Cytochrome P450‐Derived Epoxy Lipids of N‐3 PUFAs Protect the Heart From Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Mitochondrial Sirtuin 3

Abstract

ObjectiveCytochrome P450 epoxygenases can metabolize dietary n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) to epoxy lipids, which have known cardioprotective effects; however, it remains unclear how this cardioprotection occurs. Our recent data demonstrate that cytochrome P450 epoxygenase‐derived metabolites of the n‐3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 19,20‐epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (19,20‐EDP), exhibit protective effects toward cardiac mitochondria. Maintaining mitochondrial quality is essential to limit myocardial damage following ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury. The mitochondrial deacetylase sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of mitochondrial function and cardiac energy metabolism. We hypothesize that the cardioprotective mechanism(s) of 19,20‐EDP against IR injury involve(s) stimulating mitochondrial SIRT3.MethodsLangendorff and isolated working heart perfusions were performed in male and female C57BL/6 mice to assess changes in cardiac function and energy metabolism in response to IR injury. Hearts were perfused with either vehicle, 19,20‐EDP (1 μM) and/or the SIRT3 inhibitor nicotinamide (30 μM) for a 20 min baseline perfusion, following which hearts were subjected to 30 min of global no flow ischemia and 40 min of reperfusion. Glucose and palmitate oxidation rates were measured to detect alterations in cardiac energy metabolism. Mitochondrial fractions were assessed for changes in SIRT3 activity and total lysine acetylation levels. Mitochondrial SIRT3 downstream targets were assessed in human ventricular tissues obtained from individuals with ischemic heart disease (IHD) included in the Human Explanted Heart Program and compared to non‐failing control hearts (NFC) collected from unused transplant donors through the Human Organ Procurement and Exchange Program at the University of Alberta. In addition, mitochondrial respiration was assessed in cardiac fibers isolated from the human tissues.ResultsHearts perfused with 19,20‐EDP demonstrated improved post‐ischemic functional recovery, glucose oxidation and cardiac efficiency compared to control groups. The cardioprotective effects were associated with enhanced mitochondrial SIRT3 activity and reduced global protein acetylation. We observed increased acetylation of the mitochondrial antioxidant superoxide dismutase 2 in tissues obtained from IHD human myocardium suggesting decreased antioxidant capacity. Treatment with 19,20‐EDP also markedly improved mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized human fibers obtained from IHD hearts. Importantly, the cardioprotective effects of 19,20‐EDP was abolished by the SIRT3 inhibitor nicotinamide.ConclusionWe demonstrate that 19,20‐EDP‐mediated cardioprotective mechanisms against IR injury involve preservation of mitochondrial SIRT3 activity, which results in improved cardiac efficiency.