Cardiomyocyte mitochondrial dysfunction is frequently observed in patients with severe heart failure and has been suggested as a primary driver of the disease. Increased production of reactive oxygen species is also a common feature, which results in the oxidation of proteins, lipids and DNA. Mitochondrial dysfunction reportedly relates to increased markers of oxidative stress on complexes of the electron transport system. These experiments sought to determine the effects of reversible thiol oxidation on the function of complexes of the electron transport system and mitochondrial respiration in ventricular biopsies from patients with end-stage heart failure.

Dr Ravi Kumar:

Dr Ravi Kumar received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Florida where he studied skeletal muscle contractile function and mitochondrial bioenergetics. He was awarded a predoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association to study redox-related mechanisms of respiratory muscle weakness that is common in patients with severe heart failure. Upon graduating, he began working in the lab of Professor Ajay Shah where he is currently investigating links between intermediary glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the development of cardiac hypertrophy.