Methamphetamine induces cardiomyopathy by Sigmar1 inhibition-dependent impairment of mitochondrial dynamics and function

Commun Biol. 2020 Nov 17;3(1):682. doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01408-z.

Abstract

Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death linked with illicit drug use. Here we show that Sigmar1 is a therapeutic target for methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy and defined the molecular mechanisms using autopsy samples of human hearts, and a mouse model of "binge and crash" methamphetamine administration. Sigmar1 expression is significantly decreased in the hearts of human methamphetamine users and those of "binge and crash" methamphetamine-treated mice. The hearts of methamphetamine users also show signs of cardiomyopathy, including cellular injury, fibrosis, and enlargement of the heart. In addition, mice expose to "binge and crash" methamphetamine develop cardiac hypertrophy, fibrotic remodeling, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to contractile dysfunction. Methamphetamine treatment inhibits Sigmar1, resulting in inactivation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), decreased expression of mitochondrial fission 1 protein (FIS1), and ultimately alteration of mitochondrial dynamics and function. Therefore, Sigmar1 is a viable therapeutic agent for protection against methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiomyopathies / chemically induced*
  • Cardiomyopathies / prevention & control
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / metabolism
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Heart / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Methamphetamine / administration & dosage
  • Methamphetamine / toxicity*
  • Mice
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / drug effects
  • Receptors, sigma / genetics
  • Receptors, sigma / metabolism*
  • Sigma-1 Receptor

Substances

  • Creb1 protein, mouse
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
  • FIS1 protein, mouse
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Receptors, sigma
  • Methamphetamine