Transcriptomic and proteomic pathways of diabetic and non-diabetic mitochondrial transplantation.

Reduced mitochondrial function increases myocardial susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in diabetic hearts. Mitochondrial transplantation (MT) ameliorates IRI, however, the cardioprotective effects of MT may be limited using diabetic mitochondria. Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were subjected to temporary myocardial RI and then received either vehicle alone or vehicle containing mitochondria isolated from either diabetic ZDF or non-diabetic Zucker lean (ZL) rats. The ZDF rats were allowed to recover for 2 h or 28 days. MT using either ZDF- or ZL-mitochondria provided sustained reduction in infarct size and was associated with overlapping upregulation of pathways associated with muscle contraction, development, organization, and anti-apoptosis. MT using either ZDF- or ZL-mitochondria also significantly preserved myocardial function, however, ZL- mitochondria provided a more robust long-term preservation of myocardial function through the mitochondria dependent upregulation of pathways for cardiac and muscle metabolism and development. MT using either diabetic or non-diabetic mitochondria decreased infarct size and preserved functional recovery, however, the cardioprotection afforded by MT was attenuated in hearts receiving diabetic compared to non-diabetic MT.

Mitochondrial remodeling and ischemic protection by G protein-coupled receptor 35 agonists.

Kynurenic acid (KynA) is tissue protective in cardiac, cerebral, renal, and retinal ischemia models, but the mechanism is unknown. KynA can bind to multiple receptors, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, the a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (a7nAChR), multiple ionotropic glutamate receptors, and the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR35. Here, we show that GPR35 activation was necessary and sufficient for ischemic protection by KynA. When bound by KynA, GPR35 activated Gi- and G12/13-coupled signaling and trafficked to the outer mitochondria membrane, where it bound, apparantly indirectly, to ATP synthase inhibitory factor subunit 1 (ATPIF1). Activated GPR35, in an ATPIF1-dependent and pertussis toxin-sensitive manner, induced ATP synthase dimerization, which prevented ATP loss upon ischemia. These findings provide a rationale for the development of specific GPR35 agonists for the treatment of ischemic diseases.

A Large Animal Model for Acute Kidney Injury by Temporary Bilateral Renal Artery Occlusion.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with higher risk for morbidity and mortality post-operatively. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the most common cause of AKI. To mimic this clinical scenario, this study presents a highly reproducible large animal model of renal IRI in swine using temporary percutaneous bilateral balloon-catheter occlusion of the renal arteries. The renal arteries are occluded for 60 min by introducing the balloon-catheters through the femoral and carotid artery and advancing them into the proximal portion of the arteries. Iodinated contrast is injected in the aorta to assess any opacification of the kidney vessels and confirm the success of the artery occlusion. This is furtherly confirmed by the flattening of the pulse waveform at the tip of the balloon catheters. The balloons are deflated and removed after 60 min of bilateral renal artery occlusion, and the animals are allowed to recover for 24 h. At the end of the study, plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen significantly increase, while eGFR and urine output significantly decrease. The need for iodinated contrast is minimal and does not affect renal function. Bilateral renal artery occlusion better mimics the clinical scenario of perioperative renal hypoperfusion, and the percutaneous approach minimizes the impact of the inflammatory response and the risk of infection seen with an open approach, such as a laparotomy. The ability to create and reproduce this clinically relevant swine model eases the clinical translation to humans.