aspirin might be associated with reduced GSH homeostasis, as treatment of cells with NAC attenuated the effects of BSO and aspirin. Our results strongly suggest that GSH dependent redox homeostasis in HepG2 cells is critical in preserving mitochondrial functions and preventing oxidative stress associated complications caused by aspirin treatment.

Imaging mitochondrial calcium signalling with fluorescent probes and single or two photon confocal microscopy

The concentration of calcium ions in the mitochondria has a profound impact on mitochondrial function, modulating respiratory activity at physiological concentrations, while causing lethal damage during calcium overload. The "rhod" series of calcium sensitive fluorescent dyes tend to accumulate preferentially in mitochondria, although the reliability of mitochondrial calcium measurements depends critically on the partitioning of dye within the mitochondria which can vary between preparations. Methods are described to aid verification and quantification of the mitochondrial calcium concentration using single or two photon confocal microscopy and combining the imaging with another cytosolic calcium sensing dye. The method of linear unmixing to separate fluorescent signals based on either differing excitation or emission spectra is outlined and for the purposes of illustration is applied to the separation of rhod-2 signals originating from dye within the mitochondrial and nucleoli.

Late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells engineered for improved survival and maintenance of function in transplant-related injury

Chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major cause of organ transplant failure that responds poorly to treatment. Endothelial activation, dysfunction and apoptosis contribute to CAV, whereas strategies for protecting endothelium and maximizing endothelial repair may diminish it. Late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells (LO-EPC) can home to areas of injury and integrate into damaged vessels, implying a role in vascular repair; however, in an allograft, LO-EPC would be exposed to the hazardous microenvironment associated with transplant-related ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury and persistent inflammation. We evaluated the in vitro effect of I/R injury and the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α on LO-EPC phenotype and function. We show that LO-EPC are intrinsically more tolerant than mature EC to I/R injury induced apoptosis, maintaining their proliferative, migratory and network formation capacity. Under inflammatory conditions, LO-EPC were activated and released higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, upregulated adhesion molecule expression, and were more susceptible to apoptosis. Lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of the protective gene A20 in LO-EPC maintained their angiogenic phenotype and function, and protected them against TNF-α-mediated apoptosis, reducing ICAM-1 expression and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Administration of ex vivo modified LO-EPC overexpressing A20 might effect vascular repair of damaged allografts and protect from CAV.

Nerolidol effects on mitochondrial and cellular energetics

In the present work, we evaluated the potential toxic effects of nerolidol, a sesquiterpenoid common in plants essential oils, both on mitochondrial and cellular energetics. Samples of enriched natural extracts of nerolidol (a racemic mixture of cis and trans isomers) were tested on rat liver mitochondria and a decrease in phosphorylative system was observed but not in the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, which reflects a direct effect on F1-ATPase. Hence, respiratory control ratio was also decreased. Cellular ATP/ADP levels were significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, possibly due to the direct effect of nerolidol on F(0)F(1)-ATPsynthase. Nerolidol stimulates respiratory activity probably due to an unspecific effect, since it does not show any protonophoric effect. Furthermore, we observed that mitochondrial permeability transition was delayed in the presence of nerolidol, possibly due to its antioxidant activity and because this compound decreases mitochondrial transmembrane electric potential. Our results also show that, in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), nerolidol both induces cell death and arrests cell growth, probably related with the observed lower bioenergetic efficiency.

Translocation of heme oxygenase-1 to mitochondria is a novel cytoprotective mechanism against non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress, apoptosis, and gastric mucosal injury

The mechanism of action of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in mitochondrial oxidative stress (MOS)-mediated apoptotic tissue injury was investigated. MOS-mediated gastric mucosal apoptosis and injury were introduced in rat by indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Here, we report that HO-1 was not only induced but also translocated to mitochondria during gastric mucosal injury to favor repair mechanisms. Furthermore, mitochondrial translocation of HO-1 resulted in the prevention of MOS and mitochondrial pathology as evident from the restoration of the complex I-driven mitochondrial respiratory control ratio and transmembrane potential. Mitochondrial translocation of HO-1 also resulted in time-dependent inhibition of apoptosis. We searched for the plausible mechanisms responsible for HO-1 induction and mitochondrial localization. Free heme, the substrate for HO-1, was increased inside mitochondria during gastric injury, and mitochondrial entry of HO-1 decreased intramitochondrial free heme content, suggesting that a purpose of mitochondrial translocation of HO-1 is to detoxify accumulated heme. Heme may activate nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 to induce HO-1 through reactive oxygen species generation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies indicated nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 and its binding to HO-1 promoter to induce HO-1 expression during gastric injury. Inhibition of HO-1 by zinc protoporphyrin aggravated the mucosal injury and delayed healing. Zinc protoporphyrin further reduced the respiratory control ratio and transmembrane potential and enhanced MOS and apoptosis. In contrast, induction of HO-1 by cobalt protoporphyrin reduced MOS, corrected mitochondrial dysfunctions, and prevented apoptosis and gastric injury. Thus, induction and mitochondrial localization of HO-1 are a novel cytoprotective mechanism against MOS-mediated apoptotic tissue injury.

Effects of uranium uptake on transcriptional responses, histological structures and survival rate of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii

This work aims to investigate the accumulation levels and effects (transcriptional responses, histopathology and survival rate) associated with a wide range of dissolved uranium (U) concentrations (0, 0.03, 0.6, 4 and 8 mg/L of U) on adult male crayfish Procambarus clarkii during 4 (T4) and 10 (T10) days of exposure. The follow-up of the crayfish mortality showed that P. clarkii was highly resistant to U. Increasing waterborne U concentrations led to increasing bioaccumulation in key crayfish organs and increasing histological damages. U distribution in tissues was also evaluated using transmission electron microscopy and showed the presence of a detoxified form of U in the gill's epithelium in the shape of flakes. Expression levels of mitochondrial genes (cox1, atp6 and 12S gene) and genes involved in oxidative stress (sod(Mn) and mt) were examined together with the housekeeping gene 18S. atp6 and mt genes of P. clarkii were cloned and sequenced before analysis. Significant correlations were observed between U bioaccumulation and the down-regulation of both cox1 and sod(Mn) genes. This work provides a first U toxicogenomic and histopathological pattern of P. clarkii, identify U biomarkers and associate gene expression endpoints to accumulation levels. It also provides new insights into the mechanisms involved in U stress.

The central role of calcium in the effects of cytokines on beta-cell function: implications for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

The appropriate regulation of intracellular calcium is a requirement for proper cell function and survival. This review focuses on the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on calcium regulation in the insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cell and how normal stimulus-secretion coupling, organelle function, and overall beta-cell viability are impacted. Proinflammatory cytokines are increasingly thought to contribute to beta-cell dysfunction not only in type 1 diabetes (T1D), but also in the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Cytokine-induced disruptions in calcium handling result in reduced insulin release in response to glucose stimulation. Cytokines can alter intracellular calcium levels by depleting calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and by increasing calcium influx from the extracellular space. Depleting ER calcium leads to protein misfolding and activation of the ER stress response. Disrupting intracellular calcium may also affect organelles, including the mitochondria and the nucleus. As a chronic condition, cytokine-induced calcium disruptions may lead to beta-cell death in T1D and T2D, although possible protective effects are also discussed. Calcium is thus central to both normal and pathological cell processes. Because the tight regulation of intracellular calcium is crucial to homeostasis, measuring the dynamics of calcium may serve as a good indicator of overall beta-cell function.

A novel mitotropic oligolysine nanocarrier: Targeted delivery of covalently bound D-Luciferin to cell mitochondria

New and emerging therapeutic approaches focus on the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to cell mitochondria with high specificity. Herein we present a novel mitotropic nanocarrier based on an oligolysine scaffold by addition of two triphenylphosphonium cations per oligomer. Although the parent oligolysine failed to enter healthy cells, the triphenylphosphonium modified carrier, with or without D-Luciferin, attached as cargo molecule, demonstrated striking mitochondrial specificity. Furthermore, the oligolysine bound d-Luciferin exhibited chemiluminescence, of lower intensity than free d-Luciferin, yet of remarkably longer steady-state temporal profile.

C-peptide and diabetic encephalopathy

With the changes of life style, diabetes and its complications have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is reasonable to anticipate a continued rise in the incidence of diabetes and its complications along with the aging of the population, increase in adult obesity rate, and other risk factors. Diabetic encephalopathy is one of the severe microvascular complications of diabetes, characterized by impaired cognitive functions, and electrophysiological, neurochemical, and structural abnormalities. It may involve direct neuronal damage caused by intracellular glucose. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is complex and its diagnosis is not very clear. Previous researches have suggested that chronic metabolic alterations, vascular changes, and neuronal apoptosis may play important roles in neuronal loss and damaged cognitive functions. Multiple factors are responsible for neuronal apoptosis, such as disturbed insulin growth factor (IGF) system, hyperglycemia, and the aging process. Recent data suggest that insulin/C-peptide deficiency may exert a primary and key effect in diabetic encephalopathy. Administration of C-peptide partially improves the condition of the IGF system in the brain and prevents neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of diabetic patients. Those findings provide a basis for application of C-peptide as a potentially effective therapy for diabetes and diabetic encephalopathy.

Hydrogen-rich medium protects human skin fibroblasts from high glucose or mannitol induced oxidative damage

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an important factor in the development of skin lesions in diabetes. A new antioxidant, hydrogen, can selectively neutralize hydroxyl radicals (()OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) in cell-free systems, whereas it seldom reacts with other ROS. Fibroblasts are a key component of skin. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of hydrogen-rich medium on human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) under oxidative stress. Confocal microscopy was used to assay both the intracellular superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) concentration and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The concentrations of cellular malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) were also measured. The results revealed that both mannitol and high glucose could cause oxidative stress in HSFs. Interestingly, the use of a hydrogen-rich medium significantly reduced the level of intracellular O(2)(-), stabilized the ΔΨ and attenuated production of MDA, 8-OHdG and 3-NT which efficiently enhanced the antioxidative defense system and protected the HSFs from subsequent oxidative stress damage. In other words, hydrogen decreased the excessive generation of intracellular O(2)(-) and elevated the cellular antioxidative defense. Based on our results, hydrogen may have applications in the treatment of skin diseases caused by diabetes.

Organelle stress-induced activating transcription factor-3 downregulates low-density lipoprotein receptor expression in Sk-Hep1 human liver cells

The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) plays a central role in cholesterol homeostasis. Here, we provide evidence that an increase in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response or a disturbance of mitochondrial function inhibits LDLR expression in human liver Sk-Hep1 cells. Both organelle stresses triggered activation of activating transcription factor-3 (ATF3), which subsequently reduced LDLR expression. Serial deletion studies revealed that the LDLR promoter region within -234 bp was involved in the repression of LDLR by ATF3. In addition, we identified the region between -8 and -3 of LDLR promoter region as a putative binding site for ATF3 by using deletion construct lacking 6 bp nucleotide corresponding to this region. Transfection of ATF3-specific siRNA rescued LDLR expression under organelle stress, indicating that ATF3 was mainly responsible for the repression of LDLR by these stressors. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that ATF3 directly binds to the LDLR promoter in a stress-dependent manner. The unique sterol-independent LDLR repression by organelle stress via ATF3 demonstrated here could be involved in obesity-related hypercholesterolemia, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Mitochondrial isolation from skeletal muscle

Mitochondria are organelles controlling the life and death of the cell. They participate in key metabolic reactions, synthesize most of the ATP, and regulate a number of signaling cascades. Past and current researchers have isolated mitochondria from rat and mice tissues such as liver, brain and heart. In recent years, many researchers have focused on studying mitochondrial function from skeletal muscles. Here, we describe a method that we have used successfully for the isolation of mitochondria from skeletal muscles. Our procedure requires that all buffers and reagents are made fresh and need about 250-500 mg of skeletal muscle. We studied mitochondria isolated from rat and mouse gastrocnemius and diaphragm, and rat extraocular muscles. Mitochondrial protein concentration is measured with the Bradford assay. It is important that mitochondrial samples be kept ice-cold during preparation and that functional studies be performed within a relatively short time (~1 hr). Mitochondrial respiration is measured using polarography with a Clark-type electrode (Oxygraph system) at 37°C⁷. Calibration of the oxygen electrode is a key step in this protocol and it must be performed daily. Isolated mitochondria (150 μg) are added to 0.5 ml of experimental buffer (EB). State 2 respiration starts with addition of glutamate (5 mM) and malate (2.5 mM). Then, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (150 μM) is added to start state 3. Oligomycin (1 μM), an ATPase synthase blocker, is used to estimate state. Lastly, carbonyl cyanide p-[trifluoromethoxy]-phenyl-hydrazone (FCCP, 0.2 μM) is added to measurestate, or uncoupled respiration. The respiratory control ratio (RCR), the ratio of state 3 to state 4, is calculated after each experiment. An RCR ≥ 4 is considered as evidence of a viable mitochondria preparation. In summary, we present a method for the isolation of viable mitochondria from skeletal muscles that can be used in biochemical (e.g., enzyme activity, immunodetection, proteomics) and functional studies (mitochondrial respiration).

Oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Its morphologic characteristics include glomerular hypertrophy, basement membrane thickening, mesangial expansion, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and arteriolar thickening. All of these are part and parcel of microvascular complications of diabetes. A large body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress is the common denominator link for the major pathways involved in the development and progression of diabetic micro- as well as macro-vascular complications of diabetes. There are a number of macromolecules that have been implicated for increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as, NAD(P)H oxidase, advanced glycation end products (AGE), defects in polyol pathway, uncoupled nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and mitochondrial respiratory chain via oxidative phosphorylation. Excess amounts of ROS modulate activation of protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and various cytokines and transcription factors which eventually cause increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes with progression to fibrosis and end stage renal disease. Activation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) further worsens the renal injury induced by ROS in diabetic nephropathy. Buffering the generation of ROS may sound a promising therapeutic to ameliorate renal damage from diabetic nephropathy, however, various studies have demonstrated minimal reno-protection by these agents. Interruption in the RAS has yielded much better results in terms of reno-protection and progression of diabetic nephropathy. In this review various aspects of oxidative stress coupled with the damage induced by RAS are discussed with the anticipation to yield an impetus for designing new generation of specific antioxidants that are potentially more effective to reduce reno-vascular complications of diabetes.

The organellar genome and metabolic potential of the hydrogen-producing mitochondrion of Nyctotherus ovalis

It is generally accepted that hydrogenosomes (hydrogen-producing organelles) evolved from a mitochondrial ancestor. However, until recently, only indirect evidence for this hypothesis was available. Here, we present the almost complete genome of the hydrogen-producing mitochondrion of the anaerobic ciliate Nyctotherus ovalis and show that, except for the notable absence of genes encoding electron transport chain components of Complexes III, IV, and V, it has a gene content similar to the mitochondrial genomes of aerobic ciliates. Analysis of the genome of the hydrogen-producing mitochondrion, in combination with that of more than 9,000 genomic DNA and cDNA sequences, allows a preliminary reconstruction of the organellar metabolism. The sequence data indicate that N. ovalis possesses hydrogen-producing mitochondria that have a truncated, two step (Complex I and II) electron transport chain that uses fumarate as electron acceptor. In addition, components of an extensive protein network for the metabolism of amino acids, defense against oxidative stress, mitochondrial protein synthesis, mitochondrial protein import and processing, and transport of metabolites across the mitochondrial membrane were identified. Genes for MPV17 and ACN9, two hypothetical proteins linked to mitochondrial disease in humans, were also found. The inferred metabolism is remarkably similar to the organellar metabolism of the phylogenetically distant anaerobic Stramenopile Blastocystis. Notably, the Blastocystis organelle and that of the related flagellate Proteromonas lacertae also lack genes encoding components of Complexes III, IV, and V. Thus, our data show that the hydrogenosomes of N. ovalis are highly specialized hydrogen-producing mitochondria.

Oxidative stress, insulin signaling, and diabetes

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a contributor to both the onset and the progression of diabetes and its associated complications. Some of the consequences of an oxidative environment are the development of insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, impaired glucose tolerance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can lead ultimately to the diabetic disease state. Experimental and clinical data suggest an inverse association between insulin sensitivity and ROS levels. Oxidative stress can arise from a number of different sources, whether disease state or lifestyle, including episodes of ketosis, sleep restriction, and excessive nutrient intake. Oxidative stress activates a series of stress pathways involving a family of serine/threonine kinases, which in turn have a negative effect on insulin signaling. More experimental evidence is needed to pinpoint the mechanisms contributing to insulin resistance in both type 1 diabetics and nondiabetic individuals. Oxidative stress can be reduced by controlling hyperglycemia and calorie intake. Overall, this review outlines various mechanisms that lead to the development of oxidative stress. Intervention and therapy that alter or disrupt these mechanisms may serve to reduce the risk of insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Cardiovascular disease is common in patients with diabetes and is a significant contributor to the high mortality rates associated with diabetes. Heart failure is common in diabetic patients, even in the absence of coronary artery disease or hypertension, an entity known as diabetic cardiomyopathy. Evidence indicates that myocardial metabolism is altered in diabetes, which likely contributes to contractile dysfunction and ventricular failure. The mitochondria are the center of metabolism, and recent data suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This review summarizes many of the potential mechanisms that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in the diabetic heart. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondria and Cardioprotection.

Basal metallothionein-I/II protects against NMDA-mediated oxidative injury in cortical neuron/astrocyte cultures

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor overactivation-mediated oxidative stress has been proposed to contribute to brain injury. Metallothionein-I/II (MT-I/II), a member of cysteine-rich metalloproteins, has been found to express in the central nervous system primarily in cortical tissues and be upregulated following brain injury. To address the role of MT-I/II on NMDA-mediated oxidative injury, we established primary cortical neuron/astrocyte cultures from neonatal MT-I/II deficient (MT⁻/⁻) and wild type (MT+/+) mice to test whether basal MT-I/II protects cortical cultures against NMDA-mediated injury. We found that MT-I/II expression was increased by NMDA in MT+/+ cultures but was not detectable in MT⁻/⁻ cultures. NMDA concentration-dependently induced oxidative injury in both MT+/+ and MT⁻/⁻ cultures as evidenced by decrease of cell viability, increases of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. However, these toxic effects were greater in MT⁻/⁻ than MT+/+ cultures. NMDA significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential in neurons in MT+/+ cultures, and these effects were exaggerated in MT⁻/⁻ cultures. Our findings clearly show that basal MT-I/II provides protection against NMDA-mediated oxidative injury in cortical neuron/astrocyte cultures, and suggest that the protective effects are possibly associated with inhibition of ROS generation and preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Invited review: decoding the microRNA response to hypoxia

microRNAs (miRNAs) were discovered nearly two decades ago by researchers who sought to understand how basic developmental mechanisms work in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Since the identification of conserved miRNA families in higher eukaryotes, there has been an explosion of interest into how these tiny RNA molecules function. miRNAs are 20-24 nucleotide non-coding RNA molecules that predominantly regulate transcripts of target genes through translational inhibition. Much recent interest has focused on the influence of miRNAs on homeostatic regulation, and in particular, hypoxic responses. The ability to sense and respond to hypoxia is of fundamental importance to aerobic organisms and dysregulated oxygen homeostasis is a hallmark in the pathophysiology of cancer, neurological dysfunction, myocardial infarction, and lung disease. miRNAs are ideal mediators of hypoxic stress responses as they are able to modify gene expression both rapidly and reversibly. This enables miRNA-mediated gene regulatory circuits to modify metabolic networks with immaculate precision and control. Therefore, one may consider miRNAs as molecular rheostats which effect tuning and switching of regulatory circuits to facilitate survival and adaptation to hypoxic conditions. Such miRNA-mediated regulatory circuits would provide flexible and conditional alternatives to "conventional" transcriptional regulation. Here, I review recent discoveries that have boosted our understanding of miRNA regulation of hypoxia and discuss where future breakthroughs in this area may be made.

Measurements of threshold of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in intact and permeabilized cells by flash photolysis of caged calcium

Changes in intracellular calcium concentration play a major role both in signal transduction and in cell death. In particular, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is critically important as a determinant of irreversible cell injury. When accumulated above a threshold, matrix Ca2+ triggers opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), initiating ATP depletion and cell death via necrosis or by promoting cytochrome c release and initiating the apoptotic cascade. Measurement of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake capacity (or the threshold for mPTP opening) is, therefore, important for understanding the mechanisms of pathophysiology in a variety of disease models and also for testing neuro- or cardioprotective drugs. We have, therefore, devised an approach that delivers Ca2+ directly to the matrix of mitochondria independently of uptake and therefore independently of potential (Δψm) that allows direct study both of the Ca2+ efflux pathway and of the specific sensitivity of mPTP to Ca2+. This is achieved using the photolytic release of Ca2+ by flash photolysis of caged Ca2+ using compounds, such as o-nitrophenyl EGTA, introduced into the cell as the acetoxymethyl (AM) ester (NP-EGTA, AM). This method can be used in both intact and permeabilized cells.

Hyperketonemia decreases mitochondrial membrane potential and its normalization with chromium (III) supplementation in monocytes

Altered cellular mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) has been implicated in the increased insulin resistance and the risk for diabetes. Hyperketonemia is increasingly being identified in type 2 diabetic patients in addition to those with type 1 diabetes. No previous study has examined the effect of hyperketonemia and trivalent chromium on cellular mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in any cell type. Using a U937 monocyte cell culture model, this study examined the hypothesis that hyperketonemia decreases and trivalent chromium normalizes the cellular MMP level. Cells were cultured with control and ketone bodies [acetoacetate (AA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)] in the absence or the presence (0.5-100 μM) of Cr(3+) at 37°C for 24 h. The MMP was determined using DiOC6 and flow cytometry. The results show a significant decrease in MMP in cells treated with AA, but not in the cells treated with BHB. The effect of AA on cellular MMP was prevented in chromium (III)-pretreated cells. Thus, hyperketonemia decreases the MMP, and supplementation with chromium (III) normalizes altered MMP, which may play a role in the improvement in glucose metabolism seen after chromium (III) supplementation in some studies with diabetic animals and patients.

MicroRNAs in skin and wound healing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNA molecules ∼22 nt in length. miRNAs are capable of posttranscriptional gene regulation by binding to their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to mRNA degradation or suppression of translation. miRNAs have recently been shown to play pivotal roles in skin development and are linked to various skin pathologies, cancer, and wound healing. This review focuses on the role of miRNAs in cutaneous biology, the various methods of miRNA modulation, and the therapeutic opportunities in treatment of skin diseases and wound healing.

Mitochondria: the missing link between preconditioning and neuroprotection

The quote "what does not kill you makes you stronger" perfectly describes the preconditioning phenomenon - a paradigm that affords robust brain tolerance in the face of neurodegenerative insults. Over the last few decades, many attempts have been made to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in preconditioning-induced protective responses, and recent data suggests that many of these mechanisms converge on the mitochondria, positing mitochondria as master regulators of preconditioning-triggered endogenous neuroprotection. In this review, we critically discuss evidence for the involvement of mitochondria within the preconditioning paradigm. We will highlight the crucial targets and mediators by which mitochondria are integrated into neuroprotective signaling pathways that underlie preconditioning, putting focus on mitochondrial respiratory chain and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels, mitochondrial permeability transition pore, uncoupling proteins, and mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase. We also discuss the role of mitochondria in the induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1, a transcription factor engaged in preconditioning-mediated neuroprotective effects. The identification of intrinsic mitochondrial mechanisms involved in preconditioning will provide new insights which can be translated into potential pharmacological interventions aimed at counteracting neurodegeneration.

Changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and malondialdehyde level in regenerating liver tissue in rats

AIM: To investigate the role of mitochondria permeability transition (MPT) in liver regeneration.

METHODS: One hundred and five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: partial hepatectomy (PH) group, cyclosporin A (CsA) group and sham-operated (SH) group. Animals in the PH and CsA groups underwent 2/3 partial hepatectomy. Animals in the CsA group were administered CsA before the surgery. The animals in each group were further divided into seven sub-groups. Ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria in remnant liver after PH was determined by electron microscopy. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue was also measured.

RESULTS: Remarkable changes were observed in the morphology and ultrastructure of the liver mitochondria at 24 h after PH, including conspicuous swelling, increased membrane permeability, reduced number of cristae, and matrix vacuolation. At 72 h, moderate mitochondrial swelling was observed, while, at other time points, mild mitochondrial swelling was seen. Mitochondrial permeability increased at 0, 3 and 6 h in the CsA group, but decreased at 24 and 72 h when compared with the PH group. Similar changes in endoplasmic reticulum were also noted. The content of MDA increased at 3 h after PH, peaked at 24 h, and then decreased and returned to normal level at 120 h. The contents of MDA at all time points in the CsA group were significantly higher than those in the PH group.

CONCLUSION: The changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and MDA level are closely associated with MPT during live regeneration in rats, especially prominent at 24 h after PH. The changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and MDA level in liver tissue is possibly related to the initiation of liver regeneration after PH.

Activated astroglia during chronic inflammation in Alzheimer's disease--do they neglect their neurosupportive roles?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, characterized histopathologically by the extracellular deposition of beta-amyloid peptide in senile plaques, as well as intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, extensive neuronal loss and synaptic changes in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In addition, the AD brain shows chronic inflammation characterized by an abundance of reactive astrocytes and activated microglia. In the healthy brain, astrocytes provide essential services for brain homeostasis and neuronal function, including metabolic support for neurons in the form of lactate, glutamate uptake and conversion into glutamine, and synthesis of glutathione and its precursors. In AD, a large body of evidence now suggests that by transforming from a basal to a reactive state, astrocytes neglect their neurosupportive functions, thus rendering neurons vulnerable to neurotoxins including pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. This review will explain the normal functions of astrocytes, and how these cells might be activated to turn into inflammatory cells, actively contributing to neurodegeneration and neglecting their neurosupportive roles ("neuro-neglect hypothesis"). Furthermore, it is proposed that astrocytes might be promising target of therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer's disease, if these compromised functions can be normalized with pharmacological agents that are specifically designed to return astrocytes to a quiescent phenotype or supplement factors which activated astrocytes lack to produce.

Neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity: with emphasis on autophagy

Ginsenoside Rb1 has been demonstrated with neuroprotective effects, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to probe the effects and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rb1 on activation of autophagy in glutamate-injured neurons. Ginsenoside Rb1 of exponential concentrations (1.2, 12, 120 microM) or autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (5mM) was added to culture medium for cortical neurons after being treated with glutamate. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Autophagosomes formation was observed with transmission electron microscope. Autophagy marked protein LC3 was detected with immunofluorescence and visualized under laser confocal microscopy. Changes of autophagy related protein Beclin-1 were measured with Western blot. We found that ginsenoside Rb1 protected cortical neurons from glutamate-induced cell injury. Autophagy was activated after glutamate treatment, with both autophagosomes and punctate LC3 increased significantly compared with control. Beclin-1 was elevated in glutamate-treated cells. Formation of autophagosome and punctate LC3 was attenuated by ginsenoside Rb1. The level of Beclin-1 in ginsenoside Rb1 treated cells was simultaneously decreased compared with glutamate-treated cells. These results suggested that inhibition of autophagy could be responsible for neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 in glutamate-induced injury. Down-regulation of Beclin-1 may play an important role in this process.

Mitochondria in the diabetic heart

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. Studies have shown that the heart failure risk is increased in diabetic patients even after adjusting for coronary artery disease and hypertension. Although the cause of this increased heart failure risk is multifactorial, increasing evidence suggests that derangements in cardiac energy metabolism play an important role. In particular, abnormalities in cardiomyocyte mitochondrial energetics appear to contribute substantially to the development of cardiac dysfunction in diabetes. This review will summarize these abnormalities in mitochondrial function and discuss potential underlying mechanisms.

A simplified approach to human islet quality assessment

BACKGROUND

The successful treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes by islet transplantation is affected by a multitude of factors of which infusion of the highest quality tissue is essential. The current standard pretransplant quality assessments lack sensitivity, accuracy, and objectivity in the determination of islet viability and potency. We hypothesized that a multiparametric approach focused on islet cell metabolic state, mitochondrial integrity, and in vitro glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) could provide data predictive of in vivo function. The objective of this study was to validate a novel set of islet quality assays and develop a simplified islet quality scoring system for both basic research and clinical applications.

METHODS

A series of 42 human islet preparations were screened using standard and novel methods, which included determination of yield, viability by fluorescent microscopy, GSIS, percentage of islet loss in culture, quantification of adenine nucleotides, flow cytometric measurement of viability, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In vivo functional potency was tested by minimal model transplant in streptozotocin-induced diabetic NOD.scid mice.

RESULTS

Functionally potent islet preparations showed significantly greater numbers of cells with polarized MMP, higher ATP-to-ADP ratios, and increased glucose-induced insulin secretion. The MMP, ATP-to-ADP ratio, and GSIS data were combined into a single islet scoring formula that showed more than 86% accuracy in predicting in vivo functional potency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that a multiparametric approach using objective assessments focused on islet cell mitochondrial integrity and in vitro function can provide data predictive of in vivo function.

Calcium-sensing receptors regulate cardiomyocyte Ca2+ signaling via the sarcoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrion interface during hypoxia/reoxygenation

Communication between the SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum, SR) and mitochondria is important for cell survival and apoptosis. The SR supplies Ca²⁺ directly to mitochondria via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP₃Rs) at close contacts between the two organelles referred to as mitochondrion-associated ER membrane (MAM). Although it has been demonstrated that CaR (calcium sensing receptor) activation is involved in intracellular calcium overload during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/Re), the role of CaR activation in the cardiomyocyte apoptotic pathway remains unclear. We postulated that CaR activation plays a role in the regulation of SR-mitochondrial inter-organelle Ca²⁺ signaling, causing apoptosis during H/Re. To investigate the above hypothesis, cultured cardiomyocytes were subjected to H/Re. We examined the distribution of IP₃Rs in cardiomyocytes via immunofluorescence and Western blotting and found that type 3 IP₃Rs were located in the SR. [Ca²⁺]i, [Ca²⁺]_m and [Ca²⁺]_SR were determined using Fluo-4, x-rhod-1 and Fluo 5N, respectively, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected with JC-1 during reoxygenation using laser confocal microscopy. We found that activation of CaR reduced [Ca²⁺]_SR, increased [Ca²⁺]_i and [Ca²⁺]_m and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential during reoxygenation. We found that the activation of CaR caused the cleavage of BAP31, thus generating the pro-apoptotic p20 fragment, which induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and the translocation of bak/bax to mitochondria. Taken together, these results reveal that CaR activation causes Ca²⁺ release from the SR into the mitochondria through IP₃Rs and induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis during hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Intracellular coenzymes as natural biomarkers for metabolic activities and mitochondrial anomalies

Mitochondria play a pivotal role in energy metabolism, programmed cell death and oxidative stress. Mutated mitochondrial DNA in diseased cells compromises the structure of key enzyme complexes and, therefore, mitochondrial function, which leads to a myriad of health-related conditions such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and aging. Early detection of mitochondrial and metabolic anomalies is an essential step towards effective diagnoses and therapeutic intervention. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) play important roles in a wide range of cellular oxidation-reduction reactions. Importantly, NADH and FAD are naturally fluorescent, which allows noninvasive imaging of metabolic activities of living cells and tissues. Furthermore, NADH and FAD autofluorescence, which can be excited using distinct wavelengths for complementary imaging methods and is sensitive to protein binding and local environment. This article highlights recent developments concerning intracellular NADH and FAD as potential biomarkers for metabolic and mitochondrial activities.

In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of biomedical nanoparticles and their extracts

The present study presents a new approach for evaluating in vitro cytotoxicity of nanoparticles. The approach is based on American National Standard ISO 10993-5. Hepatoma HepG2 and fibroblast NIH3T3 cell lines were incubated with nanoparticles, and their associated extracts were derived at 70 and 121 degrees C. Nanoparticles proposed as potential biomedical imaging probes were evaluated on the basis of the detection of metabolic activities and cell-morphology changes. In general, nanoparticles incubated directly with cells showed higher cytotoxicity than their associated extracts. CdSe and core-shell CdSe@ZnS quantum dots resulted in low cell viability for both cell lines. The cytotoxicity of the quantum dots was attributed to the Cd ion and the presence of the nanoparticle itself. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell viability was found in higher dosage concentrations. Rare earth nanoparticles and their extracts appear to affect NIH3T3 cells only, with cell viability as low as 71.4% +/- 4.8%. Magnetic nanoparticles have no observable effects on the cell viabilities for both cell lines. In summary, we found the following: (1) both direct incubation and extracts of nanoparticles are required for complete assessment of nanoparticle cytotoxicity, (2) the rare earth oxide nanoparticles are less cytotoxic than the Cd-based quantum dots, and (3) the extent of cytotoxicity is dependent upon the cell line.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is induced by high levels of glucose and free fatty acids in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Hyperglycemia and high free fatty acids (FFAs) are two well-known characteristics of type 2 diabetes, and are also implicated in the etiology of insulin resistance. However, their roles in mitochondrial dysfunction of white adipocytes are not well-studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of high glucose (25 mM), high free fatty acids (FFAs, 1mM), or a combination of both high glucose+high FFAs on mitochondrial function in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes after 48 h of treatment. We found that high glucose, high FFAs, or high glucose+high FFAs reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, the mitochondria became smaller and more compact. Levels of the mitofusion protein mfn1 decreased and levels of the mitofission protein Drp1 increased as compared to controls. NRF1 was downregulated, and PGC-1 beta levels were diminished in the high glucose and high glucose+high FFAs conditions. Levels of PGC-1 alpha and mtTFA mRNA were greatly downregulated. No difference was found in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and intracellular ATP levels of treated cells compared to control cells. Cells treated with high glucose or high FFAs accumulated significant amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and displayed a loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. High glucose and high glucose+high FFAs led to similar decreases in intramitochondrial calcium concentration, although high FFAs had no effect. Therefore, high glucose and high FFAs can regulate insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial dysfunction may occur in this process.

The contribution of UCP2 and UCP3 to mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake is differentially determined by the source of supplied Ca(2+)

The transmission of Ca(2+) signals to mitochondria is an important phenomenon in cell signaling. We have recently reported that the novel uncoupling proteins UCP2 and UCP3 (UCP2/3) are fundamental for mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniport (MCU). In the present study we investigate the contribution of UCP2/3 to mitochondrial accumulation of Ca(2+) either exclusively released from the ER or entering the cell via the store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) pathway. Using siRNA we demonstrate that constitutively expressed UCP2/3 are essentially involved in mitochondrial sequestration of intracellularly released Ca(2+) but not of that entering the cells via SOCE. However, overexpression of UCP2/3 yielded elevated mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake from both sources, though it was more pronounced in case of entering Ca(2+), indicating that the expression levels of UCP2/3 are crucial for the capacity of mitochondria to sequester entering Ca(2+). Our data point to distinct UCP2/3-dependent and UCP2/3-independent modes of mitochondrial Ca(2+) sequestration, which may meet the various demands necessary for an adequate organelle Ca(2+) loading from different Ca(2+) sources in intact cells.

Long-term hyperglycaemia decreases gastrocnemius susceptibility to permeability transition

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycaemia-resulting in mitochondrial bioenergetics' complications is associated with skeletal muscle dysfunction. The aim of this work was to analyse the effect of long-term severe hyperglycaemia on gastrocnemius mitochondrial bioenergetics, with special relevance on the susceptibility to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening.

METHODS

Sixteen adult (6- to 8-week-old) male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 8/group): control and diabetic. A single dose (50 mg kg(-1)) of streptozotocin (STZ) was administrated i.p. to induce hyperglycaemia. In vitro mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, membrane potential (Delta psi) fluctuations, MPTP induction as followed by osmotic swelling and extramitochondrial calcium movements and caspase 9-like activity were evaluated 18 weeks after STZ treatment.

RESULTS

STZ treatment induced an increase in state 4 and a decrease in the respiratory control ratio with complex I substrates (P < 0.05), whereas no differences were observed using complex II substrates. In both conditions, no significant differences were observed when measuring maximal Delta psi, although STZ treatment increased Delta psi during ADP-induced depolarization when succinate was used. The most critical result was that muscle mitochondria isolated from STZ-treated rats showed a decrease susceptibility to MPTP induction by calcium, as followed by two different experimental protocols. Interestingly, the protection was accompanied by a decrease in muscle caspase 9-like activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that 18 weeks of STZ treatment lead to a decrease in gastrocnemius mitochondrial respiratory control ratio and to decreased calcium-dependent mitochondrial MPTP. Results from this and other works suggest that mitochondrial effects of hyperglycaemia are time and organ specific.

MicroRNA-210: a unique and pleiotropic hypoxamir

Inadequate oxygen availability or hypoxia induces a complex and still incompletely understood set of adaptations that influence cellular survival and function. Many of these adaptations are directly controlled by a master transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-alpha (HIF-α). In response to hypoxia, HIF-α levels increase and directly induce the transcription of > 100 genes, influencing functions ranging from metabolism, survival, proliferation, migration, to angiogenesis, among others. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a specific set of microRNA molecules are upregulated by hypoxia, which we denote here as "hypoxamirs." In particular, the HIF-responsive hypoxamir microRNA-210 (miR-210) is a unique microRNA that is evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitously expressed in hypoxic cell and tissue types. A number of direct targets of miR-210 have been identified by in silico, transcriptional, and biochemical methods, a subset of which have been extensively validated. As a result, miR-210 has been mechanistically linked to the control of a wide range of cellular responses known to influence normal developmental physiology as well as a number of hypoxia-dependent disease states, including tissue ischemia, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Thus, reflecting the pleiotropic actions of HIF-α, miR-210 appears to function as a "master microRNA" relevant for the control of diverse functions in the hypoxic state.

Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications

Cardiovascular disease is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and improved strategies for prevention and treatment are needed. Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis and clinical expression of atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus. This article reviews the evidence linking endothelial dysfunction to human diabetes mellitus and experimental studies that investigated the responsible mechanisms. We then discuss the implications of these studies for current management and for new approaches for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Age-dependent posttranslational modifications of voltage-dependent anion channel 1

The accumulation of oxidative damage in mitochondrial proteins, membranes and DNA during ageing is supposed to lead to mitochondrial inactivation, downstream molecular impairments and subsequent decline of biological systems. In a quantitative study investigating the age-related changes of mitochondrial proteins on the level of oxidative posttranslational modifications, we previously found a set of conserved biomarkers across ageing models in five species with consistent oxidative break-up of tryptophan residues and formation of N-formyl kynurenine. In an additional proteomic profiling of a long-living Drosophila mutant overexpressing mitochondrial Hsp22 and controls, we found age-related redundant isoforms of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC-1). A re-examination of data from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (with normal and chemically accelerated in vitro ageing), revealed similar age-dependent alterations of voltage-dependent anion channel isoforms. Building on these results, we examined the expression of VDAC-1 in an in vitro model of excitotoxicity. We show that glutamate-induced calcium toxicity in neurons induces changes of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 related to downstream events of mitochondrial apoptosis like poly-ADP-ribosylation.

Communication between mitochondria and nucleus: putative role for VDAC in reduction/oxidation mechanism

Voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC) was identified in 1976 and since that time has been extensively studied. It is well known that VDAC transports metabolites across the outer mitochondrial membrane. The simple transport function is indispensable for proper mitochondria functions and, consequently for cell activity, and makes VDAC crucial for a range of cellular processes including ATP rationing, Ca2+ homeostasis and apoptosis execution. Here, we review recent data obtained for Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells used as a model system concerning the putative role of VDAC in communication between mitochondria and the nucleus. The S. cerevisiae VDAC isoform known as VDAC1 (termed here YVDAC) mediates the cytosol reduction/oxidation (redox) state that contributes to regulation of expression and activity of cellular proteins including proteins that participate in protein import into mitochondria and antioxidant enzymes. Simultaneously, copper-and-zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) plays an important role in controlling YVDAC activity and expression levels. Thus, it is proposed that VDAC constitutes an important component of a regulatory mechanism based on the cytosol redox state.

The regulation of OXPHOS by extramitochondrial calcium

Despite extensive research, the regulation of mitochondrial function is still not understood completely. Ample evidence shows that cytosolic Ca2+ has a strategic task in co-ordinating the cellular work load and the regeneration of ATP by mitochondria. Currently, the paradigmatic view is that Cacyt2+ taken up by the Ca2+ uniporter activates the matrix enzymes pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. However, we have recently found that Ca2+ regulates the glutamate-dependent state 3 respiration by the supply of glutamate to mitochondria via aralar, a mitochondrial glutamate/aspartate carrier. Since this activation is not affected by ruthenium red, glutamate transport into mitochondria is controlled exclusively by extramitochondrial Ca2+. Therefore, this discovery shows that besides intramitochondrial also extramitochondrial Ca2+ regulates oxidative phosphorylation. This new mechanism acts as a mitochondrial "gas pedal", supplying the OXPHOS with substrate on demand. These results are in line with recent findings of Satrustegui and Palmieri showing that aralar as part of the malate-aspartate shuttle is involved in the Ca2+-dependent transport of reducing hydrogen equivalents (from NADH) into mitochondria. This review summarises results and evidence as well as hypothetical interpretations of data supporting the view that at the surface of mitochondria different regulatory Ca2+-binding sites exist and can contribute to cellular energy homeostasis. Moreover, on the basis of our own data, we propose that these surface Ca2+-binding sites may act as targets for neurotoxic proteins such as mutated huntingtin and others. The binding of these proteins to Ca2+-binding sites can impair the regulation by Ca2+, causing energetic depression and neurodegeneration.

Platelets of type 2 diabetic patients are characterized by high ATP content and low mitochondrial membrane potential

Platelet dysfunction plays a critical role in vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). But the relationship between platelet hyperactivity and its energy metabolic process remains unclear. This study was designed to explore alterations of platelet mitochondrial ATP production and the possible mechanism. A total of 39 T2DM patients without macrovascular and microvascular complications and 32 normal controls were fasting sampled. Platelet ATP content was measured by a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). The flow cytometry technique was adopted to evaluate mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), the stored force for platelet ATP production. Consequently, T2DM patients exhibited obvious hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hypertension, but normal platelet morphology. Platelet ATP content was significantly higher in T2DM (0.032 +/- 0.010 micromol/10(9) platelets versus 0.017 +/- 0.006 micromol/10(9) platelets, p < 0.001) than in the control group. Interestingly, DeltaPsim was markedly decreased in T2DM patients (0.79 +/- 0.18 versus 2.70 +/- 1.03, p < 0.001) compared with normal controls. For whole subjects, a stepwise regression showed that plasma glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level positively correlated to platelet ATP content (beta = 0.552, 95% CI = 0.072-1.451), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level was negatively correlated to DeltaPsim (beta = -0.372, 95% CI = -0.471 to -0.089). These data support that hyperglycemia of T2DM promotes platelet mitochondria to generate more ATP, but decreases platelet mitochondrial potential. The discordance between them requires further researches to elucidate.