Mitochondrial-Targeted Therapies Limit Structural and Functional Changes in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Mitochondria are critical energy-generating organelles that power the heart to pump blood around the body. Mitochondrial dysregulation in the heart is a key pathological mechanism observed in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), which can lead to heart failure. This thesis investigated several mitochondrial-targeted therapies, AP39, SKQ1 and SS31, to treat T2D-induced cardiac dysfunction. SS31, known for protecting the structural integrity of the mitochondria, was able to restore mitochondrial regulation and improve cardiac function in preclinical models of T2D. Findings from this study may facilitate the clinical progression of mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics and treatment options for individuals with T2D cardiac dysfunction.