Mitochondrial Substrate Utilization in the Diabetic Human Heart

Diabetes can lead to heart failure independently, but the underlying causes remain incompletely understood. The main aim of this study is to identify differential regulation of mitochondrial substrate utilization and complex activity in heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). For this, we will conduct a prospective, observational study to examine myocardial mitochondrial oxidative function and related metabolic parameters, gene expression, histological markers, and inflammation in cardiac tissue from patients with heart failure or patients after heart transplantation. We will further assess cardiac function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with and without stress protocols and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Glycemic control/T2DM will be characterized by oral glucose tolerance tests. The results of this project will help to better understand the cellular mechanisms of the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and contribute to the development of early diagnostic, as well as therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.