Cinnamic acid mitigates left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure in part through modulating FTO-dependent N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in cardiomyocytes

Unravelling the impact of RNA methylation genetic and epigenetic machinery in the treatment of cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy (CM) represents a heterogeneous group of diseases primarily affecting cardiac structure and function, with genetic and epigenetic dysregulation playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Emerging evidence from the burgeoning field of epitranscriptomics has brought to light the significant impact of various RNA modifications, notably N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 2'-O-methylation (Nm), and 6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), on cardiomyocyte function and the broader processes of cardiac and vascular remodelling. These modifications have been shown to influence key pathological mechanisms including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation, immune response, and myocardial fibrosis. Importantly, aberrations in the RNA methylation machinery have been observed in human CM cases and animal models, highlighting the critical role of RNA methylating enzymes and their potential as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for CM. This review underscores the necessity for a deeper understanding of RNA methylation processes in the context of CM, to illuminate novel therapeutic avenues and diagnostic tools, thereby addressing a significant gap in the current management strategies for this complex disease.

Cardiovascular protective effects of cinnamic acid as a natural phenolic acid: a review

Phenolic acids derived from plants have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Cinnamic acid (CA) is a crucial phenolic acid that can form numerous hydroxycinnamic derivate found in many food groups. We review current data on the cardiovascular pharmacology of CA with a focus on CVD and their risk factors including hyperlipidaemia, obesity, hyperglycaemia, cardiomyopathy and myocardial ischaemia, vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation. Both in vivo and in vitro laboratory studies demonstrate the lipid-lowering, anti-obesity, anti-hyperglycemic, cardio-protective and vasorelaxant activities of CA. The protective impacts of CA against CVD occur by inhibiting inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic pathways, regulating the genes and enzymes involved in glucose and lipid metabolisms, and promoting vasodilation. This review showed that the most studied and prominent effects of CA are anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-diabetic properties. In conclusion, intake of plant foods rich in CA may reduce CVD risk especially through regulating blood glucose and lipids levels.

Epitranscriptomic Regulations in the Heart

RNA modifications affect key stages of the RNA life cycle, including splicing, export, decay, and translation. Epitranscriptomic regulations therefore significantly influence cellular physiology and pathophysiology. Here, we selected some of the most abundant modifications and reviewed their roles in the heart and in cardiovascular diseases: N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), pseudouridine (?), 5 methylcytidine (m5C), and inosine (I). Dysregulation of epitranscriptomic machinery affecting these modifications vastly changes the cardiac phenotype and is linked with many cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, or heart failure. Thus, a deeper understanding of these epitranscriptomic changes and their regulatory mechanisms can enhance our knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of prevalent cardiac diseases, potentially paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies. Keywords: Epitranscriptomics, RNA modifications, Epigenetics, m6A, RNA, Heart.

The Regulatory Effect of Huangshui Polysaccharides on Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolites during In Vitro Fermentation

Huangshui polysaccharides (HSPs) have attracted extensive attention recently for their biological activity and physicochemical property. This research investigated the extraction, structural characterization, and prebiotic activity of three different HSPs (HSP40-0, HSP60-0, and HSP80-0) in vitro to reveal the scientific support for the high-value utilization of Huangshui. HSPs were heteropolysaccharide with diverse structures and surface morphologies. Comprehensive analysis was conducted through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolite profiling techniques, and results showed that HSPs had different potentials to regulate the gut microbiota due to their different structures; for instance, both HSP40-0 and HSP80-0 could notably increase the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, whereas HSP60-0 could increase the relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium. In addition, HSPs upregulated beneficial differential metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Fermentation products containing these metabolites exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-treated Caco-2 cells. This study will provide reference for exploring the relationship between the natural polysaccharide structure and the prebiotic activity and widen the application of Huangshui.