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Ailioaie LM, Ailioaie C, Litscher G. Gut Microbiota and Mitochondria: Health and Pathophysiological Aspects of Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17198. [PMID: 38139027 PMCID: PMC10743487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The current understanding of long COVID (LC) is still limited. This review highlights key findings regarding the role of gut microbiota, mitochondria, and the main pathophysiological aspects of LC revealed by clinical studies, related to the complex interplay between infection, intestinal dysbiosis, dysfunctional mitochondria, and systemic inflammation generated in a vicious circle, reflecting the molecular and cellular processes from the "leaky gut" to the "leaky electron transport chain (ETC)" into a quantum leap. The heterogeneity of LC has hindered progress in deciphering all the pathophysiological mechanisms, and therefore, the approach must be multidisciplinary, with a special focus not only on symptomatic management but also on addressing the underlying health problems of the patients. It is imperative to further assess and validate the effects of COVID-19 and LC on the gut microbiome and their relationship to infections with other viral agents or pathogens. Further studies are needed to better understand LC and expand the interdisciplinary points of view that are required to accurately diagnose and effectively treat this heterogeneous condition. Given the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to induce autoimmunity in susceptible patients, they should be monitored for symptoms of autoimmune disease after contracting the viral infection. One question remains open, namely, whether the various vaccines developed to end the pandemic will also induce autoimmunity. Recent data highlighted in this review have revealed that the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and dysfunctional mitochondria in organs such as the heart and, to a lesser extent, the kidneys, liver, and lymph nodes, long after the organism has been able to clear the virus from the lungs, could be an explanation for LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marinela Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.M.A.); (C.A.)
| | - Constantin Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.M.A.); (C.A.)
| | - Gerhard Litscher
- President of the International Society for Medical Laser Applications (ISLA Transcontinental), German Vice President of the German-Chinese Research Foundation (DCFG) for TCM, Honorary President of the European Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies, Honorary Professor of China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Former Head of Two Research Units and the TCM Research Center at the Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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2
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Yang Y, An Y, Ren M, Wang H, Bai J, Du W, Kong D. The mechanisms of action of mitochondrial targeting agents in cancer: inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and inducing apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1243613. [PMID: 37954849 PMCID: PMC10635426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1243613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment affects the structure and metabolic function of mitochondria in tumor cells. This process involves changes in metabolic activity, an increase in the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells compared to normal cells, the production of more intracellular free radicals, and the activation of oxidative pathways. From a practical perspective, it is advantageous to develop drugs that target mitochondria for the treatment of malignant tumors. Such drugs can enhance the selectivity of treatments for specific cell groups, minimize toxic effects on normal tissues, and improve combinational treatments. Mitochondrial targeting agents typically rely on small molecule medications (such as synthetic small molecules agents, active ingredients of plants, mitochondrial inhibitors or autophagy inhibitors, and others), modified mitochondrial delivery system agents (such as lipophilic cation modification or combining other molecules to form targeted mitochondrial agents), and a few mitochondrial complex inhibitors. This article will review these compounds in three main areas: oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), changes in ROS levels, and endogenous oxidative and apoptotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yahui An
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mingli Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenli Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dezhi Kong
- Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Ahmad F, Ramamorthy S, Areeshi MY, Ashraf GM, Haque S. Isolated Mitochondrial Preparations and In organello Assays: A Powerful and Relevant Ex vivo Tool for Assessment of Brain (Patho)physiology. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1433-1449. [PMID: 36872352 PMCID: PMC10324330 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230303123555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria regulate multiple aspects of neuronal development, physiology, plasticity, and pathology through their regulatory roles in bioenergetic, calcium, redox, and cell survival/death signalling. While several reviews have addressed these different aspects, a comprehensive discussion focussing on the relevance of isolated brain mitochondria and their utilities in neuroscience research has been lacking. This is relevant because the employment of isolated mitochondria rather than their in situ functional evaluation, offers definitive evidence of organelle-specificity, negating the interference from extra mitochondrial cellular factors/signals. This mini-review was designed primarily to explore the commonly employed in organello analytical assays for the assessment of mitochondrial physiology and its dysfunction, with a particular focus on neuroscience research. The authors briefly discuss the methodologies for biochemical isolation of mitochondria, their quality assessment, and cryopreservation. Further, the review attempts to accumulate the key biochemical protocols for in organello assessment of a multitude of mitochondrial functions critical for neurophysiology, including assays for bioenergetic activity, calcium and redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial protein translation. The purpose of this review is not to examine each and every method or study related to the functional assessment of isolated brain mitochondria, but rather to assemble the commonly used protocols of in organello mitochondrial research in a single publication. The hope is that this review will provide a suitable platform aiding neuroscientists to choose and apply the required protocols and tools to address their particular mechanistic, diagnostic, or therapeutic question dealing within the confines of the research area of mitochondrial patho-physiology in the neuronal perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Siva Ramamorthy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Mohammed Y. Areeshi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghulam Md. Ashraf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Liu Y, Charamis N, Boeren S, Blok J, Lewis AG, Smid EJ, Abee T. Physiological Roles of Short-Chain and Long-Chain Menaquinones (Vitamin K2) in Lactococcus cremoris. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:823623. [PMID: 35369466 PMCID: PMC8965153 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.823623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactococcus cremoris and L. lactis are well known for their occurrence and applications in dairy fermentations, but their niche extends to a range of natural and food production environments. L. cremoris and L. lactis produce MKs (vitamin K2), mainly as the long-chain forms represented by MK-9 and MK-8, and a detectable number of short-chain forms represented by MK-3. The physiological significance of the different MK forms in the lifestyle of these bacterial species has not been investigated extensively. In this study, we used L. cremoris MG1363 to construct mutants producing different MK profiles by deletion of genes encoding (i) a menaquinone-specific isochorismate synthase, (ii) a geranyltranstransferase, and (iii) a prenyl diphosphate synthase. These gene deletions resulted in (i) a non-MK producer (ΔmenF), (ii) a presumed MK-1 producer (ΔispA), and (iii) an MK-3 producer (Δllmg_0196), respectively. By examining the phenotypes of the MG1363 wildtype strain and respective mutants, including biomass accumulation, stationary phase survival, oxygen consumption, primary metabolites, azo dye/copper reduction, and proteomes, under aerobic, anaerobic, and respiration-permissive conditions, we could infer that short-chain MKs like MK-1 and MK-3 are preferred to mediate extracellular electron transfer and reaction with extracellular oxygen, while the long-chain MKs like MK-9 and MK-8 are more efficient in aerobic respiratory electron transport chain. The different electron transfer routes mediated by short-chain and long-chain MKs likely support growth and survival of L. cremoris in a range of (transiently) anaerobic and aerobic niches including food fermentations, highlighting the physiological significance of diverse MKs in L. cremoris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos Charamis
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Sjef Boeren
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Joost Blok
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Eddy J Smid
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Tjakko Abee
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Abstract
The electron transport chain (ETC) couples oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) with ATP synthase to drive the generation of ATP. In immune cells, research surrounding the ETC has drifted away from bioenergetics since the discovery of cytochrome c (Cyt c) release as a signal for programmed cell death. Complex I has been shown to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), with key roles identified in inflammatory macrophages and T helper 17 cells (TH 17) cells. Complex II is the site of reverse electron transport (RET) in inflammatory macrophages and is also responsible for regulating fumarate levels linking to epigenetic changes. Complex III also produces ROS which activate hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and can participate in regulatory T cell (Treg ) function. Complex IV is required for T cell activation and differentiation and the proper development of Treg subsets. Complex V is required for TH 17 differentiation and can be expressed on the surface of tumor cells where it is recognized by anti-tumor T and NK cells. In this review, we summarize these findings and speculate on the therapeutic potential of targeting the ETC as an anti-inflammatory strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Yin
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luke A J O'Neill
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Bouitbir J, Panajatovic MV, Frechard T, Roos NJ, Krähenbühl S. Imatinib and Dasatinib Provoke Mitochondrial Dysfunction Leading to Oxidative Stress in C2C12 Myotubes and Human RD Cells. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1106. [PMID: 32792947 PMCID: PMC7390871 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can cause skeletal muscle toxicity in patients, but the underlying mechanisms are mostly unclear. The goal of the current study was to better characterize the role of mitochondria in TKI-associated myotoxicity. We exposed C2C12 murine myoblasts and myotubes as well as human rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD cells) for 24 h to imatinib (1–100 µM), erlotinib (1–20 µM), and dasatinib (0.001–100 µM). In C2C12 myoblasts, imatinib was membrane toxic at 50 µM and depleted the cellular ATP pool at 20 µM. In C2C12 myotubes exposed to imatinib, ATP depletion started at 50 µM whereas membrane toxicity was not detectable. In myoblasts and myotubes exposed to dasatinib, membrane toxicity started at 0.5 µM and 2 µM, respectively, and the ATP drop was visible at 0.1 µM and 0.2 µM, respectively. When RD cells were exposed to imatinib, ATP depletion started at 20 µM whereas membrane toxicity was not detectable. Dasatinib was membrane toxic at 20 µM and depleted the cellular ATP pool already at 0.5 µM. Erlotinib was not toxic in both cell models. Imatinib (20 µM) and dasatinib (1 µM) reduced complex I activity in both cell models. Moreover, the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was dissipated for both TKIs in myotubes. In RD cells, the Δψm was reduced only by dasatinib. Both TKIs increased mitochondrial superoxide accumulation and decreased the mitochondrial copy number in both cell lines. In consequence, they increased protein expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) 2 and thioredoxin 2 and cleavage of caspase 3, indicating apoptosis in C2C12 myotubes. Moreover, in both cell models, the mRNA expression of Sod1 and Sod2 increased when RD cells were exposed to dasatinib. Furthermore, dasatinib increased the mRNA expression of atrogin-1 and murf-1, which are important transcription factors involved in muscle atrophy. The mRNA expression of atrogin-1 increased also in RD cells exposed to imatinib. In conclusion, imatinib and dasatinib are mitochondrial toxicants in mouse C2C12 myotubes and human RD cells. Mitochondrial superoxide accumulation induced by these two TKIs is due to the inhibition of complex I and is probably related to impaired mitochondrial and myocyte proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Bouitbir
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miljenko Valentin Panajatovic
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theo Frechard
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Noëmi Johanna Roos
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Nakhle J, Rodriguez AM, Vignais ML. Multifaceted Roles of Mitochondrial Components and Metabolites in Metabolic Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4405. [PMID: 32575796 PMCID: PMC7352686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential cellular components that ensure physiological metabolic functions. They provide energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the electron transport chain (ETC). They also constitute a metabolic hub in which metabolites are used and processed, notably through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. These newly generated metabolites have the capacity to feed other cellular metabolic pathways; modify cellular functions; and, ultimately, generate specific phenotypes. Mitochondria also provide intracellular signaling cues through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. As expected with such a central cellular role, mitochondrial dysfunctions have been linked to many different diseases. The origins of some of these diseases could be pinpointed to specific mutations in both mitochondrial- and nuclear-encoded genes. In addition to their impressive intracellular tasks, mitochondria also provide intercellular signaling as they can be exchanged between cells, with resulting effects ranging from repair of damaged cells to strengthened progression and chemo-resistance of cancer cells. Several therapeutic options can now be envisioned to rescue mitochondria-defective cells. They include gene therapy for both mitochondrial and nuclear defective genes. Transferring exogenous mitochondria to target cells is also a whole new area of investigation. Finally, supplementing targeted metabolites, possibly through microbiota transplantation, appears as another therapeutic approach full of promises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Nakhle
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine & Biotherapy (IRMB), INSERM, Univ Montpellier, F-34090 Montpellier, France;
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, Univ Montpellier, F-34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Marie Rodriguez
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, INSERM, IMRB, F-94010 Creteil, France
- EnvA, IMRB, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- EFS, Mondor Institute for Biomedical Research (IMRB), F-94010 Creteil, France
- AP-HP, Hopital Mondor, Service d’histologie, F-94010 Creteil, France
| | - Marie-Luce Vignais
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine & Biotherapy (IRMB), INSERM, Univ Montpellier, F-34090 Montpellier, France;
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Abstract
The life-long generation of new neurons from radial glia-like neural stem cells (NSCs) is achieved through a stereotypic developmental sequence that requires precise regulatory mechanisms to prevent exhaustion or uncontrolled growth of the stem cell pool. Cellular metabolism is the new kid on the block of adult neurogenesis research and the identity of stage-specific metabolic programs and their impact on neurogenesis turns out to be an emerging research topic in the field. Mitochondrial metabolism is best known for energy production but it contains a great deal more. Mitochondria are key players in a variety of cellular processes including ATP synthesis through functional coupling of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, recycling of hydrogen carriers, biosynthesis of cellular building blocks, and generation of reactive oxygen species that can modulate signaling pathways in a redox-dependent fashion. In this review, I will discuss recent findings describing stage-specific modulations of mitochondrial metabolism within the adult NSC lineage, emphasizing its importance for NSC self-renewal, proliferation of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs), cell fate decisions, and differentiation and maturation of newborn neurons. I will furthermore summarize the important role of mitochondrial dysfunction in tissue regeneration and ageing, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for regenerative medicine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Beckervordersandforth
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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