Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
Cardiovasc Res. 2012 Jul 15;95(2):173-82. doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvs111. Epub 2012 Mar 5.
Mitochondria are often regarded as the powerhouse of the cell by generating the ultimate energy transfer molecule, ATP, which is required for a multitude of cellular processes. However, the role of mitochondria goes beyond their capacity to create molecular fuel, to include the generation of reactive oxygen species, the regulation of calcium, and activation of cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is part of both normal and premature ageing, but can contribute to inflammation, cell senescence, and apoptosis. Cardiovascular disease, and in particular atherosclerosis, is characterized by DNA damage, inflammation, cell senescence, and apoptosis. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial damage and dysfunction also occur in atherosclerosis and may contribute to the multiple pathological processes underlying the disease. This review summarizes the normal role of mitochondria, the causes and consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction, and the evidence for mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in vascular disease. Finally, we highlight areas of mitochondrial biology that may have therapeutic targets in vascular disease.
线粒体通常被认为是细胞的“动力工厂”，因为它们能够产生最终的能量转移分子 ATP，而细胞内的许多过程都需要 ATP。然而，线粒体的作用不仅仅局限于产生分子燃料，还包括生成活性氧物种、调节钙以及激活细胞死亡。线粒体功能障碍是正常衰老和早衰的一部分，但也可能导致炎症、细胞衰老和细胞凋亡。心血管疾病，特别是动脉粥样硬化，其特征是 DNA 损伤、炎症、细胞衰老和细胞凋亡。越来越多的证据表明，线粒体损伤和功能障碍也发生在动脉粥样硬化中，可能导致该疾病多种病理过程的发生。本文综述了线粒体的正常作用、线粒体功能障碍的原因和后果，以及线粒体损伤和功能障碍在血管疾病中的证据。最后，我们强调了线粒体生物学中可能有血管疾病治疗靶点的领域。
