Synergistic interactions of ferulic acid with ascorbic acid: its cardioprotective role during isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats

The neuroprotective effects of ferulic acid in toxin-induced models of Parkinson's disease: A review

Parkinson's disease is predominantly caused by dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein. Though the general consensus is that several factors, such as aging, environmental factors, mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulations of neurotoxic alpha-synuclein, malfunctions of the lysosomal and proteasomal protein degradation systems, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, are involved in the neurodegeneration process of Parkinson's disease, the precise mechanism by which all of these factors are triggered remains unknown. Typically, neurotoxic compounds such as rotenone, 6-hydroxydopamine, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), 1-methyl 4-phenyl pyridinium (mpp+), paraquat, and maneb are used to Preclinical models of Parkinson's disease Ferulic acid is often referred to by its scientific name, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid (C10H10O4), and is found naturally in cereals, fruits, vegetables, and bee products. This substance exhibits neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's disease because of its intriguing potential, which includes anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. This review goes into additional detail about Parkinson's disease and the neuroprotective properties of ferulic acid that may help prevent the condition.

Integrating genomic and multiomic data for Angelica sinensis provides insights into the evolution and biosynthesis of pharmaceutically bioactive compounds

Angelica sinensis roots (Angelica roots) are rich in many bioactive compounds, including phthalides, coumarins, lignans, and terpenoids. However, the molecular bases for their biosynthesis are still poorly understood. Here, an improved chromosome-scale genome for A. sinensis var. Qinggui1 is reported, with a size of 2.16 Gb, contig N50 of 4.96 Mb and scaffold N50 of 198.27 Mb, covering 99.8% of the estimated genome. Additionally, by integrating genome sequencing, metabolomic profiling, and transcriptome analysis of normally growing and early-flowering Angelica roots that exhibit dramatically different metabolite profiles, the pathways and critical metabolic genes for the biosynthesis of these major bioactive components in Angelica roots have been deciphered. Multiomic analyses have also revealed the evolution and regulation of key metabolic genes for the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically bioactive components; in particular, TPSs for terpenoid volatiles, ACCs for malonyl CoA, PKSs for phthalide, and PTs for coumarin biosynthesis were expanded in the A. sinensis genome. These findings provide new insights into the biosynthesis of pharmaceutically important compounds in Angelica roots for exploration of synthetic biology and genetic improvement of herbal quality.

Supplemental ferulic acid does not affect metabolic markers and improves some oxidative damage parameters in diabetic rats

This study investigated the differences in health outcomes associated with ferulic acid (FA) supplementation in animals before the induction of diabetes with streptozotocin (STZ) treatment and post-STZ treatment. 18 male Wistar rats were equally distributed into three groups: groups 1 and 2 received FA (50 mg/kg body weight) supplementation one week before STZ treatment (60 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal) and one week after STZ treatment, respectively; group 3 received STZ without FA supplementation. FA supplementation was continued for 12 weeks after STZ treatment. The results indicated no difference in glucose and lipid profile with FA supplementation. However, FA supplementation reduced lipid and protein oxidative damage in the heart, liver and pancreas and increased glutathione in the pancreas. The results indicate that while oxidative damages were positively affected by FA, it was not sufficient to improve metabolic markers of diabetes.

Cardioprotective effects of Ferulic acid against various drugs and toxic agents

Background

Homeostatic regulation of cardiomyocytes is indispensable in maintaining the normal physiological activity of cardiac tissue. Cardiotoxicity induced by drugs may lead to cardiac abnormalities such as arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and myocardial hypertrophy. Moreover, drug-induced cardiotoxicity confines the additional use of the implicated drugs. Several studies have reported that consumption of phytochemicals on regular intervals shall protect humans against numerous diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Main body

Ferulic acid (FA) is a plant derived polyphenol abundantly found in vegetables, fruits and grains. FA is widely known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. FA has been well documented for its cardioprotective activity against various drugs and toxic agents as well. However, the cardioprotective action of FA have remained a challenge with regard to understanding its mechanism in health and diseases.

Conclusion

The main purpose of this review is to explore the cardioprotective mechanisms of FA against several drugs and chemicals to recommend further studies to investigate the potential protective effect of FA.

Ferulic acid alleviates retinal neovascularization by modulating microglia/macrophage polarization through the ROS/NF-κB axis

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization. Targeting microglia/macrophage-based neuroinflammation presents a promising therapeutic strategy. Ferulic acid (FA), a natural and active ingredient in plants, exerts favorable anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of FA against hypoxia-induced retinal angiogenesis using cultured retinal vascular endothelial cells and an oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse (OIR) model. The immunoregulatory effect of FA on microglia/macrophage polarization was evaluated by detecting the expression of specific markers for both pro-inflammatory “M1” and anti-inflammatory “M2” phenotypes using co-immunostaining and polymerase chain reaction assays. The underlying molecular mechanism upon FA treatment was also explored. The results showed that FA supplement markedly inhibited retinal pathological angiogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, FA switched microglia/macrophage polarization from “M1” towards “M2” phenotype and alleviated the inflammatory response. Mechanically, the anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of FA were mainly due to blockade of the ROS/NF-κB pathway. Our data demonstrated an anti-angiogenic effect of FA through regulating M1-to-M2 microglia/macrophage polarization, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for retinal neovascular diseases.

Ascorbic Acid Ameliorates Cardiac and Hepatic Toxicity Induced by Azithromycin-Etoricoxib Drug Interaction

The complexity of prescribing safe and effective drug therapy is still challenging. Due to the increased number of medications taken by patients, the potential for drug-drug interactions has clinically important consequences. This study focuses on the potential drug-drug interaction between azithromycin and etoricoxib and the possibility of counteracting this adverse reaction by giving ascorbic acid intraperitoneally to male albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats weighing 150–180 g were used. The rats were allocated into six equal groups. One group was a control, and the others were given azithromycin, etoricoxib, either alone or combination, with one group treated with ascorbic acid and the last group treated with the drug combination and ascorbic acid. Blood samples were collected for measuring AST, ALT, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin alongside antioxidant enzymes and histopathological examination for both liver and heart tissue. The results showed both hepatic and cardiac damage in azithromycin and etoricoxib groups represented by increasing levels of heaptoc enzymes (ALT, AST, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin) with declining antioxidant enzymes and elevation of malondialdehyde and the appearance of hepatic and cardiac toxicities. Upon administration, ascorbic acid ameliorated all the mentioned biochemical parameters. In conclusion, ascorbic acid has great antioxidant capacities and hepatic and cardiac ameliorative effects and can alleviate drug interaction toxicity.

Cardioprotective potential of Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

CONTEXT

Spinacia oleracea is rich in antioxidant phyto-constituents, termed as the natural antioxidant mixture (NAO).

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the cardioprotective effect of an antioxidant-rich extract of Spinacia oleracea (NAOE) and its phytoconstituent rutin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

METHODS

Rats were treated with NAOE (400 and 800 mg/kg), rutin (50 mg/kg) and the reference drug gemfibrozil (50 mg/kg) daily for 30 days and were administered ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c) on the last 2 days.

RESULTS

NAOE treatment attenuated the ISO-elevated levels of serum marker enzymes (AST, LDH and CPK), troponin I, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and malondialdehyde. It also restored the ISO-skewed ECG and systolic blood pressure, and the ISO-depleted marker enzymes and endogenous antioxidants in all treated rats.

CONCLUSION

It may be concluded that NAOE treatment to ISO-challenged rats exhibited significant cardioprotective effect probably due to the potent antioxidant activity of its NAO.

Syringic Acid Attenuates Cardiomyopathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objectives

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) has become one of the serious complications in diabetic cases. In this study, we aimed to explore the syringic acid (SYR) protective effect against diabetes-induced cardiac injury in experimental rats.

Methods

Rats were divided in control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats which were subdivided into diabetic controls, and three test groups (SYR at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and the nondiabetic group received 100 mg/kg of SYR. All treatments were given SYR for 6 weeks. SYR effects on cardiac diagnostic markers, heart lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, antioxidant system, and changes of the heart mitochondrial mass and biogenesis were measured.

Results

Diabetes induction prompted CK-MB, LDH levels in serum, cardiac catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity, as well as cardiac TBARs and carbonylated protein. SYR administration (100 m/kg) attenuated CK-MB and LDH levels. Also, 50 and 100 mg/kg of SYR reduced cardiac TBARs and carbonylated protein in diabetic rats. These treatments did not show any effects on GSH content, mtDNA, and mitochondrial biogenesis indices (PGC1- α, NRF1, NRF2, and TFAM) in heart tissue.

Conclusions

SYR treatment showed protective effects on diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats by reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. The possible mechanisms could be related to antioxidant activity of this phenolic acid. SYR might play a role of a protective factor in cardiac challenges in diabetes.

Quercetin Completely Ameliorates Hypoxia-Reoxygenation-Induced Pathophysiology Severity in NY1DD Transgenic Sickle Mice: Intrinsic Mild Steady State Pathophysiology of the Disease in NY1DD Is Also Reversed

The vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is a major complication of sickle cell disease (SCD); thus, strategies to ameliorate vaso-occlusive episodes are greatly needed. We evaluated the therapeutic benefits of quercetin in a SCD transgenic sickle mouse model. This disease model exhibited very mild disease pathophysiology in the steady state. The severity of the disease in the NY1DD mouse was amplified by subjecting mice to 18 h of hypoxia followed by 3 h of reoxygenation. Quercetin (200 mg/kg body weight) administered to hypoxia challenged NY1DD mice in a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose at the onset of reoxygenation completely ameliorated all hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R)-induced pathophysiology. Additionally, it ameliorated the mild intrinsic steady state pathophysiology. These results are comparable with those seen with semisynthetic supra plasma expanders. In control mice, C57BL/6J, hypoxia reoxygenation-induced vaso-occlusion was at significantly lower levels than in NY1DD mice, reflecting the role of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) in inducing vaso-occlusion; however, the therapeutic benefits from quercetin were significantly muted. We suggest that these findings represent a unique genotype of the NY1DD mice, i.e., the presence of high oxygen affinity red blood cells (RBCs) with chimeric HbS, composed of mouse α-chain and human β^S-chain, as well as human α-chain and mouse β-chain (besides HbS). The anti-anemia therapeutic benefits from high oxygen affinity RBCs in these mice exert disease severity modifications that synergize with the therapeutic benefits of quercetin. Combining the therapeutic benefits of high oxygen affinity RBCs generated in situ by chemical or genetic manipulation with the therapeutic benefits of antiadhesive therapies is a novel approach to treat sickle cell patients with severe pathophysiology.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: The Possible Therapeutic Roles of Phenolic Acids

As the powerhouse of the cells, mitochondria play a very important role in ensuring that cells continue to function. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main factors contributing to the development of cardiomyopathy in diabetes mellitus. In early development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), patients present with myocardial fibrosis, dysfunctional remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, which later develop into systolic dysfunction and eventually heart failure. Cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development and progression of DCM. Thus, it is important to develop novel therapeutics in order to prevent the progression of DCM, especially by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. To date, a number of studies have reported the potential of phenolic acids in exerting the cardioprotective effect by combating mitochondrial dysfunction, implicating its potential to be adopted in DCM therapies. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a concise overview of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of DCM and the potential role of phenolic acids in combating cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Such information can be used for future development of phenolic acids as means of treating DCM by alleviating the cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction.

Studies to Elucidate the Mechanism of Cardio Protective and Hypotensive Activities of Anogeissus acuminata (Roxb. ex DC.) in Rodents

Anogeissus acuminata (Roxb. ex DC.) is a folkloric medicinal plant in Asia; including Pakistan; used as a traditional remedy for cardiovascular disorders. This study was planned to establish a pharmacological basis for the trivial uses of Anogeissus acuminata in certain medical conditions related to cardiovascular systems and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Mechanistic studies suggested that crude extract of Anogeissus acuminata (Aa.Cr) produced in vitro cardio-relaxant and vasorelaxant effects in isolated paired atria and aorta coupled with in vivo decrease in blood pressure by invasive method; using pressure and force transducers connected to Power Lab Data Acquisition System. Moreover; Aa.Cr showed positive effects in left ventricular hypertrophy in Sprague Dawley rats observed hemodynamically by a decrease in cardiac cell size and fibrosis; along with absence of inflammatory cells; coupled with reduced levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and renin concentration along with increased concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) model; creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH levels) were found to be decreased; along with decreased necrosis; edema and recruitment of inflammatory cells histologically. In vivo and ex vivo studies of Anogeissus acuminata provided evidence of vasorelaxant; hypotensive and cardioprotective properties facilitated through blockage of voltage-gated Ca⁺⁺ ion channel; validating its use in cardiovascular diseases.

Cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids and ascorbic acid improve regenerative capacity of embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac lineage cells

One of the major issues in cell therapy of myocardial infarction (MI) is early death of engrafted cells in a harsh oxidative stress environment, which limits the potential therapeutic utility of this strategy in the clinical setting. Increasing evidence implicates beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and ascorbic acid (AA) in cardiovascular diseases, in particular their role in ameliorating fibrosis. In the current study, we aim to assess the cytoprotective role of EPA + DHA and AA in protecting embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived cardiac lineage cells and amelioration of fibrosis. Herein, we have shown that preincubation of the cells with EPA + DHA + AA prior to H₂ O₂ treatment attenuated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced cell viability. Gene expression analysis revealed that preincubation with EPA + DHA + AA followed by H₂ O₂ treatment, upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) along with cardiac markers (GATA4, myosin heavy chain, α isoform [MYH6]), connexin 43 [CX43]) and attenuated oxidative stress-induced upregulation of fibroblast markers (vimentin and collagen type 1 [Col1]). Alterations in gene expression patterns were followed by marked elevation of cardiac troponin (TNNT2) positive cells and reduced numbers of vimentin positive cells. An injection of EPA + DHA + AA-pretreated ESC-derived cardiac lineage cells into the ischemic myocardium of a rat model of MI significantly reduced fibrosis compared to the vehicle group. This study provided evidence that EPA + DHA + AA may be an appropriate preincubation regimen for regenerative purposes. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):427-438, 2019.

Effects of low dose of aliskiren on isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction in rats

This study examined the effects of aliskiren (Ali) (direct renin inhibitor) on serum cardiac enzymes (LDH and CK-MB), electrocardiography (ECG) changes, myocardial oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, and GSH) and the expression of Bcl2, HO-1, and Nrf2 genes in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). A total of 40 male albino rats were allocated into four groups, (1) normal control (NC) group, (2) Ali group (rats received Ali at 10 mg/kg/day p.o. for 5 days), (3) ISO group (rats received ISO 150 mg/kg i.p. for two consecutive days at 24 h intervals), and (4) Ali + ISO group (rats received ISO + Ali at 10 mg/kg/day p.o. for 5 days from the 2^nd dose of ISO). ISO group showed significant rise in serum cardiac enzymes (CK-MB and LDH), myocardial damage scores, myocardial MDA, HO-1, myocardial Nrf2 expression with significant reduction in myocardial antioxidants (CAT and GSH), and Bcl2 expression compared to the normal group (p < 0.05). ECG showed ST segment elevation, prolonged QT interval and QRS complex, and increased heart rate in ISO group. Co-administration of Ali and ISO caused significant increase in cardiac enzymes and morphology with increase in MDA, serum K, and creatinine with significant decrease in Bcl2, HO-1, and Nrf2 without significant changes in ECG parameters compared to ISO group. We concluded that low dose of Ali seems to exacerbate the myocardial injury in ISO-MI, which might be due to the enhanced oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Cardioprotective role of FA against isoproterenol induced cardiac toxicity

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac toxicity in rats. Isoproterenol challenged in a dose of 85 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) subcutaneously for two consecutive days in the experimental group resulted in acute cardiac toxicity as evidenced by changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and marked elevation of serum cardiac enzymes viz aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine kinase (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) also increases inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, acute toxicity effect was exhibited by disturbance in the antioxidant system as decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) with the rise in activities of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Pre-treatment with FA at the increasing dose of (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg b.w.) orally for 28 consecutive days followed by isoproterenol injection for 2 days significantly attenuated changes in serum cardiac enzymes. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation confirmed the restoration of cellular architecture in FA pretreated rats. The cardioprotective effect of FA was comparable with standard drug treatment metoprolol. Taken together, FA demonstrated cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced cardiac toxicity by normalization of serum cardiac biomarkers, alleviating oxidative stress and augmenting endogenous antioxidant system.

Ferulic acid prevents LPS-induced up-regulation of PDE4B and stimulates the cAMP/CREB signaling pathway in PC12 cells

AIM

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) isozymes are involved in different functions, depending on their patterns of distribution in the brain. The PDE4 subtypes are distributed in different inflammatory cells, and appear to be important regulators of inflammatory processes. In this study we examined the effects of ferulic acid (FA), a plant component with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced up-regulation of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) in PC12 cells, which in turn regulated cellular cAMP levels and the cAMP/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) pathway in the cells.

METHODS

PC12 cells were treated with LPS (1 μg/mL) for 8 h, and the changes of F-actin were detected using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured suing ELISA kits, and PDE4B-specific enzymatic activity was assessed with a PDE4B assay kit. The mRNA levels of PDE4B were analyzed with Q-PCR, and the protein levels of CREB and phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) were determined using immunoblotting. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to identify the interaction between PDE4B2 and FA.

RESULTS

Treatment of PC12 cells with LPS induced thick bundles of actin filaments appearing in the F-actin cytoskeleton, which were ameliorated by pretreatment with FA (10-40 μmol/L) or with a PDE4B inhibitor rolipram (30 μmol/L). Pretreatment with FA dose-dependently inhibited the LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1β in PC12 cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with FA dose-dependently attenuated the LPS-induced up-regulation of PDE4 activity in PC12 cells. Moreover, pretreatment with FA decreased LPS-induced up-regulation of the PDE4B mRNA, and reversed LPS-induced down-regulation of CREB and pCREB in PC12 cells. The molecular docking results revealed electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between FA and PDE4B2.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects of FA in PC12 cells might be conferred through inhibition of LPS-induced up-regulation of PDE4B and stimulation of cAMP/CREB signaling pathway. Therefore, FA may be a potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases such as AD.

Ferulic Acid against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Heart Toxicity in Mice by Inhibiting NF-κB Pathway

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the protective effects of ferulic acid (FA) against cyclophosphamide- (CTX-) induced changes in mice. Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups. Control group was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 200 μL of phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Model group was intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of CTX (200 mg/kg). FA (50 mg/kg) and FA (100 mg/kg) groups were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of CTX (200 mg/kg) followed by the intragastric treatment with FA (50, 100 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. After 12 d, the mice were sacrificed to analyze the hematological, biochemical, histological parameters and mechanism research. The results indicated that FA significantly decreased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in CTX-injected mice. In addition, FA effectively reduced the total numbers of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin content. FA also obviously attenuated the histological changes of the heart tissues caused by CTX. Moreover, Western blot demonstrated that FA inhibited the phosphorylations of NF-κB signaling pathway in CTX-stimulated cardiac tissues. In conclusion, FA might be considered as an effective agent in the amelioration of the heart toxicity resulting from CTX treatment.

Thymol attenuates inflammation in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats by inhibiting the release of lysosomal enzymes and downregulating the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of myocardial infarction (MI). The current study dealt with the protective effects of thymol on inflammation in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarcted rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pre and co-treated with thymol (7.5mg/kg body weight) daily for 7 days. ISO (100mg/kg body weight) was injected subcutaneously into rats at an interval of 24h for two days (6th and 7th day) to induce MI. ISO induced myocardial infarcted rats showed increased levels of serum cardiac troponin-T, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lysosomal thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and elevated ST-segments. Also, the activities of lysosomal enzymes such as β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase, cathepsin-B and D, the stimulators of inflammatory mediators were increased in the serum and heart of ISO induced myocardial infarcted rats. Furthermore, ISO up regulates the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) genes in the myocardium of rats analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Pre and co-treatment with thymol (7.5mg/kg body weight) near normalized the levels of lysosomal TBARS, activities of serum and heart lysosomal enzymes and downregulates the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the myocardium of ISO induced myocardial infarcted rats. Histopathological and transmission electron microscopic findings were also found in line with biochemical findings. Thus, the results of our study revealed that thymol attenuates inflammation by inhibiting the release of lysosomal enzymes and downregulates the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines by its potent anti-inflammatory effect.

Cardioprotective Effect of Hydrogen-rich Saline on Isoproterenol-induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats

BACKGROUND

Infusion with hydrogen gas-saturated saline has recently been reported to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that may protect against organ damage induced by oxidative stress. Therefore because oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI), the aim of our study was to investigate whether hydrogen-rich saline has cardioprotective effects against isoproterenol-induced MI in rats.

METHODS

An acute MI model was induced in male Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Different doses of hydrogen-rich saline (5, 7.5, and 10 mL/kg body weight i.p.) or Vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight i.g.) were administered to the rats. Oxidative stress indices including levels of myocardial marker enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, membrane-bound myocardial enzymes and histopathological changes were measured.

RESULTS

Compared with those in isoproterenol-MI group, hydrogen-rich saline decreased malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine concentrations, enhanced superoxide dismutase and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, lowered Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and decreased interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α levels in the serum and/or cardiac tissue of rats. Hydrogen-rich saline pretreatment also diminished infarct size, improved left heart function, and ameliorated pathological changes of the left heart.

CONCLUSION

From these results, hydrogen-rich saline exerts cardiovascular protective effects against isoproterenol-induced MI at least in part via interactions which evoke antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, t-TUCB, protects against myocardial ischaemic injury in rats

OBJECTIVES

To determine the protective role of a soluble epoxide hydrolase(sEH) inhibitor, trans-4-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-ureido] cyclohexyloxy} benzoic acid (t-TUCB), in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in vivo.

METHODS

Cardioprotective activity of t-TUCB was studied against ISO-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in male Wistar rats. Cardioprotection was assessed by measuring elecrocardiographic (EKG), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) levels, cardiac calcium and antioxidant levels, and also by measuring infarct size in the cardiac tissue.

KEY FINDINGS

Pretreatment with t-TUCB at 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg orally for a period of 14 days significantly prevented the changes in EKG parameters (QTc interval prolongation, ST height depression, pathological Q waves formation and T-wave inversion), serum cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), relative heart weight, myocardial calcium levels, infarct size and the oxidative status in the cardiac tissue (lipid peroxidation, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels) when compared with the untreated control animals (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The sEH inhibitor t-TUCB significantly prevents ISO-induced myocardial ischaemic injury in rats. This study provides a preliminary confirmation of the efficacy of t-TUCB by oral administration in rats.

Quercetin augments the protective effect of losartan against chronic doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in rats

The present study aimed to examine whether the co-administration of quercetin (QRN) and losartan (LOS) can produce additional protective effects against chronic DOX cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (DOX) in a cumulative dose of 15mg/kg for two weeks. Results revealed that DOX administration exhibited elevated serum levels of TNF-α, creatine kinase (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in addition to increased myocardial lipid peroxide (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) alongside attenuating cardiac antioxidant defense system of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. DOX produced leukocyte infiltration and myocardial lesions. Pretreatment with QRN (10mg/kg, orally) solely or in combination with LOS (0.7mg/kg, orally) for 6 weeks markedly ameliorated all these biochemical characteristics, and substantially reduced the myocardium peroxidative damage. The protective effects obtained by LOS were more pronounced by its combination with QRN. Our results suggest that quercetin potentially augmented the cardioprotective effect of losartan against chronic DOX cardiotoxicity via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Protective effects of sinapic acid on lysosomal dysfunction in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats

In the pathology of myocardial infarction, lysosomal lipid peroxidation and resulting enzyme release play an important role. We evaluated the protective effects of sinapic acid on lysosomal dysfunction in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with sinapic acid (12 mg/kg body weight) orally daily for 10 days and isoproterenol (100 mg/kg body weight) was injected twice at an interval of 24 h (9th and 10th day). Then, lysosomal lipid peroxidation, lysosomal enzymes in serum, heart homogenate, lysosomal fraction and myocardial infarct size were measured. Isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats showed a significant increase in serum creatine kinase-MB and lysosomal lipid peroxidation. The activities of β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase, cathepsin-B and D were significantly increased in serum, heart and the activities of β-glucuronidase and cathepsin-D were significantly decreased in lysosomal fraction of myocardial infarcted rats. Pre-and-co-treatment with sinapic acid normalized all the biochemical parameters and reduced myocardial infarct size in myocardial infarcted rats. In vitro studies confirmed the free radical scavenging effects of sinapic acid. The possible mechanisms for the observed effects are attributed to sinapic acid's free radical scavenging and membrane stabilizing properties. Thus, sinapic acid has protective effects on lysosomal dysfunction in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarcted rats.

Protective effect of morin on cardiac mitochondrial function during isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats

Altered mitochondrial function and free radical-mediated tissue damage have been suggested as an important pathological event in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity. This study was undertaken to know the preventive effect of morin on mitochondrial damage in ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Myocardial infarction (MI) in rats was induced by ISO (85 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 hours for 2 days. Morin was given to rats as pre-treatment for 30 days orally using an intragastric tube. ISO-treated rats showed a significant elevation of mitochondrial thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) level and pre-treatment with morin significantly prevented the increase of TBARS and HP level to near normality. The level of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants was decreased significantly in ISO-treated rats and pre-treatment with morin significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and reduced glutathione to normality. The activities of mitochondrial enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase were decreased significantly in ISO-treated myocardial ischemic rats and upon pre-treatment with morin restored these enzymes activity to normality. In addition, the decreased activities of cytochrome-C oxidase and NADH-dehydrogenases were observed in ISO-treated rats and pre-treatment with morin prevented the activities of cytochrome-C oxidase and NADH-dehydrogenase to normality. Pre-treatment with morin favorably restored the biochemical and functional parameters to near normal indicating morin to be a significant protective effect on cardiac mitochondrial function against ISO-induced MI in rats.

Ferulic acid attenuates the focal cerebral ischemic injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin expression

Ferulic acid exerts a neuroprotective effect through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation properties. Parvalbumin has calcium buffering capacity and protects neuronal cells from cytotoxic Ca(2+) overload. This study investigated whether ferulic acid regulates parvalbumin expression in cerebral ischemia and glutamate toxicity-induced neuronal cell death. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were immediately treated with vehicle or ferulic acid (100 mg/kg, i.v.) after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and cerebral cortex tissues were collected 24 h after MCAO. A proteomics approach elucidated the decrease of parvalbumin in MCAO-operated animals, and ferulic acid treatment attenuated the injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin expression. Moreover, RT-PCR and Western blot analyses clearly showed that ferulic acid treatment prevents the injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin levels. The number of parvalbumin-positive cells also decreased in MCAO-operated animals, and ferulic acid attenuated this injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin-positive cells. In cultured hippocampal cells, glutamate toxicity significantly increased the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, whereas this increase in Ca(2+) levels was inhibited by ferulic acid treatment. In addition, ferulic acid treatment attenuated the glutamate exposure-induced decrease in parvalbumin levels. These results suggest that ferulic acid exerts a neuroprotective effect by attenuating the injury-induced decrease of parvalbumin and modulating intracellular Ca(2+) levels.

Effect of vitamin E alone and in combination with lycopene on biochemical and histopathological alterations in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Background:

The present study has been designed to evaluate the combined cardioprotective effect of vitamin E and lycopene on biochemical and histopathological alteration in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Adult male albino rats of Wistar strain were treated with isoproterenol (200 mg/kg, s.c.) for 2 days at an interval of 24 h to develop myocardial infarction. Vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and lycopene (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) were administered alone and in combination for 30 days. Change in body weight and organ weight were monitored. Levels of serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH and CK-MB), lipid peroxidation, endogenous antioxidants (GSH, GPX, GST, SOD and CAT), membrane bound enzymes (Na⁺/K⁺ ATPases, Mg²⁺ ATPases and Ca²⁺ ATPases) were evaluated. LDH isoenzyme separation was carried out using gel electrophoresis. Histopathology of heart tissue was performed.

Results:

Induction of rats with isoproterenol resulted in a significant elevation in organ weight, lipid peroxidation, serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, CK-MB and LDH), and Ca ²⁺ ATPases, whereas it caused a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in body weight, activities of endogenous antioxidants (GSH, GP_x, GST, SOD and CAT), Na⁺/K⁺ and Mg²⁺ ATPases. ISO treated rats showed high intensity band of LDH1-LDH2 isoenzymes. Treatment with the combination of Vitamin E and lycopene for 30 days significantly attenuated these changes as compared to the individual treatment and ISO treated groups. Histopathological observations were also in correlation with the biochemical parameters.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate the synergistic cardioprotective effects of vitamin E and lycopene during ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Grape juice concentrate prevents oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood cells of rats subjected to a high-cholesterol diet

The goal of the present study was to investigate whether subchronic treatment with grape juice concentrate is able to protect liver and peripheral blood cells against cholesterol-induced injury in rats. The effects of the grape juice concentrate treatment on histopathological changes, immunohistochemistry for cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and basal and oxidative DNA damage induced by H2O2 using a single-cell gel (comet) assay were evaluated. Male Wistar rats (n 18) were divided into three groups: group 1 – negative control; group 2 – cholesterol at 1 % (w/w) in their diet, treated for 5 weeks; group 3 – cholesterol at 1 % in their chow, treated for 5 weeks, and grape juice concentrate at 222 mg/d in their drinking-water in the final week only. The results indicated that the treatment with grape juice concentrate did not show remarkable differences regarding liver tissue in group 3 compared with group 2. However, grape juice concentrate was able to decrease oxidative DNA damage induced by H2O2 in peripheral blood cells, as depicted by the tail moment results. COX-2 expression in the liver did not show statistically significant differences (P>0·05) between groups. Taken together, the present results suggest that the administration of subchronic grape juice concentrate prevents oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood cells.

Oxidative stress induced by thyroid dysfunction in rat erythrocytes and heart

The aim of this study was to determine whether the effects of thyroid dysfunction induce oxidative stress in the blood and heart of male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I served as control rats. Group II was treated daily with 0.05% benzythiouracile (BTU) administered in drinking water. Rats of group III have received l-thyroxine sodium salt (0.0012%), in drinking water. The results showed that thyroid dysfunction rats had poor growth performance. On the other hand, in hyperthyroid rats, a marked decrease compared with control occurred of some hematological parameters such red blood cell number (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and haematocrit (Ht). There was also a significant increase in erythrocyte numbers and heart TBARS concentrations in hypothyroid rats compared with control. These results were associated with a fall in the total antioxidant status (TAS) in the serum of the hyperthyroid rats. Alteration of the antioxidant system in the hypo-/hyperthyroidism-induced rats was confirmed by the significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and a decline in glutathione (GSH) content in both tissues were detected in hyperthyroid group compared to controls. On the other hand, serum transaminase activities (aspartate transaminase (AST); alanine transaminase (ALT)) were elevated indicating hepatic cellular damage after treatment with exogenous L-thyroxine. Moreover, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities were increased in the hyperthyroidism rats. These results indicated that excessive thyroxin (long term) ingestion had an adverse effect on animal health and performance. We conclude that thyroid dysfunction induces oxidative stress and modifies some biochemical parameters of erythrocytes, heart and liver disease; our results show the occurrence of a state of oxidizing stress in relation to hyperthyroidism.

Aspartate and glutamate prevents isoproterenol-induced cardiac toxicity by alleviating oxidative stress in rats

The protective effect of aspartate and glutamate in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction (MI) was investigated in experimental animals. Male albino wistar rats were pretreated with aspartate [100mg (kg body weight)-1 day-1] or glutamate [100mg (kg body weight)-1 day-1] intraperitoneally for a period of 7 days. Following amino acid treatment, MI was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol [200mg (kg body weight)-1 day-1] for 2 days. After 24h following the last injection, the animals were sacrificed and the biochemical analysis was carried out. The activities of cardiac marker enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase) were increased significantly (P<0.05) in the serum of MI induced rats as compared to control rats. The levels of glutathione and mitochondrial ATP and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase and glutathione reductase) were decreased whereas lipid peroxides increased significantly (P<0.05) in the heart of MI induced rats as compared to control rats. However, pretreatment with aspartate or glutamate to MI induced rats significantly (P<0.05) reduced the activities of cardiac marker enzymes and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes as compared to MI induced rats. Aspartate or glutamate pretreatment also increased the levels of glutathione and mitochondrial ATP while decreased the level of lipid peroxides in the cardiac tissue. The overall effects of aspartate and glutamate in reducing the oxidative stress in MI induced rats are similar. There was no significant difference between the control rats and aspartate or glutamate treated control rats. The present study shows that aspartate and glutamate could reduce oxidative stress in MI induced rats.

Natural feruloyl monoglyceride macrocycles as protecting factors against free-radical damage of lipidic membranes

Nine novel natural feruloyl monoglyceride (MGs) macrocycles have been isolated from the leaves of Carex distachya, an herbaceous plant growing in the Mediterranean maquis. All the structures have been elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic features, especially two-dimensional NMR (DQ-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, ROESY, HSQC, HMBC, HSQC-TOCSY) and ESI-MS. All the compounds have been assayed as protecting factors against the radical damage of the lipids by using different antioxidant tests.

Ferulic acid with ascorbic acid synergistically extenuates the mitochondrial dysfunction during beta-adrenergic catecholamine induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Disruption of mitochondria and free radical mediated tissue injury have been reported during cardiotoxicity induced by isoproterenol (ISO), a beta-adrenergic catecholamine. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the combination of ferulic acid (FA) and ascorbic acid (AA) on the mitochondrial damage in ISO induced cardiotoxicity. Induction of rats with ISO (150 mg/kg b.wt., i.p.) for 2 days resulted in a significant decrease in the activities of respiratory chain enzymes (NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c-oxidase), tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes (isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase), mitochondrial antioxidants (GPx, GST, SOD, CAT, GSH), cytochromes (b, c, c1, aa3) and in the level of mitochondrial phospholipids. A marked elevation in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were also observed in ISO intoxicated rats. Pre-co-treatment with the combination of FA (20 mg/kg b.wt.) and AA (80 mg/kg b.wt.) orally for 6 days significantly enhanced the attenuation of these functional abnormalities and restored normal mitochondrial function when compared to individual drug treated groups. Mitigation of ISO induced biochemical and morphological changes in mitochondria were more pronounced with a combination of FA and AA rather than the individual drug treated groups. Transmission electron microscopic observations also correlated with these biochemical parameters. Hence, these findings demonstrate the synergistic ameliorative potential of FA and AA on mitochondrial function during beta-adrenergic catecholamine induced cardiotoxicity and associated oxidative stress in rats.

Attenuation of abnormalities in the lipid metabolism during experimental myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats: beneficial effect of ferulic acid and ascorbic acid

The present study aims at evaluating the effect of the combination of ferulic acid and ascorbic acid on isoproterenol-induced abnormalities in lipid metabolism. The rats were divided into eight groups: Control, isoproterenol, ferulic acid alone, ascorbic acid alone, ferulic acid+ascorbic acid, ferulic acid+isoproterenol, ascorbic acid+isoproterenol and ferulic acid+ascorbic acid+isoproterenol. Ferulic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.t.) and ascorbic acid (80 mg/kg b.w.t.) both alone and in combination was administered orally for 6 days and on the fifth and the sixth day, isoproterenol (150 mg/kg b.w.t.) was injected intraperitoneally to induce myocardial injury to rats. Induction of rats with isoproterenol resulted in a significant increase in the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, free and ester cholesterol in both serum and cardiac tissue. A rise in the levels of phospholipids, lipid peroxides, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol was also observed in the serum of isoproterenol-intoxicated rats. Further, a decrease in the level of high density lipoprotein in serum and in the phospholipid levels, in the heart of isoproterenol-intoxicated rats was observed, which was paralleled by abnormal activities of lipid metabolizing enzymes: total lipase, cholesterol ester synthase, lipoprotein lipase and lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase. Pre-cotreatment with the combination of ferulic acid and ascorbic acid significantly attenuated these alterations and restored the levels to near normal when compared to individual treatment groups. Histopathological observations were also in correlation with the biochemical parameters. These findings indicate the synergistic protective effect of ferulic acid and ascorbic acid on isoproterenol-induced abnormalities in lipid metabolism.

Synergistic salubrious effect of ferulic acid and ascorbic acid on membrane-bound phosphatases and lysosomal hydrolases during experimental myocardial infarction in rats

Altered membrane integrity has been suggested as a major factor in the development of cellular injury during myocardial necrosis. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the combination of ferulic acid (FA) and ascorbic acid (AA) on lysosomal hydrolases and membrane-bound phosphatases during isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial necrosis in rats. Induction of rats with 1SO (150 mg/kg b.wt, i.p.) for 2 days resulted in a significant increase in the activities of lysosomal hydrolases (beta-D-glucuronidase, beta-D-galactosidase, beta-D-N-acetylglucosaminidase, acid phosphatase and cathepsin-D) in the heart and serum. A significant increase in plasma lactate level, cardiac levels of sodium, calcium and a decrease in cardiac level of potassium was also observed, which was paralleled by abnormal activities of membrane-bound phosphatases (Na(+)-K(+) ATPase, Ca(2+) ATPase and Mg(2+) ATPase) in the heart of ISO-administered rats. Pre-co-treatment with the combination of FA (20 mg/kg b.wt) and AA (80 mg/kg b.wt) orally for 6 days significantly attenuated these abnormalities and restored the levels to near normalcy when compared to individual drug treated groups. The combination of FA and AA preserved the membrane integrity by mitigating the oxidative stress and associated cellular damage more effectively when compared to individual treatment groups. In our study, the protection conferred by FA and AA might be through the nitric oxide pathway and by their ability of quenching free radicals. In conclusion, these findings indicate the synergistic modulation of lysosomal hydrolases and membrane phosphatases by the combination of FA and AA.

Temperature effect on contractile activity of the Ambystoma dumerilii heart previously treated with isoproterenol

The spontaneous heart rate (HR) and ventricular (V) and atrium (A) tensions (T) were evaluated through isolated organ assays at different temperatures in hearts from Ambystoma dumerilii control and treated with isoproterenol (ISO) [(150 mg/kg i.p. each 24 h, for 3 days)] on days 1, 5, 30 and 90 after ISO. In control hearts, the HR increased and the T decreased when temperature was augmented. One day after ISO the HR (43-24%) and T (50-25%) decreased with respect to control, between 8 and 24 degrees C. Five, 30 and 90 days after ISO, HR showed a gradual recovery with similar effect when the temperature was changed; but the AT increased and VT decreased at temperatures between 8 and 12 degrees C and were only recovered at temperatures above 12 degrees C. Our results indicate that the HR recovers after ISO in A. dumerilii independently of temperature. The recovery of AT and VT is similar to HR at temperatures higher than 12 degrees C and the increases in VT could be compensating the decrease in VT caused by ISO, at temperatures lower than 12 degrees C. The changes in heart contractile activity of A. dumerilii after insult show the thermic plasticity that is observed in ectothermic vertebrates.

Modulation of HER2 expression by ferulic acid on human breast cancer MCF7 cells

BACKGROUND

The molecular mechanisms underlying the mitogenic effect of ferulic acid (FA), an active compound derived from Angelica sinensis, have never been elucidated. It was the aim of this study to investigate the proliferative effect of FA on human breast cancer cell lines and to elucidate its modulation mechanism on HER2 expression in MCF7 line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By using MCF7 (oestrogen receptor-positive; ER+, HER2-low), BT474 (ER+, HER2-high), MDAMB231 (ER-, HER2-low) and SKBR3 (ER-, HER2-high) human breast cancer cell lines as in vitro models, the mitogenic effects of FA were assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion assay and DNA flow cytometry. Ferulic acid-modulated cell signalling and HER2 gene expression were evaluated in MCF7 line by Western blot and real-time RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS

Ferulic acid ER-dependently stimulated cell proliferation on MCF7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The HER2 oncogene (one of the prognostic factors of breast cancer) and ESR1 gene (oestrogen receptor-alpha; ERalpha) transcription were markedly up-regulated by FA treatment. Besides, HER2 signalling and its downstream molecules such as AKT and ERK1/2 were involved in FA-modulated ERalpha and cyclin D1 synthesis. Addition of anti-HER2 antibody, trastuzumab, abrogated FA-enhanced proliferative effect on MCF7 cells, indicated a positive feedback control for the action of HER2 in this setting. The fact that the ER antagonist blocked most of the FA-up-regulated HER2 expression, and that trastuzumab down-regulated ERalpha gene expression, suggested a cross-talk between ERalpha and HER2 signalling on MCF7 cells.

CONCLUSION

The authors' conclude that FA causes human breast cancer cell proliferation by up-regulation of HER2 and ERalpha expression.