Grant: Project Grant

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly individuals, where ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major contributor. While aging is a natural process involving the progressive decline in biological systems, the effects of age can impact an individual's ability to withstand stress or injury. IHD occurs after the heart has been deprived of oxygen (ischemia) for an extended period of time. This injury can significantly affect key components of the cell, such as mitochondria. Mitochondria are organelles found in a cell that are critical to the heart by providing the energy required to function properly. However, the impact of aging on mitochondria may exacerbate adverse effects resulting from ischemic injury. Unfortunately, there are no therapeutic agents and limited strategies to protect mitochondria. The overall goal of this project is the development of our novel synthetic compounds that limit mitochondrial damage and protect cardiac function. These new drugs are based on our work investigating cytochrome P450 metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids, called epoxylipids. Our research has demonstrated the epoxylipids can limit mitochondrial injury and protect the heart following ischemic injury. The objective is to improve the stability and efficacy of our molecules to prevent and/or treat mitochondrial damage. We believe the successful discovery of these molecules represents a novel therapeutic strategy to improve cardiac function in older individuals suffering from heart disease.