Cardioprotective Effect of Resveratrol in a Postinfarction Heart Failure Model

Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Investigate the Mechanisms of Mahai Capsules in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Background

Mahai capsules (MHC) have been deemed to be an effective herb combination for treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) development and improvement of the life quality of CVD patients. To systematically explore the mechanisms of MHC in CVD, a network pharmacology approach mainly comprising target prediction, network construction, biological process and pathway analysis, and related diseases was adopted in this study.

Methods

We collected the bioactive compounds and potential targets of MHC through the TCMSP servers. Candidate targets related to CVD were collected from Therapeutic Targets Database and PharmGkb database and analyzed using ClueGO plugin in Cytoscape. KEGG pathway was enriched and analyzed through the EnrichR platform, and protein-protein interaction networks were calculated by STRING platform. The compound-target, target-disease, and compound-target-disease networks were constructed using Cytoscape.

Results

A total of 303 targets of the 57 active ingredients in MHC were obtained. The network analysis showed that PTGS2, PTGS1, HSP90, Scn1a, estrogen receptor, calmodulin, and thrombin were identified as key targets of MHC in the treatment of CVD. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that MHC probably produced the therapeutic effects against CVD by synergistically regulating many biological pathways, such as PI3K-Akt, TNF, HIF-1, FoxO, apoptosis, calcium, T-cell receptor, VEGF, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway.

Conclusions

In summary, the analysis of the complete profile of the pharmacological properties, as well as the elucidation of targets, networks, and pathways, can further illuminate that the underlying mechanisms of MHC in CVD might be strongly associated with its synergic regulation of inflammation, apoptosis, and immune function, and provide new clues for its future development of therapeutic strategies and basic research.

In Silico Identification of Type III PKS Chalcone and Stilbene Synthase Homologs in Marine Photosynthetic Organisms

Marine microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms at the base of the marine food webs. They are characterized by huge taxonomic and metabolic diversity and several species have been shown to have bioactivities useful for the treatment of human pathologies. However, the compounds and the metabolic pathways responsible for bioactive compound synthesis are often still unknown. In this study, we aimed at analysing the microalgal transcriptomes available in the Marine Microbial Eukaryotic Transcriptome Sequencing Project (MMETSP) database for an in silico search of polyketide synthase type III homologs and, in particular, chalcone synthase (CHS) and stilbene synthase (STS), which are often referred to as the CHS/STS family. These enzymes were selected because they are known to produce compounds with biological properties useful for human health, such as cancer chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, anti-viral and anti-diabetic. In addition, we also searched for 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase, an upstream enzyme in the synthesis of chalcones and stilbenes. This study reports for the first time the occurrence of these enzymes in specific microalgal taxa, confirming the importance for microalgae of these pathways and giving new insights into microalgal physiology and possible biotechnological applications for the production of bioactive compounds.

Resveratrol prevents ISO-induced myocardial remodeling associated with regulating polarization of macrophages through VEGF-B/AMPK/NF-kB pathway

Macrophage expansion and inflammatory responses are involved in induction of cardiac remodeling. Resveratrol has strong anti-inflammatory effects, however its effect on macrophage infiltration and polarization is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of RSV on ISO-induced myocardial remodeling in mice and its regulatory role in macrophage polarization. BALB/c mice were orally administered with RSV (100 mg/kg) daily for one week, then were subcutaneously injected with ISO (50 mg/kg) daily for another week. ISO injections to mouse caused cardiac dysfunction evidenced by cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyocyte fibrosis. Meanwhile, macrophage M1 polarization was found in ISO treated mice, which was evidenced by increased percentage of Ly6C^low macrophages in the heart, levels of M1 cytokines and expression of CD68, and decreased percentage of Ly6C^high macrophage, levels of M2 cytokines and expression of CD206. All these changes in cardiac and macrophage M1 polarization were ameliorated when mice were pretreated with RSV. The effect of RSV on macrophage polarization was also tested in RAW264.7 cells. It was found that pre-treatment with RSV decreased the levels of M1 marker or proinflammatory cytokines, while increased the levels of M2 markers in ISO treated cells. In addition, it was found that RSV could upregulate the expression of VEGF-B and the activity of AMPK, while it downregulated the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 both in RAW264.7 cells and in mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with VEGF-B siRNA greatly reversed changes in almost all above parameters evoked by RSV in RAW264.7 cells. Therefore, our findings suggest RSV has potential therapeutic effects in ISO-induced myocardial injury, which may be by inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages through VEGFB/AMPK/NF-кB pathway.

Resveratrol in Cancer Patients: From Bench to Bedside

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural phytoalexin that accumulates in several vegetables and fruits like nuts, grapes, apples, red fruits, black olives, capers, red rice as well as red wines. Being both an extremely reactive molecule and capable to interact with cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins in human cells, resveratrol has been studied over the years as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the therapy of cancer, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases like myocardial ischemia, myocarditis, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This review will describe the main biological targets, cardiovascular outcomes, physico-chemical and pharmacokinetic properties of resveratrol in preclinical and clinical models implementing its potential use in cancer patients.

Role of Resveratrol in Regulating Cutaneous Functions

Protective role of the skin is against external insults and maintenance of electrolyte homeostasis of the body. Cutaneous dysfunction can account for the development of both cutaneous and systemic disorders. Thus, improvements in cutaneous functions can benefit a number of extracutaneous and cutaneous functions. Resveratrol, a natural ingredient, displays multiple benefits for various systems/organs, including the skin. The benefits of resveratrol for cutaneous functions include stimulation of keratinocyte differentiation and antimicrobial peptide expression, inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and cutaneous inflammation, UV protection, anticancer, antiaging, and inhibition of melanogenesis. The mechanisms of action of resveratrol include activation of sirtuin 1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Evidence suggests that topical resveratrol could be a valuable alternative not only for daily skin care, but also for the prevention and treatment of various cutaneous disorders. This review summarizes the benefits of resveratrol for cutaneous functions.

Resveratrol and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Focusing on the Protective Signaling Mechanisms

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiovascular complication of diabetic mellitus that is characterized by diastolic disorder in the early stage and clinical heart failure in the later stage. Presently, DCM is considered one of the major causes of death in diabetic patients. Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring stilbene, is widely reported as a cardioprotective substance in many heart diseases. Thus far, the specific roles of RSV in DCM prevention and treatment have attracted great attention. Here, we discuss the roles of RSV in DCM by focusing its downstream targets from both in vivo and in vitro studies. Among such targets, Sirtuins 1/3 and AMP-activated kinase have been identified as key mediators that induce cardioprotection during hyperglycemia. In addition, many other signaling molecules (e.g., forkhead box-O3a and extracellular regulated protein kinases) are also regulated in the presence of RSV and exert beneficial effects such as opposing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes exposed to high-glucose conditions. The beneficial potential of an RSV/stem cell cotherapy is also reviewed as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing the development of DCM.

Induction of Cyclooxygenase-2 by Overexpression of the Human NADPH Oxidase 5 (NOX5) Gene in Aortic Endothelial Cells

Oxidative stress is a main molecular mechanism that underlies cardiovascular diseases. A close relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity and the prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis pathway has been described. However, little information is available about the interaction between NOX5 homolog-derived ROS and the PG pathway in the cardiovascular context. Our main goal was to characterize NOX5-derived ROS effects in PG homeostasis and their potential relevance in cardiovascular pathologies. For that purpose, two experimental systems were employed: an adenoviral NOX5-β overexpression model in immortalized human aortic endothelial cells (TeloHAEC) and a chronic infarction in vivo model developed from a conditional endothelial NOX5 knock-in mouse. NOX5 increased cyclooxygenase-2 isoform (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production through nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in TeloHAEC. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation and intracellular calcium level (Ca⁺⁺) mobilization increased ROS production and NOX5 overexpression, which promoted a COX-2/PGE₂ response in vitro. In the chronic infarction model, mice encoding endothelial NOX5 enhanced the cardiac mRNA expression of COX-2 and PGES, suggesting a COX-2/PGE₂ response to NOX5 presence in an ischemic situation. Our data support that NOX5-derived ROS may modulate the COX-2/PGE₂ axis in endothelial cells, which might play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of heart infarction.

The deleterious role of the prostaglandin E2 EP3 receptor in angiotensin II hypertension

Angiotensin II (ANG II) plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and inflammation. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) signals through four different G protein-coupled receptors, eliciting a variety of effects. We reported that activation of the EP₃ receptor reduces cardiac contractility. More recently, we have shown that overexpression of the EP₄ receptor is protective in a mouse myocardial infarction model. We hypothesize in this study that the relative abundance of EP₃ and EP₄ receptors is a major determinant of end-organ damage in the diseased heart. Thus EP₃ is detrimental to cardiac function and promotes inflammation, whereas antagonism of the EP₃ receptor is protective in an ANG II hypertension (HTN) model. To test our hypothesis, male 10- to 12-wk-old C57BL/6 mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and osmotic minipumps containing ANG II were implanted subcutaneously for 2 wk. We found that antagonism of the EP₃ receptor using L798,106 significantly attenuated the increase in blood pressure with ANG II infusion. Moreover, antagonism of the EP₃ receptor prevented a decline in cardiac function after ANG II treatment. We also found that 10- to 12-wk-old EP₃-transgenic mice, which overexpress EP₃ in the cardiomyocytes, have worsened cardiac function. In conclusion, activation or overexpression of EP₃ exacerbates end-organ damage in ANG II HTN. In contrast, antagonism of the EP₃ receptor is beneficial and reduces cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and HTN.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to show that systemic treatment with an EP₃ receptor antagonist (L798,106) attenuates the angiotensin II-induced increase in blood pressure in mice. The results from this project could complement existing hypertension therapies by combining blockade of the EP₃ receptor with antihypertensive drugs.

The Plant-Derived Compound Resveratrol in Brain Cancer: A Review

Despite intensive research, malignant brain tumors are among the most difficult to treat due to high resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches. High-grade malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, are among the most devastating and rapidly growing cancers. Despite the ability of standard treatment agents to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the brain, malignant gliomas are often resistant to alkylating agents. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol occurring in nuts, berries, grapes, and red wine. Resveratrol crosses the blood‒brain barrier and may influence the central nervous system. Moreover, it influences the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase and, more importantly, the resistance to standard treatment via various mechanisms, such as O6-methylguanine methyltransferase. This review summarizes the anticancer effects of resveratrol in various types of brain cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented promising results; however, further clinical research is necessary to prove the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in brain cancer treatment.

Cardioprotective Effects of Dietary Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure by a Sex-Gender-Oriented Point of View

Dietary phytochemicals are considered an innovative strategy that helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Some phytochemicals have been shown to play a beneficial role in lipid metabolism, to improve endothelial function and to modify oxidative stress pathways in experimental and clinical models of cardiovascular impairment. Importantly, investigation on phytochemical effect on cardiac remodeling appears to be promising. Nowadays, drug therapy and implantation of devices have demonstrated to ameliorate survival. Of interest, sex-gender seems to influence the response to HF canonical therapies. In fact, starting by the evidence of the feminization of world population and the scarce efficacy and safety of the traditional drugs in women, the search of alternative therapeutic tools has become mandatory. The aim of this review is to summarize the possible role of dietary phytochemicals in HF therapy and the evidence of a different sex-gender-oriented response.

Lingguizhugan decoction attenuates doxorubicin-induced heart failure in rats by improving TT-SR microstructural remodeling

BACKGROUND

Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZG), an ancient Chinese herbal formula, has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases in eastern Asia. We investigated whether LGZG has protective activity and the mechanism underlying its effect in an animal model of heart failure (HF).

METHODS

A rat model of HF was established by administering eight intraperitoneal injections of doxorubicin (DOX) (cumulative dose of 16 mg/kg) over a 4-week period. Subsequently, LGZG at 5, 10, and 15 mL/kg/d was administered to the rats intragastrically once daily for 4 weeks. The body weight, heart weight index (HWI), heart weight/tibia length ratio (HW/TL), and serum BNP level were investigated to assess the effect of LGZG on HF. Echocardiography was performed to investigate cardiac function, and H&E staining to visualize myocardial morphology. Myocardial ultrastructure and T-tubule-sarcoplasmic reticulum (TT-SR) junctions were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The JP-2 protein level was determined by Western blotting. The mRNA level of CACNA1S and RyR2 and the microRNA-24 (miR-24) level were assayed by quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Four weeks after DOX treatment, rats developed cardiac damage and exhibited a significantly increased BNP level compared with the control rats (169.6 ± 29.6 pg/mL versus 80.1 ± 9.8 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Conversely, LGZG, especially at the highest dose, markedly reduced the BNP level (93.8 ± 17.9 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Rats treated with DOX developed cardiac dysfunction, characterized by a strong decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction compared with the control (58.5 ± 8.7% versus 88.7 ± 4.0%; P < 0.001). Digoxin and LGZG improved cardiac dysfunction (79.6 ± 6.1%, 69.2 ± 2.5%, respectively) and preserved the left ventricular ejection fraction (77.9 ± 5.1, and 80.5 ± 4.9, respectively, P < 0.01). LGZG also improved the LVEDD, LVESD, and FS and eliminated ventricular hypertrophy, as indicated by decreased HWI and HW/TL ratio. LGZG attenuated morphological abnormalities and mitochondrial damage in the myocardium. In addition, a high dose of LGZG significantly downregulated the expression of miR-24 compared with that in DOX-treated rats (fold change 1.4 versus 3.4, P < 0.001), but upregulated the expression of JP-2 and antagonized DOX-induced T-tubule TT-SR microstructural remodeling. These activities improved periodic Ca²⁺ transients and cell contraction, which may underly the beneficial effect of LGZG on HF.

CONCLUSIONS

LGZG exerted beneficial effects on DOX-induced HF in rats, which were mediated in part by improved TT-SR microstructural remodeling.

Effects of doxorubicin on the heart: From molecular mechanisms to intervention strategies

Cancer remains a major public health problem worldwide and was responsible for 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Oncologic treatments such as doxorubicin (Dox) and trastuzumab (Trz) are chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat several types of cancer, including solid and non-solid malignancies. Although these drugs have a significant impact on the reduction in mortality of cancer patients, this treatment has an adverse effect on the cardiovascular system. The mechanisms associated with Dox-induced cardiotoxicity involve inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondria impairment and dysregulation of autophagy. Unfortunately, Trz, an effective anti-cancer drug, can potentiate these adverse effects. Trz is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized monoclonal antibody against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Despite its high anti-cancer efficacy, Trz also has a cardiotoxic effect. Unlike Dox, this adverse effect of Trz on the heart is mostly reversible. A strategy to prevent this undesirable effect is urgently needed. Currently, several pharmacological interventions have shown promising results that might effectively attenuate Dox- and Trz-induced cardiac dysfunction. In this review, reports from in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies pertinent to the underlying mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, are comprehensively summarized and discussed. In addition, the potential pharmacological interventions to prevent these cardiotoxic effects are described.

Resveratrol Supplementation Protects Against Nicotine-Induced Kidney Injury

Prolonged exposure to nicotine accelerates onset and progression of renal diseases in habitual cigarette smokers. Exposure to nicotine, either via active or passive smoking is strongly shown to enhance renal oxidative stress and augment kidney failure in various animal models. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol supplementation on nicotine-induced kidney injury and oxidative stress in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given nicotine (0.6 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or in combination with either resveratrol (8 mg/kg, i.p.), or angiotensin II type I receptor blocker, irbesartan (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Upon completion of treatment, kidneys were investigated for changes in structure, kidney injury markers and oxidative stress. Administration of nicotine alone for 28 days resulted in significant renal impairment as shown by marked increase in plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and oxidative stress. Co-administration with resveratrol however successfully attenuated these changes, with a concomitant increase in renal antioxidants such as glutathione similar to the conventionally used angiotensin II receptor blocker, irbesartan. These data altogether suggest that targeting renal oxidative stress with resveratrol could alleviate nicotine-induced renal injury. Antioxidants may be clinically important for management of renal function in habitual smokers.

Roselle attenuates cardiac hypertrophy after myocardial infarction in vivo and in vitro

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) has been traditionally used as folk medicine for hypertension and maintaining cardiovascular health, with therapeutic potential in protecting against numerous cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains unclear whether roselle can be used for management of cardiac hypertrophy seen after myocardial infarction (MI). This study therefore investigated the effects of aqueous roselle extract on cardiac hypertrophy arising from myocardial infarction both in vivo and in vitro. For in vivo study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control or MI groups (receiving 85 mg/kg isoproterenol s.c. for 2 days) and were given roselle extract (100 mg/kg, p.o daily) for 28 days. Cardiac structure and functional changes were evaluated at study end-point using histology, Langendorff analysis and gene expression analysis. In vitro effects of roselle were also assessed on ANG II-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy using H9c2 cells, simulating cardiac hypertrophy evident after MI. Roselle significantly ameliorated MI-induced cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction, as seen across improvement in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and its derivative (LVdP/dtmax) and isovolumic relaxation (Tau). Oxidative stress evident across elevated pro-oxidant markers (NOX2 subunit of NADPH oxidase and 8-isoprostane) as well as reduced antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase and glutathione) were also significantly attenuated by roselle. Furthermore, roselle treatment markedly reduced markers of cardiac remodeling (cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis) compared to the untreated MI rats. On in vitro analysis, roselle significantly attenuated ANG II-induced cardiomyoycte hypertrophy in dose-dependent manner. This study demonstrated that roselle attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction seen after MI both in vivo and in vitro, and these effects are likely mediated by phenolic compounds found in roselle extract.

Beneficial effects of resveratrol and exercise training on cardiac and aortic function and structure in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Background: Studies have indicated an association between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Lifestyle modifiable factors, such as exercise and diet, are known to prevent cardio-cerebral disease. Recent studies demonstrate that hearts from early onset triple-transgenic AD mice exhibit pathologies, but it is not clear whether cardiovascular function is altered in this model. Methods: In this study, we measured in vivo cardiovascular function in 7-month-old male 3xTg mice and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice using high-frequency high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Results: Our findings indicated that aortic root measurements and interventricular septal dimensions were similar in 3xTg and wild-type mice. Systolic function, expressed as ejection fraction and fractional shortening, were decreased in 3xTg mice. Late (A) ventricular filling velocities, the early/atrial (E/A) ratio, and mitral valve deceleration time, all indices of diastolic function, were increased in 3xTg mice compared to WT mice. Treadmill exercise training and resveratrol supplementation in the diet for 5 months improved ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and restored diastolic deceleration times. Pulse wave velocity was ~33% higher in 3xTg, and accompanied by a significant increase in elastin fiber fragmentation within the aortic wall, which was associated with decrease in elastin content and fiber length. Aortic wall and adventitia thickness were increased in 3xTg mice compared to the WT group. Exercise training and resveratrol supplementation, or both, improved overall aortic morphology with no change in pulse wave velocity. Conclusion: Taken together, the results indicate that the aberrations in cardiac function and aortic elastin morphology observed in the 3xTg mouse model of AD can be prevented with exercise training and treatment with resveratrol. The benefits of regular exercise training and resveratrol supplementation of heart and aortic structure in the 3xTg mouse support the value of healthy lifestyle factors on cardiovascular health.

Discovery of human TyrRS inhibitors by structure-based virtual screening, structural optimization, and bioassays

The human tyrosyl transfer-RNA (tRNA) synthetase (TyrRS), which is well known for its essential aminoacylation function in protein synthesis, has been shown to translocate to the nucleus and protect against DNA damage caused by external stimuli. Small molecules that can fit into the active site pocket of TyrRS are thought to affect the nuclear role. The exploitation of TyrRS inhibitors has attracted attention recently. In this investigation, we adopted a structure-based virtual screening strategy and subsequent structure-activity relationship analysis to discover new TyrRS inhibitors, and identified a potent compound 5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-bis((3-hydroxyphenyl)thio)-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one (compound 11, K i = 8.8 μM). In intact HeLa cells, this compound showed a protective effect against DNA damage. Compound 11 is a good lead compound for the further development of drugs against disorders caused by DNA damage.

Resveratrol induces cell death through ROS‑dependent downregulation of Notch1/PTEN/Akt signaling in ovarian cancer cells

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol compound, has been reported to exert anticancer activity in various cancer cells. The present study investigated the effect and underlying mechanisms of resveratrol in the human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and SKOV3. Treatment with resveratrol induced apoptotic cell death in dose‑ and time‑dependent manners, as well as a transient increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Resveratrol‑induced cell death was attenuated by the antioxidant, N‑acetylcysteine (NAC), suggesting that ROS were involved in the observed cell death. Treatment with resveratrol resulted in a ROS‑dependent decrease of Notch1 signaling. When cells were transfected to overexpress Notch1 using EF.hlCN1.CMV.GFP, resveratrol‑induced cell death was blocked. Western blot analysis demonstrated that resveratrol also upregulated phospho‑phosphatase and tensin homolog (p‑PTEN) and downregulated phospho‑Akt (p‑Akt). Overexpression of p‑Akt by transfection with a constitutively active form (caAkt), and the p‑PTEN inhibitor SF1670 prevented resveratrol‑induced cell death. The caspase‑3 inhibitor z‑DEVD‑FMK significantly attenuated the resveratrol‑induced caspase‑3 cleavage. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that resveratrol induces caspase‑dependent cell death through suppression of Notch1 and PTEN/Akt signaling and it is mediated by increased ROS generation in human ovarian cancer cells.

A Review of Resveratrol as a Potent Chemoprotective and Synergistic Agent in Cancer Chemotherapy

Background: Cancer has become a major disease endangering human health around the world. Conventional chemotherapy suffers from many side effects including pain, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and renal toxicity. This review aims to describe a natural product of resveratrol as a chemoprotective and synergistic agent in the modulation of cancer chemotherapy.

Methods: The publications were identified by comprehensive searching of SciFinder, PubMed, Web of Science, and our own reference library. Search terms included combinations of “resveratrol,” “cancer,” “natural products,” “chemotherapy,” and “side effects.” Selection of material focused on resveratrol reducing the side effects on cancer chemotherapy.

Results: Thirty one references were referred in this review to outline resveratrol as a potent chemoprotective and synergistic agent in cancer chemotherapy, including 22 papers for describing the chemoprotective effects, and 9 papers for illustrating the synergistic effects.

Conclusion: This study provides a systematic summary of resveratrol serving as a potent chemoprotective and synergistic agent to reduce the associated-side effects and enhance the therapeutic outcomes in cancer chemotherapy. Further studies in terms of resveratrol on a large amount of preclinical tests and clinical trials are highly demanded.

Review on Chamber-Specific Differences in Right and Left Heart Reactive Oxygen Species Handling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert signaling character (redox signaling), or damaging character (oxidative stress) on cardiac tissue depending on their concentration and/or reactivity. The steady state of ROS concentration is determined by the interplay between its production (mitochondrial, cytosolic, and sarcolemmal enzymes) and ROS defense enzymes (mitochondria, cytosol). Recent studies suggest that ROS regulation is different in the left and right ventricle of the heart, specifically by a different activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Mitochondrial ROS defense seems to be lower in right ventricular tissue compared to left ventricular tissue. In this review we summarize the current evidence for heart chamber specific differences in ROS regulation that may play a major role in an observed inability of the right ventricle to compensate for cardiac stress such as pulmonary hypertension. Based on the current knowledge regimes to increase ROS defense in right ventricular tissue should be in the focus for the development of future therapies concerning right heart failure.

Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling Pathway by Resveratrol Improves Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. Herein, we discuss how resveratrol improves SCI by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Evidences show resveratrol suppresses NF-κB signaling pathway to exert its beneficial effects on various diseases. NF-κB signaling pathway plays a significant role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of SCI including increase in inflammation, augmentation of damage caused by free radicals and lipid peroxidation as well as facilitation of apoptosis and axonal demyelination. We also discuss mechanisms between resveratrol and NF-κB signaling pathway in the wake of SCI, which can be potential targets for resveratrol to treat SCI.

Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) belongs to polyphenols' stilbenoids group, possessing two phenol rings linked to each other by an ethylene bridge. This natural polyphenol has been detected in more than 70 plant species, especially in grapes' skin and seeds, and was found in discrete amounts in red wines and various human foods. It is a phytoalexin that acts against pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. As a natural food ingredient, numerous studies have demonstrated that resveratrol possesses a very high antioxidant potential. Resveratrol also exhibit antitumor activity, and is considered a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of several types of cancer. Indeed, resveratrol anticancer properties have been confirmed by many in vitro and in vivo studies, which shows that resveratrol is able to inhibit all carcinogenesis stages (e.g., initiation, promotion and progression). Even more, other bioactive effects, namely as anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, vasorelaxant, phytoestrogenic and neuroprotective have also been reported. Nonetheless, resveratrol application is still being a major challenge for pharmaceutical industry, due to its poor solubility and bioavailability, as well as adverse effects. In this sense, this review summarized current data on resveratrol pharmacological effects.

α-Bisabolol abrogates isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in rats

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays crucial role in the pathologenesis of myocardial infarction (MI). The present study evaluated the protective effect of α-bisabolol against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pre- and co-treated with intraperitoneal injection of α-bisabolol (25 mg/kg body weight) daily for 10 days. To induce experimental MI, ISO (85 mg/kg body weight) was injected subcutaneously to the rats at an interval of 24 h for 2 days (9th and 10th day). ISO-induced MI was indicated by the decreased activities of heart creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in rats. ISO administration also enhanced the concentrations of heart mitochondrial lipid peroxidation products and decreased the activities/concentrations of mitochondrial antioxidants, Kreb's cycle dehydrogenases and mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I, II + III and IV in rats. Furthermore, ISO triggers calcium overload and ATP depletion in the rat's heart mitochondria followed by the mitochondrial cytochrome-C release and the activation of intrinsic pathway of apoptosis by upregulating the myocardial pro-apoptotic Bax, P⁵³, APAF-1, active caspase-3, active caspase-9 and down regulating the expressions of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. α-Bisabolol pre and co-treatment showed considerable protective effects on all the biochemical and molecular parameters studied. Transmission electron microscopic study and mitochondrial swelling assay confirmed our biochemical and molecular findings. The in vitro study on hydroxyl radical also revealed the potent free radical scavenging activity of α-bisabolol. Thus, α-bisabolol attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction and intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats.

The Effect and Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Formula Sini Tang in Heart Failure after Myocardial Infarction in Rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of the Chinese herbal formula Sini Tang (SNT) which consists of Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi), Zingiber officinale (Gan Jiang), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats.

METHODS

We established the heart failure after myocardial infarction in model of SD rats by ligating the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups: Sham operation group, HF group, Benazepril group, high dose of SNT group, medium dose of SNT group, and low dose of SNT group. Drugs were administered by oral gavage for eight weeks. The detection indexes include left ventricular function by echocardiogram, Collagen Volume Fraction by Masson staining, level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II and Aldosterone by radioimmunoassay, protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R by western-blot, and real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The outcomes of this study indicated that SNT significantly improved the LVEF and LVFS, thickened both LVAWd and LVAWs, and reduced LVIDs in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats when compared with control group (P < 0.05). Besides, SNT significantly reduced the Collagen Volume Fraction (P < 0.05). The results of radioimmunoassay showed that SNT decreased the level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone (P < 0.05). The outcomes of western-blot and real-time PCR analysis showed that SNT significantly downregulated the protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese herbal formula SNT could improve left ventricular systolic function in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats and decreased the level of Plasma Renin, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone, as well as downregulating the protein and gene level of ACE and AT1R. Therefore, SNT has potential benefits of improving cardiac function by inhibiting the excessive activation of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Resveratrol: Mechanistic Insights

Inflammation is the principal response invoked by the body to address injuries. Despite inflammation constituting a crucial component of tissue repair, it is well known that unchecked or chronic inflammation becomes deleterious, leading to progressive tissue damage. Studies over the past years focused on foods rich in polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, since inflammation was recognized to play a central role in several diseases. In this review, we discuss the beneficial effects of resveratrol, the most widely investigated polyphenol, on cancer and neurodegenerative, respiratory, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. We highlight how resveratrol, despite its unfavorable pharmacokinetics, can modulate the inflammatory pathways underlying those diseases, and we identify future opportunities for the evaluation of its clinical feasibility.