Enhancing Mitophagy with PEP-1-CAT Attenuates Vascular Inflammation and Atherogenesis in Mice.

ABSTRACT: The gradual decline of endothelial function and the intensification of inflammatory responses form the basis for the occurrence and development of age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis (AS). Mitochondrial dysfunction-manifested by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and impaired mitophagic flux-and sterile inflammation are hallmarks of aged vasculature. We investigated whether bolstering mitochondrial quality control via the novel cell-penetrating antioxidant PEP-1-Catalase (CAT) could mitigate these key features of vascular aging. To model age-associated vascular pathology, ApoE⁻/⁻ mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with PEP-1-CAT. Endothelial cell function, plaque burden, and inflammation were analyzed. In vitr

SUBMITTER: Wei S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12920305 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature