Cardiovascular research
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Mitochondrial fusion and fission are essential processes for preservation of normal mitochondrial function. We hypothesized that fusion proteins would be decreased in heart failure (HF), as the mitochondria in HF have been reported to be small and dysfunctional. ⋯ This is the first report, to our knowledge, of changes in mitochondrial fusion/fission proteins in cardiovascular disease. These changes have implications for mitochondrial function and apoptosis, contributing to the cell loss which is part of the downward progression of the failing heart.