Effects of Polyphenols on Cardiac Mitochondrial Function: Possible Implications in the Diabetic Heart

Dear Colleagues,

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key feature of diabetic myocardium progressively resulting in altered cardiomyocyte electromechanical properties, in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Thus, maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and dynamics, and reduction of ROS production are promising targets for counteracting the occurrence of the diabetic cardiomyopathy phenotype. In this context, a great interest has been devoted to different polyphenols, antioxidant compounds that can modulate mitochondrial function directly, by ROS scavenging, or indirectly, by affecting signals, from or to mitochondria, which control the expression or the activity of specific enzymes. Although substantial advancement was made in this field, several questions remain unanswered and more investigations are needed to better define the mechanisms of action of these compounds. This knowledge will open the way for the pharmacological development of new more powerful molecules, with optimized pharmacokinetic properties, capable of preventing the functional remodeling of the diabetic heart.

In this Special Issue, we would like to invite original articles and review that focus on better understanding the mechanisms underlying the action of natural polyphenols or analogous synthetic compounds on mitochondrial function, in the diabetic heart.

Prof. Donatella Stilli
Prof. Federica Rizzi
Guest Editors

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