Lipopolysaccharide-induced mitochondrial DNA depletion

Hepatic energy depletion has been described in severe sepsis, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to cause mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. To clarify the mechanisms of LPS-induced mtDNA damage and mitochondrial alterations, we treated wild-type (WT) or transgenic manganese superoxide dismutase-overerexpressing (MnSOD(+++)) mice with a single dose of LPS (5 mg/kg). In WT mice, LPS increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation, hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNA and protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and high-mobility group protein B1 concentrations. Six to 48 h after LPS administration (5 mg/kg), liver mtDNA levels, respiratory complex I activity, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents were decreased. In addition, LPS increased interferon-β concentration and decreased mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) mRNA, Tfam protein, and mtDNA-encoded mRNAs. Morphological studies showed mild hepatic inflammation. The LPS (5 mg/kg)-induced mtDNA depletion, complex I inactivation, ATP depletion, and alanine aminotransferase increase were prevented in MnSOD(+++) mice or in WT mice cotreated with 1400W (a NOS inhibitor), (2-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-4-ylamino)-2-oxoethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride, monohydrate (a superoxide scavenger) or uric acid (a peroxynitrite scavenger). The MnSOD overexpression delayed death in mice challenged by a higher, lethal dose of LPS (25 mg/kg). In conclusion, LPS administration damages mtDNA and alters mitochondrial function. The protective effects of MnSOD, NOS inhibitors, and superoxide or peroxynitrite scavengers point out a role of the superoxide anion reacting with NO to form mtDNA- and protein-damaging peroxynitrite. In addition to the acute damage caused by reactive species, decreased levels of mitochondrial transcripts contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction.