Control of mitochondrial turnover under the influence of thyroid hormone

Mtfp1 ablation enhances mitochondrial respiration and protects against hepatic steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is the result of imbalanced nutrient delivery and metabolism in the liver and is the first hallmark of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is the most common chronic liver disease and involves the accumulation of excess lipids in hepatocytes, inflammation, and cancer. Mitochondria play central roles in liver metabolism yet the specific mitochondrial functions causally linked to MASLD remain unclear. Here, we identify Mitochondrial Fission Process 1 protein (MTFP1) as a key regulator of mitochondrial and metabolic activity in the liver. Deletion of Mtfp1 in hepatocytes is physiologically benign in mice yet leads to the upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity and mitochondrial respiration, independently of mitochondrial biogenesis. Consequently, liver-specific knockout mice are protected against high fat diet-induced steatosis and metabolic dysregulation. Additionally, Mtfp1 deletion inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in hepatocytes, conferring protection against apoptotic liver damage in vivo and ex vivo. Our work uncovers additional functions of MTFP1 in the liver, positioning this gene as an unexpected regulator of OXPHOS and a therapeutic candidate for MASLD.

Structural Analysis of Mitochondrial Dynamics-From Cardiomyocytes to Osteoblasts: A Critical Review

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cell physiology and pathophysiology. In this context, mitochondrial dynamics and, subsequently, mitochondrial ultrastructure have increasingly become hot topics in modern research, with a focus on mitochondrial fission and fusion. Thus, the dynamics of mitochondria in several diseases have been intensively investigated, especially with a view to developing new promising treatment options. However, the majority of recent studies are performed in highly energy-dependent tissues, such as cardiac, hepatic, and neuronal tissues. In contrast, publications on mitochondrial dynamics from the orthopedic or trauma fields are quite rare, even if there are common cellular mechanisms in cardiovascular and bone tissue, especially regarding bone infection. The present report summarizes the spectrum of mitochondrial alterations in the cardiovascular system and compares it to the state of knowledge in the musculoskeletal system. The present paper summarizes recent knowledge regarding mitochondrial dynamics and gives a short, but not exhaustive, overview of its regulation via fission and fusion. Furthermore, the article highlights hypoxia and its accompanying increased mitochondrial fission as a possible link between cardiac ischemia and inflammatory diseases of the bone, such as osteomyelitis. This opens new innovative perspectives not only for the understanding of cellular pathomechanisms in osteomyelitis but also for potential new treatment options.

Autophagy accounts for approximately one-third of mitochondrial protein turnover and is protein selective

The destruction of mitochondria through macroautophagy (autophagy) has been recognised as a major route of mitochondrial protein degradation since its discovery more than 50 years ago, but fundamental questions remain unanswered. First, how much mitochondrial protein turnover occurs through auto-phagy? Mitochondrial proteins are also degraded by nonautophagic mechanisms, and the proportion of mitochondrial protein turnover that occurs through autophagy is still unknown. Second, does auto-phagy degrade mitochondrial proteins uniformly or selectively? Autophagy was originally thought to degrade all mitochondrial proteins at the same rate, but recent work suggests that mitochondrial autophagy may be protein selective. To investigate these questions, we used a proteomics-based approach in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, comparing mitochondrial protein turnover rates in autophagy-deficient Atg7 mutants and controls. We found that ~35% of mitochondrial protein turnover occurred via autophagy. Similar analyses using parkin mutants revealed that parkin-dependent mitophagy accounted for ~25% of mitochondrial protein turnover, suggesting that most mitochondrial autophagy specifically eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria. We also found that our results were incompatible with uniform autophagic turnover of mitochondrial proteins and consistent with protein-selective autophagy. In particular, the autophagic turnover rates of individual mitochondrial proteins varied widely, and only a small amount of the variation could be attributed to tissue differences in mitochondrial composition and autophagy rate. Furthermore, analyses comparing autophagy-deficient and control human fibroblasts revealed diverse autophagy-dependent turnover rates even in homogeneous cells. In summary, our work indicates that autophagy acts selectively on mitochondrial proteins, and that most mitochondrial protein turnover occurs through non-autophagic processes. Abbreviations: Atg5: Autophagy-related 5 (Drosophila); ATG5: autophagy related 5 (human); Atg7: Autophagy-related 7 (Drosophila); ATG7: autophagy related 7 (human); DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; GFP: green fluorescent protein; MS: mass spectrometry; park: parkin (Drosophila); Pink1: PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (Drosophila); PINK1: PTEN-induced kinase 1 (human); PRKN: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (human); RNA: ribonucleic acid; SD: standard deviation; Ub: ubiquitin/ubiquitinated; WT: wild-type; YME1L: YME1 like ATPase (Drosophila); YME1L1: YME1 like 1 ATPase (human).

Thyroid hormone receptor and ERRα coordinately regulate mitochondrial fission, mitophagy, biogenesis, and function

Thyroid hormone receptor β1 (THRB1) and estrogen-related receptor α (ESRRA; also known as ERRα) both play important roles in mitochondrial activity. To understand their potential interactions, we performed transcriptome and ChIP-seq analyses and found that many genes that were co-regulated by both THRB1 and ESRRA were involved in mitochondrial metabolic pathways. These included oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and β-oxidation of fatty acids. TH increased ESRRA expression and activity in a THRB1-dependent manner through the induction of the transcriptional coactivator PPARGC1A (also known as PGC1α). Moreover, TH induced mitochondrial biogenesis, fission, and mitophagy in an ESRRA-dependent manner. TH also induced the expression of the autophagy-regulating kinase ULK1 through ESRRA, which then promoted DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission. In addition, ULK1 activated the docking receptor protein FUNDC1 and its interaction with the autophagosomal protein MAP1LC3B-II to induce mitophagy. siRNA knockdown of ESRRA, ULK1, DRP1, or FUNDC1 inhibited TH-induced autophagic clearance of mitochondria through mitophagy and decreased OXPHOS. These findings show that many of the mitochondrial actions of TH are mediated through stimulation of ESRRA expression and activity, and co-regulation of mitochondrial turnover through the PPARGC1A-ESRRA-ULK1 pathway is mediated by their regulation of mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. Hormonal or pharmacologic induction of ESRRA expression or activity could improve mitochondrial quality in metabolic disorders.

Thyroid hormone induction of mitochondrial activity is coupled to mitophagy via ROS-AMPK-ULK1 signaling

Currently, there is limited understanding about hormonal regulation of mitochondrial turnover. Thyroid hormone (T3) increases oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage mitochondria. However, the mechanism for maintenance of mitochondrial activity and quality control by this hormone is not known. Here, we used both in vitro and in vivo hepatic cell models to demonstrate that induction of mitophagy by T3 is coupled to oxidative phosphorylation and ROS production. We show that T3 induction of ROS activates CAMKK2 (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2, β) mediated phosphorylation of PRKAA1/AMPK (5' AMP-activated protein kinase), which in turn phosphorylates ULK1 (unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1) leading to its mitochondrial recruitment and initiation of mitophagy. Furthermore, loss of ULK1 in T3-treated cells impairs both mitophagy as well as OXPHOS without affecting T3 induced general autophagy/lipophagy. These findings demonstrate a novel ROS-AMPK-ULK1 mechanism that couples T3-induced mitochondrial turnover with activity, wherein mitophagy is necessary not only for removing damaged mitochondria but also for sustaining efficient OXPHOS.

Mitochondrial division in rat cardiomyocytes: an electron microscope study

In cardiomyocytes of rats, two distinct mitochondrial division processes are in operation. The predominant process involves extension of a single crista until it spans the full width of a mitochondrion. Ingrowth of the outer membrane ultimately results in scission. The second division process involves "pinching," in which narrowing of the organelle at specific surface locations leads to its attenuation. When limiting membranes from opposite sides meet, mitochondrial fission ensues. When pinching is the operative mode, elements of sarcoplasmic reticulum always are associated with the membrane constrictions. The nuclear control mechanisms that determine which modality of mitochondrial division will prevail are unknown.

Long-term, high intake of vitamin C decreases size and increases quantity of liver mitochondria in Guinea-pigs

Microsomal cytochrome P450 is an important enzyme involved in drug metabolism and bioactivation in the liver. In guinea-pigs, the specific amount of cytochrome P450 depends on dietary vitamin C intake. Short-term vitamin C treatment can induce non-genomic effects on hepatocytes, such as activating mitochondrial respiration without changing cytochrome concentration. The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the long-term effects of a low or high vitamin C diet on the quantity and size of mitochondria in the hepatocytes of guinea-pigs. After 6 - 8 weeks of vitamin C feeding, the group receiving a low vitamin C content in their food (10 mg/100 g food) had significantly less mitochondria, but of a larger size, than the group receiving a high vitamin C content (680 mg/100 g food). This animal model investigation demonstrated that treatment with long-term vitamin C can induce morphological changes in the mitochondria of hepatocytes.

Correction of radiolabel pulse-chase data by a mathematical model: application to mitochondrial turnover studies

Metabolic labelling pulse-chase experiments are important means to study molecular turnover rates. However, the inherent problem associated with the method is precursor re-utilization, which can cause a significant overestimation of the actual rates of molecular degradation. In published studies on mitochondrial degradation, this problem has led to widely differing results. Practically, the extra information required to correct these errors is not easy to obtain. Using an example of a mitochondrial protein degradation study with NaH(14)CO(3) as the precursor label, we explain the limitations of the method and our approaches to mathematical correction. A dynamic model, including error, used the full power of the data and resulted in sensitive and specific distributed parameter estimates, helping to reduce numbers of experimental animals. This example has important implications not only for similar pulse-chase experiments, but also in a more general context where comparable types of data are generated.

Dynamic organization of mitochondria in human heart and in myocardial disease

Heart mitochondria, which, depending on their location within cardiomyofibers, are classified as either subsarcolemmal or interfibrillar, are the major sources of the high energy compound, adenosine triphosphate. Physiological differences between these two populations are reflected by differences in the morphology of their cristae, with those of subsarcolemmal mitochondria being mostly lamelliform, and those of interfibrillar mitochondria being mostly tubular. What determines the configuration of cristae, not only in cardiac mitochondria but in mitochondria in general, is unclear. The morphology of cardiac mitochondria, as well as their physiology, is responsive to the exigencies posed by a large variety of pathological situations. Giant cardiac mitochondria make an appearance in certain types of cardiomyopathy and as a result of dietary, pharmacological, and toxicological manipulation; such megamitochondria probably arise by a combination of fusion and true growth. Some of these enlarged organelles occasionally contain a membrane-bound deposit of beta-glycogen. Those giant mitochondria induced by experimental treatment usually can be restored to normal dimensions simply by supplying the missing nutrient or by deleting the noxious substance. In some conditions, such as endurance training and ischemia, the mitochondrial matrices become pale. Dense rods or plates are present in the outer compartment of mitochondria under certain conditions. Biochemical alterations in cardiac mitochondria appear to be important in heart failure. In aging, only interfibrillar mitochondria exhibit such changes, with the subsarcolemmal mitochondria unaffected. In certain heart afflictions, biochemical defects are not accompanied by obvious morphological transformations. Mitochondria clearly play a cardinal role in homeostasis of the heart.

Mitochondrial turnover in liver is fast in vivo and is accelerated by dietary restriction: application of a simple dynamic model

‘Mitochondrial dysfunction’, which may result from an accumulation of damaged mitochondria in cells due to a slowed-down rate of mitochondrial turnover and inadequate removal of damaged mitochondria during aging, has been implicated as both cause and consequence of the aging process and a number of age-related pathologies. Despite growing interest in mitochondrial function during aging, published data on mitochondrial turnover are scarce, and differ from each other by up to one order of magnitude. Here we demonstrate that re-utilization of the radioactively labelled precursor in pulse-chase assays is the most likely cause of significant overestimation of mitochondrial turnover rates. We performed a classic radioactive label pulse-chase experiment using ¹⁴C NaHCO₃, whose ¹⁴C is incorporated into various amino acids, to measure mitochondrial turnover in mouse liver. In this system, the activity of the urea cycle greatly limited arginine dependent label re-utilization, but not that of other amino acids. We used information from tissues that do not have an active urea cycle (brain and muscle) to estimate the extent of label re-utilization with a dynamic mathematical model. We estimated the actual liver mitochondrial half life as only 1.83 days, and this decreased to 1.16 days following 3 months of dietary restriction, supporting the hypothesis that this intervention might promote mitochondrial turnover as a part of its beneficial effects.

Mitochondrial gene expression: influence of nutrients and hormones

Mitochondrial gene transcription research has exploded over the last decade. Nuclear-encoded proteins, nutrients, and hormones all work to regulate the transcription of this genome. To date, very few of the transcription factors have been shown to have negative effects on mitochondrial gene expression, although there are likely conditions where such downregulation may occur.

Bioenergetic remodeling of heart mitochondria by thyroid hormone

Changes in thyroid status are associated with profound alterations in biochemical and physiological functioning of cardiac muscle impacting metabolic rate, contractility and structural hypertrophy. Using an in vivo model of chronic treatment with thyroid hormone (T4, 0.3 mg/kg/day), we evaluated how mitochondria are regulated in response to T4, and assessed the relationship of T4-induced mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics to overall cardiac hypertrophy. The role of thyroid hormone in cardiac bioenergetic remodeling was addressed in rats treated with T4 for 5, 10 and 15 days. Over that time, myocardial oxygen consumption substantially increased as did cardiac hypertrophy. Myocardial levels of mitochondrial enzyme activities, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), specific proteins and transcript were assessed. Activity levels of respiratory complexes I-V and citrate synthase significantly increased with 15 but not with 5 or 10-day T4 treatment. Myocardial levels of mtDNA, mitochondrial proteins (e.g. cytochrome c, cytochrome b, ATPase subunits, MnSOD) and the global transcription factor PPARalpha were significantly elevated with 15-day T4. Transcript analysis revealed increased expression of transcription factors and cofactors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis including PPARalpha, mtTFA, ErbAalpha and PGC-1alpha. Our findings indicate parallel increases in myocardial mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity, oxygen consumption and markers of mitochondrial biogenesis with 15-day T4; these changes were not present with 10-day T4 even with significant cardiac hypertrophy. The marked, parallel increases in PPARalpha levels suggest its potential involvement in mediating myocardial-specific remodeling of mitochondria in response to T4.

Effect of thyroid state on susceptibility to oxidants and swelling of mitochondria from rat tissues

The effects of the thyroid state on oxidative damage, antioxidant capacity, susceptibility to in vitro oxidative stress and Ca(2+)-induced permeabilization of mitochondria from rat tissues (liver, heart, and gastrocnemious muscle) were examined. Hypothyroidism was induced by administering methimazole in drinking water for 15 d. Hyperthyroidism was elicited by a 10 d treatment of hypothyroid rats with triiodothyronine (10 micro g/100 g body weight). Mitochondrial levels of hydroperoxides and protein-bound carbonyls significantly decreased in hypothyroid tissues and were reported above euthroid values in hypothyroid rats after T(3) treatment. Mitochondrial vitamin E levels were not affected by changes of animal thyroid state. Mitochondrial Coenzyme Q9 levels decreased in liver and heart from hypothyroid rats and increased in all hyperthyroid tissues, while Coenzyme Q10 levels decreased in hypothyroid liver and increased in all hyperthyroid tissues. The antioxidant capacity of mitochondria was not significantly different in hypothyroid and euthyroid tissues, whereas it decreased in the hyperthyroid ones. Susceptibility to in vitro oxidative challenge decreased in mitochondria from hypothyroid tissues and increased in mitochondria from hyperthyroid tissues, while susceptibility to Ca(2+)-induced swelling decreased only in hypothyroid liver mitochondria and increased in mitochondria from all hyperthyroid tissues. The tissue-dependence of the mitochondrial susceptibility to stressful conditions in altered thyroid states can be explained by different thyroid hormone-induced changes in mitochondrial ROS production and relative amounts of mitochondrial hemoproteins and antioxidants. We suggest that susceptibilities to oxidants and Ca(2+)-induced swelling may have important implications for the thyroid hormone regulation of the turnover of proteins and whole mitochondria, respectively.

Glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors in mitochondria of animal cells

This article concerns the localization of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors in mitochondria of animal cells. The receptors are discussed in terms of their potential role in the regulation of mitochondrial transcription and energy production by the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, realized both by nuclear-encoded and mitochondrially encoded enzymes. A brief survey of the role of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones on energy metabolism is presented, followed by a description of the molecular mode of action of these hormones and of the central role of the receptors in regulation of transcription. Subsequently, the structure and characteristics of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors are described, followed by a section on the effects of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones on the transcription of mitochondrial and nuclear genes encoding subunits of OXPHOS and by an introduction to the mitochondrial genome and its transcription. A comprehensive description of the data demonstrates the localization of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors in mitochondria as well as the detection of potential hormone response elements that bind to these receptors. This leads to the conclusion that the receptors potentially play a role in the regulation of transcription of mitochondrial genes. The in organello mitochondrial system, which is capable of sustaining transcription in the absence of nuclear participation, is presented, responding to T3 with increased transcription rates, and the central role of a thyroid receptor isoform in the transcription effect is emphasized. Lastly, possible ways of coordinating nuclear and mitochondrial gene transcription in response to glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones are discussed, the hormones acting directly on the genes of the two compartments by way of common hormone response elements and indirectly on mitochondrial genes by stimulation of nuclear-encoded transcription factors.

A variant form of the nuclear triiodothyronine receptor c-ErbAalpha1 plays a direct role in regulation of mitochondrial RNA synthesis

In earlier research, we identified a 43-kDa c-ErbAalpha1 protein (p43) in the mitochondrial matrix of rat liver. In the present work, binding experiments indicate that p43 displays an affinity for triiodothyronine (T3) similar to that of the T3 nuclear receptor. Using in organello import experiments, we found that p43 is targeted to the organelle by an unusual process similar to that previously reported for MTF1, a yeast mitochondrial transcription factor. DNA-binding experiments demonstrated that p43 specifically binds to four mitochondrial DNA sequences with a high similarity to nuclear T3 response elements (mt-T3REs). Using in organello transcription experiments, we observed that p43 increases the levels of both precursor and mature mitochondrial transcripts and the ratio of mRNA to rRNA in a T3-dependent manner. These events lead to stimulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis. In transient-transfection assays with reporter genes driven by the mitochondrial D loop or two mt-T3REs located in the D loop, p43 stimulated reporter gene activity only in the presence of T3. All these effects were abolished by deletion of the DNA-binding domain of p43. Finally, p43 overexpression in QM7 cells increased the levels of mitochondrial mRNAs, thus indicating that the in organello influence of p43 was physiologically relevant. These data reveal a novel hormonal pathway functioning within the mitochondrion, involving a truncated form of a nuclear receptor acting as a potent mitochondrial T3-dependent transcription factor.

Fluctuations in mitochondrial membrane potential caused by repetitive gating of the permeability transition pore

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and the potentiometric fluorescence probe tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester were used to measure changes in membrane electrical potential (DeltaPsi(m)) in individual mitochondria after isolation or in the living cell. Recordings averaged over small mitochondrial populations revealed a gradual decline in DeltaPsi(m) caused by the light-induced generation of free radicals. Depolarization was attenuated by dithiothreitol or acidification. In contrast, individual organelles displayed rapid spontaneous depolarizations caused by openings of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MTP). Repetitive openings and closings of the pore gave rise to marked fluctuations in DeltaPsi(m) between the fully charged and completely depolarized state. Rapid spontaneous fluctuations in DeltaPsi(m) were observed in mitochondria isolated from rat heart and in mitochondria in living endothelial cells. The loss of DeltaPsi(m) of mitochondria in the living cell coincided with swelling of the organelle and the breakdown of long mitochondrial filaments. In the individual mitochondrion, oxidative stress initially triggered pore openings of shorter duration, before prolonged openings caused the complete dissipation of DeltaPsi(m) and a measurable efflux of larger solutes. Generalizing this scheme, we suggest that under conditions of prolonged oxidative stress and/or cellular Ca(2+) overload, short openings of MTP might serve as an emergency mechanism allowing the partial dissipation of DeltaPsi(m), the fast release of accumulated Ca(2+) ions and the decreased generation of endogenous oxygen radicals. In contrast, loss of matrix metabolites, swelling and other structural damage of the organelle render prolonged openings of the transition pore deleterious to mitochondria and to the cell.

Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis is associated with increased expression of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent Lon protease

Rats bearing the Zajdela hepatoma tumor and T3-treated hypothyroid rats were used to study the role of protein degradation in the process of mitochondrial biogenesis. It was shown that the activity, protein and mRNA levels of the ATP-dependent Lon protease increased in rapidly growing Zajdela hepatoma cells. The increase in the rate of mitochondrial biogenesis by thyroid hormone was similarly accompanied by enhanced expression of the Lon protease. The results imply that mitochondrial biogenesis in mammalian cells is, at least partially, regulated by the matrix Lon protease.

Postnatal changes in mitochondrial protein mass and respiration in skeletal muscle from the newborn pig

Quantitative and functional changes occurring in mitochondria were studied in pig skeletal muscle between birth and 5 days of life. Postnatal changes were followed separately on intermyofibrillar and subsarcolemmal mitochondria isolated from rhomboïdeus (RH) and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. The integrity and purity of the isolated mitochondria was checked by electron microscopic observations. The mass of mitochondrial protein was not different between muscles at birth. It increased tremendously during the first 5 days of life, by 49% in LD (P < 0.001) and 93% in RH (P < 0.001) muscle and was 30% higher in RH than in LD muscle at 5 days of life (P < 0.05). Mitochondria isolated from RH muscle exhibited 30% higher oxidative and phosphorylative capacities than those from LD muscle at 5 days of life (P < 0.05). Intermyofibrillar (IM) mitochondria had high respiration rate, enzyme activities and coupling parameters (respiratory control ratio, phosphorus-oxygen ratio) from birth. Subsarcolemmal (SS) mitochondria were less active than IM mitochondria; their respiration rate and enzyme activities were 60% lower (P < 0.01) and increased with age, particularly in LD muscle (P < 0.05). Short-term cold exposure had no effect on mitochondrial mass and activity. These results suggest that muscle mitochondria are functional from birth and are changing primarily quantitatively. SS and IM mitochondria exhibit specific changes that are probably involved in the postnatal acquisition of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism.

Metabolic changes associated with sustained 48-hr shivering thermogenesis in the newborn pig

Metabolic changes associated with sustained 48-hr shivering thermogenesis were studied in piglets maintained at 34 (thermoneutrality) or 25 degrees C (cold) between 6 and 54 hr of life. Despite their high shivering activity and elevated heat production, cold-exposed piglets exhibited a slightly lower rectal temperature than thermoneutral animals (-1.1 degrees C; P < 0.01) at the end of the treatment. The enhancement of heat production and shivering activity were associated with a decrease in muscle glycogen (-47%; P < 0.05) and total lipid content (-23%; P < 0.05), a reduction of blood lactate levels (P < 0.05) and an enhancement of muscle cytochrome oxidase activity (+20%; P < 0.05) which suggests that muscle oxidative potential was increased by cold exposure. Potential for capturing lipids (lipoprotein lipase activity) was also higher in the red rhomboideus muscle (+71%; P < 0.01) and lower in adipose tissue (-58%; P < 0.01) of the cold-exposed piglets. Measurements performed at the mitochondrial level show no changes in rhomboideus muscle, but respiratory capacities (state IV and FCCP-stimulated respiration) and intermyofibrillar mitochondria oxidative and phosphorylative (creatine kinase activity) capacities were enhanced in longissimus dorsi muscle (P < 0.05). These changes may contribute to provide muscles with nonlimiting amount of readily oxidable substrates and ATP necessary for shivering thermogenesis. A rise in plasma norepinephrine levels was also observed during the second day of cold exposure (P < 0.05).

Effect of 3,3'-diiodothyronine and 3,5-diiodothyronine on rat liver oxidative capacity

We report that 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) as well as two other iodothyronines (3,3'-diiodothyronine and 3,5-diiodothyronine (T2s)) stimulate rat liver oxidative capacity (measured as cytochrome oxidase activity (COX)). In hypothyroid rats COX activity and mitochondrial protein content are significantly lower than in normal control animals. The administration of both T3 and T2s to hypothyroid rats significantly enhances hepatic COX activity with T3 having the greatest effect (+60%); moreover, T3 restores the mitochondrial protein content whereas the T2s are ineffective. Administration of T2s results in a faster stimulation (already significant 1 h after the injection) of hepatic COX activity than T3 injection. Our results suggest that T3 acts on the protein synthesis mechanism involved in the regulation of the mitochondrial mass while T2s would act directly at the mitochondrial level.

The effect of thyroid state on respiratory activities of three rat liver mitochondrial fractions

In this paper we report that three different rat liver mitochondrial fractions, differing in density, exhibit differential effects when the animals are made hypo- or hyperthyroid. The investigations have been performed by correlating the protein content, the succinic dehydrogenase behaviour and the respiratory features of the three fractions in different thyroid states with morphometric-stereologic analysis the electron micrographic level. The results indicate that the thyroid hormone influences both the mass and the functionality of the heavy (H) and light (L) fraction. In hypothyroid rats the H fraction increases (+43%) while the L fraction decreases (-32%) and their respiratory activity is drastically reduced. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in the H fraction is also inhibited. Triiodothyronine (T3) administration to the above animals restores the values observed in control rats. At morphometric level we note in hypothyroid rats an increase in the number of mitochondria together with a concomitant increase in the average volume of a single mitochondrion. We are inclined to explain the above results through an action exerted by T3 on a hypothetical mitochondrial cycle starting with the formation of light organelles from heavy ones.

Developmental patterns of peroxisomal enzymes in amphibian liver during spontaneous and triiodothyronine-induced metamorphosis

1. Liver catalase, D-amino acid oxidase, urate oxidase of Alytes obstetricans and Xenopus laevis (anuran amphibians) and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase of Alytes were present at all post-embryonic stages. 2. Catalase and D-amino acid oxidase activities increased during spontaneous metamorphosis of the two species. 3. During triiodothyronine-induced metamorphosis of Alytes larvae, catalase and D-amino acid oxidase activities increased after a latent period. 4. Our results suggest that expression of some hepatic peroxisomal enzymes is modulated by thyroid hormones.

Mitochondrial DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in normal, hypothyroid and mildly hyperthyroid rat liver during cold exposure

We have examined in isolated liver mitochondria the effect of cold exposure on DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in normal, hypothyroid and mildly hyperthyroid rats. In normal rats DNA polymerase activity increased from the first day of cold exposure remaining high up to the fifteenth day. RNA polymerase and protein synthesis were stimulated from the fifth day of cold exposure, maintaining a high level up to the fifteenth day. These activities were related to serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels. Indeed propylthiouracil (PTU) administration to cold-exposed rats drastically depressed the above activities, whereas T3 administration to PTU-treated cold-exposed rats restored them to about the values prevalent in normal cold-exposed rats. The translation products analyzed by gel electrophoresis showed that different effects may be exerted by T3 depending on whether its circulating levels are physiologically or pharmacologically modified. These findings suggest that T3 may be involved in the regulation of the acclimation process by acting, presumably with a permissive role, on those activities which determine a modification of the mitochondrial morphometric features and an increase in mitochondria number and turnover.

Tri-iodothyronine enhances the formation of light mitochondria during cold exposure

The effect of cold exposure and of PTU and PTU + T3 administration on the protein content and succinic dehydrogenase activity of three mitochondrial populations obtained from rat liver was examined. Our results indicated the following: Succinic dehydrogenase activity increases mainly in the light mitochondrial fraction of cold-exposed rats. PTU administration of cold-exposed animals does not affect the increment in enzyme activity of the heavy fraction but blocks the increment of the light fraction. PTU + T3 administration restores succinic dehydrogenase activity to the values prevalent in normal cold-exposed rats. These findings suggest that thyroid hormone may stimulate the formation of light mitochondria during cold exposure.

Effects of administration of tri-iodothyronine on the response of cardiac and renal pyruvate dehydrogenase complex to starvation for 48 h

Effects of administration of tri-iodothyronine (T3) on activities of cardiac and renal pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (active form, PDHa) were investigated. In fed rats, T3 treatment did not affect cardiac or renal PDHa activity, although blood non-esterified fatty acid and ketone-body concentrations were increased. Starvation (48 h) of both control and T3-treated rats resulted in similar increases in the steady-state concentrations of fatty acids and ketone bodies, but inactivation of cardiac and renal pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activities was diminished by T3 treatment. Inhibition of lipolysis increased renal and cardiac PDHa in control but not in T3-treated 48 h-starved rats, despite decreased fatty acid and ketone-body concentrations in both groups. The results suggest that hyperthyroidism influences the response of cardiac and renal PDHa activities to starvation through changes in the metabolism of lipid fuels in these tissues.

Thyroid hormone action on intermediary metabolism. Part I: respiration, thermogenesis and carbohydrate metabolism

The effect of thyroid hormones on mitochondrial respiration are summarized: T3 directly stimulates mitochondrial respiration and the synthesis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). Cytosolic ATP availability is increased by a thyroid hormone-induced increase in adenine nucleotide translocation across the mitochondrial membrane; the steady state ATP concentration and the cytosolic ATP/adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) ratio is even decreased in hyperthyroid tissues because of the simultaneous stimulation of the synthesis and consumption of ATP. With regard to the thyroid hormone-induced energy wasting processes, heart work, intra- and interorgan futile cycling and Na+/K+-ATPase are involved to varying degrees. As a consequence of the thyroid hormone-induced hydrolysis of ATP, thermogenesis is increased in hyper- and decreased in hypothyroidism. Despite an increased rate of glucose utilization, clinical and experimental hyperthyroidism is often characterized by an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test. This finding is due to the thyroid hormone-induced increase in intestinal glucose absorption as well as the still enhanced endogenous glucose production in the liver. Hypothyroid patients show a reduced glucose tolerance test because of a decrease in intestinal glucose absorption and a sometimes reduced glucose turnover. The thyroid hormone-induced alterations in glucose metabolism are most probably not due to alterations in serum insulin levels and/or to a peripheral insulin resistance at the receptor level.

Cardiac hypertrophy in rats after supravalvular aortic constriction. II. Inhibition of cellular autophagy in hypertrophying cardiomyocytes

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were killed by retrograde perfusion fixation 3, 7, 14, 21 and 35 days after supravalvular aortic constriction (n = 33) or sham-operation (n = 25). Subepicardial specimens of the left ventricular myocardium were evaluated by conventional electron microscopic morphometry, and in addition were examined for the occurrence of autophagic vacuoles (AVs) using large test areas (3.9 X 10(4) micron 2 per animal). The quotient of mitochondrial to myofibrillar volume fraction was largely unchanged during hypertrophy but was reduced by 25% compared with controls after termination of growth at 35 days. During the process of hypertrophy which eventually led to an increase in average single cell volume of the cardiomyocytes by 78%, the volume fraction and the numerical density of AVs was significantly lower than in sham-operated rats. The most striking difference was observed 7 days after the operations, the stage at which the growth rate of the cardiomyocytes relative to controls was at its maximum of 4.5% per day. At this point the volume fraction as well as the numerical density of AVs were reduced by about 50% compared with controls. At 14 and 21 days after operation, when the relative growth rate of the hypertrophying cardiomyocytes was still 2% and 1% per day, the AV volume fraction was reduced to a lesser extent (by 47% and 28%, respectively). After termination of adaptive growth at 35 days significant differences in fractional volume and numerical density of AVs were no longer detectable. These results suggest that degradation of cytoplasmic components is inhibited in cardiomyocytes undergoing hypertrophy. Such an anticatabolic reaction seems to play an important role in establishing the positive balance of cellular metabolism generally required for growth processes.

Development of peroxisomes in amphibians. III. Study on liver, kidney, and intestine during thyroxine-induced metamorphosis

This investigation was undertaken to study the ontogeny of hepatic, renal, and intestinal peroxisomes and/or microperoxisomes during thyroxine-induced anuran metamorphosis. Catalase activity was localized cytochemically after incubation in DAB medium, and studied biochemically by a spectrophotometric method. Our morphological and biochemical investigations suggest the formation of a new population of peroxisomes during the hormonal treatment. This is obvious especially for microperoxisomes of the intestinal epithelium since the larval tissue is completely replaced by a new layer during thyroxine-induced metamorphosis. For the peroxisomes of hepatocytes and kidney proximal tubule cells, our assumption is based on the following observations: 1) The number of peroxisomes increases in liver and kidney during thyroxine treatment; 2) this proliferation is accompanied by an enlargement of renal peroxisomes; and 3) 16 days after the beginning of the hormonal treatment, 5.4- and 2.4-fold increases are found for the specific activities of hepatic and renal catalase, respectively. A temporal coordination exists between the structure and the metabolism of peroxisomes and mitochondria during thyroxine-induced metamorphosis.

Early ultrastructural changes in the myocardium following thyroxine-induced hypertrophy

The model of myocardial hypertrophy induced by thyroxine was studied with particular regard to the early ultrastructural changes in fractional volume of the mitochondria and myofibrils, and capillary distribution. Following injections of L-thyroxine (25 mg/kg IP) for 9 consecutive days, rats were sacrificed by vascular perfusion and cardiac tissue samples from the mid-wall zone of the left ventricle were processed routinely for electron microscopy. Heart weight/body weight ratios of thyroxine treated (T) rats showed a significant increase (P less than 0.001) over the ratios in control (C) rats. Likewise, the fractional volume of mitochondria (42%) was significantly increased (P less than 0.001) in the myocardium of T rats when compared with C rats (31%). However, the fractional volume of myofibrils was significantly decreased in the myocardium of T rats (P less than 0.001) and there was no significant difference between the hearts of T and C rats with respect to capillary luminal area/myocyte area. The mitochondria/myofibril ratio was increased in the hearts of T rats (0.82) over that found in control hearts (0.52). These results suggest that in the early stages of thyroxine-induced myocardial hypertrophy there is not an immediate increase in capillary area which may account for the ischemia and significant increase in mitochondrial volume which characterized myocardial hypertrophy in this model.

The effect of thyroid hormone on mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular hyperplasia

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of thyroid hormone treatment on the levels of DNA, RNA, and protein in hepatocytes and hepatocyte mitochondria. A preliminary investigation was conducted to establish an effective dosage of thyroid hormone. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of L-thyroxine (20, 40, or 60 micrograms/100 g body weight) and the following determinations made over a 14-day period: (1) body weight; (2) total body respiration; and (3) the activities of the mitochondrial enzymes, succinate dehydrogenase and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. Dosages of 20 and 40 micrograms L-thyroxine/200 g body weight produced significant stimulation of (a) total body respiration and (b) succinate dehydrogenase and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activities without any inhibitory effects on normal weight gain of the animals. Injections of 40 micrograms L-thyroxine/100 g body weight were utilized for subsequent studies. Hepatic DNA levels of treated animals were greater than age-paired control values by 28% on day 7 and 43% by day 14. Total liver RNA levels of thyroid-treated animals were 17% greater than those of controls by day 7 and 47% greater by day 14. Analyses were also performed on mitochondria quantitatively collected by rate zonal centrifugation. Total liver mitochondrial DNA levels in thyroid-treated animals were greater than age-paired controls by 79% at 7 days but only 67% at 14 days since a small gain occurred in control animals and no further increase occurred in treated rats during the second week. Mitochondrial RNA and protein from treated livers were 26% and 16% higher, respectively, than age-paired controls at day 7 and 40% and 58% higher, respectively, at day 14. The results of this study indicated that thyroid hormone treatment produces hyperplasia and an increase in mitochondrial number and mass in rat liver.

Evidence for the rapid direct control both in vivo and in vitro of the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation by 3,5,3'-tri-iodo-L-thyronine in rats

1. Examination of the distribution of L-tri-iodothyronine among rat liver tissue fractions after its intravenous injection into thyroidectomized rats focused attention on mitochondria at very short times after administration. By 15 min this fraction contained 18.5% of the tissue pool; however, the content had decreased sharply by 60 min and even further over the next 3 h. By contrast, the content in all other fractions was constant or increased over 4 h. About 60% of tissue hormone was bound to soluble protein. 2. Mitochondria isolated from thyroidectomized rats showed P/O ratios that were about 50% of those found in normal controls, with both succinate and pyruvate plus malate as substrates. There was no evidence of uncoupling; the respiratory-control ratio was about 6. 3. Mitochondria isolated 15 min after injection of tri-iodothyronine into thyroidectomized rats showed P/O ratios and respiratory-control ratios that were indistinguishable from those obtained in mitochondria from euthyroid animals. The oxidation rate was, however, not restored. 4. Incubation of homogenates of livers taken from thyroidectomized animals injected with L-tri-iodothyronine before isolation of the mitochondria restored the P/O ratio to normal; by contrast, direct addition of hormone to isolated mitochondria had no effect. The role of extramitochondrial factors in rapid tri-iodothyronine action is discussed. 5. Possible mechanisms by which tri-iodothyronine might rapidly alter phosphorylation efficiency are considered: it is concluded that control of adenine nucleotide translocase is unlikely to be involved. 6. The amounts of adenine nucleotides in liver were measured both after thyroidectomy and 15 min after intravenous tri-iodo-thyronine administration to thyroidectomized animals. The concentrations found are consistent with a decreased phosphorylation efficiency in thyroidectomized animals. Tri-iodothyronine injection resulted in very significant changes in the amounts of ATP, ADP and AMP, and in the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio, consonant with those expected from an increased efficiency of ADP phosphorylation. This suggests that the changes seen in isolated mitochondria may indeed reflect a rapid response of liver in vivo to tri-iodo-thyronine.

Acute and chronic hypoxia in rats. II. Effect on oxidative phosphorylation and in vitro protein synthesis in liver mitochondria and its subpopulations

The objective of this investigation was to examine liver mitochondrial functions in rats exposed to 0.4 atm for 0, 5 and 27 days, Liver homogenates were fractionated by rate-zonal centrifugation utilizing iso-osmotic Ficoll-sucrose gradients; this eliminates loss of large and small mitochondria and makes possible the separation of mitochondria into subpopulations according to sedimentation coefficient. After pooling all mitochondrial fractions for obtaining composite determinations of the entire population, large diminutions in states 3 and 4 respiration (succinate as substrate) were obtained in day-5 and day-27 rats but no changes were evident with regard to ADP:O ratios, respiratory control indices or the capacity for in vitro protein synthesis. By examination of subpopulations of mitochondria, it was found that mitochondria are heterogeneous with regard to ADP:O ratios, respiratory control indices, states 3 and 4 respiration and the capacity for in vitro protein synthesis. The heterogeneity for each of these parameters was altered in day-5 and day-27 animals. Although states 3 and 4 respiration were depressed throughout the entire mitochondrial population for day-5 and day-27 rats, a subpopulation of mitochondria from day-27 rats showed respiratory control indices and ADP:O ratios which were higher than any subpopulation of mitochondria of either day-5 or day-0 animals.

Early effects of thyroidectomy and triiodothyronine administration on rat-liver mitochondria

This work was undertaken to study the action exerted by thyroid hormones on mitochondria. By day 6 after thyroidectomy, the respective activities of two inner-membrane enzymes--succinate and beta-hydroxybutyrate cytochrome c reductases--had already dropped by 32 and 50%, whereas, in the outer membrane, the activity of rotenone-insensitive NADH-cytochrome c reductase did not change significantly. The decrease in the activity of the inner-membrane enzymes closely followed the disappearance of T3 and T4 from serum. 10 h after administration of 25 micrograms/100 g T3 to thyroidectomized rats, the activity of succinate and beta-hydroxybutyrate cytochrome c reductases and the oxygen consumption rate with succinate or beta-hydroxybutyrate were significantly increased, while, in the outer membrane, the activity of monoamine oxidase and rotenone-insensitive NADH-cytochrome c reductase remained unchanged. In the thyroidectomized rat, L-[3H]leucine incorporation in vivo is diminished in all the liver mitochondrial proteins, and especially in two constituents of MW 19 000 and 28 000. The radioactivity of these two components is also decreased in the normal rat treated with chloramphenicol, a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial protein synthesis. L-[14C]leucine incorporation in isolated liver mitochondria was significantly increased in the thyroidectomized rat, 10 h after T3 treatment. Thus, thyroid hormones have an early and preferential action on the mitochondrial protein synthesizing system and on the inner-membrane enzyme activities.

The turnover of cytochrome c in different skeletal-muscle fibre types of the rat

The turnover of cytochrome c was determined in the three skeletal-muscle fibre types of adult male rats by a kinetic analysis that followed the time course of cytochrome c content change. Confirming evidence was obtained with double-labelling studies using delta-aminolaevulinate. Cytochrome c turnover was most rapid in the low-oxidative fast-twitch white fibre [t1/2 (half-life) about 4 days], slowest in the high-oxidative fast-twitch red fibre (t1/2 9-10 days) and relatively rapid in the high-oxidative slow-twitch red fibre (t1/2 5-6 days). Thus cytochrome c turnover does not strictly conform to either the appearance (i.e. red or white) or the contractile characteristics (i.e. fast or slow) of the muscle fibres. The synthesis rates needed to maintain the corresponding cytochrome c concentrations, however, were similarly high in the two mitochondria-rich red fibre types. These data illustrate that both the synthesis and degradation processes are important in establishing the cytochrome c concentrations that distinguish the different skeletal-muscle fibre types.

Biochemical and stereological analysis of rat liver mitochondria in different thyroid states

The concentrations of the inner mitochondrial membrane markers cardiolipin and cytochrome alpha have been measured in liver homogenates and in purified mitochondria after thyroxine administration to thyroidectomized and normal rats. The biochemical results have been correlated with stereological electron micrographic analyses of hepatocytes in liver sections, and of isolated mitochondrial pellets. There were progressive and parallel increases in homogenate and mitochondrial cardiolipin concentration, and in mitochondrial cytochrome alpha concentration, after administration of 20 microgram of thyroxine on alternate days to thyroidectomized rats, and of 300 microgram on alternate days to normal rats. Electron microscope measurements showed marked differences in the shape of the mitochondria and in the number of cristae in different thyroid states. Hypothyroid mitochondria were shorter and wider than controls, and hyperthyroid mitochondria longer but of similar width. Mitochondrial volume per unit cell volume was virtually unchanged in hypo- and hyperthyroid animals. The most striking changes were a decrease in the area of the inner membrane plus cristae in thyroidectomized rats, and a substantial increase in membrane area after thyroxine administration. The biochemical and electron micrographic results indicate that, in rat liver, thyroid hormone administration leads to a selective increase in the relative amount of mitochondrial inner membranes, with little or no change in the mitochondrial volume per unit cell volume, or in total mitochondrial protein per unit total cell protein.

The action of thyroid hormone

Thyroid hormone affects both developmental and metabolic processes. It has a relatively specific effect on the synthesis of a number of enzymes and other proteins. The fundamental cellular mechanism of action seems to be at the level of genetic regulation. It involves interaction with nuclear receptors, leading to an activation of the protein synthesizing machinery. How binding to receptors is coupled to genetic activation is completely unknown. At least part of the metabolic effects of thyroid hormone could be mediated through an interaction with mitochondria and cell membrane, and with some enzymatic systems such as adenylcyclase.