Sucrose-induced cardiac aging and prevention by spermidine

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. In addition to genetic factors, lifestyle (nutrition or lack of physical activity) also contributes significantly to these diseases. Excessive and long-term intake of sugar, particularly in the form of sugar- sweetened beverages, is one of the hallmarks of today`s Western diet and has been linked in clinical studies to reduced general and cardiac health. The molecular changes that cause cardiac imbalance and consequent cardiac dysfunction with diet-styles are poorly understood and need good model systems to explore. This project aims to characterize the deterioration of cardiac function and metabolism in the case of chronic, long-term increased sugar consumption in suitable model systems. Based on promising preliminary study results, this project will investigate the potential and mode of action of autophagy a cellular process of nutrient recycling and stress defense that is regulated by nutrient availability and metabolism and its activation as a possible intervention. A focus will be placed on the role of general but also heart-specific autophagy and its consequences on cell metabolism and mitochondrial function. This study will elucidate for the first time the role of autophagy in the development of cardiac dysfunction and maintenance of healthy heart function in the context of chronic sugar consumption.