Assessment of the prophylactic role of aspirin and/or clopidogrel on experimentally induced acute myocardial infarction in hypercholesterolemic rats

Effects of clopidogrel bisulfate on B16-F10 cells and tumor development in a murine model of melanoma

Metastatic melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer. Platelets are constituents of the tumor microenvironment and, when activated, contribute to cancer progression, especially metastasis and inflammation. P2Y12 is an adenosine diphosphate receptor that triggers platelet activation. Inhibition of P2Y12 by clopidogrel bisulfate (CB) decreases platelet activation, which is also controlled by the extracellular concentration and the metabolism of purines by purinergic enzymes. We evaluated the effects of CB on the viability and proliferation of cultured B16-F10 cells. We also used a metastatic melanoma model with C57BL-6 mice to evaluate cancer development and purine metabolism modulation in platelets. B16-F10 cells were administered intraperitoneally to the mice. Two days later, the animals underwent a 12-day treatment with CB (30 mg/kg by gavage). We have found that CB reduced cell viability and proliferation in B16-F10 culture in 72 h at concentrations above 30 µm. In vivo, CB decreased tumor nodule counts and lactate dehydrogenase levels and increased platelet purine metabolism. Our results showed that CB has significant effects on melanoma progression.

Drug-induced mitochondrial toxicity: Risks of developing glucose handling impairments

Mitochondrial impairment has been associated with the development of insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the relationship between mitochondrial impairment and insulin resistance is not fully elucidated due to insufficient evidence to support the hypothesis. Insulin resistance and insulin deficiency are both characterised by excessive production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial coupling. Compelling evidence states that improving the function of the mitochondria may provide a positive therapeutic tool for improving insulin sensitivity. There has been a rapid increase in reports of the toxic effects of drugs and pollutants on the mitochondria in recent decades, interestingly correlating with an increase in insulin resistance prevalence. A variety of drug classes have been reported to potentially induce toxicity in the mitochondria leading to skeletal muscle, liver, central nervous system, and kidney injury. With the increase in diabetes prevalence and mitochondrial toxicity, it is therefore imperative to understand how mitochondrial toxicological agents can potentially compromise insulin sensitivity. This review article aims to explore and summarise the correlation between potential mitochondrial dysfunction caused by selected pharmacological agents and its effect on insulin signalling and glucose handling. Additionally, this review highlights the necessity for further studies aimed to understand drug-induced mitochondrial toxicity and the development of insulin resistance.

Amiodarone attenuates cardiac Rubidium-82 in consecutive PET/CT scans in a rodent model

BACKGROUND

Risk stratification and diagnosis using Rubidium-82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography (PET) is a routine clinical approach in coronary artery disease (CAD). Various drugs are used to treat CAD; however, whether any of them change the uptake of 82Rb in the heart has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to determine whether drugs used in treatment of CAD affect the uptake of 82Rb in the heart in healthy rats.

METHODS

Seventy-seven Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the cross-sectional study. All rats underwent baseline 82Rb PET/CT and divided into eleven groups treated with different drugs. One group was control group (no treatment), eight groups were treated with monotherapy (amiodarone, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), clopidogrel, ticagrelor, atorvastatin, enalapril, amlodipine, metoprolol succinate), and two groups were treated with polypharmacy (ASA, ticagrelor, atorvastatin, amlodipine or ASA, clopidogrel, atorvastatin, amlodipine). Once a day, they were administered pharmacological therapy through oral gavage, and on day seven, follow-up scanned with 82Rb PET/CT.

RESULTS

In the control group without pharmacological treatment, no difference in the standard uptake value (SUV) ratio between heart and muscle from baseline to follow-up (5.8 vs 7.0, P = .3) was found. The group treated with amiodarone had a significantly reduced SUV ratio from baseline to follow-up (5.8 vs 5.1, P = .008). All other drugs investigated had no difference in SUV ratio from baseline to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we showed that drugs normally used to treat CAD do not affect the uptake of 82Rb. However, amiodarone result in a significantly lowered 82Rb uptake, compared to control. This information about amiodarone would probably not change the size assessment of a myocardial perfusion defect in a clinical setting. However, it could change the kinetic parameters when assessing absolute myocardial blood flow in patients treated with amiodarone.

The Multiple Pharmacologic Functions and Mechanisms of Action of Guizhi Fuling Formulation

Objectives

Guizhi Fuling Formulation (GZFL), a traditional Chinese medical formulation, consists of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba (or Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Moutan Cortex, Persicae Semen, and Poria, with multiple therapeutic functions such as sedation, antitumor activity, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection. However, its clinical applications remain relatively fragmented, and the underlying mechanisms of GZFL in different diseases are still not very certain. Further research and summary in both application and mechanisms remain to be needed for human health and the best use of GZFL. Therefore, we summarized the multiple pharmacologic effects and possible mechanisms of action of GZFL according to recent 17 years of research.

Methods

We retrieved four English and two Chinese databases using these keywords (the formulation name or its synonyms) and searched articles written in English from January 2006 up to February 2022. Key Findings. GZFL exhibits multiple pharmacologic advantages in gynecologic diseases and other expanding diseases such as cancer, blood, and vascular disease, renal failure, inflammation, and brain injury. Possibly due to its diverse bioactive components and pharmacologic activities, GZFL could target the multiple signaling pathways involved in regulating blood circulation, inflammatory and immune factors, proliferation, apoptosis, and so on.

Conclusion

This review suggests that GZFL displays promising therapeutic effects for many kinds of diseases, which have been beyond the scope of the original prescription for gynecologic diseases. In this way, we wish to provide a reference and recommendation for further preclinic and clinic studies.

Biochanin A attenuates obesity cardiomyopathy in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation through the Nrf-2 pathway

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of biochanin A (BCA) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

BCA (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered to HFD-induced obese rats for 30 days, and its effect on anthropometrical, morphological, plasma cardiac, and inflammatory biomarkers, along with cardiac lipid profiles was assessed.

RESULTS

Supplementation of HFD to rats significantly increased body mass index, obesity index parameters, and cardiac lipid profile along with notable oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, BCA treatment in obese rats demonstrated a superior therapeutic action by restoring the altered parameters to almost normal levels. Simultaneously, BCA increased the activities and mRNA expressions of enzymatic antioxidants by upregulating the Nrf-2 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB cascade.

CONCLUSION

BCA may attenuate obesity and its associated cardiomyopathy by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of the Nrf-2 pathway and inhibition of NF-κB activation.

Synergistic anti-atherosclerotic role of combined treatment of omega-3 and co-enzyme Q10 in hypercholesterolemia-induced obese rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder associated with atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 and/or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis. Rats were divided into five groups; (1): served as the negative control, (2): served as hypercholesterolemic (HC) control, (3): HC-rats administrated omega-3 orally, (4): HC-rats administrated CoQ10 orally, and (5): HC-rats administered the combination treatment of both omega-3 and CoQ10. Lipid profile was assayed and cardiovascular risk indices were calculated. Serum levels of Adiponectin (APN) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) were determined using ELISA. Besides, oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) were assayed in the heart homogenate. Histopathological investigation of the aortae and heart tissues were investigated. The results revealed that atherogenic HC-rats demonstrated a significant elevation in lipid profiles, except for HDL-C, along with decreased levels of APN, but increased CK-MB activities. Hypercholesterolemia increased lipid peroxidation, reduced NO production, and decreased GSH content in the cardiac tissue. Treatment of atherogenic HC-rats with omega-3 and/or CoQ10 improved dyslipidemia and ameliorated most of the HC-induced biochemical and histopathological changes. The histological observations of aortae and cardiac tissues validated our biochemical results. We concluded that the combined treatment of nutraceuticals such as omega-3 and CoQ10 demonstrated the best outcome, demonstrating their anti-hyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, and atheroprotective potentials. Together, this study supports a beneficial role of dietary co-administration of omega-3 and CoQ10 in obese patients who are prone to develop cardiovascular disorders.

Antithrombotic Activity of a Novel Diazepino[1,2-α] Benzimidazole Derivative on Arterial Thrombosis Model in Rats without Concomitant Pathology and in Rats with Experimental Myocardial Infarction

Antithrombotic activity of a novel tricyclic derivative of diazepino[1,2-α]benzimidazole (DAB-15) was examined on the model of arterial thrombosis developed in rats without concomitant pathology and in rats with experimental myocardial infarction. DAB-15 demonstrated high antithrombotic efficacy in modeled thrombosis of carotid artery in rats without the concomitant pathology surpassing that of the reference drugs acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel by 5.1 and 4.8 times, respectively. In rats with experimental noncoronary myocardial infarction, DAB-15 increased the thrombus formation time by 86.2% in comparison with experimental control level in non-treated rats with similar myocardial infarction.

Cardioprotective effects of Qishen Granule () on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling in heart failure rats

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of Qishen Granule (, QSG) on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ handling in heart failure (HF) model of rats and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

HF rat models were induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation surgery and high-fat diet feeding. Rats were randomly divided into sham (n=10), model (n=10), QSG (n=12, 2.2 g/kg daily) and metoprolol groups (n=12, 10.5 mg/kg daily). The therapeutic effects of QSG were evaluated by echocardiography and blood lipid testing. Intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and sarco-endoplasmic reticulum ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) activity were detected by specifific assay kits. Expressions of the critical regulators in SR Ca²⁺ handling were evaluated by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HF model of rats developed ventricular remodeling accompanied with calcium overload and defective Ca²⁺ release-uptake cycling in cardiomyocytes. Treatment with QSG improved contractive function, attenuated ventricular remodeling and reduced the basal intracellular Ca²⁺ level. QSG prevented defective Ca²⁺ leak by attenuating hyperphosphorylation of ryanodine receptor 2, inhibiting expression of protein kinase A and up-regulating transcriptional expression of protein phosphatase 1. QSG also restored Ca²⁺ uptake by up-regulating expression and activity of SERCA2a and promoting phosphorylation of phospholamban.

CONCLUSION

QSG restored SR Ca²⁺ cycling in HF rats and served as an ideal alternative drug for treating HF.

Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic effect of aqueous extract leaves of Cassia. occidentalis Linn (Caesalpiniaceae) in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress are major risk factors for atherosclerosis, and all three are among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Cassia occidentalis aqueous extract has been used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate the hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic properties of the aqueous extract of the leaves of C. occidentalis in rats with hypercholesterolemia (HC). Sixty Normocholesterolemic (NC) male rats were divided into six groups (n = 10) and fed a high-cholesterol (HC) diet for 30 days (5 groups), or normal rat chow (normal control group). The plant extract was administered to animals at the increasing dose of 240, 320 and 400 mg/kg. After 4 weeks of treatment 5 rats out of 10 were sacrificed, blood samples, aorta, liver, and fresh faecal were collected and processed for biochemical tests. The experiments were conducted under the same conditions with a group of rat treated with Atorvastatin (1 mg/kg), used positive control. The effects of C. occidentalis on weight gain, water and food consumptions, levels of serum lipids and lipoprotein lipid oxidation and stress markers in blood and liver were also examined.

RESULTS

A significant body weight gain was observed in general in all the group of animals without any treatment after 4 weeks. During the treatment period, the C. occidentalis extract induced a significant increase (P < 0.01) in water consumption and food intakes. After 4 weeks of treatment with hypercholesterolemia, the body temperature and organ weights including the liver, kidney, heart and the testis did not present any significant change. The administration of C. occidentalis extract significantly (p < 0.05) prevented the elevation in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C, hepatic and aortic TG and TC. The atherogenic, triglycerides, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) index were also decreased in the rats treated with the plant extract. C. occidentalis favoured the performance of faecal cholesterol. It also significantly inhibited the changes and the formation of aortic atherosclerotic plaques.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of C. occidentalis extract. C. occidenntalis aqueous extract reduced bad cholesterols, triglycerides and increasing good cholesterols in rats subjected to a feeding regime enriched with cholesterol. The results support the traditional use of the extract of this plant in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes.

PPM1A Methylation Is Associated With Vascular Recurrence in Aspirin-Treated Patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite great efforts by pharmacogenetic studies, the causes of aspirin failure to prevent the recurrence of ischemic events remain unclear. Our aim was to study whether epigenetics could be associated with the risk of vascular recurrence in aspirin-treated stroke patients.

METHODS

We performed an epigenetic joint analysis study in 327 patients treated with aspirin. In the discovery stage, we performed a nested case-control study in 38 matched ischemic stroke patients in whom 450 000 methylation sites were analyzed. Nineteen patients presented vascular recurrence after stroke, and 19 matched patients did not present vascular recurrence during the first year of follow-up. In a second stage, 289 new patients were analyzed by EpiTYPER.

RESULTS

The following 3 differentially methylated candidate CpG sites, were identified in the discovery stage and analyzed in the second stage: cg26039762 (P=9.69×10(-06), RAF1), cg04985020 (P=3.47×10(-03), PPM1A), and cg08419850 (P=3.47×10(-03), KCNQ1). Joint analysis identified an epigenome-wide association for cg04985020 (PPM1A; P=1.78×10(-07)), with vascular recurrence in patients treated with aspirin.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of differential methylation in PPM1A is associated with vascular recurrence in aspirin-treated stroke patients.

Components of Boiogito Suppress the Progression of Hypercholesterolemia and Fatty Liver Induced by High-Cholesterol Diet in Rats

BACKGROUND

Ogi, one main component of boiogito (BOT), is reported to have an effect on hypercholesterolemia and NAFLD. In this experiment, we examined effects of ogi on the progression of hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver induced by high-cholesterol diet in rats and compared with the effects of ogi combined with ginger or hesperidin.

METHODS

Hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver were induced by a high cholesterol diet in rats. Extract of ogi, ogi with hesperidin, and ogi with ginger were added to the high-cholesterol diet, respectively. Ezetimibe was also added to the high-cholesterol diet as a positive control. After 6 and 12 weeks, body, liver and adipose tissue weights, blood chemistry, lipid-related and inflammatory-related factors were examined.

RESULTS

The high cholesterol diet increased body, liver and adipose tissue weights, and serum cholesterol concentrations. Ogi, ogi with hesperidin or ginger and ezetimibe improved them. In the histological examinations, we observed a significant improvement after treatment. The lipid-related factors (RBP4, HFABP and CFABP) were improved by treatment. Biomarkers of cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol) and absorption (campesterol, beta-sitosterol) were lower in the treatment groups. Inflammatory-related factors (MCP1, CCR2 and TNF-alpha) and ICAM-1 were ameliorated after treatment, especially by ogi with ginger.

CONCLUSION

Ogi, ogi with hesperidin or ginger have a similar effect of BOT and ezetimibe on hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver. Ogi with ginger reveals a stronger additive effect with no significant difference. However, as for the anti-inflammatory (MCP1, CCR2 and TNF-alpha) and anti-arteriosclerotic (ICAM-1) effects, additive effects of ogi with ginger are more potent than that of ogi alone or ezetimibe.

Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic effects of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum heitzii stem bark in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate anti-dyslipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic properties of this extract in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat, a model of metabolic syndrome-induced atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

Normocholesterolemic (NC) male rats were divided into six groups (n=10) and fed a high-cholesterol (HC) diet for 30 days (5 groups), or normal rat chow (normal control group). Rats given a HC diet also received distilled water (disease control), the potent hypocholesterolemic agent with anti-atherosclerotic activity atorvastatin (2 mg/kg, positive control), or one of the three doses of Zanthoxylum heitzii stem bark aqueous extract tested (225, 300 and 375 mg/kg) concomitantly for four months. Signs of general toxicity, body temperature and weight, and water and food intake were monitored in live animals. After sacrifice, lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers were assessed in the blood and liver, aorta, and feces, and histopathological analysis of aorta was performed.

RESULTS

Plant extract prevented the elevation of aortic total cholesterol and triglycerides, and hepatic low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was decreased and aortic atherosclerotic plaque formation prevented.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations strongly suggest that stem bark aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum heitzii has anti-atherosclerogenic properties, at least partly mediated by antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects.

Effects of kampo formulas on the progression of hypercholesterolemia and Fatty liver induced by high-cholesterol diet in rats

BACKGROUND

Bofutsushosan is a well known Kampo, traditional Japanese medicine, based on ancient Chinese medicine mainly used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in Japan. We selected two Kampo formulas, Boiogito and Keishibukuryogan mainly used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in China to compare with Bofutsushosan and cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe.

METHODS

Hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver were induced by high cholesterol (containing 2% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid) diet in male Wistar rats for 6 and 12 weeks. Kampo formulas Boiogito, Bofutsushosan, Keishibukuryogan and ezetimibe were added to the high-cholesterol diet, respectively. After 6 and 12 weeks, body and liver weights, blood chemistry, cholesterol concentrations, fat-related and inflammatory-related factors were examined.

RESULTS

High-cholesterol diet increased body and liver weights, and serum cholesterol concentrations. Boiogito and ezetimibe improved them. Serum ICAM-1 and RBP4 were increased in the high cholesterol diet group. Boiogito and ezetimibe improved them too. In the histological examinations of liver and adipose tissues, we observed a significant improvement after treatment. Immunostaining expression of ICAM-1 in aorta was improved by Boiogito, Bofutsushosan, Keishibukuryogan and ezetimibe. The mRNA expression of RBP4, HFABP, CFABP, MCP1 and CCR2 in liver and adipose tissue were decreased by Boiogito and ezetimibe.

CONCLUSION

Boiogito has a protective effect on the progression of hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver induced by high-cholesterol diet in rats and more effective than Bofutsushosan and Keishibukuryogan. The lipid-lowering effect of Boiogito is not stronger than ezetimibe. But the anti-inflammatory (MCP1, CCR2) and anti-arteriosclerotic (ICAM-1) effects of Boiogito are more potent than ezetimibe.