Sigmar1 as the Therapeutic Target of Methamphetamine-associated Cardiomyopathy¹

Methamphetamine abuse can be toxic to cardiovascular system, which is the second leading cause of death among abusers. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism, experiments was conducted by using autopsy samples of human heart and a mouse model administrated with methamphetamine. Sigma-1 receptor (Sigmar1), a widely expressed intra-organelle signaling modulator, was suppressed in the hearts of methamphetamine users and mice. In addition, both methamphetamine users and mice demonstrate signs of cardiomyopathy, including fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to contractile dysfunction. Scientist concluded that methamphetamine inhibits Sigmar1, resulting in inactivation of cAMP response element-binding protein, suppression of mitochondrial fission 1 protein, and ultimately alters the mitochondrial function which contribute the development of methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy.

References

1. Abdullah CS, et al. Commun Biol. 2020; 3: 628.