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Published on: February 13, 2019
Increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption in adult survivors of preterm birth
Santosh Kumari1, Gregory P Barton2, Kara N Goss3,4
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
Insights
Adults born prematurely exhibit heightened mitochondrial respiration, potentially increasing their risk for cardiometabolic diseases. This study assessed mitochondrial function in preterm survivors, revealing distinct metabolic profiles compared to term-born individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Metabolic Research
- Neonatalogy
Background:
- Premature birth impacts approximately 10% of live births, increasing long-term comorbidity risks.
- Oxidative stress is linked to many comorbidities, yet the impact of extreme prematurity on mitochondrial function remains understudied.
- This study hypothesized impaired mitochondrial function in adult survivors of premature birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess mitochondrial function in young adults born preterm.
- To compare mitochondrial respiration in preterm survivors versus term-born adults.
- To investigate the relationship between mitochondrial function and adult pulmonary function.
Main Methods:
- Mitochondrial function was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using a Seahorse XF Analyzer.
- Measurements were taken at baseline and under acute oxidative stress.
- Pulmonary function tests were conducted on adult participants.
Main Results:
- Adults born preterm (average gestational age 29 weeks) showed increased basal and non-ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration.
- Maximal and spare mitochondrial respiratory capacities were also elevated, even under oxidative stress.
- Lower lung function was observed in preterm survivors, with modest correlation to mitochondrial function.
Conclusions:
- Adults born preterm exhibit distinct mitochondrial profiles with higher basal and non-ATP-linked respiration.
- These mitochondrial patterns resemble those seen in diabetics, suggesting a link to increased cardiometabolic disease risk.
- PBMC mitochondrial function may serve as a biomarker for both early lung function and later cardiometabolic risk in preterm survivors.
Background:
Premature birth affects roughly 10% of live births and is associated with long-term increased risk for multiple comorbidities. Although many comorbidities are associated with increased oxidative stress, the potential late impact of extreme premature birth on mitochondrial function has not previously been assessed. We hypothesized that mitochondrial function would be impaired in adult survivors of premature birth.
Methods:
Mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young adults born moderately to extremely preterm was measured using a Seahorse XF Analyzer at baseline and in response to acute oxidative stress, and compared to age-matched term-born adults. Adult pulmonary function was also obtained.
Results:
Young adults born preterm (average gestational age 29 weeks) had increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption at baseline, particularly with respect to basal and non-ATP-linked respiration. Maximal and spare capacities were also higher, even in response to acute oxidative stress. Lung function was lower in adults born preterm, and the degree of airflow obstruction correlated only modestly with mitochondrial function.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, adults born preterm have higher basal and non-ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration. Similar mitochondrial profiles have previously been documented in diabetics, and may support the increased risk for cardiometabolic disease in adults born preterm.
Impact:
Adults born preterm have higher maximal but also higher basal and non-ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration. Similar mitochondrial profiles have previously been documented in diabetics, and may support the increased risk for cardiometabolic disease in adults born preterm. Prior studies demonstrate a link between perinatal mitochondrial function and risk for development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Here, maximal mitochondrial respiration correlates modestly with adult lung function. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell mitochondrial function may be a biomarker of both early lung function and late cardiometabolic risk after preterm birth.
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