Fructose diet-induced cardiomyocyte Ca2+ cycling abnormality

In our latest podcast we explore the cardiac-specific effects of a high fructose diet. An inventive new study by Mellor et al investigates excitation contraction coupling changes in myocytes isolated from an experimental mouse model. These studies reveal, upon high fructose feeding, marked alterations in myocyte Ca2+ handling, but with maintained contractile function. Associate Editor Meredith Bond and leading expert Susan Howlett (Dalhousie University) interview senior author Lea Delbridge (University of Melbourne) about her exciting new work on diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Kimberley M Mellor, Igor R Wendt, Rebecca H Ritchie, and Lea M.D. Delbridge. Fructose diet treatment in mice induces fundamental disturbance of cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and myofilament responsiveness Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, published ahead of print December 23, 2011, doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00797.2011.