Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on endotoxin-induced cardiac stress in rats: a possible mechanism of protection

Caffeic acid and its derivative caffeic acid phenethyl ester as potential therapeutic compounds for cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contribute to major public health issues. Some studies have found that caffeic acid (CA) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) may effectively prevent or treat CVDs. However, there is a major need to sum up our current understanding of the possible beneficial or detrimental effects of CA and CAPE on CVDs and related mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the data on this topic. A methodical search was carried out on key databases, including Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, from the beginning to June 2024. Studies were then assessed for eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Treatment with CA and CAPE significantly and positively affected cardiovascular health in various aspects, including atherosclerotic diseases, myocardial infarction, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypercoagulation state. Several mechanisms were proposed to mediate these effects, including transcription factors and signaling pathways associated with antioxidant, cytostatic, and anti-inflammatory processes. CA and CAPE were found to have several beneficial effects via multiple mechanisms during the prevention and treatment of various CVDs. However, these promising effects were only reported through in vitro and animal studies, which reinforces the need for further evaluation of these effects via human clinical investigations.

Dexpanthenol ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiovascular toxicity by regulating the IL-6/HIF1α/VEGF pathway

Introduction

Lipopolysaccharide (Lps) is an essential component responsible for the virulence of gram-negative bacteria. Lps can cause damage to many organs, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Dexpanthenol (Dex) is an agent that exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and stimulates epithelialization. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Dex on Lps-induced cardiovascular toxicity.

Methods

Rats were divided into four groups: control, Lps (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), Dex (500 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and Lps + Dex. The control group received saline intraperitoneally (i.p.) once daily for three days. The Lps group received saline i.p. once daily for three days and a single dose of Lps i.p. was administered on the third day. The Dex group received Dex i.p. once daily for three days and saline on the third day. The Lps + Dex group received Dex i.p. once daily for three days and a single dose of Lps i.p. on the third day. Heart and aortic tissues were taken for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and genetic analysis.

Results

Lps injection caused histopathological changes in both heart and aortic tissues and significantly increased total oxidant status and oxidative stress index levels. Interleukin-6, and Tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expressions were significantly altered in heart and aorta, likely do to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of Dex. Furthermore, Dex affected Caspase-3 and Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α staining patterns.

Conclusions

Our results show that Dex treatment has a protective effect on Lps-induced cardiac and endothelial damage in rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Cardiovascular Effects of Caffeic Acid and Its Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review

Caffeic acid (CA) and its phenethyl ester (CAPE) are naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acids with an interesting array of biological activities; e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytostatic. More recently, several synthetic analogs have also shown similar properties, and some with the advantage of added stability. The actions of these compounds on the cardiovascular system have not been thoroughly explored despite presenting an interesting potential. Indeed the mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of these compounds particularly need clarifying. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review on current knowledge about CA and its derivatives in the cardiovascular system. Caffeic acid, CAPE and the synthetic caffeic acid phenethyl amide (CAPA) exhibit vasorelaxant activity by acting on the endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Vasorelaxant mechanisms include the increased endothelial NO secretion, modulation of calcium and potassium channels, and modulation of adrenergic receptors. Together with a negative chronotropic effect, vasorelaxant activity contributes to lower blood pressure, as several preclinical studies show. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties contribute to an important anti-atherosclerotic effect, and protect tissues against ischemia/reperfusion injuries and the cellular dysfunction caused by different physico-chemical agents. There is an obvious shortage of in vivo studies to further explore these compounds' potential in vascular physiology. Nevertheless, their favorable pharmacokinetic profile and overall lack of toxicity make these compounds suitable for clinical studies.

Coniferaldehyde inhibits LPS-induced apoptosis through the PKC α/β II/Nrf-2/HO-1 dependent pathway in RAW264.7 macrophage cells

Coniferaldehyde (CA) exerts anti-inflammatory properties by inducing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). To define the regulation mechanism by which CA induces a cytoprotective function and HO-1 expression, the up-stream regulations involved in the activation of nuclear transcription factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf)-2/HO-1 pathway were investigated. CA dramatically increased the Nrf-2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 expression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and cell death were down-regulated by CA, which were reversed by inhibition of HO-1 activity. Furthermore, CA specifically enhanced the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) α/β II. Selective inhibition of PKC α/β II using Go6976 or siRNA abolished the CA-induced Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling, and consequently suppressed the cytoprotective activity of CA on the LPS-induced cell death. Together, our results elucidate the regulatory mechanism of PKC α/β II as the upstream molecule of Nrf-2 required for HO-1 expression during CA-induced anti-inflammatory cytoprotective function in LPS stimulated macrophages.

Resveratrol protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac dysfunction by enhancing SERCA2a activity through promoting the phospholamban oligomerization

The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a main culprit responsible for cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. This study examined whether resveratrol could protect against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction by improving the sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA2a) activity. Echocardiographic parameters, cardiomyocyte contractile and Ca²⁺ transient properties, markers for cardiac inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress, SERCA2a activity, and the ratios of phospholamban (PLB) monomer to oligomer were measured. Cardiac function was decreased >50% after LPS challenge (6 mg/kg for 6 h), which was improved by resveratrol. There was neither difference in plasma tumor necrosis factor-α and troponin I levels nor in infiltration of CD45⁺ cells in cardiac tissue between resveratrol-treated and untreated groups. In cardiomyocytes, LPS significantly decreased contractile amplitude, elongated relengthening time, diminished Ca²⁺ transient, reduced SERCA2a activity, and increased superoxide generation. These pathological alterations were attenuated by resveratrol treatment. Immunoblot analysis showed that LPS-treated mice had increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and the monomer form of PLB, along with decreases in the levels of SERCA2a, the oligomer form of PLB and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2). Resveratrol treatment upregulated SERCA2a, the oligomer form of PLB, and Nrf-2 expression and function, and downregulated MDA, 4-HNE, and the monomer form of PLB. Our data suggest that the activity of SERCA2a in endotoxemia is inhibited, possibly due to increases in the monomer form of PLB. Resveratrol protects the heart from LPS-induced injuries at least in part through promoting the oligomerization of PLB that leads to enhanced SERCA2a activity.

Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives Extract of Erigeron multiradiatus Alleviated Acute Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats through Inhibiting NF-KappaB and JNK Activations

Erigeron multiradiatus (Lindl.) Benth. has been used in Tibet folk medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate antimyocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury effect of caffeoylquinic acids derivatives of E. multiradiatus (AE) in vivo and to explain underling mechanism. AE was prepared using the whole plant of E. multiradiatus and contents of 6 caffeoylquinic acids determined through HPLC analysis. Myocardial I/R was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion for 30 minutes followed by 24 hours of reperfusion in rats. AE administration (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) inhibited I/R-induced injury as indicated by decreasing myocardial infarct size, reducing of CK and LDH activities, and preventing ST-segment depression in dose-dependent manner. AE decreased cardiac tissue levels of proinflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 and attenuated leukocytes infiltration. AE was further demonstrated to significantly inhibit I-κB degradation, nuclear translocation of p-65 and phosphorylation of JNK. Our results suggested that cardioprotective effect of AE could be due to suppressing myocardial inflammatory response and blocking NF-κB and JNK activation pathway. Thus, caffeoylquinic acids might be the active compounds in E. multiradiatus on myocardial ischemia and be a potential natural drug for treating myocardial I/R injury.

Amomum tsao-ko fruit extract suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase by inducing heme oxygenase-1 in macrophages and in septic mice

Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemarié (Zingiberaceae) has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases, such as throat infections, malaria, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. This study was designed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects and the molecular mechanisms of the methanol extract of A. tsao-ko (AOM) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and in a murine model of sepsis. In LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, AOM reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression at the protein and mRNA levels. Pretreatment with SnPP (a selective inhibitor of HO-1) and silencing HO-1 using siRNA prevented the AOM-mediated inhibition of NO production and iNOS expression. Furthermore, AOM increased the expression and nuclear accumulation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which enhanced Nrf2 binding to antioxidant response element (ARE). In addition, AOM induced the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, pretreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC; a ROS scavenger) diminished the AOM-induced phosphorylation of ERK and JNK and AOM-induced HO-1 expression, suggesting that ERK and JNK are downstream mediators of ROS during the AOM-induced signalling of HO-1 expression. In LPS-induced endotoxaemic mice, pretreatment with AOM reduced NO serum levels and liver iNOS expression and increased HO-1 expression and survival rates. These results indicate that AOM strongly inhibits LPS-induced NO production by activating the ROS/MAPKs/Nrf2-mediated HO-1 signalling pathway, and supports its pharmacological effects on inflammatory diseases.

Biliary tract external drainage increases the expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 in rat livers

Background

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protects cells by anti-oxidation, maintaining normal microcirculation and anti-inflammatory under stress. This study investigated the effects of biliary tract external drainage (BTED) on the expression levels of HO-1 in rat livers.

Methods

Biliary tract external drainage was performed by inserting a cannula into the bile duct. Sixty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to the following groups: sham 1 h group; BTED 1 h group; bile duct ligation (BDL) 1 h group; sham 6 h group and BTED 6 h group. The expression levels of HO-1 mRNA were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. The expression levels of HO-1 were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

The expression levels of HO-1 mRNA in the liver of the BTED group increased significantly compared with the sham group 1 and 6 h after surgery (p < 0.05).The expression levels of HO-1 in the BTED group increased significantly compared with the sham group 1 and 6 h after surgery. The expression levels of HO-1 mRNA in the liver in the BDL group decreased significantly compared with the sham group 1 h after surgery (p < 0.05).The expression levels of HO-1 in the BDL group decreased significantly compared with the sham group at this time.

Conclusion

Biliary tract external drainages increase the expression levels of HO-1 in the liver.

Effects of caffeic acid on cisplatin-induced hair cell damage in HEI-OC1 auditory cells

INTRODUCTION

Cisplatin is a widely used anticancer chemotherapeutic agent. However, it is notorious for its ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity due to induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Caffeic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenol present in honey that is known to reduce the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects and mechanism underlying the effect of caffeic acid on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in HEI-OC1 auditory cell lines.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. Cell cycle stages were analyzed by flow cytometry. The radical-scavenging activity of caffeic acid was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The expression levels of caspase-3, -8, and -9, as well as the activity of caspase-3, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Caffeic acid showed a protective effect against cisplatin-induced HEI-OC1 cell damage as demonstrated by the MTT assay. Caffeic acid decreased cell death by apoptosis and necrosis. Caffeic acid showed strong scavenging activity against the radical DPPH and decreased intracellular ROS production. Caffeic acid decreased the expression of caspase-3 and -8 and increased the activity of caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONS

Caffeic acid attenuated cisplatin-induced hair cell loss in HEI-OC1 cell lines; these effects were mediated by its radical scavenging activity and inhibition of apoptosis.

Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) against neomycin-induced hair cell damage in zebrafish

OBJECTIVE

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is known to reduce the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals, which is a major mechanism of aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of CAPE on neomycin-induced ototoxicity in zebrafish (Brn3c: EGFP).

METHODS

Five-day post-fertilization zebrafish larvae (n=10) were exposed to 125 μM neomycin and one of the following CAPE concentrations for 1h: 50, 100, 250, 500, or 1000 μM. Ultrastructural changes were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and 2-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-N-ethylpyridiniumiodide (DASPEI) assay were performed for evaluation of apoptosis and mitochondrial damage.

RESULTS

CAPE decreased neomycin-induced hair cell loss in the neuromasts (500 μM CAPE: 12.7 ± 1.1 cells, 125 μM neomycin only: 6.3 ± 1.1 cells; n = 10, P < 0.05). In the ultrastructural analysis, structures of mitochondria and hair cells were preserved when exposed to 125 μM neomycin and 500 μM CAPE. CAPE decreased apoptosis and mitochondrial damage.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, CAPE attenuated neomycin-induced hair cell damage in zebrafish. The results of the current study suggest that neomycin induces apoptosis, and the apoptotic cell death can be prevented by treatment with CAPE in zebrafish.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, a promising component of propolis with a plethora of biological activities: a review on its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an important active component of honey bee propolis that possesses a plethora of biological activities. Propolis is used safely in traditional medicine as a dietary supplement for its therapeutic benefits. This review highlights the recently published data about CAPE bioavailability, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective; hepatoprotective and cardioprotective activities. CAPE showed promising efficacy both in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models with minimum adverse effects. Its effectiveness was demonstrated in multiple target organs. Despite this fact, it has not been yet investigated as a protective agent or a potential therapy in humans. Investigation of CAPE efficacy in clinical trials is strongly encouraged to elucidate its therapeutic benefit for different human diseases after performing full preclinical toxicological studies and gaining more insights into its pharmacokinetics.

Early treatment of radiation-induced heart damage in rats by caffeic acid phenethyl ester

The study is designed to determine the therapeutic effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in minimizing radiation-induced injuries in rats. Rats were exposed to 7Gy gamma radiation, 30min later rats were injected with CAPE (10μmol/kg body, i.p.) for 7 consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed at 8 and 15 days after starting the experiment. Gamma-irradiation induced significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and xanthine oxidase (XO) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities, and significant decrease in total nitrate/nitrite (NO(x)) level and glutathione peroxidise (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in heart tissue and augmented lipid fractions levels and activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum. Irradiated rats early treated with CAPE showed significant decrease in MDA, XO and ADA and significant increase in NO(x) and SOD in heart tissue and in serum enzymes compared with irradiated group. Serum lipid profiles and cardiac enzymes were restored.

CONCLUSION

CAPE could exhibits curable effects on gamma irradiation-induced cardiac-oxidative impairment in rats.

Role of haeme oxygenase-1 in resolution of oxidative stress-related pathologies: focus on cardiovascular, lung, neurological and kidney disorders

The present review examines the role of the cytoprotective enzyme haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in adaptive responses to inflammatory disease and explores strategies for its clinical use, with particular emphasis on use of therapeutic use of the enzyme using phytochemical inducers of HO-1 such as extracts of Ginkgo biloba, curcumin, and flavonoids extracted from seeds of the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). This laboratory has identified strategies by which combinations of dietary phytochemicals may be configured to synergistically strengthen immunoregulatory mechanisms that normally prevent inflammation from leading to disease. A major focus of this research initiative has been HO-1, which is capable of substantially reducing oxidative stress by several mechanisms. HO-1 metabolizes haeme that accumulates in tissues because of red blood cell turnover. Two products of this degradation - carbon monoxide (CO) and bilirubin - have potent capacity for reducing oxidative stress and for counteracting its effects. A description will be provided of how HO-1 products maintain healthy tissue function and remediate oxidative tissue damage. This will be explored in four major organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, the lungs, the central nervous system and the kidneys. Particular focus will be given to the physiological coordination of cardiovascular functions mediated by CO produced by HO-1 and to nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous second messenger expressed by nitric oxide synthetase. A major unifying theme of the present review is an exploration of the potential use of dietary phytochemical formulations as tools for the clinical application of HO-1 in therapeutic reduction of oxidative stressors, with resultant improved treatment of inflammatory pathologies.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) prevents methotrexate-induced hepatorenal oxidative injury in rats

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats.

METHODS

Following a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg/kg), either vehicle (MTX group) or CAPE (10 µmol/kg, MTX + CAPE group) was administered for five days. In other rats, vehicle (control group) or CAPE was injected for five days, following a single dose of saline injection. After decapitation of the rats, trunk blood was obtained, and the liver and kidney tissues were removed for histological examination and for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and sodium potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+) -ATPase) activity. TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured in the blood.

KEY FINDINGS

Methotrexate administration increased the tissue MDA levels, MPO activity and decreased GSH levels and Na(+)/K(+) -ATPase activity, while these alterations were reversed in the CAPE-treated MTX group. Elevated TNF-α and IL-1β levels were also reduced with CAPE treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study revealed that CAPE, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, alleviates methotrexate-induced oxidative damage, which suggests that CAPE may be of therapeutic benefit when used with methotrexate.