The role of mitochondria in the aetiology of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing world-wide and insulin resistance is central to the aetiology of this disease. The biology underpinning the development of insulin resistance is not completely understood and the role of impaired mitochondrial function in the development of insulin resistance is controversial.

Scope of review

This review will provide an overview of the major processes regulated by mitochondria, before examining the evidence that has investigated the relationship between mitochondrial function and insulin action. Further considerations aimed at clarifying some controversies surrounding this issue will also be proposed.

Major conclusions

Controversy on this issue is fuelled by our lack of understanding of some of the basic biological interactions between mitochondria and insulin regulated processes in the context of insults thought to induce insulin resistance. Aspects that have not yet been considered are tissue/cell type specific responses, mitochondrial responses to site-specific impairments in mitochondrial function and as yet uncharacterised retrograde signalling from mitochondria.

General significance

Further investigation of the relationship between mitochondria and insulin action could reveal novel mechanisms contributing to insulin resistance in specific patient subsets. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of Mitochondrial Research.     

Are sirtuin deacylase enzymes important modulators of mitochondrial energy metabolism?

Background

In recent years, reversible lysine acylation of proteins has emerged as a major post-translational modification across the cell, and importantly has been shown to regulate many proteins in mitochondria. One key family of deacylase enzymes is the sirtuins, of which SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5 are localised to the mitochondria and regulate acyl modifications in this organelle.

Scope of review

In this review we discuss the emerging role of lysine acylation in the mitochondrion and summarise the evidence that proposes mitochondrial sirtuins are important players in the modulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism in response to external nutrient cues, via their action as lysine deacylases. We also highlight some key areas of mitochondrial sirtuin biology where future research efforts are required.

Major conclusions

Lysine deacetylation appears to play some role in regulating mitochondrial metabolism. Recent discoveries of new enzymatic capabilities of mitochondrial sirtuins, including desuccinylation and demalonylation activities, as well as an increasing list of novel protein substrates have identified many new questions regarding the role of mitochondrial sirtuins in the regulation of energy metabolism.

General significance

Dynamic changes in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism may have far-reaching consequences for many diseases, and despite promising initial findings in knockout animals and cell models, the role of the mitochondrial sirtuins requires further exploration in this context. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of mitochondrial research.     

Mitochondrial dysfunction and complications associated with diabetes

Background

Diabetes is a metabolic syndrome that results in chronically increased blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) due to defects either in insulin secretion consequent to the loss of beta cells in the pancreas (type 1) or to loss of insulin sensitivity in target organs in the presence of normal insulin secretion (type 2). Long term hyperglycaemia can lead to a number of serious health-threatening pathologies, or complications, especially in the kidney, heart, retina and peripheral nervous system.

Scope of review

Here we summarise the current literature on the role of the mitochondria in complications associated with diabetes, and the limitations and potential of rodent models to explore new modalities to limit complication severity.

Major conclusions

Prolonged hyperglycaemia results in perturbation of catabolic pathways and in an over-production of ROS by the mitochondria, which in turn may play a role in the development of diabetic complications. Furthermore, current models don't offer a comprehensive recapitulation of these complications.

General significance

The onset of complications associated with type 1 diabetes can be varied, even with tightly controlled blood glucose levels. The potential role of inherited, mild mitochondrial dysfunction in accelerating diabetic complications, both in type 1 and 2 diabetes, remains unexplored. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of Mitochondrial Research.     

The role of frataxin in fission yeast iron metabolism: Implications for Friedreich's ataxia

Background

The neurodegenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia is the result of frataxin deficiency. Frataxin is a mitochondrial protein involved in iron–sulfur cluster (Fe–S) cofactor biogenesis, but its functional role in this pathway is debated. This is due to the interconnectivity of iron metabolic and oxidative stress response pathways that make distinguishing primary effects of frataxin deficiency challenging. Since Fe–S cluster assembly is conserved, frataxin overexpression phenotypes in a simple eukaryotic organism will provide additional insight into frataxin function.

Methods

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe frataxin homologue (fxn1) was overexpressed from a plasmid under a thiamine repressible promoter. The S. pombe transformants were characterized at several expression strengths for cellular growth, mitochondrial organization, iron levels, oxidative stress, and activities of Fe–S cluster containing enzymes.

Results

Observed phenotypes were dependent on the amount of Fxn1 overexpression. High Fxn1 overexpression severely inhibited S. pombe growth, impaired mitochondrial membrane integrity and cellular respiration, and led to Fxn1 aggregation. Cellular iron accumulation was observed at moderate Fxn1 overexpression but was most pronounced at high levels of Fxn1. All levels of Fxn1 overexpression up-regulated oxidative stress defense and mitochondrial Fe–S cluster containing enzyme activities.

Conclusions

Despite the presence of oxidative stress and accumulated iron, activation of Fe–S cluster enzymes was common to all levels of Fxn1 overexpression; therefore, Fxn1 may regulate the efficiency of Fe–S cluster biogenesis in S. pombe.

General Significance

We provide evidence that suggests that dysregulated Fe–S cluster biogenesis is a primary effect of both frataxin overexpression and deficiency as in Friedreich's ataxia.     

Role of estrogen receptors in pro-oxidative and anti-oxidative actions of estrogens: A perspective

Background

Estrogens are steroid hormones responsible for the primary and secondary sexual characteristics in females. While pre-menopausal women use estrogens as the main constituents of contraceptive pills, post-menopausal women use the same for Hormone Replacement Therapy. Estrogens produce reactive oxygen species by increasing mitochondrial activity and redox cycling of estrogen metabolites. The phenolic hydroxyl group present at the C3 position of the A ring of estrogens can get oxidized either by accepting an electron or by losing a proton. Thus, estrogens might act as pro-oxidant in some settings, resulting in complicated non-communicable diseases, namely, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. However, in some other settings the phenolic hydroxyl group of estrogens may be responsible for the anti-oxidative beneficial functions and thus protect against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Scope of review

To date, no single review article has mentioned the implication of estrogen receptors in both the pro-oxidative and anti-oxidative actions of estrogens.

Major conclusion

The controversial role of estrogens as pro-oxidant or anti-oxidant is largely dependent on cell types, ratio of different types of estrogen receptors present in a particular cell and context specificity of the estrogen hormone responses. Both pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant effects of estrogens might involve different estrogen receptors that can have either genomic or non-genomic action to manifest further hormonal response.

General significance

This review highlights the role of estrogen receptors in the pro-oxidative and anti-oxidative actions of estrogens with special emphasis on neuronal cells.     

Glycolysis–respiration relationships in a neuroblastoma cell line

Background

Although some reciprocal glycolysis–respiration relationships are well recognized, the relationship between reduced glycolysis flux and mitochondrial respiration has not been critically characterized.

Methods

We concomitantly measured the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells under free and restricted glycolysis flux conditions.

Results

Under conditions of fixed energy demand ECAR and OCR values showed a reciprocal relationship. In addition to observing an expected Crabtree effect in which increasing glucose availability raised the ECAR and reduced the OCR, a novel reciprocal relationship was documented in which reducing the ECAR via glucose deprivation or glycolysis inhibition increased the OCR. Substituting galactose for glucose, which reduces net glycolysis ATP yield without blocking glycolysis flux, similarly reduced the ECAR and increased the OCR. We further determined how reduced ECAR conditions affect proteins that associate with energy sensing and energy response pathways. ERK phosphorylation, SIRT1, and HIF1a decreased while AKT, p38, and AMPK phosphorylation increased.

Conclusions

These data document a novel intracellular glycolysis–respiration effect in which restricting glycolysis flux increases mitochondrial respiration.

General significance

Since this effect can be used to manipulate cell bioenergetic infrastructures, this particular glycolysis–respiration effect can practically inform the development of new mitochondrial medicine approaches.     

Detection of electrophile-sensitive proteins

Background

Redox signaling is an important emerging mechanism of cellular function. Dysfunctional redox signaling is increasingly implicated in numerous pathologies, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer. The molecular messengers in this type of signaling are reactive species which can mediate the post-translational modification of specific groups of proteins, thereby effecting functional changes in the modified proteins. Electrophilic compounds comprise one class of reactive species which can participate in redox signaling. Electrophiles modulate cell function via formation of covalent adducts with proteins, particularly cysteine residues.

Scope of review

This review will discuss the commonly used methods of detection for electrophile-sensitive proteins, and will highlight the importance of identifying these proteins for studying redox signaling and developing novel therapeutics.

Major conclusions

There are several methods which can be used to detect electrophile-sensitive proteins. These include the use of tagged model electrophiles, as well as derivatization of endogenous electrophile–protein adducts.

General significance

In order to understand the mechanisms by which electrophiles mediate redox signaling, it is necessary to identify electrophile-sensitive proteins and quantitatively assess adduct formation. Strengths and limitations of these methods will be discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Current methods to study reactive oxygen species - pros and cons and biophysics of membrane proteins. Guest Editor: Christine Winterbourn.     

MicroRNAs as regulators of mitochondrial function: Role in cancer suppression

Background

Mitochondria, essential to the cell homeostasis maintenance, are central to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and their dysfunction is associated with multiple diseases. Recent research documents that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate important signalling pathways in mitochondria, and many of these miRNAs are deregulated in various diseases including cancers.

Scope of review

In this review, we summarise the role of miRNAs in the regulation of the mitochondrial bioenergetics/function, and discuss the role of miRNAs modulating the various metabolic pathways resulting in tumour suppression and their possible therapeutic applications.

Major conclusions

MiRNAs have recently emerged as key regulators of metabolism and can affect mitochondria by modulating mitochondrial proteins coded by nuclear genes. They were also found in mitochondria. Reprogramming of the energy metabolism has been postulated as a major feature of cancer. Modulation of miRNAs levels may provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of mitochondria-related pathologies, including neoplastic diseases.

General significance

The elucidation of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of mitochondrial activity/bioenergetics will deepen our understanding of the molecular aspects of various aspects of cell biology associated with the genesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. Eventually, this knowledge may promote the development of innovative pharmacological interventions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of Mitochondrial Research.     

Iron uptake and transfer from ceruloplasmin to transferrin

Background

Dietary and recycled iron are in the Fe^2 + oxidation state. However, the metal is transported in serum by transferrin as Fe^3 +. The multi-copper ferroxidase ceruloplasmin is suspected to be the missing link between acquired Fe^2 + and transported Fe^3 +.

Methods

This study uses the techniques of chemical relaxation and spectrophotometric detection.

Results

Under anaerobic conditions, ceruloplasmin captures and oxidizes two Fe^2 +. The first uptake occurs in domain 6 (< 1 ms) at the divalent iron-binding site. It is accompanied by Fe^2 + oxidation by Cu^2 +_D6. Fe^3 + is then transferred from the binding site to the holding site. Cu⁺_D6 is then re-oxidized by a Cu^2 + of the trinuclear cluster in about 200 ms. The second Fe^2 + uptake and oxidation involve domain 4 and are under the kinetic control of a 200 s change in the protein conformation. With transferrin and in the formed ceruloplasmin–transferrin adduct, two Fe^3 + are transferred from their holding sites to two C-lobes of two transferrins. The first transfer (~ 100 s) is followed by conformation changes (500 s) leading to the release of monoferric transferrin. The second transfer occurs in two steps in the 1000–10,000 second range.

Conclusion

Fe^3 + is transferred after Fe^2 + uptake and oxidation by ceruloplasmin to the C-lobe of transferrin in a protein–protein adduct. This adduct is in a permanent state of equilibrium with all the metal-free or bounded ceruloplasmin and transferrin species present in the medium.

General significance

Ceruloplasmin is a go-between dietary or recycled Fe^2 + and transferrin transported Fe^3 +.     

LRRK2, but not pathogenic mutants,protects against H2O2 stress depending on mitochondrial function and endocytosis in a yeast model

Background

Mutations in LRRK2 are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of cellular dysfunction associated with the expression of faulty PD genes.

Methods

We developed a yeast model for full-length LRRK2 studies. We expressed wild-type (wt) LRRK2 and mutations and evaluated their role during oxidative stress conditions. The involvement of mitochondria was assessed by using rho-zero mutants and by evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential by flow cytometry. The involvement of endocytosis was also studied by testing several endocytic mutants and by following the vacuolar delivery of the probe FM4-64.

Results

Expression of LRRK2 in yeast was associated to increased hydrogen peroxide resistance. This phenotype, which was dependent on mitochondrial function, was not observed for PD-mutants G2019S and R1441C or in the absence of the kinase activity and the WD40 repeat domain. Expression of the pathogenic mutants stimulated ROS production and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. For the PD-mutants, but not for wild-type LRRK2, endocytic defects were also observed. Additionally, several endocytic proteins were required for LRRK2-mediated protection against hydrogen peroxide.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that LRRK2 confers cellular protection during oxidative stress depending on mitochondrial function and endocytosis.

General significance

Both the loss of capacity of LRRK2 pathogenic mutants to protect against oxidative stress and their enhancement of dysfunction may be important for the development of PD during the aging process.     

Metabolic control analysis of the Trypanosoma cruzi peroxide detoxification pathway identifies tryparedoxin as a suitable drug target

Background

The principal oxidative-stress defense in the human parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the tryparedoxin-dependent peroxide detoxification pathway, constituted by trypanothione reductase (TryR), tryparedoxin (TXN), tryparedoxin peroxidase (TXNPx) and tryparedoxin-dependent glutathione peroxidase A (GPxA). Here, Metabolic Control Analysis (MCA) was applied to quantitatively prioritize drug target(s) within the pathway by identifying its flux-controlling enzymes.

Methods

The recombinant enzymes were kinetically characterized at physiological pH/temperature. Further, the pathway was in vitro reconstituted using enzyme activity ratios and fluxes similar to those observed in the parasites; then, enzyme and substrate titrations were performed to determine their degree of control on flux. Also, kinetic characterization of the whole pathway was performed.

Results

Analyses of the kinetic properties indicated that TXN is the less efficient pathway enzyme derived from its high Km_app for trypanothione and low Vmax values within the cell. MCA established that the TXN–TXNPx and TXN–GPxA redox pairs controlled by 90–100% the pathway flux, whereas 10% control was attained by TryR. The Km_app values of the complete pathway for substrates suggested that the pathway flux was determined by the peroxide availability, whereas at high peroxide concentrations, flux may be limited by NADPH.

Conclusion

These quantitative kinetic and metabolic analyses pointed out to TXN as a convenient drug target due to its low catalytic efficiency, high control on the flux of peroxide detoxification and role as provider of reducing equivalents to the two main peroxidases in the parasite.

General Significance

MCA studies provide rational and quantitative criteria to select enzymes for drug-target development.     

Acute exposure of beta-cells to troglitazone decreases insulin hypersecretion via activating AMPK

Background

It has been recognized that insulin hypersecretion can lead to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is substantial evidence demonstrating that thiazolidinediones are able to delay and prevent the progression of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. However, the mechanism underlying the protective effect of thiazolidinediones on β-cell function remains elusive.

Methods

We synchronously detected the effects of troglitazone on insulin secretion and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity under various conditions in isolated rat islets and MIN6 cells.

Results

Long-term exposure to high glucose stimulated insulin hypersecretion and inhibited AMPK activity in rat islets. Troglitazone-suppressed insulin hypersecretion was closely related to the activation of AMPK. This action was most prominent at the moderate concentration of glucose. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was decreased by long-term troglitazone treatment, but significantly increased after the drug withdrawal. Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, reversed troglitazone-suppressed insulin secretion in MIN6 cells and rat islets. Knockdown of AMPKα2 showed a similar result. In MIN6 cells, troglitazone blocked high glucose-closed ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channel and decreased membrane potential, along with increased voltage-dependent potassium channel currents. Troglitazone suppressed intracellular Ca^2 + response to high glucose, which was abolished by treatment with compound C.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that troglitazone provides β-cell “a rest” through activating AMPK and inhibiting insulin hypersecretion, and thus restores its response to glucose.

General significance

These data support that AMPK activation may be an important mechanism for thiazolidinediones preserving β-cell function.     

Mitochondrial NAD dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase either from yeast or human replaces yeast cytoplasmic NADP dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase for the aerobic growth of yeast on ethanol

Background

In a previous study, we deleted three aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) genes, involved in ethanol metabolism, from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and found that the triple deleted yeast strain did not grow on ethanol as sole carbon source. The ALDHs were NADP dependent cytosolic ALDH1, NAD dependent mitochondrial ALDH2 and NAD/NADP dependent mitochondrial ALDH5. Double deleted strain ΔALDH2+ΔALDH5 or ΔALDH1+ΔALDH5 could grow on ethanol. However, the double deleted strain ΔALDH1+ΔALDH2 did not grow in ethanol.

Methods

Triple deleted yeast strain was used. Mitochondrial NAD dependent ALDH from yeast or human was placed in yeast cytosol.

Results

In the present study we found that a mutant form of cytoplasmic ALDH1 with very low activity barely supported the growth of the triple deleted strain (ΔALDH1+ΔALDH2+ΔALDH5) on ethanol. Finding the importance of NADP dependent ALDH1 on the growth of the strain on ethanol we examined if NAD dependent mitochondrial ALDH2 either from yeast or human would be able to support the growth of the triple deleted strain on ethanol if the mitochondrial form was placed in cytosol. We found that the NAD dependent mitochondrial ALDH2 from yeast or human was active in cytosol and supported the growth of the triple deleted strain on ethanol.

Conclusion

This study showed that coenzyme preference of ALDH is not critical in cytosol of yeast for the growth on ethanol.

General significance

The present study provides a basis to understand the coenzyme preference of ALDH in ethanol metabolism in yeast.     

Chemo-attractant N-acetyl proline–glycine–proline induces CD11b/CD18-dependent neutrophil adhesion

Background

Chronic inflammation in lung diseases contributes to lung tissue destruction leading to the formation of chemotactic collagen fragments such as N-acetylated proline–glycine–proline (N-ac-PGP). In the current study, we investigate whether N-ac-PGP influences β₂-integrin activation and function in neutrophilic firm adhesion to endothelium.

Methods

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were isolated from fresh human blood. Subsequently, a transmigration assay was performed to evaluate the active migration of PMNs towards N-ac-PGP. Furthermore, the effect of the tripeptide on β₂-integrin activation was assessed by performing the adhesion assay using fibrinogen as a ligand. To determine whether this effect was due to conformational change of β₂-integrins, antibodies against CD11b and CD18 were used in the adhesion assay and the expression pattern of CD11b was determined.

Results

Human neutrophils transmigrated through an endothelial cell layer in response to basolateral N-ac-PGP. N-ac-PGP induced also a neutrophil adherence to fibrinogen. Using functional blocking antibodies against CD11b and CD18, it was demonstrated that CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) was responsible for the N-ac-PGP-induced firm adhesion of neutrophils to fibrinogen. Pertussis toxin decreased the Mac-1 activation indicating the involvement of G-proteins. N-ac-PGP most likely activated Mac-1 by initiating a conformational change, since the expression pattern of Mac-1 on the cell surface did not change significantly.

Conclusions

Chemo-attractant N-acetyl proline–glycine–proline induces CD11b/CD18-dependent neutrophil adhesion.

General significance

This is the first study to describe that the chemo-attractant N-ac-PGP also activates Mac-1 on the surface of neutrophils, which can additionally contribute to neutrophilic transmigration into the lung tissue during lung inflammation.     

The role of mitochondrial electron transport in tumorigenesis and metastasis

Background

Tumor formation and spread via the circulatory and lymphatic drainage systems is associated with metabolic reprogramming that often includes increased glycolytic metabolism relative to mitochondrial energy production. However, cells within a tumor are not identical due to genetic change, clonal evolution and layers of epigenetic reprogramming. In addition, cell hierarchy impinges on metabolic status while tumor cell phenotype and metabolic status will be influenced by the local microenvironment including stromal cells, developing blood and lymphatic vessels and innate and adaptive immune cells. Mitochondrial mutations and changes in mitochondrial electron transport contribute to metabolic remodeling in cancer in ways that are poorly understood.

Scope of Review

This review concerns the role of mitochondria, mitochondrial mutations and mitochondrial electron transport function in tumorigenesis and metastasis.

Major Conclusions

It is concluded that mitochondrial electron transport is required for tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. Nevertheless, defects in mitochondrial electron transport that compromise mitochondrial energy metabolism can contribute to tumor formation and spread. These apparently contradictory phenomena can be reconciled by cells in individual tumors in a particular environment adapting dynamically to optimally balance mitochondrial genome changes and bioenergetic status.

General Significance

Tumors are complex evolving biological systems characterized by genetic and adaptive epigenetic changes. Understanding the complexity of these changes in terms of bioenergetics and metabolic changes will permit the development of better combination anticancer therapies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of Mitochondrial Research.     

Importance of cytochrome c redox state for ceramide-induced apoptosis of human mammary adenocarcinoma cells

Background

Ceramides are intracellular lipid mediator implicated in various cellular responses, including oxidative stress and programmed cell death. Studies demonstrated strong links between ceramide and the mitochondria in the regulation of apoptosis. However, the mechanism of apoptosis induced by ceramides is not fully understood. The present study delineates importance of the redox state of cytochrome c for release of cytochrome c and apoptosis of human mammary adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells induced by ceramides.

Methods

The study uses MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, isolated mitochondria, submitochondrial particles, and oxidized and reduced cytochrome c. Methods used include flow cytometry, immunoblotting, spectroscopy, and respirometry.

Results

We show that ceramides induce mitochondrial oxidative stress and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria of these cells. Our findings show that ceramides react with oxidized cytochrome c whereas reduced cytochrome c does not react with ceramides. We also show that oxidized cytochrome c reacted with ceramides exerts lower reducibility and function to support mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, our data show that glutathione protects cytochrome c of reacting with ceramides by increasing the reduced state of cytochrome c.

Conclusions

Ceramides induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in human mammary adenocarcinoma cells by interacting with oxidized cytochrome c leading to the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for protective role of glutathione.

General significance

Our study suggests that the redox state of cytochrome c is important in oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by ceramides.     

Rapid uptake of lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cations by mitochondria in vivo following intravenous injection: Implications for mitochondria-specific therapies and probes

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to a range of pathologies, consequently there is a need to monitor mitochondrial function and to intervene pharmacologically to prevent mitochondrial damage. One approach to this is to deliver antioxidants, probes and pharmacophores to mitochondria by conjugation to the lipophilic triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation that is taken up selectively by mitochondria driven by the membrane potential.

Conclusions

Oral administration of TPP-conjugated antioxidants protects against mitochondrial damage in vivo. However, there is also a need to deliver molecules rapidly to mitochondria to respond quickly to pathologies and for the real-time assessment of mitochondrial function.

Methods

To see if this was possible we investigated how rapidly TPP cations were taken up by mitochondria in vivo following intravenous (iv) administration.

Results

AlkylTPP cations were accumulated selectively by mitochondria within mice within 5 min of iv injection. The extent of uptake was enhanced 10–30-fold relative to simple alkylTPP cations by attaching functional groups to the TPP cation via long, hydrophobic alkyl chains. Conclusions: Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, probes and pharmacophores can be delivered into mitochondria within minutes of iv administration.

General significance

These findings greatly extend the utility of mitochondria-targeted lipophilic cations as therapies and probes.     

Oral supplementation with a combination of l-citrulline and l-arginine rapidly increases plasma l-arginine concentration and enhances NO bioavailability

Background

Chronic supplementation with l-citrulline plus l-arginine has been shown to exhibit anti-atherosclerotic effects. However, the short-term action of this combination on the nitric oxide (NO)–cGMP pathway remains to be elucidated. The objective of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of a combination of oral l-citrulline and l-arginine on plasma l-arginine and NO levels, as well as on blood circulation.

Methods

Rats or New Zealand white rabbits were treated orally with l-citrulline, or l-arginine, or a combination of each at half dosage. Following supplementation, plasma levels of l-arginine, NO_x, cGMP and changes in blood circulation were determined sequentially.

Results

l-Citrulline plus l-arginine supplementation caused a more rapid increase in plasma l-arginine levels and marked enhancement of NO bioavailability, including plasma cGMP concentrations, than with dosage with the single amino acids. Blood flow in the central ear artery in rabbits was also significantly increased by l-citrulline plus l-arginine administration as compared with the control.

Conclusion

Our data show for the first time that a combination of oral l-citrulline and l-arginine effectively and rapidly augments NO-dependent responses at the acute stage. This approach may have clinical utility for the regulation of cardiovascular function in humans.