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Research progress of mitophagy in chronic cerebral ischemia
Mayue Yu1,2, Manqing Zhang3, Peijie Fu1,2
1Department of Neurology, Clinical Medical School of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China.
Insights
Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) impairs brain function due to reduced blood flow. Mitophagy, a cellular process, is crucial for managing mitochondrial health and offers a potential therapeutic target for CCI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is a condition characterized by sustained decreased cerebral blood flow, leading to symptoms like cognitive decline and stroke.
- CCI affects diverse age groups, with a notable prevalence in the elderly (>80 years) and a significant portion in middle-aged individuals (45-50 years).
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key pathological feature of CCI, triggering mitophagy to preserve mitochondrial homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of mitophagy's role in chronic cerebral ischemia.
- To discuss the molecular pathways involved in mitophagy induction during CCI.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of modulating mitophagy for CCI treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on mitophagy and chronic cerebral ischemia.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying mitophagy induction in CCI.
- Examination of drug-induced regulation of mitophagy in the context of CCI.
Main Results:
- CCI activates mechanisms leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn induces mitophagy.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction exacerbates energy deficits and disease progression in CCI.
- Key induction pathways for mitophagy in CCI include disruptions in ATP synthesis, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species production, and calcium homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Mitophagy plays a critical role in maintaining cellular balance during chronic cerebral ischemia.
- Understanding mitophagy induction pathways provides insights into CCI pathogenesis.
- Targeting mitophagy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing chronic cerebral ischemia.
Abstract:
Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI), a condition that can result in headaches, dizziness, cognitive decline, and stroke, is caused by a sustained decrease in cerebral blood flow. Statistics show that 70% of patients with CCI are aged > 80 years and approximately 30% are 45-50 years. The incidence of CCI tends to be lower, and treatment for CCI is urgent. Studies have confirmed that CCI can activate the corresponding mechanisms that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which, in turn, can induce mitophagy to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Simultaneously, mitochondrial dysfunction can aggravate the insufficient energy supply to cells and various diseases caused by CCI. Regulation of mitophagy has become a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CCI. This article reviews the latest progress in the important role of mitophagy in CCI and discusses the induction pathways of mitophagy in CCI, including ATP synthesis disorder, oxidative stress injury, induction of reactive oxygen species, and Ca2+ homeostasis disorder, as well as the role of drugs in CCI by regulating mitophagy.
