Mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiac disease: Ischemia-reperfusion, aging,and heart failure

Mitochondria contribute to cardiac dysfunction and Myocyte injury via a los s of metabolic capacity and by the production and release of toxic products . This article discusses aspects of mitochondrial structure and metabolism that are pertinent to the role of mitochondria in cardiac disease. Generali zed mechanisms of mitochondrial-derived myocyte injury are also discussed, as are the strengths and weaknesses of experimental models used to study th e contribution of mitochondria to cardiac injury. Finally, the involvement of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of specific cardiac disease states (isc hemia, reperfusion, aging, ischemic preconditioning, and cardiomyopathy) is addressed. (C) 2001 Academic Press.