Title:Uncoupling Protein 2 as a Pathogenic Determinant and Therapeutic
Target in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Author(s): Rosita Stanzione*, Maurizio Forte, Maria Cotugno, Franca Bianchi, Simona Marchitti, Carla Letizia Busceti, Francesco Fornai and Speranza Rubattu*
Affiliation:
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli Isernia, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli Isernia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Psychology,
Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Keywords:
UCP2, stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, therapeutics.
Abstract: Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a mitochondrial protein that acts as an anion carrier. It is
involved in the regulation of several processes, including mitochondrial membrane potential, generation
of reactive oxygen species within the inner mitochondrial membrane and calcium homeostasis.
UCP2 expression can be regulated at different levels: genetic (gene variants), transcriptional [by
peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and microRNAs], and post-translational. Experimental
evidence indicates that activation of UCP2 expression through the AMPK/PPAR-α axis
exerts a protective effect toward renal damage and stroke occurrence in an animal model of ischemic
stroke (IS) associated with hypertension. UCP2 plays a key role in heart diseases (myocardial
infarction and cardiac hypertrophy) and metabolic disorders (obesity and diabetes). In humans,
UCP2 genetic variants (-866G/A and Ala55Val) associate with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes
mellitus and IS development. Over the last few years, many agents that modulate UCP2 expression
have been identified. Some of them are natural compounds of plant origin, such as Brassica
oleracea, curcumin, berberine and resveratrol. Other molecules, currently used in clinical practice,
include anti-diabetic (gliptin) and chemotherapeutic (doxorubicin and taxol) drugs. This evidence
highlights the relevant role of UCP2 for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, which affect the
national health systems of Western countries. We will review current knowledge on the physiological
and pathological implications of UCP2 with particular regard to cardiovascular and metabolic
disorders and will focus on the available therapeutic approaches affecting UCP2 level for the treatment
of human diseases.