The role of uncoupling proteins in mechanisms of protection from oxidative stress

Abstract

Uncoupling proteins, UCPs, are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and catalize proton leak across the inner mitochondrial membrane. While UCP1 from brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy of proton gradient as heat mediating process of thermogenesis, the function of cardiac isoforms of UCPs is still debated. Since the content of UCPs in heart tissue is much lesser then in BAT mild uncoupling of respiratory chain by UCPs might regulate membrane potential of cardiac mitochondria, preventing excessive production of reactive oxygen species. The review is focused on own and literature evidences suggesting the protective role of UCPs activation from oxidative stress under ischemia-reperfusion conditions and aging. Participation of UCPs in endogenous mechanisms of cardioprotection induced by ischemic preconditioning is discussed.