PGC-1alpha direct silencing with siRNA in control fibroblasts led to a similar loss of SOD2 response to oxidative stress as observed in FRDA fibroblasts.
Moreover, the decrements of mitochondrial DNA copy number and the expressions of mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, and mitochondria-specific superoxide dismutase (SOD2) in the kidneys of FA-treated mice were further reduced in rotenone-pretreated mice, indicating the aggravated mitochondrial damage.