Attenuation of isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction by Rheum turkestanicum

Protective effect of Galectin-3 inhibitor against cardiac remodelling in an isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has the potential to impair cardiac function and cause heart failure. We aimed to study the cardioprotective influence of Galactin-3 (Gal-3) inhibitor; modified citrus pectin (MCP) in isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction (MI) in T2DM rats. Forty rats were allocated into 4 groups; groups I and II served as control. T2DM was provoked in groups III and IV by serving them high fat diet followed by a single low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ), then group IV were administered MCP in drinking water for 6 weeks. Groups III and IV were then subcutaneously injected isoprenaline hydrochloride once daily on the last 2 successive days to induce MI. MCP restored echocardiographic parameters with significant decline in Gal-3 area % in cardiac tissue alongside protection against cardiac remodelling. our data showed that there is a protective potential for Gal-3 inhibitor (MCP) against cardiac injury in isoprenaline induced MI in T2DM.

An Insight Into the Phytochemical Composition, Cardioprotective, and Antioxidant Characteristics of Small Knotweed (Polygonum plebeium R. Br.) Extract and Its Derived Fractions

Polygonum plebeium, a member of the Polygonaceae family, is commonly known as small knotweed and has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including cough, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, liver disease, inflammation, dysentery, eczema and ringworms, and other skin conditions. Many studies have suggested that plants belonging to this genus possess strong cardio-protective potentials. Rats were pre-treated with crude methanolic extract and other fractions at a dose of 500 mg/kg followed by administration of Isoproterenol hydrochloride after 24 h for 2 days. The cardioprotective effect was determined by investigating the levels of Biomarkers responsible for myocardial infarction (MI). Among all fractions Pp.CF (chloroform fraction) exhibited a significant cardioprotective effect by decreasing the levels of ALT, AST, CPK, and LDH to 74.56 ± 1.45, 95.78 ± 2.75, 156.73 ± 1.84, and 215.55 ± 5.33 IU/L in serum. The same fraction was tested for cardio-protective potential at a dose of 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg. Pp.CF at a dose of 250 mg/kg exhibited prominent effects and reduced levels of biomarkers responsible for MI. Further investigations confirmed that Pp.CF possesses antihyperlipidemic, membrane stabilizing, and thrombolytic potential which suggests P. plebeium an ideal candidate for natural product isolation which will be helpful in the management of cardiovascular problems.

Metformin's cardioprotective role in isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction: Unveiling insights into the AMPK, NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3 pathways, and cholinergic regulation

AIM

Despite advancements in treatment modalities, myocardial infarction (MI) remains a significant global cause of mortality and morbidity. Metformin (MET), a commonly used antidiabetic medication, has demonstrated potential in various cardioprotective mechanisms. This study investigated whether MET could alleviate the histopathological, electrocardiographic, and molecular consequences of MI in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study hypothesis was tested using an isoprenaline (ISOP)-induced MI model, where male Wistar rats were injected with ISOP (85 mg/kg/day, s.c., for 2 days) and treated with MET at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day for 18 days or left untreated.

KEY FINDINGS

ISOP-treated rats exhibited several indicators of MI, including significant ST-segment depression and prolonged QT-intervals on ECGs, worsened left ventricular histopathology with increased inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced expression of cardiac CHRM2, a cardioprotective cholinergic receptor, adaptive increases in AMPK and α7nAchR levels, and elevated levels of iNOS, NO, STAT3, JAK2, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. These effects were attenuated in rats treated with either low or high doses of MET. MET administration restored normal ECG recordings, diminished oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators, and downregulated NF-κB expression. Moreover, MET improved CHRM2 expression and normalized α7nAchR levels. Additionally, MET influenced the expression of key signaling molecules such as Akt, STAT3, and JAK2.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings might suggest that MET exerts cardioprotective effects in ISOP-induced MI in rats by mitigating critical inflammatory signaling pathways and regulating protective cholinergic mechanisms in the heart.

TMT-based proteomics reveals methylprotodioscin alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation via COX6C in myocardial infraction

The effect of methylprotodioscin (MPD), a steroidal saponin obtained from medicinal plants, on myocardial infarction (MI) remains elusive. In this study, HL-1 and AC16 cells were subjected to injury induced by hypoxic environment, and a mouse model of MI was established by ligating the left anterior descending. MPD significantly increased viabilities and proliferations, improved the stability of MMP, reduced ROS and inflammatory factor levels in hypoxia cardiomyocytes. Moreover, MPD significantly improved cardiac functions, increased the ventricular ejection fraction and short axis shortening rate of mice with MI, reduced the infarction area, alleviated oxidative stress and increased ATPase activities. Then, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were discovered and evaluated using tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomics and bioinformatics approaches. Compared with sham group, there were 420 DEPs in the cardiac tissue of MI group, likewise, 163 DEPs in MPD group were identified compared to MI group. By validating, the expression of COX6C was elevated in MI group and declined in MPD groups, consistent with the TMT-based proteomics results. Correspondingly, p-NF-κB expression was downregulated, while Nrf2 and SOD expressions were upregulated by MPD. Moreover, si-COX6C transfection blocked the regulatory effects of MPD on COX6C-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress in MI. Our findings indicate that MPD, a naturally occurring active ingredient, could effectively improve cardiac function. Its ability may result from regulating COX6C to reduce oxidative stress and suppress inflammation, suggesting that MPD is very attractive for the treatment of MI.

Creatine phosphate improves myocardial function and myocardial enzyme profile in children with myocarditis

Myocarditis in children is more common in clinical practice, which can cause different degrees of cardiac function damage. We investigated the effects of creatine phosphate in the treatment of myocarditis in children. Children in the control group were treated with sodium fructose diphosphate, and children in the observation group were treated with creatine phosphate on the basis of the control group. After treatment, the myocardial enzyme profile and cardiac function of children in the observation group were better than the control group. The total effective rate of treatment for children in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, creatine phosphate could significantly improve myocardial function, improve myocardial enzyme profile and reduce myocardial damage in children with pediatric myocarditis and had a high safety of use, which was worthy of clinical promotion.

Phytoconstituents with cardioprotective properties: A pharmacological overview on their efficacy against myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is considered one of the most common cardiac diseases and major cause of death worldwide. The prevalence of MI and MI-associated mortality have been increasing in recent years due to poor lifestyle habits viz. residency, obesity, stress, and pollution. Synthetic drugs for the treatment of MI provide good chance of survival; however, the demand to search more safe, effective, and natural drugs is increasing. Plants provide fruitful sources for powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents for prevention and/or treatment of MI. However, many plant extracts lack exact information about their possible dosage, toxicity and drug interactions which may hinder their usefulness as potential treatment options. Phytoconstituents play cardioprotective role by either acting as a prophylactic or adjuvant therapy to the concurrently used synthetic drugs to decrease the dosage or relief the side effects of such drugs. This review highlights the role of different herbal formulations, examples of plant extracts and types of several isolated phytoconstituents (phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, alkaloids, phenyl propanoids) in the prevention of MI with reported activities. Moreover, their possible mechanisms of action are also discussed to guide future research for the development of safer substitutes to manage MI.

Investigation of the cardioprotective effects of Momordica charantia in the isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction model in rats

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are the most prevalent and primary cause of death globally, and the most deadly and dangerous of these diseases is myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as heart attack, which develops due to insufficient coronary artery flow and causes irreversible myocardial cell damage. This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of Momordica charantia (MC), known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in an experimental acute MI model induced by isoprenaline (ISO) in rats.

METHODS

In the study, forty-nine male Wistar rats were split up into 7 groups as control (CONT), Glycerin (GLCN), isoprenaline (ISO), 500 mg/kg MC (MC500), isoprenaline+100 mg/kg MC (ISO+MC100), isoprenaline+250 mg/kg MC (ISO+MC250), isoprenaline+500 mg/kg MC (ISO+MC500). Substances were administered to the groups for 30 days. Isoprenaline (85 mg/kg) was administered by subcutaneous injection on the last two days of the study (days of the 29 and 30). Electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and collecting blood samples of the animals were performed 24 hours after the last administration of the substances under the anesthesia. Serum IL-6, Nrf2, IL-10, HO-1, TNF-α, CK-MB, cTn-I and CRP levels were determined by the ELISA method.

RESULTS

Compared to the ISO group, levels of CK-MB, HO-1, TNF-α, CRP, IL-6 and cTn-I were found statistically lower in MC-administered groups (p<0.05). In addition, MC restored ISO-induced abnormal ECG changes to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, ECG findings, proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and cardiac biomarkers suggest that MC may have cardioprotective properties.

Research progress on the natural products in the intervention of myocardial infarction

Coronary heart disease is a prevalent cardiovascular ailment globally, with myocardial infarction (MI) being one of its most severe manifestations. The morbidity and mortality of MI are escalating, showing an increasing trend among younger, highly educated individuals, thereby posing a serious threat to public health. Currently, thrombolysis, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting are the primary clinical treatments for MI. Although these methods significantly reduce patient mortality, complications often result in poor prognoses. Due to limitations in chemical synthetic drug research, the focus has shifted towards developing herbs based on natural substances. Natural medicines represent a novel approach for safer and more effective MI management and treatment. They can control multiple pathogenic variables by targeting various pathways and systems. This paper investigates the molecular mechanisms of MI and evaluates the application of natural products and medicinal plants in MI treatment over the past 5 years, demonstrating their specific good therapeutic potential and superior tolerance. These natural therapies have been shown to mitigate myocardial cell damage caused by MI through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, myocardial fibrosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitophagy, and pyroptosis. This review offers the latest insights into the application of natural products and medicinal plants in MI treatment, elucidating their mechanisms of action and serving as an important reference for MI prevention.

Comprehensive identification strategy for rapid profiling of chemical constituents using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry with Rhubarb as an example

In this study, the collision induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) fragmentation pathway of chemical components in rhubarb was wholly explored using 34 standards by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS in negative ion mode. In consequently, the diagnostic product ions for speedy screening and categorization of chemical components in rhubarb were ascertained based on their MS/MS splitting decomposition patterns and intensity analysis. According to these findings, a fresh two-step data mining strategy had set up. The initial key step involves the use of characteristic product ions and neutral loss to screen for different types of substituents and basic skeletons of compounds. The subsequent key step is to screen and classify different types of compounds based on their characteristic product ions. This method can be utilized for rapid research, classification, and identification of compounds in rhubarb. A total of 356 compounds were rapidly identified or tentatively characterized in three rhubarb species extracts, including 150 acylglucoside, 125 anthraquinone, 65 flavanols and 15 other compounds. This study manifests that the analytical strategy is feasible for the analysis of complex natural products in rhubarb.

Protective effects of 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid on myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats

Despite considerable advances in interventions and treatment, there is a high mortality rate in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). This is the first study to investigate the protective effects of 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid against isoproterenol induced MI in rats. MI was induced by isoproterenol (100-mg/kg body weight) in rats. Then, rats were treated with 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (16-mg/kg body weight) for 2 weeks. Serum creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin-T, cardiac troponin-I, and heart thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly (p < 0.05) increased and heart superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarcted rats. Isoproterenol induction significantly (p < 0.05) elevated the plasma homocysteine and serum high sensitivity-C-reactive protein levels. Furthermore, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain study, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining revealed significantly (p < 0.05) elevated levels and expression of serum/myocardial nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and Interleukin-6 and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced levels/expression of serum/myocardial interleukin-10 in myocardial infarcted rats. Nevertheless, isoproterenol-induced rats treated with 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid considerably (p < 0.05) attenuated all the biochemical, molecular, and IHC parameters investigated and inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation and protected the heart, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Mechanistic insights into the ameliorative effects of hypoxia-induced myocardial injury by Corydalis yanhusuo total alkaloids: based on network pharmacology and experiment verification

Introduction: Corydalis yanhusuo total alkaloids (CYTA) are the primary active ingredients in yanhusuo, known for their analgesic and cardioprotective effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the treatment of Myocardial ischemia (MI) with CYTA have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of CYTA on MI and its related mechanisms. Methods: A network pharmacology was employed to shed light on the targets and mechanisms of CYTA's action on MI. The protective effect of CYTA against hypoxia damage was evaluated in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, the effects of CYTA on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa-L), contractile force, and Ca2+ transient in cardiomyocytes isolated from rats were investigated using the patch clamp technique and IonOptix system. The network pharmacology revealed that CYTA could regulate oxidative stress, apoptosis, and calcium signaling. Cellular experiments demonstrated that CYTA decreased levels of CK, LDH, and MDA, as well as ROS production and Ca2+ concentration. Additionally, CYTA improved apoptosis and increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, along with the levels of ATP and Ca2+-ATPase content and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, CYTA inhibited ICa-L, cell contraction, and Ca2+ transient in cardiomyocytes. Results: These findings suggest that CYTA has a protective effect on MI by inhibiting oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis and Ca2+ overload. Discussion: The results prove that CYTA might be a potential natural compound in the field of MI treatment, and also provide a new scientific basis for the its utilization.

PEG-modified nano liposomes co-deliver Apigenin and RAGE-siRNA to protect myocardial ischemia injury

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a cardiac disorder in which myocardial damage occurs as a result of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are critical in the development of myocardial ischemia. Therefore, the combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications is an effective strategy to combat ischemic heart disease. In this paper, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified cationic liposomes were used as carriers to deliver apigenin (Apn) with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the receptor for glycosylation end products (RAGE) (siRAGE) into cardiomyocytes to prevent myocardial ischemic injury through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Our results showed that we successfully prepared cationic PEG liposomes loaded with Apn and siRAGE (P-CLP-A/R) with normal appearance and morphology, particle size and Zeta potential, and good encapsulation rate, drug loading and in vitro release degree. In vitro, P-CLP-A/R was able to prevent oxidative stress injury in H9C2 cells, downregulate the expression of RAGE, reduce the secretion of cellular inflammatory factors and inhibit apoptosis through the RAGE/NF-κB pathway; In vivo, P-CLP-A/R was able to prevent arrhythmia and myocardial pathological injury, and reduce apoptosis and the area of necrotic myocardium in rats. In conclusion, P-CLP-A/R has a protective effect on myocardial ischemic injury and is expected to be a potential drug for the prevention of ischemic heart disease in the future.

Targeting oxidative stress as a preventive and therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to exert a significant impact on global mortality rates, encompassing conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), atherosclerosis (AS), and myocardial infarction (MI). Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and advancement of CVDs, highlighting its significance as a contributing factor. Maintaining an equilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant systems not only aids in mitigating oxidative stress but also confers protective benefits on cardiac health. Herbal monomers can inhibit OS in CVDs by activating multiple signaling pathways, such as increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant systems and decreasing the level of ROS expression. Given the actions of herbal monomers to significantly protect the normal function of the heart and reduce the damage caused by OS to the organism. Hence, it is imperative to recognize the significance of herbal monomers as prospective therapeutic interventions for mitigating oxidative damage in CVDs. This paper aims to comprehensively review the origins and mechanisms underlying OS, elucidate the intricate association between CVDs and OS, and explore the therapeutic potential of antioxidant treatment utilizing herbal monomers. Furthermore, particular emphasis will be placed on examining the cardioprotective effects of herbal monomers by evaluating their impact on cardiac signaling pathways subsequent to treatment.

Protective mechanisms of 10-gingerol against myocardial ischemia may involve activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway and regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis

10-Gingerol (10-Gin), an active ingredient extracted from ginger, has been reported to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. However, its protective effects on myocardial ischemia (MI) and the underlying cellular mechanisms are still unclear. To investigate the protection conferred by 10-Gin against MI injury and its potential mechanisms in cardiomyocytes via patch-clamp and molecular biology techniques. A rat MI model was established using the subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) administered on two consecutive days. 10-Gin was pre-administered to rats for seven days to assess its cardio-protection. The patch-clamp and IonOptix Myocam detection techniques were used to investigated 10-Gin's effects on L-type Ca²⁺ channels (LTCCs), Ca²⁺ transients and cell contractility in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. 10-Gin administration alleviated MI injury, improved cardiac function and myocardial histopathology, reduced myocardial infarct area, downregulated oxidative stress and Ca²⁺ levels, and decreased the expression of apoptotic factors. Importantly, 10-Gin led to an increase in phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2 and STAT3, respectively) expressions. Furthermore, 10-Gin inhibited LTCCs in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 75.96 μM. Moreover, 10-Gin administration inhibited Ca²⁺ transients and cell contractility. Our results suggest that 10-Gin exerts cardioprotective effects on MI in vivo and in vitro in connection with the inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis via activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, and regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis by LTCCs.

Cardioprotective Effect of Rheum turkestanicum Against Doxorubicin-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Background: Doxorubicin as an anti-cancer drug causes cardiotoxicity, limiting its tolerability and use. The mechanism of toxicity is due to free radical production and cardiomyocytes injury. This research evaluated Rheum turkestanicum (R.turkestanicum) extract against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity due to its considerable in vitro antioxidant activity. Methods: Male Wistar rats received 2.5 mg/kg doxorubicin intraperitoneally every other day for 2 weeks to create an accumulative dose. R. turkestanicum was administrated at a dose of 100 and 300 mg/kg intraperitoneally from the second week for 7 days. On the 15th day, the animals were anesthetized and blood was collected from cardiac tissue for evaluation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cardiac muscle creatinine kinase (CK-MB), troponin T (cTn-T), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and B-type natriuretic peptide brain natriuretic peptide. A cardiac homogenate was also collected to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase Catalase Activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and thiols. Histopathology was also performed. Results: Doxorubicin increased all cardiac enzymes and malondialdehyde, correlating with a reduction in SOD, catalase, and thiols. Histopathology revealed extracellular edema, moderate congestion, and hemorrhage of foci. In contrast, administration of R. turkestanicum ameliorated these doxorubicin-induced pathophysiological changes. Conclusion: This study revealed that the extract ameliorated doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity via modulation of oxidative stress-related pathways. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of R. turkestanicum indicated several components with potent pharmacological properties.