Abstract
FindingsHere, we demonstrate that OP2113 (5-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione, CAS 532-11-6), synthesized and used as a drug since 1696, does not act as an unspecific antioxidant molecule (i.e., as a radical scavenger) but unexpectedly decreases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS/H2O2) production by acting as a specific inhibitor of ROS production at the IQ site of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Studies performed on isolated rat heart mitochondria also showed that OP2113 does not affect oxidative phosphorylation driven by complex I or complex II substrates. We assessed the effect of OP2113 on an infarct model of ex vivo rat heart in which mitochondrial ROS production is highly involved and showed that OP2113 protects heart tissue as well as the recovery of heart contractile activity.Conclusion / SignificanceThis work represents the first demonstration of a drug authorized for use in humans that can prevent mitochondria from producing ROS/H2O2. OP2113 therefore appears to be a member of the new class of mitochondrial ROS blockers (S1QELs) and could protect mitochondrial function in numerous diseases in which ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction occurs. These applications include but are not limited to aging, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's diseases, cardiac atrial fibrillation, and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Highlights
Using the classical oxygraph method, we first verified directly that the OP2113 compound did not affect oxidative phosphorylation or mitochondrial integrity using mitochondria isolated from rat heart
No statistically significant differences were observed regarding the presence of OP2113 for the large range of concentrations tested here (Fig 1), demonstrating that OP2113 has no effect on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, respiratory chain activity, ATP synthesis, or mitochondrial inner membrane integrity under these conditions
When tested on isolated mitochondria from rat heart, OP2113 effectively decreases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)/H2O2 production
Summary
A new drug to prevent mitochondria from producing oxygen radicals anethol trithione (OP2113) compound. The funding sources had no role in the study design or the analysis and interpretation of data or in the decision to submit the article for publication
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