Correction of Mitochondrial Dysfunction as an Approach to Treat Heart Failure

Mitochondria are the power plants of the cell, and when their activity falters, cell and tissue function suffers as a consequence. Unfortunately mitochondrial dysfunction is a feature of aging, and is connected to the progression and severity of numerous age-related conditions. The research here examines age-related mitochondrial decline in the context of heart failure. As is appropriate for this new era of intervention in the aging process, the focus is on what might be done about this. At the very least, the evidence suggests that even early approaches that can only somewhat restore mitochondrial function in the old, such as NAD+ upregulation or mitochondrially targeted antioxidants, might produce benefits in heart failure patients. Better methodologies capable of greater restoration of mitochondrial function are very much required, however. The burden of heart failure (HF) in terms of health care expenditures, hospitalizations, and mortality is substantial and growing. The failing heart has been described as "energy-deprived" and mitochondrial dysfunction is a driving force associated with this energy supply-demand imbalance. Existing HF therapies provide symptomatic and longevity benefit by reducing cardiac workload through heart rate reduction and reduction of preload and afterload but do not address the underlying causes of abnormal myocardial energetic nor directly target mitochondrial abnormalities. Numerous studies in animal models of HF as well as my...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs