To test the hypothesis that SS-31, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, attenuates the effect of prolonged CMV on diaphragm myofiber calcium homeostasis.
Specific force of diaphragm fibers decreased significantly 28 ±5%, (n=10) following 12hrs of mechanical ventilation compared to fibers from unventilated control mice. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in cross-sectional area (574 ±19 versus 673± 21 μm2), an increase in calpain activity, the oxidation of the RyR1 macromolecular complexed, RyR1 phosphorylation at Ser-2844 and the depletion of the stabilizing subunit calstabin1 resulting in an increase in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak. Diaphragm from mice treated with SS-31 were protected against all of these changes.
we propose that SR Ca2+ leak via RyR1 due to mitochondrial induced oxidative stress, triggers Ca2+-dependent proteolysis and underlie VIDD. These results emphasize the need to develop therapeutic interventions that mitigate mitochondrial dysfunctional thereby reduce mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic weakness.
The author hereby declares no conflict of interest