Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) and uncoupling protein-5 (UCP5) are ion carriers located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that mediate a regulated discharge of the proton gradient generated by the respiratory chain and are possibly involved in the protection against free radical production. Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of colon cancer for which UCP2 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target. The object of this study was to investigate the possible effects of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress on the mitochondrial content of UCP2 and UCP5 in colonic cells. Proliferation rate/index, antioxidant systems, reactive oxygen species, oxidative damage, mitochondrial markers and protein expression of UCP2 and UCP5 were analysed in non-metastatic HT-29 cells, metastatic SW-620 cells, and in a HT-29 differentiated derivative (Glu-R). In this study, we found a clear relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction in colonic epithelial cells and the levels of UCP2 and UCP5 proteins. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide was responsible for the coordinated activation of the antioxidant response and the increase of UCP5 protein levels. Our findings suggest that uncoupling activity could act as a local feedback mechanism to limit the enhanced steady-state H2O2 production in dysfunctional mitochondria of colonic cells.

This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.