Huoxin pill attenuates myocardial infarction-induced apoptosis and fibrosis via suppression of p53 and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways

Regulated cell death in acute myocardial infarction: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), primarily caused by coronary atherosclerosis, initiates a series of events that culminate in the obstruction of coronary arteries, resulting in severe myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. The subsequent myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury further aggravates cardiac damage, leading to a decline in heart function and the risk of life-threatening complications. The complex interplay of multiple regulated cell death (RCD) pathways plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AMI. Each RCD pathway is orchestrated by a symphony of molecular regulatory mechanisms, highlighting the dynamic changes and critical roles of key effector molecules. Strategic disruption or inhibition of these molecular targets offers a tantalizing prospect for mitigating or even averting the onset of RCD, thereby limiting the extensive loss of cardiomyocytes and the progression of detrimental myocardial fibrosis. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms underlying various forms of RCD, provides an in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis of AMI through the lens of RCD, and highlights a range of promising therapeutic targets that hold the potential to revolutionize the management of AMI.

Gastrodin Alleviates Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Myocardial Apoptosis via Inhibition of the PRDX2/p53 Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro

Gastrodin, a highly potent compound found in the traditional Chinese medicine Gastrodia elata Blume, exhibits significant antihypertensive properties. However, its role and the mechanism behind its protective effects on hypertensive cardiac conditions are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the cardiac protective effects and underlying mechanisms of gastrodin in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertensive models, both in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with gastrodin significantly decreased blood pressure and the heart weight/tibial length (HW/TL) ratio and attenuated cardiac dysfunction and pathological damage in Ang II-infused C57BL/6 mice. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) revealed 697 up-regulated and 714 down-regulated transcripts, along with 1105 signaling pathways, in Ang II-infused C57BL/6 mice following gastrodin treatment, compared to Ang II-induced hypertensive mice. Furthermore, the analyses of the top 30 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway indicated significant enrichment in apoptosis and the peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2)/p53 pathway. Consistently, gastrodin treatment significantly reduced myocardial apoptosis in both the cardiac tissues of Ang II-induced hypertensive mice and Ang II-stimulated H9c2 cells. Additionally, gastrodin treatment significantly decreased the protein levels of PRDX2, p53, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the cardiac tissues of Ang II-infused mice and H9c2 cells stimulated with Ang II. In conclusion, gastrodin treatment can mitigate hypertension-induced myocardial apoptosis in hypertensive mice by inhibiting the PRDX2/p53 pathway.

Experimental confirmation and bioinformatics reveal biomarkers of immune system infiltration and hypertrophy ligamentum flavum

Background

Hypertrophy ligamentum flavum is a prevalent chronic spinal condition that affects middle-aged and older adults. However, the molecular pathways behind this disease are not well comprehended.

Objective

The objective of this work is to implement bioinformatics techniques in order to identify crucial biological markers and immune infiltration that are linked to hypertrophy ligamentum flavum. Further, the study aims to experimentally confirm the molecular mechanisms that underlie the hypertrophy ligamentum flavum.

Methods

The corresponding gene expression profiles (GSE113212) were selected from a comprehensive gene expression database. The gene dataset for hypertrophy ligamentum flavum was acquired from GeneCards. A network of interactions between proteins was created, and an analysis of functional enrichment was conducted using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) databases. An study of hub genes was performed to evaluate the infiltration of immune cells in patient samples compared to tissues from the control group. Finally, samples of the ligamentum flavum were taken with the purpose of validating the expression of important genes in a clinical setting.

Results

Overall, 27 hub genes that were differently expressed were found through molecular biology. The hub genes were found to be enriched in immune response, chemokine-mediated signaling pathways, inflammation, ossification, and fibrosis processes, as demonstrated by GO and KEGG studies. The main signaling pathways involved include the TNF signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and TGF-β signaling pathway. An examination of immunocell infiltration showed notable disparities in B cells (naïve and memory) and activated T cells (CD4 memory) between patients with hypertrophic ligamentum flavum and the control group of healthy individuals. The in vitro validation revealed markedly elevated levels of ossification and fibrosis-related components in the hypertrophy ligamentum flavum group, as compared to the normal group.

Conclusion

The TGF-β signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and related hub genes play crucial roles in the progression of ligamentum flavum hypertrophic. Our study may guide future research on fibrosis of the ligamentum flavum.

Programmed death of cardiomyocytes in cardiovascular disease and new therapeutic approaches

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a complex pathogenesis and pose a major threat to human health. Cardiomyocytes have a low regenerative capacity, and their death is a key factor in the morbidity and mortality of many CVDs. Cardiomyocyte death can be regulated by specific signaling pathways known as programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, etc. Abnormalities in PCD can lead to the development of a variety of cardiovascular diseases, and there are also molecular-level interconnections between different PCD pathways under the same cardiovascular disease model. Currently, the link between programmed cell death in cardiomyocytes and cardiovascular disease is not fully understood. This review describes the molecular mechanisms of programmed death and the impact of cardiomyocyte death on cardiovascular disease development. Emphasis is placed on a summary of drugs and potential therapeutic approaches that can be used to treat cardiovascular disease by targeting and blocking programmed cell death in cardiomyocytes.

Integrative transcriptomics and proteomics analysis reveal the protection of Astragaloside IV against myocardial fibrosis by regulating senescence

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a pivotal pathological process implicated in various cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart failure. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a natural compound derived from Astragalus membranaceus, possesses potent cardioprotective properties. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-MF effects, particularly in relation to senescence, remain elusive. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms of AS-IV in treating ISO-induced MF in mice, employing transcriptomics, proteomics, in vitro, and in vivo experiments. We assessed the positive effects of AS-IV on ISO-induced MF using HE staining, Masson staining, ELISA, immunohistochemical staining, transthoracic echocardiography, transmission electron microscopy, and DHE fluorescence staining. Additionally, we elucidated the regulatory role of AS-IV in MF through comprehensive transcriptomics and proteomics analyses, complemented by Western blotting and RT-qPCR validation of pertinent molecular pathways. Our findings demonstrated that AS-IV treatment markedly attenuated ISO-induced myocardial injury and oxidative stress, concomitantly inhibiting the release of SASPs. Furthermore, integrated transcriptomics and proteomics analyses revealed that the anti-MF mechanism of AS-IV was associated with regulating cellular senescence and the p53 signaling pathway. These results highlight AS-IV exerts its anti-MF effects not only by inhibiting oxidative stress but also by modulating senescence through the p53 signaling pathway.

Hypoxia triggers cardiomyocyte apoptosis via regulating the m6A methylation-mediated LncMIAT/miR-708-5p/p53 axis

Long-time hypoxia induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is an important mechanism of myocardial ischemia (MI) injury. Interestingly, long noncoding RNA myocardial infarction-associated transcript (LncMIAT) has been involved in the regulation of MI injury; however, the underlying mechanism by which LncMIAT affects the progression of hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains unclear. In the present study, hypoxia was found to promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis through an increased expression of LncMIAT in vitro. Biological investigations and dual-luciferase gene reporter assay further revealed that LncMIAT was able to bind with miR-708-5p to upregulate the p53-mediated cell death of the cardiomyocytes. Silencing of LncMIAT or overexpression of miR-708-5p led to a significant reduction in p53-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR results showed that hypoxia exerted its effects on LncMIAT through AKLBH5-N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and therefore hypoxia was shown to trigger HL-1 cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the m6A methylation-mediated LncMIAT/miR-708-5p/p53 axis. Silencing of AKLBH5 significantly alleviated the m6A methylation-mediated LncMIAT upregulation and p53-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, while promoted miR-708-5p expression. Taken together, the present study highlighted that LncMIAT could act as a key biological target during hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In addition, it was shown that hypoxia could promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis through regulation of the m6A methylation-mediated LncMIAT/miR-708-5p/p53 signaling axis.

CAV1 Protein Encapsulated in Mouse BMSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates Myocardial Fibrosis Following Myocardial Infarction by Blocking the TGF-β1/SMAD2/c-JUN Axis

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) convey the CAV1 protein, influencing the TGF-β1/SMAD2/c-JUN pathway and thus the molecular mechanisms underlying myocardial fibrosis (MF) post-myocardial infarction (MI). Through various experimental methods, including transmission electron microscopy, Nanosight analysis, Western blot, ELISA, and qRT-PCR, we isolated, purified, and identified EVs originating from mBMSCs. Bioinformatics and experimental findings show a reduced expression of CAV1 in myocardial fibrosis tissue. Furthermore, our findings suggest that mBMSC-EVs can deliver CAV1 to cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and that silencing CAV1 in mBMSC-EVs promotes CF fibrosis. In vivo studies further corroborated these findings. In conclusion, mBMSC-EVs mitigate myocardial fibrosis in MI mice by delivering the CAV1 protein, inhibiting the TGF-β1/SMAD2/c-JUN pathway.

Effects of scutellarin on the mechanism of cardiovascular diseases: a review

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant worldwide problem, jeopardizing individuals' physical and mental wellbeing as well as their quality of life as a result of their widespread incidence and fatality. With the aging society, the occurrence of Cardiovascular diseases is progressively rising each year. However, although drugs developed for treating Cardiovascular diseases have clear targets and proven efficacy, they still carry certain toxic and side effect risks. Therefore, finding safe, effective, and practical treatment options is crucial. Scutellarin is the primary constituent of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. This article aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the creation and use of secure, productive, and logical medications for Scutellarin in curing heart-related illnesses. Additionally, the examination and analysis of the signal pathway and its associated mechanisms with regard to the employment of SCU in treating heart diseases will impart innovative resolving concepts for the treatment and prevention of Cardiovascular diseases.

Metaflammation in glucolipid metabolic disorders: Pathogenesis and treatment

The public health issue of glucolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD) has grown significantly, posing a grave threat to human wellness. Its prevalence is rising yearly and tends to affect younger people. Metaflammation is an important mechanism regulating body metabolism. Through a complicated multi-organ crosstalk network involving numerous signaling pathways such as NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1, NF-B, p38 MAPK, IL-6/STAT3, and PI3K/AKT, it influences systemic metabolic regulation. Numerous inflammatory mediators are essential for preserving metabolic balance, but more research is needed to determine how they contribute to the co-morbidities of numerous metabolic diseases. Whether controlling the inflammatory response can influence the progression of GLMD determines the therapeutic strategy for such diseases. This review thoroughly examines the role of metaflammation in GLMD and combs the research progress of related therapeutic approaches, including inflammatory factor-targeting drugs, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and exercise therapy. Multiple metabolic diseases, including diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, and others, respond therapeutically to anti-inflammatory therapy on the whole. Moreover, we emphasize the value and open question of anti-inflammatory-based means for treating GLMD.

The Function and Therapeutic Potential of lncRNAs in Cardiac Fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in cardiovascular diseases. Fibrosis of the myocardium plays a key role in the clinical outcomes of patients with heart injuries. Moderate fibrosis is favorable for cardiac structure maintaining and contractile force transmission, whereas adverse fibrosis generally progresses to ventricular remodeling and cardiac systolic or diastolic dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are multifactorial and complex. Several molecular mechanisms, such as TGF-β signaling pathway, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation, and non-coding RNAs, positively or negatively regulate myocardial fibrosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant mediators in gene regulation in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are crucial in genetic programming and gene expression during myocardial fibrosis. We summarize the function of lncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis and their contributions to miRNA expression, TGF-β signaling, and ECMs synthesis, with a particular attention on the exosome-derived lncRNAs in the regulation of adverse fibrosis as well as the mode of action of lncRNAs secreted into exosomes. We also discuss how the current knowledge on lncRNAs can be applied to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse cardiac fibrosis.

Therapeutic targets by traditional Chinese medicine for ischemia-reperfusion injury induced apoptosis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a significant role in treating and preventing human diseases. Ischemic heart and cerebrovascular injuries are two types of diseases with different clinical manifestations with high prevalence and incidence. In recent years, it has been reported that many TCM has beneficial effects on ischemic diseases through the inhibition of apoptosis, which is the key target to treat myocardial and cerebral ischemia. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms of various TCMs in treating ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases through anti-apoptotic targets and pathways. However, clinical investigations into elucidating the pharmacodynamic ingredients of TCM are still lacking, which should be further demystified in the future. Overall, the inhibition of apoptosis by TCM may be an effective strategy for treating ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

Daming capsule protects against myocardial infarction by promoting mitophagy via the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a myocardial injury caused by coronary thrombosis or persistent ischemia and hypoxia. Due to its high morbidity and mortality, a safer and more effective treatment strategy is urgently needed. Daming capsule (DMC), a hypolipidemic drug, reportedly exerts cardioprotective effects in clinical and basic research, although its protective mechanism remains unknown. To investigate the mechanism underlying DMC-mediated improvement of cardiac function post-MI, C57/BL6 mice subjected to coronary artery ligation were administered DMC for 4 weeks. Our data demonstrated that DMC significantly improved cardiac structure and function compared to the saline group. Moreover, DMC inhibited inflammatory response and oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial structure and function in MI mice and hypoxia-stressed cardiomyocytes. Next, our research proved that DMC increased the expression of mitophagy receptor NLRX1. Interestingly, with the administration of DMC and siNLRX1, NLRX1 expression, mitochondria and lysosome colocalization, and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, while mitochondrial ROS accumulation increased, suggesting that DMC promoted mitophagy to improve mitochondrial function via NLRX1 regulation. Further analysis showed that DMC activated the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Our data showed that SIRT1 knockdown downregulated NLRX1 expression, leading to structural damage and functional impairment in mitochondria, as well as increased oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and decreased cardiac function in MI mice. Collectively, our findings reveal that DMC improves cardiac function post-MI by increasing mitophagy and inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammotory response in cardiomyocytes through the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway.

Programmed Cell Death: Complex Regulatory Networks in Cardiovascular Disease

Abnormalities in programmed cell death (PCD) signaling cascades can be observed in the development and progression of various cardiovascular diseases, such as apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cell death associated with autophagy. Aberrant activation of PCD pathways is a common feature leading to excessive cardiac remodeling and heart failure, involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, timely activation of PCD remodels cardiac structure and function after injury in a spatially or temporally restricted manner and corrects cardiac development similarly. As many cardiovascular diseases exhibit abnormalities in PCD pathways, drugs that can inhibit or modulate PCD may be critical in future therapeutic strategies. In this review, we briefly describe the process of various types of PCD and their roles in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. We also discuss the interplay between different cell death signaling cascades and summarize pharmaceutical agents targeting key players in cell death signaling pathways that have progressed to clinical trials. Ultimately a better understanding of PCD involved in cardiovascular diseases may lead to new avenues for therapy.

Identification of Two Long Non-Coding RNAs AC010082.1 and AC011443.1 as Biomarkers of Coronary Heart Disease Based on Logistic Stepwise Regression Prediction Model

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a global health concern with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to identify the possible long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) biomarkers of CHD. The lncRNA- and mRNA-related data of patients with CHD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE113079). The limma package was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs (DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs, respectively). Then, miRcode, TargetScan, miRDB, and miRTarBase databases were used to form the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Furthermore, SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used to construct a logistic stepwise regression prediction model for CHD diagnosis based on DElncRNAs. Of the microarray data, 70% was used as a training set and 30% as a test set. Moreover, a validation cohort including 30 patients with CHD and 30 healthy controls was used to verify the hub lncRNA expression through real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). A total of 185 DElncRNAs (114 upregulated and 71 downregulated) and 382 DEmRNAs (162 upregulated and 220 downregulated) between CHD and healthy controls were identified from the microarray data. Furthermore, through bioinformatics prediction, a 38 lncRNA-21miRNA-40 mRNA ceRNA network was constructed. Next, by constructing a logistic stepwise regression prediction model for 38 DElncRNAs, we screened two hub lncRNAs AC010082.1 and AC011443.1 (p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 98.41%, 100%, and 0.995, respectively, for the training set and 93.33%, 91.67%, and 0.983, respectively, for the test set. We further verified the significant upregulation of AC010082.1 (p < 0.01) and AC011443.1 (p < 0.05) in patients with CHD using RT-qPCR in the validation cohort. Our results suggest that lncRNA AC010082.1 and AC011443.1 are potential biomarkers of CHD. Their pathological mechanism in CHD requires further validation.