The present invention relates to compositions and methods for providing mitochondria-selective targeting agents covalently linked to desired cargo such as radical scavenging agents. Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating an illness that is caused or associated with cellular damage or dysfunction which is caused by excessive mitochondrial production of reaction oxygen species (ROS). Compositions which act as mitochondria-selective targeting agents using specific structural signaling features recognizable by cells as mitochondrial targeting sequences are discussed. A method for delivering these agents effectively into cells and mitochondria where they act as electron scavengers by way of certain targeting sequences is also disclosed. Mitochondria and cell death by way of apoptosis is inhibited as a result of the ROS-scavenging activity, thereby increasing the survival rate of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions and methods may be administered therapeutically in the field to patients with profound hemorrhagic shock so that survival could be prolonged until it is feasible to obtain surgical control of the bleeding vessels. In further preferred embodiments, the composition for scavenging radicals in a mitochondrial membrane includes a radical scavenging agent and a membrane active compound having a high affinity with said mitochondrial membrane and associated methods. In another embodiment, the cargo transported by mitochondrial-selective targeting agents may include an inhibitor of nitrous oxide system (NOS) enzyme activity.
本发明涉及将线粒体选择性靶向剂与所需的货物(如自由基清除剂)共价连接的组合物和方法。揭示了用于治疗由过度线粒体反应氧化物(ROS)产生引起或与细胞损伤或功能障碍相关的疾病的组合物和方法。讨论了作为线粒体选择性靶向剂的组合物,使用特定的结构信号特征,可被细胞识别为线粒体靶向序列。还揭示了一种将这些剂有效地输送到细胞和线粒体内,在那里它们通过某些靶向序列作为电子清除剂起作用的方法。由于ROS清除活性,抑制了线粒体和细胞凋亡,从而增加了患者的生存率。在首选实施例中,这些组合物和方法可以在深度失血性休克的患者中进行治疗,以延长生存时间,直到获得手术控制出血血管。在进一步的首选实施例中,用于清除线粒体膜中自由基的组合物包括具有与线粒体膜高亲和力的膜活性化合物和自由基清除剂,并提供了相关方法。在另一种实施例中,由线粒体选择性靶向剂运输的货物可以包括一种抑制
一氧化氮系统(NOS)酶活性的
抑制剂。