Protective effects of atorvastatin and quercetin on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Cardioprotective effect of Sanguisorba minor against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a major instigator of various cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). Despite available drugs, there is still an increased need to look for alternative therapies or identify new bioactive compounds. Sanguisorba minor (S. minor) is a native herb characterized by its potent antioxidant activity. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of S. minor against isoprenaline-induced MI. Methods: Rats were treated with the hydro-ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of S. minor at doses of 100 or 300 mg/kg orally for 9 days. Isoprenaline was injected subcutaneously at the dose of 85 mg/kg on days 8 and 9. Then, the activities of various cardiac injury markers including cardiac troponin (cTnT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase muscle brain (CK-MB), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), and antioxidant enzymes in serum were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol content were measured in cardiac tissue, and histopathological analysis was conducted. Results: Our results show that isoprenaline increased the serum levels of cTnT, LDH, CK-MB, and CPK (p < 0.001) and elevated MDA levels (p < 0.001) in cardiac tissue. Isoprenaline also reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and thiol content (p < 0.001). Importantly, the extract abolished isoprenaline-induced MI by elevating SOD and catalase (p < 0.001), reducing levels of MDA, and diminishing levels of cTnT, LDH, CK-MB, and CPK cardiac markers (p < 0.001). Histopathological studies of the cardiac tissue showed isoprenaline-induced injury that was significantly attenuated by the extract. Conclusion: Our results suggest that S. minor could abrogate isoprenaline-induced cardiac toxicity due to its ability to mitigate oxidative stress.

Natural compounds as lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors: potential therapeutics for lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors-related diseases

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a crucial enzyme involved in energy metabolism and present in various cells throughout the body. Its diverse physiological functions encompass glycolysis, and its abnormal activity is associated with numerous diseases. Targeting LDH has emerged as a vital approach in drug discovery, leading to the identification of LDH inhibitors among natural compounds, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids. These compounds demonstrate therapeutic potential against LDH-related diseases, including anti-cancer effects. However, challenges concerning limited bioavailability, poor solubility, and potential toxicity must be addressed. Combining natural compounds with LDH inhibitors has led to promising outcomes in preclinical studies. This review highlights the promise of natural compounds as LDH inhibitors for treating cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective effect of gypenoside against isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling in rats via alteration of inflammation and gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly referred to as a heart attack, occurs when the blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. In this study, we scrutinized the cardioprotective effect of gypenoside against the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury (MI) in the rats.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follow: normal, gypenoside (10 mg/kg), ISO control, and ISO control treated with the gypenoside (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Various parameters were estimated such as infract size, hemodynamic, inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiac, cytokines, and apoptotic markers. We also estimated the gut microbiota in the faces of the experimental rats. Finally, heart tissue histopathology performed.

RESULT

Dose-dependent treatment of gypenoside significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the infracted size along with suppression of the heart weight and heart ratio along with enhance the body weight. Gypenoside treatment considerably altered the level of cardiac parameters, cardiac membrane stabilizing enzyme, hemodynamic parameters, antioxidant, lipid parameters, hepatic parameters, renal parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and mediators. Gypenoside significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed the level of apoptotic markers such as caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-9. Gypenoside significantly (P < 0.001) altered the relative abundance of unclassified bacteria, Tenericutes, Candidatus_Saccharibacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and suppressed the ratio of F/B.

CONCLUSION

Gypenoside acts as a protective phytoconstituents against the ISO-induced myocardial infraction in the rats via alteration of gut microbiota, inflammatory, and oxidative stress.

Effect of trehalose on heart functions in rats model after myocardial infarction: assessment of novel intraventricular pressure and heart rate variability

Background

Myocardial infarctions remain a leading cause of global deaths. Developing novel drugs to target cardiac remodeling after myocardial injury is challenging. There is an increasing interest in exploring natural cardioprotective agents and non-invasive tools like intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG) and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in myocardial infarctions. Trehalose (TRE), a natural disaccharide, shows promise in treating atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of TRE in improving cardiac functions measured by IVPG and HRV and reducing myocardial remodeling following myocardial infarction in rat model.

Methods

Rats were divided into three groups: sham, myocardial infarction (MI), and trehalose-treated MI (TRE) groups. The animals in the MI and TRE groups underwent permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. The TRE group received 2% trehalose in their drinking water for four weeks after the surgery. At the end of the experiment, heart function was assessed using conventional echocardiography, novel color M-mode echocardiography for IVPG evaluation, and HRV analysis. After euthanasia, gross image scoring, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to evaluate inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Results

The MI group exhibited significantly lower values in multiple IVPG parameters. In contrast, TRE administration showed an ameliorative effect on IVPG changes, with results comparable to the sham group. Additionally, TRE improved HRV parameters, mitigated morphological changes induced by myocardial infarction, reduced histological alterations in wall mass, and suppressed inflammatory reactions within the infarcted heart tissues. Furthermore, TRE demonstrated antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic properties.

Conclusion

The investigation into the effect of trehalose on a myocardial infarction rat model has yielded promising outcomes, as evidenced by improvements observed through conventional echocardiography, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis. While minor trends were noticed in IVPG and HRV measurements. However, our findings offer valuable insights and demonstrate a correlation between IVPG, HRV, and other traditional markers of echo assessment in the myocardial infarction vs. sham groups. This alignment suggests the potential of IVPG and HRV as additional indicators for future research in this field.

Effect of Fraxetin on Oxidative Damage Caused by Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats

At present, cardiovascular disorders are the most prominent factors for the high morbidity rate globally. The occurrence of myocardial infarction followed by myocardial ischemia is the important cause of high death rates. Various medical treatments are available, yet the mortality and morbidity rate is high. In the present investigation, the cardioprotective property of fraxetin (Fx) is evaluated in myocardial infarction-induced experimental rats. Fraxetin, a phytochemical known as coumarin isolated from Fraxinus rhynchophylla. Fraxetin has numerous pharmacological activities including antioxidant, apoptosis inhibitor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent. The experimental mice were split into 4 groups each comprising six animals. Group I was considered the control group; 0.1% NaCl solution was given as dosage. Group II received only Fx; group III was treated with ISO. Group IV was treated with Fx followed by ISO to induce myocardial infarction. In ISO administrated rats, there were changes in the heart weight, activities of cardiac markers, transmembrane protein activity, antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory proteins, lipid profile, and myocardial structures. Pre-treatment of fraxetin in group IV experimental rats resulted in decreased cardiac weight, diminished level of cardiac markers (cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI)), reduced level of oxidative stress biomarkers (LOOH and TBARS) in the plasma and cardiac tissue, amplified level of enzymes in antioxidant defense system (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) in the plasma and heart tissue, and elevated level of ATPase activities. The histopathological studies also revealed the potent activity of fraxetin in protecting the cardiac tissues from inflammation and damage. ISO-administrated experimental rats treated with fraxetin exhibit increased antioxidants activity and decreased free radicals. Our study revealed that the administration of fraxetin significantly reduced the extent of myocardial damage during myocardial infarction in rats caused by isoproterenol. Thus, the results prove the cardioprotective effect of fraxetin in MI-induced rats.

Metabolomics based mechanistic insights to vasorelaxant and cardioprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. seeds in isoproterenol induced myocardial infraction

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and death in the current world, posing a challenge to both developing and industrialized nation's health systems. Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. seeds have long been utilized to supplement and enhance health and treat cardiovascular illnesses. However, its treatments for CVDs are still unknown. More research is required to fully comprehend the impact of C. lanatus seeds on vasorelaxation and myocardial infractions.

PURPOSE

Therefore, an integrated metabolomics profiling technique was used to investigate possible pathways of C. lanatus in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Isoproterenol causes long-term cardiac hypertrophy by causing cardiomyocyte compensatory loss, eventually leading to heart failure.

METHODS

In vitro models of vasoconstriction, atrium, and in vivo models of invasive blood pressure measurement and isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats were used to understand underlying mechanistic by LC-MS/MS based dynamic metabolomics analysis of the serum and heart samples to be investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of C. lanatus (Cl.EtOH).

RESULTS

Cl.EtOH exhibited vasorelaxant, negative chronotropic, and inotropic effects in in-vitro models whereas, a potent hypotensive effect was observed in normotensive rats. The Cl.EtOH protected the animals from ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) with therapeutic interventions in left ventricular thickness, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, mRNA gene expression, biochemical assays, and metabolomic profiling of serum and heart tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, our study confirmed that C. lanatus seeds (Cl.EtOH) possess significant antihypertensive and prevent ISO-induced myocardial infarction. These findings comprehensively demonstrated mechanistic insights of Cl.EtOH in vasorelaxation and myocardial infarction. The current study provides evidence for further mechanistic studies and the development of C. lanatus seeds as a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with cardiovascular disorders.

Bacopa monniera extract mitigates isoproterenol-induced cardiac stress via Nrf2/Keap1/NQO1 mediated pathway

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of standardised hydroalcoholic extract of Bacopa monniera (BME) against isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac stress. Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally to induce cardiac stress in rats. Bacopa monniera extract (BME75 and 150 mg/kg) was orally administered for 21 days followed by ISO on 22nd and 23rd experimental days. ISO caused significant cardiac damage, which was concomitant with increased apoptosis and attenuated expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and regulating apoptotic protein expressions of Bax, Bcl2 and NOS2. Treatment with BME in rats significantly improved cardiac dysfunction by maintaining cardiac rhythm, myocardial integrity. Decreased oxidative stress by restored expressions of Nrf2, NQO1 and HO-1 followed by elevating antioxidant enzymes and total glutathione levels. Our present results suggest that the BME treatment strengthening the endogenous defence system through Nrf2 modulation and played a key role against cardiac oxidative stress induced by ISO in rats.

Micro RNAs 26b, 20a inversely correlate with GSK-3 β/NF-κB/NLRP-3 pathway to highlight the additive promising effects of atorvastatin and quercetin in experimental induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease with challenging therapeutic potential due to the implication of cross-talking intracellular pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the combination therapy of atorvastatin and quercetin on glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta/ nuclear factor kappa-B/ nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3 or inflammasome (GSK-3β/NF-KB/NLRP-3) pathway as well as on microRNAs 26b and 20a (miR-26b, miR-20a) and to investigate the possible beneficial outcomes of the combination to offer a better treatment option than methotrexate (MTX) in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Assessment of arthritis progression, serum inflammatory, and oxidative parameters were done. The tibiotarsal tissue expression of the inflammatory parameters was evaluated. Western blot analysis was done to assess the expression level of the important members in the GSK-3β/NF-κB/NLRP-3 pathway. Furthermore, the expression level of both microRNAs and serum level of transaminases were determined. All treatments, especially the combination regimen, abated arthritis progression, the elevated serum level of inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in arthritic rats. Moreover, They down-regulated the gene expression of the important members of the aforementioned signaling pathway, amended the tissue levels of inflammatory parameters and elevated the expression level of miR-26b and miR-20a. Finally, we concluded that the combination therapy modulated miR-26b and miR-20a as well as GSK-3β/NF-κB/NLRP-3 pathway, provided additive anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects and offered an additional hepatoprotective effect as compared to untreated arthritic rats and MTX-treated groups, suggesting its promising role to be used as replacement therapy to MTX in RA.

Rosuvastatin and low-dose carvedilol combination protects against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats: Role of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signalling

Rosuvastatin has been shown to activate PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which promotes cell survival in the myocardium. This study investigated the therapeutic benefit of adding rosuvastatin to low-dose carvedilol in protection against myocardial infarction (MI). Rosuvastatin (RSV) and carvedilol (CAR) were given for 7 consecutive days with concurrent administration of two doses of isoprenaline (ISP) on 6th and 7th days to induce MI. Isoprenaline injections caused detrimental alterations in the myocardial architecture and electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and significantly increased the infarct size, heart index and serum levels of cardiotoxicity markers compared to the control group. ISP induced oxidative damage, inflammatory and apoptotic events and downregulated PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway compared to the control values. Treatment with low-dose CAR and/or RSV prevented the ECG and histopathological alterations induced by ISP, and also reduced the infarct size, heart index, serum creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin-I and C-reactive protein levels compared to ISP group. CAR and/or RSV treatment restored the activity of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity with a consequent reduction in lipid peroxides level. Further, they decreased the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) and increased the phosphorylated PI3K and Akt, which may activate the anti-apoptotic signalling as evidenced by the decreased active caspase 3 level. The combination therapy has a more significant effect in the most studied parameters than their monotherapy, which may be because of the activation of PI3K/Akt Nrf2/HO-1 pro-survival signalling pathway. This study highlights the potential benefits of combining RSV with low-dose CAR in case of MI.

Effects of quercetin supplementation on inflammatory factors and quality of life in post-myocardial infarction patients: A double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Epidemiological studies have shown that dietary flavonoids are inversely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine whether quercetin supplementation can improve inflammatory factors, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and quality of life (QOL) in patients following MI. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 88 post-MI patients. Participants were randomly assigned into quercetin (n = 44) and placebo groups (n = 44) receiving 500 mg/day quercetin or placebo tablets for 8 weeks. Quercetin supplementation significantly increased serum TAC compared to placebo (Difference: 0.24 (0.01) mmol/L and 0.00 (0.00) mmol/L respectively; p < .001). TNF-α levels significantly decreased in the quercetin group (p = .009); this was not, however, significant compared to the placebo group. As for QOL dimensions, quercetin significantly lowered the scores of insecurity (Difference: -0.66 (12.5) and 0.00 (5.55) respectively; p < .001). No significant changes in IL-6, hs-CRP, blood pressure and other QOL dimensions were observed between the two groups. Quercetin supplementation (500 mg/day) in post-MI patients for 8 weeks significantly elevated TAC and improved the insecurity dimension of QOL, but failed to show any significant effect on inflammatory factors, blood pressure and other QOL dimensions.

Chlorogenic acid prevents acute myocardial infarction in rats by reducing inflammatory damage and oxidative stress

Recent studies have suggested that the prevention of myocardial infarction (MI) through diet is very important and that the intake of polyphenol-rich foods can improve cardiovascular health. In this study, adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. The chlorogenic acid (CGA) group (n = 18) was administered 100 mg/kg/day CGA by gavage, and the control (CON) group (n = 18) was given the equivalent volume of water for 4 weeks. A model of MI was established by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, which was monitored by an electrocardiogram (ECG). Blood samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and biochemical experiments 24 h after the operation. In addition, histopathological analysis was performed to assess the size and severity of the infarct area. The administration of CGA before MI minimized weight gain and was associated with decreased postoperative mortality. CGA moderated the coronary artery ligation-induced changes observed by ECG and decreased the plasma levels of the myocardial markers. In the histopathological analysis, CGA notably reduced infarct size and decreased myocardial injury and fibrosis. Furthermore, CGA significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, and this reduction was accompanied by an upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities. This study indicated that CGA improved the survival rate after MI and demonstrated that CGA had a protective effect on MI by reducing the inflammatory response and exerting antioxidant activity.

Beneficial effects of benfotiamine, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study was directed to investigate the beneficial effects of benfotiamine pre- and post-treatments in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI in rats.

METHODS

Myocardial heart damage was induced by subcutaneous injection of ISO (150 mg/kg) once daily for two consecutive days. Benfotiamine (100 mg/kg/day) was given orally for two weeks before or after ISO treatment.

RESULTS

ISO administration revealed significant changes in electrocardiographic recordings, elevation of levels of cardiac enzymes; creatinine kinase (CK-MB) and troponin-I (cTn-I), and perturbation of markers of oxidative stress; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and markers of inflammation; protein kinase C (PKC), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The apoptotic markers (caspase-8 and p53) were also significantly elevated in ISO groups in addition to histological alterations. Groups treated with benfotiamine pre- and post-ISO administration showed significantly decreased cardiac enzymes levels and improved oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic markers compared to the ISO groups.

CONCLUSION

The current study highlights the potential role of benfotiamine as a promising agent for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions in myocardial damage in several cardiovascular disorders via NADPH oxidase inhibition.

Quercetin Reduces Ischemic Brain Injury by Preventing Ischemia-induced Decreases in the Neuronal Calcium Sensor Protein Hippocalcin

Calcium acts as a second messenger that mediates physiologic functions, such as metabolism, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Hippocalcin is a neuronal calcium sensor protein that regulates intracellular calcium concentration. Moreover, it prevents neuronal cell death from oxidative stress. Quercetin has excellent antioxidant properties and preventative effects. We studied modulation of hippocalcin expression by quercetin treatment in cerebral ischemic injury and glutamate-induced neuronal cell damage. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with vehicle or quercetin (10 mg/kg) 1 h prior to pMCAO, and cerebral cortical tissues were isolated 24 h after pMCAO. Quercetin improved pMCAO-induced neuronal movement deficit and infarction. pMCAO induced a decrease in hippocalcin expression in the cerebral cortex. However, quercetin treatment attenuated this pMCAO-induced decrease. In cultured hippocampal cells, glutamate excitotoxicity dramatically increased the intracellular calcium concentration, whereas quercetin alleviated intracellular calcium overload. Moreover, Western blot and immunocytochemical studies showed reduction of hippocalcin expression in glutamate-exposed cells. Quercetin prevented this glutamate-induced decrease. Furthermore, caspase-3 expression in hippocalcin siRNA transfection conditions is higher than caspase-3 expression in un-transfection conditions. Quercetin treatment attenuated the increase of caspase-3. Taken together, these results suggest that quercetin exerts a preventative effect through attenuation of intracellular calcium overload and restoration of down-regulated hippocalcin expression during ischemic injury.

The molecular mechanisms of lithium-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats and its amelioration by N-acetyl cysteine

Lithium is one of the most powerful and commonly used medications for the treatment of various psychiatric diseases, especially bipolar disorder. However, it has a narrow therapeutic index with toxic effects on various organs. There are several case reports of lithium-induced arrhythmia and ischemia. The current work aimed to study the toxic effects of lithium on the heart of adult albino rats and its molecular mechanisms and the ameliorating effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Sixty adult male Wistar albino rats were classified into four groups; control, NAC-treated received NAC 500 mg/kg/week dissolved in 1 ml 0.9% sodium chloride intraperitoneal, lithium-treated received 52.5 mg/kg/day of lithium carbonate dissolved in 1 ml 0.9% sodium chloride orally by gavage, and lithium-and-NAC-treated (group IV) received lithium and NAC in the previous doses. After 12 weeks, the rats of group III showed a significant accumulation of ascites and a decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings of ischemia and arrhythmia. In addition, there was an elevation in cardiac biomarkers creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and several histological lesions with a significant increase in the area % of Van Gieson, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunoreaction. There was significant upregulation of microRNA-1, microRNA-21 (miRNA-21), and microRNA-29 (miRNA-29). MiRNA-21 was strongly positively correlated to the area % of 8-OHdG, while miRNA-29 was strongly positively correlated to the area % of Van Gieson staining. NAC significantly improved the cardiotoxic effects of lithium. Being a nontoxic and safe antioxidant, NAC can be used to ameliorate lithium-induced cardiac injury.

Atorvastatin lipid nanocapsules and gold nanoparticles embedded in injectable thermo-gelling hydrogel scaffold containing adipose tissue extracellular matrix for myocardial tissue regeneration

This study aimed to prepare, optimise, and characterise the novel hybrid hydrogel scaffold containing atorvastatin lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) and gold nanoparticles (NPs) to improve cardiomyoblasts proliferation and regeneration of myocardium. A thermo-responsive aminated guaran (AGG) hydrogel was prepared to encompass extracellular matrix (ECM) fetched from human adipose tissue. Emulsion phase-inversion technique was used to obtain LNCs. Biocompatibility, tensile strength, conductivity, and proliferation of human myocardial cells of the optimised formulation were studied. The LNCs have a spherical shape, and the optimised formulation showed a mean particle size of 18.79 nm, the zeta potential of - 11.4 mV, drug loading of 99.99%, and release efficiency percent over 72 h was 18.73%. The injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel prepared using 1 w/v% of AGG, 35 w/w% of ECM, ∼0.5 mg/ml of gold NPs and atorvastatin loaded LNCs showed the best physical characteristics. The hybrid scaffold loaded with atorvastatin and gold NPs improved the proliferation of cardiomyoblasts more than sevenfold with enhanced cell attachment to the scaffold. The tensile strength and the conductivity of the scaffold were 300 kPa and 0.14 S/m, respectively. Injectable hybrid adipose tissue prepared by ECM and AGG hydrogel loaded with atorvastatin and gold NPs showed promising physical characteristics for myocardial tissue engineering.

Enhancing the potential preclinical and clinical benefits of quercetin through novel drug delivery systems

Quercetin is reported to have numerous pharmacological actions, including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The main mechanism responsible for its pharmacological activities is its ability to quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, hence, decrease the oxidative stress responsible for the development of various diseases. Despite its proven therapeutic potential, the clinical use of quercetin remains limited because of its low aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and substantial first-pass metabolism. To overcome this, several novel formulations have been reported. In this review, we focus on the applications of quercetin extract as well as its novel formulations for treating different disorders. We also examine its proposed mechanism of action of quercetin.

Protective effects of syringic acid, resveratrol and their combination against isoprenaline administered cardiotoxicity in wistar rats

Objective

To evaluate the cardio-protection of syringic acid (SA) in combination with resveratrol (RV) in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarcted (MI) rats.

Methods

Groups of all rats were subjected oral pre-treatment at the beginning of the study with SA (50 mg/kg), RV (50 mg/kg) and combination (COMB) of SA (25 mg/kg) and RV (25 mg/kg) along with gallic acid (GA) (50 mg/kg) for 30 days. After sacrification, homogenate of heart tissue along with serum were utilized for further biochemical investigations. The effects on creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were studied in serum and heart tissues. Glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reduced glutathione (GSH), membrane bound enzymes and electrolytes were tested in heart tissues. Body weights and heart weights were also observed along with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), uric acid and total protein content (TPC) in serum.

Results

CK, AST, ALT and GGT levels in serum were augmented significantly while these enzymes are decreased in cardiac tissue samples of ISO-treated rats. GST, GPX, GSH, Na⁺/K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ ATPases, K⁺ ions were significantly decreased while Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions were increased in the heart tissues of ISO-injected rats. Loss and gain of body and heart weights were noticed significantly in rats having ISO administration. ISO group showed significant increase in hs-CRP and Uric acid while significant decrease in TPC. All of actions of ISO were ameliorated by COMB.

Conclusions

COMB suppressed ISO induced MI in rats and exhibited cardio-protection.

Cardioprotective Activity of Agaricus bisporus Against Isoproterenol- Induced Myocardial Infarction in Laboratory Animals

Background:

Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) is an edible basidiomycete mushroom native to grasslands in Europe and North America. A. bisporus, commonly known as white button mushroom (WBM), is widely cultivated in most countries, and it constitutes the bulk of all mushrooms consumed in the United States and Australia. Traditionally this fungus has used in the treatment of heart diseases. Also it has anti-ageing property.Mushrooms have been found effective against cancer, cholesterol reduction, stress, insomnia, asthma, allergies and diabetes.

Objective:

The present research was designed to appraise the cardioprotective activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of Agaricus bisporus (EEAB) on Isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in Albino Wistar rat. Traditionally, Agaricus bisporus is reported in the treatment of heart diseases, cancer, cerebral stroke and anti-ageing property.

Materials and Methods:

Wistar rats of different sex were randomly split into five groups namely positive control, negative control, standard, test-1 and test-2 and received distilled water, ISO (85 mg/kg), Simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, oral) and EEAB (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 30 days, respectively. MI was induced in rats by ISO at an interval of 24 hrs on 31 and 32 day and on the next day, blood was amassed through retro-orbital plexus for the assessment of biochemical markers (cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase and total protein) and finally, the rats were immolated by cervical dislocation. The heart tissue was reaped instantly, cleaned with chilled isotonic saline and clasped in 10% buffered formalin and used for the histopathological analysis.

Results:

ISO p.o. administration significantly elevated the cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels while it decreases high-density lipoprotein and total protein in plasma and administration of EEAB decreases the level of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels while it increases high-density lipoprotein and total protein levels. Pretreatment with EEAB protected the cardiotoxicity induced by ISO. The histopathological findings support the analysis of biochemical parameters, ISO-induced myocardium showed infracted zone with edema, inflammatory cells, lipid droplets, myocardial necrosis and vacuolization of myofibrils which were reduced.

Conclusion:

It can be an outcome that EEAB possessed cardioprotective activity against experimental and clinical studies of ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, and cardiovascular protective effects. Our study is aimed at evaluating the effects of pretreatment with curcumin nanoparticles (CCNP) compared to conventional curcumin (CC) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Fifty-six Wistar-Bratislava white rats were randomly divided into eight groups of seven rats each. Curcumin and curcumin nanoparticles were given by gavage in three different doses (100 mg/kg body weight (bw), 150 mg/kg bw, and 200 mg/kg bw) for 15 days. The MI was induced on day 13 using 100 mg/kg bw ISO administered twice, with the second dose 24 h after the initial dose. The blood samples were taken 24 h after the last dose of ISO. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects were evaluated in all groups. All doses of CC and CCNP offered a cardioprotective effect by preventing creatine kinase-MB leakage from cardiomyocytes, with the best result for CCNP. All the oxidative stress parameters were significantly improved after CCNP compared to CC pretreatment. CCNP was more efficient than CC in limiting the increase in inflammatory cytokine levels (such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and RANTES) after MI. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels decreased more after pretreatment with CCNP than with CC. CCNP better prevented myocardial necrosis and reduced interstitial edema and neutrophil infiltration than CC, on histopathological examination. Therefore, improving the bioactivity of curcumin by nanotechnology may help limit cardiac injury after myocardial infarction.

Anti-fibrotic Actions of Roselle Extract in Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction

Heart failure-associated morbidity and mortality is largely attributable to extensive and unregulated cardiac remodelling. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces are enriched with natural polyphenols known for antioxidant and anti-hypertensive effects, yet its effects on early cardiac remodelling in post myocardial infarction (MI) setting are still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the actions of roselle extract on cardiac remodelling in rat model of MI. Male Wistar rats (200-300 g) were randomly allotted into three groups: Control, MI, and MI + Roselle. MI was induced with isoprenaline (ISO) (85 mg/kg, s.c) for two consecutive days followed by roselle treatment (100 mg/kg, orally) for 7 days. Isoprenaline administration showed changes in heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) ratio. MI was especially evident by the elevated cardiac injury marker, troponin-T, and histological observation. Upregulation of plasma levels and cardiac gene expression levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 was seen in MI rats. A relatively high percentage of fibrosis was observed in rat heart tissues with over-expression of collagen (Col)-1 and Col-3 genes following isoprenaline-induced MI. On top of that, cardiomyocyte areas were larger in heart tissues of MI rats with upregulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene expression, indicating cardiac hypertrophy. Interestingly, roselle supplementation attenuated elevation of plasma troponin-T, IL-6, IL10, and gene expression level of IL-10. Furthermore, reduction of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy were observed. In conclusion, roselle treatment was able to limit early cardiac remodelling in MI rat model by alleviating inflammation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy; hence, the potential application of roselle in early adjunctive treatment to prevent heart failure.

Evaluation of Paeonia emodi for its cardioprotective potentials: An investigative study towards possible mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle (peony) is an important member of family Paeoniaceae. Different parts of the plant have been folklorically used for treatment of different diseases. Infusion of dried flowers is used to treat diarrhea, the seeds are emetic and cathartic while the rhizome has been indicated for the treatment of hysteria, abdominal spasm, nervine tonic and headache. Besides these, peony has also been used in different respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) like hypertension, palpitations, congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis. Being a folkloric remedy for the treatment of CVDs, Paeonia emodi (P. emodi) requires to be explored scientifically for MI management.

AIM

The current research work was designed to explore the possible cardioprotective mechanism of P. emodi in Isoproterenol hydrochloride (ISO) induced MI in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental animals randomly divided in different groups, received methanolic extract of P. emodi (Pe.ME) and its subsequent fractions for 15 days followed by ISO (100 mg/kg s.c) at 24 h interval for two days. The cardioprotective potential of the test samples were investigated by determining the serum levels of Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT), Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK). The ethyl acetate fraction (Pe.EA) was found potent among all the tested samples of P. emodi. Based on its high potency, Pe.EA was subjected to GC-MS analysis and further relevant experiments including anti-hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, membrane stabilization, thrombolytic, DNA ladder assay and histopathological study.

RESULTS

Pe.EA exhibited significant cardioprotective activity through reduction in levels of serum biomarkers responsible for MI. It significantly reduced serum levels of ALT (p < 0.001), AST (p < 0.001), CPK (p < 0.05) and LDH (p < 0.001) at a dose of 300 mg/kg as compared to ISO treated group. The GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of potential compounds (esculetin, methyl eugenol, isovanillic acid) which might play a role in cardioprotection. Further screening confirmed that the effect of Pe.EA is mediated through multiple targets/mechanisms, which include anti-hyperlipidemia, antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition, membrane stabilization, thrombolytic and DNA protective effects. Histopathological studies revealed the palliative effect for the damage caused in myocardial tissues.

CONCLUSION

Findings of current study provide evidence that P. emodi is a potential candidate for the treatment and management of MI.

The Cardio- and Neuroprotective Effects of Corvitin and 2-Oxoglutarate in Rats with Pituitrin-Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Damage

Heart diseases, especially acute coronary syndrome (ACS), are among the most severe illnesses that often lead to death. Despite significant advances in the prevention and treatment of ACS, the incidence of the disease and its complications are very serious. The imbalance between pro- and antioxidant systems, the formation of active carbonyl compounds, and the end products of glycation in the blood and tissues are the key moments in the development of heart and neurological disorders leading to a change of behavioral responses. So, the search for antioxidants with cardio- and neuroprotective effects is an urgent task. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Corvitin and 2-oxoglutarate on physiological parameters, heart histology, and markers of carbonyl/oxidative stress of rats with pituitrin-isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage (PIMD). Increased sweating, tachycardia, significantly decreased locomotor and exploratory activity, changes of ECG, heart histology, and biochemical changes were observed in the PIMD-group. The administration of Corvitin or 2-OG led to the recovery of locomotor and cognitive activities of the rats, improvement in heart histology, a decrease in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, advanced glycated end products, and various changes in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, 6 days after PIMD. So, Corvitin and exogenous 2-OG show cardio- and neuroprotective effects through the decrease of carbonyl/oxidative stress and regulation of the activity of the antioxidant system.

Molecular understanding of the protective role of natural products on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction: A review

Modern medicine has been used to treat myocardial infarction, a subset of cardiovascular diseases, and have been relatively effective but not without adverse effects. Consequently, this issue has stimulated interest in the use of natural products, which may be equally effective and better tolerated. Many studies have investigated the cardioprotective effect of natural products, such as plant-derived phytochemicals, against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial damage; these have produced promising results on the basis of their antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. This review briefly introduces the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI) and then addresses the progress of natural product research towards its treatment. We highlight the promising applications and mechanisms of action of plant extracts, phytochemicals and polyherbal formulations towards the treatment of ISO-induced myocardial damage. Most of the products displayed elevated antioxidant levels with decreased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, along with restoration of ionic balance and lowered expression of myocardial injury markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic parameters. Likewise, lipid profiles were positively altered and histopathological improvements could be seen from, for example, the better membrane integrity, decreased necrosis, edema, infarct size, and leukocyte infiltration. This review highlights promising results towards the amelioration of ISO-induced myocardial damage, which suggest the direction for future research on natural products that could be used to treat MI.

Effect of vitamin D on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats: possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ

Infarct-like lesion induced by isoprenaline is a well-known model to study myocardial infarction (MI). Vitamin D has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recent studies highlighted cross talk between vitamin D and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of pretreatment with vitamin D on the isoprenaline-induced infarct-like lesion in rats and the role of PPAR-γ as a novel mechanism in vitamin-D-mediated cardioprotective effect. Markers chosen to assess cardiac damage included serum level of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Cardiac contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) were also assessed. Furthermore, ECG monitoring and measurement of injury extension were carried out. Isoprenaline increased the level of cardiac enzymes, as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. In addition, it produced ST-segment elevation. Pretreatment with vitamin D significantly improved previous parameters. The prior treatment with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), a PPAR-γ antagonist, significantly attenuated the protective effect of vitamin D. In conclusion, vitamin D can be demonstrated as a promising cardioprotective agent in MI and PPAR-γ significantly contributes toward vitamin-D-mediated protection.

Cardioprotective potential of a lanosteryl triterpene from Protorhus longifolia

CONTEXT

The current rapid increase in the incidence of cardiovascular events indicates a need for the discovery of more effective cardioprotective agents.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the cardioprotective potential of a lanosteryl triterpene from Protorhus longifolia (Benrh.) Engl. stem bark.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spectroscopic data analysis was used to confirm the structure of methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9, 24-dien-21-oate (RA-3). The cardioprotective effect of RA-3 in isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in hyperlipidemic rats was investigated. Rats were divided into the normal diet (ND) fed and high fat diet (HFD) fed groups. The HFD rats were further subdivided into three groups. The experimental group was orally administered with RA-3 (100 mg/kg) for 15 days. The rats were then injected with isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) to induce myocardial injury. At the end of the experiment, hearts and blood tissues were collected and used for histology and biochemical assays, respectively.

RESULTS

RA-3 exhibited a cardioprotective effect as it minimized myocardial injury in HFD rats. Few lesions of acute hyaline degeneration and reduced fat deposition were observed in the heart tissue of the triterpene pretreated rats. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was decreased in the blood of the RA-3 pretreated rats (44.1 mU/mL) compared to the untreated group (64.8 mU/mL). Increased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity along with lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the triterpene pretreated animals (120.8 nmol/μL) than in the non-treated HFD fed rats (143.6 nmol/μL) were also observed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The cardioprotective effect exhibited by RA-3 indicates its potential use in the management of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and related health problems.

Chlorogenic acid ameliorates isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats by stabilizing mitochondrial and lysosomal enzymes

This study was deliberated to aspire the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against myocardial infarction (MI) induced by Isoproterenol (ISO), in a rat model. In the pathology of MI, enzymes released due to the mitochondrial and lysosomal lipid peroxidation play an integral role. Induction of rats with ISO (85mg/kg BW) for 2 consecutive days resulted in a significant decrease in the activities of heart mitochondrial enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). The activities of lysosomal enzymes (β- glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, cathepsin-B and cathepsin-D) were increased significantly in the heart tissue. A prominent expression of LDH 1 and LDH 2 isoenzymes in the serum were observed and changes in the Electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns were also recorded in the ISO-induced rats. The prior administrations of CGA (40mg/kg BW) for 19days markedly ameliorated ISO induced alterations in ECG and significantly restored the activities of all the above enzymes in the heart of ISO-induced rats, which substantiates the stress stabilizing action of CGA. Oral administration of CGA (40mg/kg BW) to normal rats did not show any significant changes. These biochemical functional alterations were supported by the histology of heart (Massion's trichrome and Picrosirius red staining for collagen formation). Thereupon, this study shows that 40mg/kg BW of CGA gives protection against ISO-induced MI and demonstrates that CGA has a significant effect in the protection of heart.

Heart protective effects and mechanism of quercetin preconditioning on anti-myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injuries in rats

In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of quercetin preconditioning on anti-myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injuries in vivo. Meanwhile, their potential anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation effect were assessed. SD rats were orally given quercetin 250 mg/kg. Myocardium apoptosis was determined with TUNEL staining. The biomarkers related to myocardial ischemia injury were determined. Simultaneously, hemodynamic parameters were monitored as left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and maximal rate of increase and decrease of left ventricular pressure (dP/dtmax). The oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors were also evaluated. Western blot method was used for analysis of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expressions. The results showed that quercetin significantly reduced apoptosis rate, improved cardiac function, decreased levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Quercetin also restrained the oxidative stress related to myocardial ischemia injury as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), and elevated GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) activity. Meanwhile, the inflammatory cascade was inhibited as evidenced by decreased cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Our results still showed that quercetin pretreatment significantly inhibited the apoptosis by decreasing the number of apoptotic cells, decreasing the level of cleaved Bax, and increasing the level of Bcl-2 in rats subjected to I/R injury. Simultaneously, quercetin pretreatment markedly increased the phosphorylation of Akt. Blockade of PI3K activity by LY294002, dramatically abolished its anti-apoptotic effect and lowered Akt phosphorylation level. It can be concluded that quercetin pretreatment was protected against myocardium IR injury by decreasing oxidative stress, repressing inflammatory cascade, inhibiting apoptosis in vivo and PI3K/Akt pathway involved in the anti-apoptotic effect.