Mitochondria-Targeted Vitamin E Antioxidant: An Agent for Cardiovascular Protection

Abstract

Mitochondria play an important role in controlling the bioenergetic status of cells in physiological conditions. Consequently, mitochondrial dysfunction leads to a range of human vascular diseases in humans. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for mitochondria-mediated disease processes are not altogether clear, oxidative stress appears to be closely linked to the subsequent increase in the amount of free radicals. Accordingly, strategies for the targeted deliv- ery of antioxidants to mitochondria are being developed. In this review, we shall briefly discuss the metabolism of cellular reactive oxygen species and its role in pathophysiology, currently available antioxidants and possible reasons for their in- effectiveness in ameliorating oxidative stress-mediated diseases, and recent developments in mitochondria-targeted anti- oxidants (in particular mitochondria-targeted vitamin E) and their potential for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.