Detection of mitochondrial mutations in genes of cytochromes B and C in lipofibrous plaques in intima of human aortas

Abstract

In the present study a pilot detection of heteroplasmy level of ten mutations in mitochondrial genes, coding cytochrome B and C in lipofibrous plaques and normal intimas of human aortas was held. It is revealed, that somatic mutations of mitochondrial genome G14846A and G15059A localized in a gene coding cytochrome B, one of the key enzymes of respiratory chain, are associated with the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in intima of human aorta. It can be suggested that genetic defects of cytochrome B may cause oxidative stress in intima aorta resulting in development of local atherosclerotic lesions.