Grant: Project Grant

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older individuals. As people age there is an increased risk and incidence, with aged individuals comprising greater than 75% of patients presenting with CVD. Ischemic heart disease is a major contributor to CVD yet the development of successful therapies has remained elusive. Heart damage begins to occur after it has been deprived of oxygen (ischemia) for an extended period of time. Ischemic injury can significantly affect key components of the cell, such as mitochondria. In the heart, mitochondria provide about 90% of the energy for cardiac function. Natural decline in cardiovascular function with age has been well established but our understanding of the mechanisms is limited. Evidence indicates deterioration of mitochondria over time plays a critical role. Mitochondria are critical to cardiomyocyte survival and heart function, so maintenance of a healthy mitochondrial population is essential for the preservation of healthy cardiac muscle. Dietary sources of essential fatty acids have a significant effect on cardiovascular health. The overall goal this project is to investigate the cardioprotective role of novel metabolites produced from omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in dietary sources. Proteins within a cell metabolize these fatty acids into active molecules called epoxy lipids. These molecules are involved in regulating different functions in the body. Our research has demonstrated they can limit mitochondrial injury. Thus, the objective of this grant is to understand how this occurs in young and aged hearts, as well to target these molecules as viable therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or treat mitochondrial damage caused heart disease. We aim to identify new regulatory mechanisms and advance our understanding of mitochondrial function in aged hearts.