Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
4-2016
Publisher
Elsevier
Source Publication
Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Source ISSN
0891-5849
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.01.019
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) represents a potential strategy for the treatment of cardiac remodeling, fibrosis and/or diastolic dysfunction. The effects of oral treatment with BH4 (Sapropterin™ or Kuvan™) are however dose-limiting with high dose negating functional improvements. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of GTP cyclohydrolase I (mGCH) increases BH4 several-fold in the heart. Using this model, we aimed to establish the cardiomyocyte-specific responses to high levels of BH4. Quantification of BH4 and BH2 in mGCH transgenic hearts showed age-based variations in BH4:BH2 ratios. Hearts of mice (months) have lower BH4:BH2 ratios than hearts of older mice while both GTPCH activity and tissue ascorbate levels were higher in hearts of young than older mice. No evident changes in nitric oxide (NO) production assessed by nitrite and endogenous iron–nitrosyl complexes were detected in any of the age groups. Increased BH4 production in cardiomyocytes resulted in a significant loss of mitochondrial function. Diminished oxygen consumption and reserve capacity was verified in mitochondria isolated from hearts of 12-month old compared to 3-month old mice, even though at 12 months an improved BH4:BH2 ratio is established. Accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and decreased glutathione levels were found in the mGCH hearts and isolated mitochondria. Taken together, our results indicate that the ratio of BH4:BH2 does not predict changes in neither NO levels nor cellular redox state in the heart. The BH4 oxidation essentially limits the capacity of cardiomyocytes to reduce oxidant stress. Cardiomyocyte with chronically high levels of BH4 show a significant decline in redox state and mitochondrial function.
Recommended Citation
Sethumadhavan, Savitha; Whitsett, Jennifer; Bennett, Brian; Ionova, Irina A.; Pieper, Galen M.; and Vasquez-Vivar, Jeannette, "Increasing Tetrahydrobiopterin in Cardiomyocytes Adversely Affects Cardiac Redox State and Mitochondrial Function Independently of Changes in NO Production" (2016). Physics Faculty Research and Publications. 117.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/physics_fac/117
Comments
Accepted version. Free Radical Biology and Medicinee, Vol. 93 (April 2016): 1-11. DOI. © 2016 Elsevier. Used with permission.
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Free Radical Biology and Medicine. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, VOL. 93, April 2016, DOI.