Researchers from the University of Utah Health Sciences in the United States have revealed a new cellular mechanism that enables heart muscle to use two energy sources simultaneously: glucose and lactate, providing a deeper understanding of how the heart meets its continuous energy needs. This discovery opens the door to research aimed at developing future treatments for heart failure and recovery from heart attacks.
The university, in a report published yesterday Wednesday, explained that the study showed heart muscle cells process glucose in the liquid part of the cell, while transporting lactate to the mitochondria to produce energy. It was found that this mechanism relies on a molecule known as "MCT1," which acts as a transporter for lactate into the mitochondria, where it is used for energy production.
In the same context, experiments showed that disabling the function of this molecule reduces the heart's ability to utilize lactate, making it more susceptible to performance decline under stress. Researchers noted that the heart requires a continuous supply of energy to pump blood, and its ability to use different sources helps meet its needs, especially under stress or injury.
For his part, Gregory Dockery, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Utah Health Sciences and the study's lead researcher, explained that this mechanism may represent a backup system that helps the heart maintain its functions in difficult conditions. He pointed out that enhancing the heart's ability to use lactate could open a new direction in therapeutic research.
The report added that these results indicate that the lactate transport and utilization pathway within mitochondria could serve as a target for future research aimed at developing treatments that support heart function in patients with heart failure, or help mitigate the effects of damage to the heart muscle after heart attacks, although these applications still require further studies.
This discovery contributes to expanding the understanding of the mechanisms heart muscle relies on to secure its energy needs, providing a foundation for future research exploring ways to support heart efficiency and mitigate the effects of diseases and injuries that impair its function.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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