LATE-BREAKING ABSTRACT: Disturbed mitochondrial dynamics and network in diaphragm muscle fibers of mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

Background: Mechanically ventilated Intensive Care (IC) patients develop diaphragm weakness, which may delay weaning and increases duration of hospitalization and morbidity. This weakness is caused by many factors. The activation mechanism of one of these factors, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, might involve mitochondrial changes. Aims: To investigate mitochondrial dynamics, morphology, and function in diaphragm fibers of IC-patients. Methods: Muscle fibers obtained by diaphragm biopsies of mechanically ventilated IC-patients (n=28) and control subjects (n=27) were analyzed by electron microscopy (EM), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and respirometry. Results: Control and IC-patients were mechanically ventilated for 1.4±0.1 hours and 153±32.0 hours respectively, (p Conclusion: These data suggests altered mitochondrial dynamics and a disturbed network in IC-patients, which may contribute to diaphragm weakness and weaning failure.