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Endogenous peroxynitrite mediates mitochondrial dysfunction in rat diaphragm during endotoxemia

J Boczkowski1, C L Lisdero, S Lanone

  • 1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U408 and IFR 02, Faculté X. Bichat, Paris, France. jbb2@bichat.inserm.fr

Insights

Endotoxemia increases nitric oxide (NO) in diaphragm muscles, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle weakness. Inhibiting NO synthesis improves mitochondrial function and muscle strength during sepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the diaphragm contributes to muscle contractile failure during endotoxemia.
  • The role of nitric oxide (NO) in endotoxemia-induced muscle dysfunction and its relation to cellular oxidative pathways requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between NO, cellular oxidative pathways, and diaphragmatic contractile failure during endotoxemia.
  • To determine the impact of NO on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in the diaphragm.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were induced with endotoxemia using E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
  • Diaphragm iNOS expression, NO levels, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production, and mitochondrial function were assessed.
  • Mitochondrial protein nitration and diaphragmatic force were measured.
  • The effect of the NOS inhibitor L-NMMA was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • LPS-induced endotoxemia increased diaphragm iNOS, NO, and H(2)O(2) levels.
  • Elevated NO impaired mitochondrial function, evidenced by increased H(2)O(2) and decreased phosphorylating capacity.
  • Mitochondrial protein nitration and reduced diaphragmatic force were observed.
  • L-NMMA administration attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction and improved diaphragmatic force.

Conclusions:

  • Increased NO during endotoxemia leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via peroxynitrite formation.
  • Impaired mitochondrial function contributes to diaphragmatic contractile failure in endotoxemia.
  • Targeting NO synthesis may be a therapeutic strategy for sepsis-induced muscle dysfunction.

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