Investigation of Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Profile and Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis

Mitochondrial function and activity are key indicators of overall cell health and mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with disruptions in normal cellular function. Altered mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism has been implicated in processes involved in ageing and associated pathologies. In atherosclerosis, compromised mitochondrial respiration can promote plaque instability and other processes that encourage pathogenesis and dysfunction. For example, increasing respiration promotes vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and attenuates macrophage and VSMC apoptosis. Use of Agilent Seahorse technology to study mitochondrial bioenergetics has largely replaced previous outdated methods which provided limited insight into mitochondrial function and were associated with various issues. This chapter describes the use of Seahorse Agilent technology (Mito Stress Test) to study key parameters of mitochondrial respiration on cultured cells relevant to atherosclerosis.