Desmin

Most cells contain microfilaments that are important in the cytoskeleton of the cell. Desmin is a common protein found in these microfilaments.

Diabetic db/db mouse

The genetic leptin-resistant (db/db) mouse possesses a mutation in the leptin-receptor, resulting in a defective leptinreceptor. This leptin-receptor deficiency induces a hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic endometabolic environment that results in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Dichloroacetate

Dichloroacetate is a molecule that activates pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). PDH is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in glucose oxidation. In muscle cells, dichloroacetate activation of PDH results in an increase in glucose oxidation. In the heart, this activation of glucose oxidation has cardioprotective effects during and following ischemia.

Dimerize

Dimerize is a term to describe the combination of two proteins or nucleic acid chains into one complex.

Dismutase

Dismutase (usually called superoxide dismutase) is an enzyme that converts superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide.

Disulfide bonds (RSSR)

A disulfide bond is a bond in proteins between two sulfur molecules. Disulfide bonds are an important mechanism by which proteins maintain their three-dimensional configuration. If the disulfide bond is broken (for instance due to a reaction with a free radical), the function of the protein can be compromised.

Dithiothreitol

Dithiothreitol is a strong thiol reductant. It prevents sulfhydryl groups from being oxidized.

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase is a plasma cell membrane glycoprotein that functions to release nucleoside 5’-monophosphates from various nucleotides (such as ATP). There has been interest in the ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase since a K121Q polymorphism in the enzyme has been shown to be associated with obesity, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. A number of variants of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/ phosphodiesterase have now been identified to have a primary role in mediating insulin resistance and the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexanoic acid

Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in abundance in fish oils. EPA and DHA are thought to be effective in treating a number of disorders, many involving inflammation. EPA and DHA can also reduce the level of blood triglycerides in humans, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Dietary consumption of EPA and DHA have been demonstrated to reduced total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and morbidity.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Nitric oxide synthase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has received considerable research attention, since it is not only a vasodilator but is also important in numerous other processes, including apoptosis. Nitric oxide synthase present in endothelial cells is an important source of nitric oxide.

Endothelin-1

Endothelin-1 is small peptide produced in a variety of tissues including endothelial and vascular smooth-muscle cells. It acts as a modulator of vasomotor tone, cell proliferation, and hormone production. It is a potent vasoconstrictor.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are synthesized from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases, function primarily as autocrine and paracrine effectors in the cardiovascular system and kidney. The EETs have diverse actions, including somatostatin, insulin and glucagon release from the pancreas. They also modulate ion transport and gene expression, producing vasorelaxation, as well as anti-inflammatory and profibrinolytic effects.

F2-isoprostanes

Free radical peroxidation of lipids can produce F2- isoprostanes. As a result, the production of F2- isoprostanes has been used as a measure of oxidant stress.

¹⁸F-labeled 6-thia-hepta-decanoic acid

18F-labeled 6-thia-hepta-decanoic acid is an 18F-labeled fatty acid. It can be used to measure fatty acid metabolism in tissue, by following the myocardial fate of 18F with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This tracer has been used for measuring fatty acid metabolism in vivo, including the identification of defects in fatty acid metabolism in subjects with medium- and short-chain fatty acid oxidation defects.

Fatty acid binding protein (FABP)

Fatty acid binding protein is an abundant cytoplasmic protein (especially cardiac cells) that binds fatty acids and facilitates their transport to intracellular compartments. One of its functions is to transport fatty acids from the cell membrane to the mitochondria.

Fatty acid synthase (FAS)

FAS is an important enzyme in the synthesis of fatty acids, primarily in liver cells. In eukaryotes, synthesis of fatty acids takes place on a large, multifunctional FAS enzyme complex formed from a single polypeptide chain. Malonyl CoA serves as a substrate for the synthesis of fatty acids.

Fatty acid translocase (FAT)

Fatty acid translocase (FAT) is a protein found in the plasma membrane of many cells and is thought to be involved in the transport of fatty acids across the membrane and into the cell. It has been suggested that FAT is responsible for a significant portion of fatty acid uptake into the cardiac cell.

Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are immature fiber-producing cells capable of differentiating into chondroblasts, collagenoblasts or osteoblasts.

Free radicals

Free radicals are usually either oxygen or hydroxyl groups that have an unpaired electron. These free radicals are unstable and react with lipids, proteins, or DNA and RNA. This can result in tissue damage.