Gallic Acid Reduces Blood Pressure and Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Antihypertensive phytocomplexes of proven efficacy and well-established use: Mode of action and individual characterization of the active constituents

Hypertension has become the leading risk factor for worldwide cardiovascular diseases. Conventional pharmacological treatment, after both dietary and lifestyle changes, is generally proposed. In this review, we present the antihypertensive properties of phytocomplexes from thirteen plants, long ago widely employed in ethnomedicines and, in recent years, increasingly evaluated for their activity in vitro and in vivo, also in humans, in comparison with synthetic drugs acting on the same systems. Here, we focus on the demonstrated or proposed mechanisms of action of such phytocomplexes and of their constituents proven to exert cardiovascular effects. Almost seventy phytochemicals are described and scientifically sound pertinent literature, published up to now, is summarized. The review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of these natural substances in the treatment of the 'high normal blood pressure' or 'stage 1 hypertension', so-named according to the most recent European and U.S. guidelines, and as a supplementation in more advanced stages of hypertension, however needing further validation by clinical trial intensification.

Molecular mechanisms underlying gallic acid effects against cardiovascular diseases: An update review

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is growing. CVDs are the major cause of mortality and have become one of the most important health challenges in developing countries. Gallic acid (GA) is a natural phytochemical which has been widely used against multiple conditions. The present review was designed to evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of this agent against CVDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data discussed in this review were collected from the articles published in databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Scientific Information Database between 1993 and 2018.

RESULTS

According to the experimental studies, GA has protective actions against CVDs through increasing antioxidant enzymes capacity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and decreasing serum levels of cardiac marker enzymes, modulation of hemodynamic parameters, recovery of electrocardiogram aberrations, and preservation of histopathological changes.

CONCLUSION

GA has potential cardioprotective action. Therefore, it has been suggested that this agent can be administered in underlying of CVDS.

Forkhead box O3 protects the heart against paraquat-induced aging-associated phenotypes by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes

Paraquat (PQ) promotes cell senescence in brain tissue, which contributes to Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, PQ induces heart failure and oxidative damage, but it remains unknown whether and how PQ induces cardiac aging. Here, we demonstrate that PQ induces phenotypes associated with senescence of cardiomyocyte cell lines and results in cardiac aging‐associated phenotypes including cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in vivo. Moreover, PQ inhibits the activation of Forkhead box O3 (FoxO3), an important longevity factor, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that PQ‐induced senescence phenotypes, including proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, and p16^INK4a expression, were significantly enhanced by FoxO3 deficiency in cardiomyocytes. Notably, PQ‐induced cardiac remolding, apoptosis, oxidative damage, and p16^INK4a expression in hearts were exacerbated by FoxO3 deficiency. In addition, both in vitro deficiency and in vivo deficiency of FoxO3 greatly suppressed the activation of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in the presence of PQ, which was accompanied by attenuation in cardiac function. The direct in vivo binding of FoxO3 to the promoters of the Cat and Sod2 genes in the heart was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Functionally, overexpression of Cat or Sod2 alleviated the PQ‐induced senescence phenotypes in FoxO3‐deficient cardiomyocyte cell lines. Overexpression of FoxO3 and CAT in hearts greatly suppressed the PQ‐induced heart injury and phenotypes associated with aging. Collectively, these results suggest that FoxO3 protects the heart against an aging‐associated decline in cardiac function in mice exposed to PQ, at least in part by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and suppressing oxidative stress.

Gallic and carnosic acids improve quality of frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa

The objective was to determine effects of gallic acid (GA) and carnosic acid (CA), present in carob pods and rosemary extract respectively, on frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa. Thirty ejaculates were collected from five Merino rams, pooled, diluted in Tris-based extender and divided into five equal portions containing: 0.05 or 2 mM of GA; 0.05 or 0.2 mM of CA; or no additive (control). Extended semen was equilibrated at +4°C, loaded into straws, held 5 cm above liquid nitrogen for 12 min then plunged. Computer-aided sperm analysis was used to assess motility, whereas flow cytometry was used to assess high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) and percentages of spermatozoa with plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI). Spermatozoa supplemented with 2 mM GA had greater total motility than control spermatozoa (39.9 ± 3.01 vs. 29.2 ± 1.31%, mean ± SEM, p < .05). The PMAI was greatest in 0.2 mM CA (13.3 ± 0.68%), whereas HMMP was highest in 0.05 mM CA but lowest in control (22.9 ± 4.95 and 11.4 ± 3.64% respectively; p < .05). In conclusion, for cryopreservation of ram semen in Tris-based extender, supplementation with 2 mM GA increased post-thaw motility, whereas supplementation with 0.05 mM CA enhanced mitochondrial function.

Lancemaside A from Codonopsis lanceolata prevents hypertension by inhibiting NADPH oxidase 2-mediated MAPK signalling and improving NO bioavailability in rats

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated whether lancemaside A (LMA) can prevent hypertension and assessed the mechanisms of action of LMA in rats.

METHODS

Hypertension was induced by chronic immobilization stress and nicotine administration. Hypertensive vehicle rats were treated with LMA (1, 20, or 40 mg/kg) or nifedipine (10 mg/kg) as a positive control daily for 3 weeks.

KEY FINDINGS

In hypertensive vehicle rats, LMA dose-dependently reduced systolic blood pressure. LMA doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg reduced the aortic expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)2 (both P < 0.01), and 40 mg/kg LMA reduced serum malondialdehyde (P < 0.01). Serum nitrite levels were significantly higher in LMA treated rats than in hypertensive vehicle rats, with LMA doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg reducing the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in rat aortas (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). LMA also reduced the aortic levels of nuclear factor kappa B and the activation of the three isoforms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).

CONCLUSIONS

Lancemaside A prevents hypertension in rats by inhibiting the activation of MAPK signalling and the impairment in nitric oxide bioavailability due to NOX2-mediated oxidative stress. Thus, LMA may act as a preventive agent for hypertension.

Benzo[a]pyrene alters vascular function in rat aortas ex vivo and in vivo

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in tobacco smoke and air pollution products. BaP exposure has been recently suggested to be a risk factor for hypertension in coke oven workers. The mechanisms of BaP on vascular smooth muscle function remain unclear. Here, we examined the influence and possible mechanism of BaP on vasoconstriction in rat thoracic aortas ex vivo and in vivo. In vivo exposure of rats to BaP (20 mg/kg) for 8 weeks caused a significant enhancement in the systolic blood pressure and enhanced aortic hyperreactivity to α1-adrenoceptor selective agonist phenylephrine in aortas. BaP (1 and 10 μM) treatment for 18 h induced an enhancement of phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction in the organ cultures of aortas. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist α-naphthoflavone, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) inhibitor PD98059, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor ML-9, and Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 significantly suppressed BaP-enhanced vasoconstriction. BaP time-dependently triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in primary vascular smooth muscle cells. Both antioxidant N-acetylcysteine and NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium significantly inhibited BaP-triggered ROS production and vasoconstriction. These results suggest that BaP enhances aortic vasoconstriction via the activation of ROS and muscular signaling molecules PKC, MAPK, MLCK, and Rho-kinase.

Gallic acid protects rat liver mitochondria ex vivo from bisphenol A induced oxidative stress mediated damages

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Bisphenol A induces oxidative stress mediated liver mitochondrial damage.

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Bisphenol A induced damage is being protected when mitochondria are co-incubated with gallic acid.

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Scanning electron microscopy of mitochondrial tomography supports the biochemical observations.

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Gallic acid may be used as future remedial measure for the protection of bisphenol A induced damages of liver mitochondria.

Humans are often exposed to bisphenol A (BPA), the monomer of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, through BPA contaminated drinking water, beverages and foods, packaged in polycarbonate plastic bottles and cans coated with epoxy resins due to leaching. Several research groups have reported that BPA may cause damage of mitochondria in liver, kidney, heart and brain cells by inducing oxidative stress. The antioxidant efficacy of gallic acid (GA), a polyphenol compound obtained from plants, against different toxicants induced oxidative stress has been well established. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective efficacy of GA against BPA induced oxidative damages of the rat liver mitochondria ex vivo. In our study, we have found a significant decrease in the intactness of mitochondria; a significant increase (P ≤ 0.001) in the levels of lipid peroxidation end product (i.e. malondialdehyde) and protein carbonylation product; and also a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.001) in the reduced glutathione content; when mitochondria were incubated with BPA (160 μM/ml) only. These results indicate that BPA probably causes damage to the cellular macromolecules through oxidative stress. We have observed significant counteractions (P ≤ 0.001) against BPA induced alterations in mitochondrial intactness, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation products formation and reduced glutathione content when mitochondria were incubated with BPA and GA (20 μg/ml/ 40 μg/ml/ 80 μg/ml) in combination in a dose-dependent manner. Gallic acid also showed significant restorations (P ≤ 0.001) of the activities of antioxidant enzymes, Krebs cycle enzymes, respiratory chain enzymes and thiolase when mitochondria were incubated with BPA and dosage of GA (20 μg/ml/ 40 μg/ml/ 80 μg/ml) in combination compared to BPA incubated mitochondria. Furthermore, GA significantly (P ≤ 0.001) counteracted the BPA induced decrease in tryptophan and NADH auto-fluroscence levels in mitochondria. This result suggests that GA protects the mitochondria probably by reducing the oxidative stress. Besides, GA protects the mitochondrial surface from BPA induced oxidative damages as viewed under the scanning electron microscope. Considering all the results, it can be concluded that GA shows potent efficacy in protecting the rat liver mitochondria ex vivo from BPA induced oxidative stress mediated damages.

Selective inhibition of histone deacetylase 8 improves vascular hypertrophy, relaxation, and inflammation in angiotensin II hypertensive mice

Background

The dysregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) protein expression or its enzyme activity is implicated in a variety of diseases. Cardiac HDAC6 and HDAC8 enzyme activity induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) hypertension was attenuated by sodium valproate, a pan-HDAC inhibitor. However, the HDAC6-selective inhibitor, tubastatin A, did not attenuate angiotensin II-induced hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PCI34051, an HDAC8-selective inhibitor, can modulate angiotensin II-induced hypertension and its regulatory mechanism.

Methods

An angiotensin II-regulated mouse model was used in this study. Animals received vehicle or PCI34051 (3 mg·kg - ¹·day- ¹) via intraperitoneal injection. Systolic blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff method. Blood vessel thickness was measured following hematoxylin and eosin staining, VCAM-1 immunohistochemistry was performed in the aortas, and mRNA expression of renin-angiotensin system components, inflammation markers, and NADPH oxidase (Nox) was determined by RT-PCR. The effect of PCI34051 on vasorelaxation was studied in rat aortic rings, and its effect on nitric oxide (NO) production was determined using DAF-FM DA, a fluorescent dye, in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Results

PCI34051 administration reduced systolic blood pressure via downregulation of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) mRNA expression. PCI34051 treatment attenuated vascular hypertrophy by decreasing E2F3 and GATA6 mRNA expression. Vascular relaxation after PCI34051 treatment was more dependent on vascular endothelial cells and it was blocked by an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. In addition, NO production increased in HUVECs after PCI34051 treatment; this was decreased by the NOS inhibitor. The expression of inflammatory molecules and adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 decreased in the aortas of angiotensin II-infused mice after PCI34051 administration. However, PCI34051 did not affect Nox or its regulatory subunits.

Conclusions

PCI34051 lowered high blood pressure through modulation of arterial remodeling, vasoconstriction, and inflammation in an angiotensin II-induced hypertension model. We suggest that HDAC8 could be a potential therapeutic target for hypertension.

Class I histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 attenuates vasoconstriction and inflammation in angiotensin II-induced hypertension

Objective

Non-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are known to improve hypertension. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect and regulatory mechanism of the class I HDAC selective inhibitors, MS-275 and RGFP966, in angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertensive mice.

Methods and results

MS-275 inhibited the activity of HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3, while RGFP966 weakly inhibited that of HDAC3 in a cell-free system. MS-275 and RGFP966 treatment reduced systolic blood pressure and thickness of the aorta wall in Ang II-induced hypertensive mice. MS-275 treatment reduced aorta collagen deposition, as determined by Masson’s trichrome staining. MS-275 decreased the components of the renin angiotensin system and increased vascular relaxation of rat aortic rings via the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. NO levels reduced by Ang II were restored by MS-275 treatment in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, MS-275 dose (3 mg·kg^-1·day^-1) was not enough to induce NO production in vivo. In addition, MS-275 did not prevent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling in the aorta of Ang II-induced mice. Treatment with MS-275 failed to inhibit Ang II-induced expression of NADPH oxidase (Nox)1, Nox2, and p47phox. MS-275 treatment reduced proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, as well as adhesion molecules. Histological analysis showed that Ang II-induced macrophage infiltration was reduced by MS-275 and RGFP966 administration.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that class I HDAC selective inhibitors may be good therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension through the regulation of vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction, as well as inflammation.

Regular consumption of green tea improves pulse pressure and induces regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients

This study characterized the effects of regular green tea (GT) and hot water (HW) ingestion on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in two equal, sex- and age-matched groups; Grp1 and Grp2 (n = 100 each; age 53 ± 4 years) of hypertensive patients. Grp1 had regular GT treatment, followed by HW ingestion, whereas Grp2 had HW ingestion followed by GT treatment for periods of 4 months each. Electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic assessments of LVH were made before and at the end of both periods. SBP was lowered significantly by 6.6%; DBP by 5.1%, and PP by 9.1% by the end of month 4 of GT treatment in Grp1. Upon GT cessation and HW ingestion, SBP, DBP, and PP returned to pretreatment levels over 4 months. In Grp2, SBP, DBP, and PP were reduced insignificantly by 1.5%, 1.0%, and 2.3% by the end of the 4th month of HW ingestion. Conversely, over 4 months of GT treatment, SBP, DBP, and PP were significantly lowered by 5.4%, 4.1%, and 7.7% from the baseline values, respectively. ECG and echocardiographic evidence of LVH was shown in 20% of Grp1 and 24% of Grp2 patients before intervention. This was significantly lowered to 8% and 10% in Grp1 and Grp2 by GT treatment. However, this increased to 16% following HW ingestion in Grp1. HW ingestion did mot induce regression of LVH in Grp2. Thus, regular GT ingestion has cardiovascular protective effects.

Prediction of Drug Positioning for Quan-Du-Zhong Capsules Against Hypertensive Nephropathy Based on the Robustness of Disease Network

Hypertensive nephropathy (HN) is a medical condition in which chronic high blood pressure causes different kidney damage, including vascular, glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions. For HN patients, glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions occur in different renal structure with distinct mechanisms in the progression of renal damage. As an extraction of Eucommia ulmoides, Quan-du-zhong capsule (QDZJN) has the potential to treat HN due to antihypertensive and renal protective activities. Complicated mechanism of HN underlying various renal lesions and the “multi-component and multi-target” characteristics of QDZJN make identifying drug positioning for various renal lesions of HN complex. Here, we proposed an approach based on drug perturbation of disease network robustness, that is used to assess QDZJN positioning for various HN lesions. Topological characteristics of drug-attacked nodes in disease network were used to evaluated nodes importance to network. To evaluate drug attack on the whole disease network of various HN lesions, the robustness of disease networks before/after drug attack were assessed and compared with null models generated from random networks. We found that potential targets of QDZJN were specifically expressed in the kidneys and tended to participate in the “inflammatory response,” “regulation of blood pressure,” and “response to LPS and hypoxia,” and they were also key factors of HN. Based on network robustness assessment, QDZJN may specifically target glomeruli account to the stronger influence on glomerular network after removal of its potential targets. This prediction strategy of drug positioning is suitable for multi-component drugs based on drug perturbation of disease network robustness for two renal compartments, glomeruli and tubules. A stronger influence on the disease network of glomeruli than of tubules indicated that QDZJN may specifically target glomerular lesion of HN patients and will provide more evidence for precise clinical application of QDZJN against HN. Drug positioning approach we proposed also provides a new strategy for predicting precise clinical use of multi-target drugs.

Evidence that Nitric Oxide is Involved in the Blood Pressure Lowering Effect of the Peptide AVFQHNCQE in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

AVFQHNCQE is an antihypertensive nonapeptide obtained from a chicken foot protein hydrolysate. The present study aims to investigate the mechanisms involved in its blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect. Male (17⁻20 weeks old) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used in this study. Rats were divided into two groups and orally administered water or 10 mg/kg body weight (bw) AVFQHNCQE. One hour post-administration, animals of both groups were intra-peritoneally treated with 1 mL of saline or with 1 mL of saline containing 30 mg/kg bw Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, or with 1 mL of saline containing 5 mg/kg bw indomethacin, which is an inhibitor of prostacyclin synthesis (n = 6 per group). Systolic BP was recorded before oral administration and six hours after oral administration. In an additional experiment, SHR were administered water or 10 mg/kg bw AVFQHNCQE (n = 6 per group) and sacrificed six hours post-administration to study the mechanisms underlying the peptide anti-hypertensive effect. Moreover, the relaxation caused by AVFQHNCQE in isolated aortic rings from Sprague-Dawley rats was evaluated. The BP-lowering effect of the peptide was not changed after indomethacin administration but was completely abolished by L-NAME, which demonstrates that its anti-hypertensive effect is mediated by changes in endothelium-derived NO availability. In addition, AVFQHNCQE administration downregulated aortic gene expression of the vasoconstrictor factor endothelin-1 and the endothelial major free radical producer NADPH. Moreover, while no changes in plasma ACE activity were observed after its administration, liver GSH levels were higher in the peptide-treated group than in the water group, which demonstrates that AVFQHNCQE presents antioxidant properties.

Protective Role of Polyphenols against Vascular Inflammation, Aging and Cardiovascular Disease

Aging is a major risk factor in the development of chronic diseases affecting various tissues including the cardiovascular system, muscle and bones. Age-related diseases are a consequence of the accumulation of cellular damage and reduced activity of protective stress response pathways leading to low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Both inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to cellular senescence, a process in which cells stop proliferating and become dysfunctional by secreting inflammatory molecules, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular matrix components that cause inflammation and senescence in the surrounding tissue. This process is known as the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Thus, accumulation of senescent cells over time promotes the development of age-related diseases, in part through the SASP. Polyphenols, rich in fruits and vegetables, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities associated with protective effects against major chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols improve anti-oxidant capacity, mitochondrial function and autophagy, while reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). We also discuss the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in reducing the effects of the SASP and the incidence of CVD.

Gallic Acid Suppresses Cardiac Hypertrophic Remodeling and Heart Failure

SCOPE

Gallic acid (GA) is a dietary phenolic acid found in tea, red wine, and some plants. It exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent studies have revealed that GA has beneficial effects against several cardiovascular diseases; however, whether GA attenuates pressure-overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Primary cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is stimulated with angiotensin II (Ang II). Cardiac hypertrophic remodeling is induced in mice by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Myocardial function is evaluated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic analyses, while cardiac tissues are analyzed by histological staining. It is observed that GA significantly decreases Ang II-induced increases in cardiomyocyte size in vitro. Administration of GA in mice markedly improves TAC-induced cardiac dysfunction and attenuates pathological changes, including cardiac myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, GA inhibits ULK1 and activates autophagy, which induces the degradation of EGFR, gp130, and calcineurin A, thereby inhibiting the downstream signaling cascades (AKT, ERK1/2, JAK2/STAT3, and NFATc1).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate for the first time that GA prevents myocardial hypertrophy and dysfunction via an autophagy-dependent mechanism. Thus, GA represents a promising therapeutic candidate for treating cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

Inhibitory effects of Euphorbia supina on Propionibacterium acnes-induced skin inflammation in vitro and in vivo

Background

Euphorbia supina (ES) plant has been used as treatment for inflammatory conditions. The antibacterial effect and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ES for Propionibacterium (P.) acnes-induced inflammation in THP-1 cells and acne animal model remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of ES against P. acnes, the etiologic agent of skin inflammation.

Method

The antibacterial activities of ES were tested with disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. Cytotoxicity of ES at different doses was evaluated by the MTT assay. THP-1 cells were stimulated by heat-killed P. acnes in the presence of ES. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and mRNA levels were measured by ELISA and real-time-PCR. MAPK expression was analyzed by Western blot. The living P. acnes was intradermally injected into the ear of BLBC/c mice. Subsequently, chemical composition of ES was analyzed by liquids chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Result

ES had stronger antibacterial activity against P. acnes and inhibitory activity on lipase. ES had no significant cytotoxicity on THP-1 cells. ES suppressed the mRNA levels and production of IL-8, TNF-a, IL-1β in vitro. ES inhibited the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the MAPK signaling pathway. Ear thickness and inflammatory cells were markedly reduced by ES treatment. Protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol were detected by LC-MS analysis in ES.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of ES extract against P. acnes. It is suggested that ES extract might be used to treatment anti-inflammatory skin disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2320-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sfrp1 attenuates TAC-induced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting Wnt signaling pathway- mediated myocardial apoptosis in mice

Background

Hemodynamic overload causes cardiac hypertrophy leading to heart failure. Wnt signaling pathway was reported activated in heart failure. Secreted frizzled related protein 1 (Sfrp1) is a suppressor of Wnt signaling activation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of Sfrp1 on hemodynamic overload- induced cardiac dysfunction.

Methods

A mice transverse aortic constriction (TAC)- induced heart failure model was established. A recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) vector was used to deliver Sfrp1 gene into myocardium. Fluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining was used to evaluate the effectiveness of viral vector delivery. Invasive hemodynamic examination was used to evaluate cardiac systolic and diastolic functions. Myocardium apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. The expression levels of Sfrp1, β-catenin, caspase3, Bax, Bcl-2 and c-Myc were measured by Western blotting.

Results

Increased mean arterial pressure and impaired cardiac function confirmed the establishment of TAC model. Sfrp1 protein expression was effectively increased in myocardium of mice treated with AAV9-Sfrp1 viral vector. The viral vector administration improved both systolic and diastolic cardiac functions by reducing myocardial apoptosis in TAC mice. The expression levels of β-catenin, caspase3 and Bax were significantly reduced while the expression levels of Bcl-2 and c-Myc were dramatically increased in myocardium by the viral vector treatment in TAC mice.

Conclusions

AAV9 viral vector delivered sfrp1 expression gene into myocardium, which attenuated TAC-induced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting Wnt signaling pathway activation- mediated apoptosis.

Gallic acid improves cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis in pressure overload-induced heart failure

Gallic acid is a trihydroxybenzoic acid found in tea leaves and some plants. Here, we report the effect of gallic acid on cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis in a mouse model of pressure overload-induced heart failure and in primary rat cardiac fibroblasts, and compare the effects of gallic acid with those of drugs used in clinics. Gallic acid reduces cardiac hypertrophy, dysfunction, and fibrosis induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) stimuli in vivo and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in vitro. It decreases left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameter, and recovers the reduced fractional shortening in TAC. In addition, it suppresses the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, skeletal α-actin, and β-myosin heavy chain. Administration of gallic acid decreases perivascular fibrosis, as determined by Trichrome II Blue staining, and reduces the expression of collagen type I and connective tissue growth factor. However, administration of losartan, carvedilol, and furosemide does not reduce cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis in TAC. Moreover, treatment with gallic acid inhibits fibrosis-related genes and deposition of collagen type I in TGF-β1-treated cardiac fibroblasts. These results suggest that gallic acid is a therapeutic agent for cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis in chronic heart failure.

Decrease of Perivascular Adipose Tissue Browning Is Associated With Vascular Dysfunction in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats During Aging

Functional perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is necessary to maintain vascular physiology through both mechanical support and endocrine or paracrine ways. PVAT shows a brown adipose tissue (BAT)-like feature and the browning level of PVAT is dependent on the anatomic location and species. However, it is not clear whether PVAT browning is involved in the vascular tone regulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). In the present study, we aimed to illustrate the effect of aging on PVAT browning and subsequent vasomotor reaction in SHRs. Herein we utilized histological staining and western blot to detect the characteristics of thoracic PVAT (tPVAT) in 8-week-old and 16-week-old SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. We also detected vascular reactivity analysis to determine the effect of tPVAT on vasomotor reaction during aging. The results showed that tPVAT had a similar phenotype to BAT, including smaller adipocyte size and positive uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) staining. Interestingly, the tPVAT of 8-week-old SHR showed increased BAT phenotypic marker expression compared to WKY, whereas the browning level of tPVAT had a more dramatic decrease from 8 to 16 weeks of age in SHR than age-matched WKY rats. The vasodilation effect of tPVAT on aortas had no significant difference in 8-week-old WKY and SHR, whereas this effect is obviously decreased in 16-week-old SHR compared to WKY. In contrast, tPVAT showed a similar vasoconstriction effect in 8- or 16-week-old WKY and SHR rats. Moreover, we identified an important vasodilator adenosine, which regulates adipocyte browning and may be a potential PVAT-derived relaxing factor. Adenosine is dramatically decreased from 8 to 16 weeks of age in the tPVAT of SHR. In summary, aging is associated with a decrease of tPVAT browning and adenosine production in SHR rats. These may result in attenuated vasodilation effect of the tPVAT in SHR during aging.

Transcriptome analysis reveals GA induced apoptosis in HCT116 human colon cancer cells through calcium and p53 signal pathways

Gallic acid (GA) is a polyphenol widely found in numerous fruits and vegetables that has been reported to exert anticancer effects, including apoptosis, against cancer cell lines. However, little is known about the induction of apoptotic effects and the underlying mechanism. We used RNA-seq to examine differentially expressed genes in human colon cancer HCT116 cells after 12 h and 24 h exposure to GA. A total of 792 and 911 genes with known functions showed significantly different expression levels in 12 h and 24 h GA-treated HCT116 cells, respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the identified genes were involved in pathways such as cholinergic synapse, circadian entrainment, calcium signal processing and transport, arachidonic acid metabolism and the p53 signal pathway. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to validate the reliability of the results obtained by RNA-seq. The results of this study indicate that GA triggers apoptosis in HCT116 cells through obstructing the growth of cells in the early phase treatment by down-regulation of calcium channels and then up-regulation of the intrinsic p53 signal pathway through activation of apoptosis caspases, finally leading to the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Gallic acid (GA) is a polyphenol widely found in plants that induced apoptosis in human colon cancer cells through calcium and p53 signal pathways.