Association of heat shock protein70-2 (HSP70-2) gene polymorphism with coronary artery disease in an Iranian population

The Interplay between Heat Shock Proteins and Cancer Pathogenesis: A Novel Strategy for Cancer Therapeutics

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are developmentally conserved families of protein found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. HSPs are engaged in a diverse range of physiological processes, including molecular chaperone activity to assist the initial protein folding or promote the unfolding and refolding of misfolded intermediates to acquire the normal or native conformation and its translocation and prevent protein aggregation as well as in immunity, apoptosis, and autophagy. These molecular chaperonins are classified into various families according to their molecular size or weight, encompassing small HSPs (e.g., HSP10 and HSP27), HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and the category of large HSPs that include HSP100 and ClpB proteins. The overexpression of HSPs is induced to counteract cell stress at elevated levels in a variety of solid tumors, including anticancer chemotherapy, and is closely related to a worse prognosis and therapeutic resistance to cancer cells. HSPs are also involved in anti-apoptotic properties and are associated with processes of cancer progression and development, such as metastasis, invasion, and cell proliferation. This review outlines the previously mentioned HSPs and their significant involvement in diverse mechanisms of tumor advancement and metastasis, as well as their contribution to identifying potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Emerging role of heat shock proteins in cardiovascular diseases

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. They are ubiquitous proteins involved in key physiological and cellular pathways (viz. inflammation, immunity and apoptosis). Indeed, the survivability of the cells under various stressful conditions depends on appropriate levels of HSP expression. There is a growing line of evidence for the role of HSPs in regulating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (viz. hypertension, atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy and heart failure). Furthermore, studies indicate that a higher concentration of circulatory HSP antibodies correlate to CVDs; some are even potential markers for CVDs. The multifaceted roles of HSPs in regulating cellular signaling necessitate unraveling their links to pathophysiology of CVDs. This review aims to consolidate our understanding of transcriptional (via multiple transcription factors including HSF-1, NF-κB, CREB and STAT3) and post-transcriptional (via microRNAs including miR-1, miR-21 and miR-24) regulation of HSPs. The cytoprotective nature of HSPs catapults them to the limelight as modulators of cell survival. Yet another attractive prospect is the development of new therapeutic strategies against cardiovascular diseases (from hypertension to heart failure) by targeting the regulation of HSPs. Moreover, this review provides insights into how genetic variation of HSPs can contribute to the manifestation of CVDs. It would also offer a bird's eye view of the evolving role of different HSPs in the modulation and manifestation of cardiovascular disease.

Interaction of HSP70-2 gene polymorphism with body mass index and alcohol consumption on the prognosis of Uyghur patients with ischemic heart failure

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the interaction of HSP70-2 gene polymorphism with body mass index (BMI) and alcohol consumption on the prognosis of Uyghur patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF).

METHODS

A total of 205 Uyghur patients with IHF admitted in Urumqi Friendship Hospital from June 2014 to June 2017 were enrolled; 200 age and sex-matched healthy Uyghur physical examiners in the hospital were enrolled as healthy controls. The HSP70-2 gene +1267 polymorphism was detected by PCR. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors associated with prognosis in patients with IHF, and the relative excess risk of interaction (RERI) was calculated by crossover analysis to determine the interaction of HSP70-2 gene polymorphism with BMI and alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for 3 years, there were 56 cases with poor prognosis (27.32%) and 149 cases with good prognosis (72.68%). Compared with the healthy control group and the good prognosis group, the poor prognosis group had a significantly higher proportion of subjects with alcohol consumption, abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels as well as lower BMI and left ventricular ejection fraction (all P<0.05). There were significant differences in distributions of HSP70-2 genotype AA/AG/GG and A/G allele between the good prognosis group and the poor prognosis group (both P<0.05). There were significant differences in the distribution of HSP70-2 genotype (χ2=45.42, P<0.01) and A/G allele among IHF patients with different NYHA cardiac function class; the frequency of A allele of HSP70-2 gene increased, and G allele decreased with the increase of cardiac function class (χ2=19.14, P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption as well as abnormal ALT and AST were risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with IHF, while BMI and GG type of HSP70-2 gene (compared with AA type) were protective factors (all P<0.05). Crossover analysis showed a significant additive interaction between BMI and HSP70-2 gene polymorphism (RERI=1.15, 95%CI: 0.54-1.76, P<0.01), and for patients carrying HSP70-2 gene type AA/AG, BMI<26.5 kg/m2 increased the risk of poor prognosis (OR=7.47, 95%CI: 2.51-22.22, P<0.01); there was no significant additive interaction between alcohol consumption and HSP70-2 gene polymorphism (RERI=0.56, 95%CI: －6.07-7.20, P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The HSP70-2 gene polymorphism interacts with BMI in Uyghur IHF patients, and BMI<26.5 kg/m2 increases the risk of poor prognosis in IHF patients carrying the HSP70-2 AA/AG genotype.

Next Generation Sequencing of Genotype Variants and Genetic Association between Heat Shock Proteins HSPA1B Single Nucleotide Polymorphism at the g.31829044 Locus and Heat Tolerance: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study

Heat tolerance and exertional heat stroke (EHS) are rare health conditions that have been described and characterised but have never been genetically solved. Knowledge of the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in heat shock proteins (HSPs) genes and their associations with heat tolerance and EHS is limited. This pilot study aimed to identify SNP in HSPA1B, HSP90AA2 and DNAJA1 genes and their associations with heat tolerance and EHS history in a quasi-experimental design. Participants comprised Australian Defence Force members (ADF) who had a history of EHS and the general population. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from the venous blood samples of 48 participants, sequenced and analysed for SNP. Forty-four per cent (44%) of the participants were heat intolerant, and 29% had a history of EHS. Among participants with a history of EHS, there was an association between heat tolerance and HSPA1B SNP at the g.31829044 locus. However, there were no associations between HSPA1B and HSP90AA2 SNP and heat tolerance. All participants had the same distribution for the DNAJA1 SNP. In conclusion, the findings indicate an association between the HSPA1B genetic variant at the g.31829044 locus and heat tolerance among ADF participants with a history of EHS. Further research with a larger number of military participants will shed more light on the associations between HSP genes and heat tolerance.

Interaction between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and food intake and obesity and dyslipidemia

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and fasted lipid profile, indices of obesity, and environmental parameters. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMs-PCR) was used for genotyping 1118 individuals recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) cohort study. The interaction between the presence of the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and nutritional intake and other major determinants of obesity and lipid profile was examined in the MASHAD study population. Individuals with the TT genotype at the locus had the lowest prevalence of obesity compared to other genotypes among the individuals. No significant relationship was found between the two groups regarding the lipid profile and TT genotype. Furthermore, no significant association was found between dietary intake and the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin in the population under study. Individuals with a TT or GT genotype appear to be at a higher risk of obesity, compared to those with a GG genotype. The results of the current study revealed a significant association between the genetic variant of rs696217-ghrelin and obesity; however, this gene did not correlate with the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemia in the Iranian population.

Association Of Nocturnal Intermittent Hypoxia With Heat Shock Protein 70 In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study

Introduction — Nocturnal intermittent hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes cellular stress and consequent change in inducible heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) level. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the relationship among nocturnal hypoxia and the serum HSP70 level in patients with severe OSA. Material and Methods — The study involved 34 patients with a clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe OSA (24 men and 10 women). Patients without OSA (10 men and 5 women) were included as a control group. The groups were similar in age. The polysomnographic monitoring was carried by standart methodology. Blood sampling for determining the HSP70 level was carried out between 8:00 and 9:00 am after polysomnographic monitoring. Results — The results of this study demonstrated a high apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), which determined the OSA severity and decreased the blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) (p<0.05). Sleep fragmentation in OSA patients confirmed an increase in respiratory arousal index (ArI). The HSP70 level significantly increased in OSA patients compared with the control group. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between HSP70 and AHI (R=0.5) in patients with OSAS, as well as a negative relationship between HSP70 and SaO2 (R=-0.3). Conclusion — Our results demonstrated a high level of HSP70 in patients with severe OSA syndrome vs. those without it. In OSA patients, a direct correlation was found between the HSP70 level and AHI, as well as an inverse correlation between the AHI level and SaO2. These findings suggested an association between the level of inducible HSP70 and nocturnal hypoxia in OSA patients.

The association between genetic variants in the genes for cytochrome P450 B1 and ATP-binding cassette transporter genes and breast cancer risk

Breast cancer is among the most common malignancies in women. Recent studies have shown that polymorphisms in genes involved in the metabolism and transport of anticancer drugs are associated with outcomes of several malignancies, e.g., breast cancer. In this study we evaluate whether CYP1B1/rs1056836 and ABCB1/rs2032582 gene variants are associated with breast cancer. Eighty eight cases and 200 controls, were genotyped for polymorphisms of the CYP1B1 and ABCB1 genes using Taqman®-based methods. Logistic regression was also used to test the associations between breast cancer risk and the various genotypes involved. The GG genotype of rs2032582 locus had a frequency of 43.5% with 0.38 MAF; while the GT and TT genotypes in the control group were 40% and 16.5%, respectively. The GG, GT and TT genotype frequencies in the patients with breast cancer were 45.5%, 12.5% and 26.1%, respectively. An association was observed between the TT genotype of ABCB1/rs2032582 locus and a larger breast cancer tumor size (P < 0.05). However, neither the relationship between the CYP1B1 polymorphism and breast cancer type nor the risk of breast cancer were statistically significant. Our data suggest a potential association of the ABCB1 genetic variant with breast cancer tumor size, however further investigation in a larger population is necessary to show its value as a risk stratification biomarker.

Association between the serum concentrations of 12 cytokines and growth factors and metabolic syndrome in patients undergoing angiography

We aimed to compare the concentrations of serum cytokines in patients undergoing coronary angiography and finding their possible associations with metabolic syndrome. Twelve serum cytokines and growth factors (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, MCP-1, IFN-γ, EGF, and VEGF) were measured by sandwich chemiluminescence assays, on the Evidence Investigator^® system. There were significant differences regarding sex, height, weight, BMI, WC, HC, FPG, TG and HDL-C between those with and without MetS in patients undergoing angiography (p < .05). Serum concentrations of IL-6 and INF-γ were significantly higher in subjects with MetS, compared to those without MetS (p = .031 and p = .035, respectively). However, only serum IL-6 was associated with the presence of MetS (β = 1.215, CI = 1.047-1.409, p = .010). From several serum cytokines and growth factors assessed in patients, IL-6 was the only serum cytokine that was significantly different between those with and without MetS after correction for confounding factors.

The differential neuroprotection of HSP70-hom gene single nucleotide polymorphisms: In vitro (neuronal hypoxic injury model) and in vivo (rat MCAO model) studies

To investigate the effect of HSP70-hom+2437 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on hypoxia and ischemia condition, we constructed the neuronal hypoxic injury model and the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to compare the inhibition rate of neurons and detect the infarct volume as well as the expression of related apoptotic proteins in order to explore the possible mechanisms. The neuroblastoma cells SHSY5Y were divided into the OE (transfected with the C allele) group, OEmu (transfected with the T allele) group and negative control (NC, transfected with the empty lentiviral vector CON195) group. Varying degrees of hypoxia were induced by deferoxamine (DFO). The inhibition rate of hypoxic neurons and the expression of related apoptotic proteins were detected in the three genotype groups. While in the rat MCAO model, we built five groups including the sham group, the blank control group (injected with physiological saline), the negative control group (injected with lentivirus and physiological saline), the C allele group and the T allele group (injected with lentivirus overexpressing C and T allele). The MCAO model operation was then underwent in all five groups, the infarct volume by TTC staining and the expression of related apoptotic proteins were detected after 24 h. The results in neuronal hypoxic injury model showed a significant difference in the inhibition rate between the three groups (P < 0.05), and the average inhibition rates for the OEmu, OE and NC groups were 13.2%, 19.2% and 23.3%, respectively. The inhibition rates also differed between lower and higher DFO concentrations (P < 0.05). Compared with the NC group, Bax decreased significantly in the OE and OEmu groups, whereas PI3K and HSPA1L (HSP70-hom) increased. However, the expression of Bax in the OEmu group decreased significantly more than in the OE group, whereas PI3K and HSPA1L levels showed no difference between the two groups. Corresponding with the results above, overexpressing HSP70-hom could reduce the infarct volume of ischemic injury by TTC staining in rat MCAO model and the T allele group also had less infarct volume than C allele group. Compared with the sham group, blank control group and negative control group, Bax decreased significantly in the C and T allele groups, while HSPA1L and p- AKT increased. Furthermore, the expression of Bax in the T allele group decreased significantly more than that in the C allele group, while there were no significant differences in HSPA1L and p-AKT levels between the two groups. Therefore, the overexpression of HSP70-hom+2437 could play a protective role in hypoxic neurons and ischemic brain tissue by upregulating the expression of HSPA1L and PI3K/p-AKT and downregulating the expression of BAX. The neuroprotective effect of the T allele was stronger than that of the C allele, which may be related to the strengthened downregulation of BAX.

There is an association between a genetic polymorphism in the ZNF259 gene involved in lipid metabolism and coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several genetic variants that influence the risk of dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we have examined the potential association of five SNPs variants related to lipid pathway, previously identified in GWAS studies (ZNF259 C>G, CETP I405VA/G, LPA C>T, LPLS447X and PSRC1 A>G) with CAD.

METHODS

Two hundred and ninety subjects including 194 patients with coronary artery disease and 96 controls were enrolled, followed by the analyses of anthropometric/biochemical parameters. Genotyping was carried out using Taq-Man real-time PCR based method. The association of the genetic polymorphisms with CAD was determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

CAD patients had a higher (p < 0.05) fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and waist circumference. Results showed that subjects with CETP rs5882 genetic variant, AA&AG genotypes, had a higher risk of developing Coronary artery disease [OR: 2.1, 95% CI (1.2-4.1), p value = 0.015]. Also subjects who carried the G allele of the ZNF259 polymorphism were at an increased the risk of developing CAD [OR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.06-3.25, p value = 0.029] and had an increased TC, LDL and TG levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant association was found between genetic polymorphisms of PSRC1 A>G, LPL S447X and LPA C>T and CAD.

CONCLUSION

We identified a relationship between a genetic variant in CETP and ZNF259 gene with CAD and CAD and lipid profile, respectively. Further investigation in a larger population may help to investigate the value of emerging marker as a risk stratification marker in CAD and its risk factors.

Interaction of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) polymorphisms and occupational hazards increases the risk of hypertension in coke oven workers

OBJECTIVES

The interaction between genetic, epigenetic inheritance and environmental factors determines susceptibility to hypertension. Previous epidemiology studies have shown that coke oven workers who are frequently exposed to various occupational hazards have remarkable increase in the risk for hypertension. Among many genetic variants identified in hypertension, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was found to play important roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension and associated diseases. We therefore explore the possible role of HSP70 polymorphisms and their interaction with occupational environment in hypertension risk.

METHODS

We carried out a case-control study among 367 coke oven workers in northwest China, focused on three common HSP70 polymorphisms (HSP70-1 G190C, HSP70-2 A1267G and HSP70-hom T2437C), and evaluated the association of HSP70 gene polymorphisms with work sites for high risk of hypertension.

RESULTS

The results indicated that HSP70-1 GC and CC genotype had 2.73-fold and 4.26-fold increased relative risk (95% CI 1.33 to 5.55 and 1.17 to 15.53), respectively, comparing with HSP70-1 GG genotype. HSP70-2 AG and GG conferred a 47% and 36% reduced risk (95% CI 0.23 to 0.99 and 0.14 to 0.92) comparing with HSP70-2 AA genotype. Further analysis of the interaction of HSP70 polymorphisms with occupational environment indicated a strong positive interaction between HSP70 genotype (HSP70-1 GC+CC, HSP70-2 AA and HSP70-hom TC+CC) and oven top workplace.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these data indicate that HSP70 polymorphisms interact with occupational hazards might increase the risk of hypertension in coke oven workers.

The protein-protein interaction network and clinical significance of heat-shock proteins in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs), one of the evolutionarily conserved protein families, are widely found in various organisms, and play important physiological functions. Nevertheless, HSPs have not been systematically analyzed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we applied the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network methodology to explore the characteristics of HSPs, and integrate their expression in ESCC. First, differentially expressed HSPs in ESCC were identified from our previous RNA-seq data. By constructing a specific PPI network, we found differentially expressed HSPs interacted with hundreds of neighboring proteins. Subcellular localization analyses demonstrated that HSPs and their interacting proteins distributed in multiple layers, from membrane to nucleus. Functional enrichment annotation analyses revealed known and potential functions for HSPs. KEGG pathway analyses identified four significant enrichment pathways. Moreover, three HSPs (DNAJC5B, HSPA1B, and HSPH1) could serve as promising targets for prognostic prediction in ESCC, suggesting these HSPs might play a significant role in the development of ESCC. These multiple bioinformatics analyses have provided a comprehensive view of the roles of heat-shock proteins in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Association of polymorphisms in heat shock protein 70 genes with the susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss: A meta-analysis

Background

Several case-control studies reported the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HSP70 genes and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, their conclusions are conflicting. This meta-analysis aims to identify the association of HSP70 variants and NIHL susceptibility.

Method

A systematical literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Wanfang Chinese database. The pooled odds radio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value were calculated in fixed- or random-effects model according to the I² value in the heterogeneity test.

Results

Four articles containing five studies, including 633 cases and 926 controls, were included. Under the allele, homozygote and dominant model, the pooled ORs (95%CI, p-value) of rs1061581 were 1.32 (1.06–1.67, p = 0.019), 1.93 (1.10–3.36, p = 0.021) and 1.455 (1.408–2.019, p = 0.025), respectively. In addition, a significant association was found between rs2227956 in Caucasians and the NIHL susceptibility under all five genetic models. We did not discover evidence sufficient to prove the associations between the other three SNPs (rs1043618, rs2763979 and rs2075800) and the NIHL susceptibility.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicated that the two HSP70 variants, rs1061581 and rs2227956, may serve as genetic susceptibility factors for NIHL. Larger scale studies are required to further update the results.

The interaction between a HSP-70 gene variant with dietary calories in determining serum markers of inflammation and cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally is attributable to an interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Gene × diet interaction studies aim to explore how a modifiable factor interacts with genetic predispositions. Here we have explored the interaction of a heat shock protein (HSP70) gene polymorphism (+1267A > G) with dietary intake and their possible association with serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, that is a major component of CVD risk.

METHODS

HSP70 genotype was determined using a TaqMan real time PCR based method.Dietary intake was assessed using a dietary questionnaire. Serum high sensitivity (Hs) CRP and other cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by routine methods. This included coronary angioplasty to determine the presence of coronary artery stenosis.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between serum lipid profile and Hs-CRP across the genotypes for Hsp70. The carriers of G allele had higher serum hs-CRP concentrations, compared with the AA homozygotes, with the wild genotype. Interaction analysis showed the association was modulated by total energy intake; the interaction of high energy intake with GG genotype: RERI = 0.77, AP = 0.26, S = 1.6.

CONCLUSION

We have found a significant association between the +1267A > G variant of the HSP70 gene with cardiovascular risk factors and serum hs-CRP concentrations. It is possible that a low energy diet could ameliorate the unfavorable effects of G allele of HSP70.

High Dose Supplementation of Vitamin D Affects Measures of Systemic Inflammation: Reductions in High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Distribution

The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is increasing worldwide, which has be shown to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), autoimmune disease, and metabolic syndrome. These conditions are also associated with a heightened state of inflammation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) distribution in a large cohort of adolescent girls. A total of 580 adolescent girls were recruited follow by evaluation of CRP and hematological parameters before and after supplementation with vitamin D supplements as 9 of 50000 IU cholecalciferol capsules for 9 weeks taken at weekly intervals. At baseline, serum hs-CRP level was 0.9 (95%CI: 0.5-1.8), while this value after intervention was reduced to 0.8 (95%CI: 0.3-1.6; P = 0.007). Similar results were also detected for NLR (e.g., NLR level was 1.66 ± 0.72 and 1.53 ± 0.67, P = 0.002, before and after therapy with compliance rate of >95.2%). Moreover, we found an association between hs-CRP and BMI, triglyceride, white blood cell count, and lymphocytes. Interestingly we observed a significant reduction in neutrophil count and CRP level after high dose vitamin D supplementation. Our findings showed that the high dose supplementation of vitamin D affects measures of systemic inflammation: reductions in High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein level and Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) distribution. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4317-4322, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quercetin attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis via inhibition of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways

Quercetin (Que), a plant-derived flavonoid, possesses various biological functions. Moreover, Que exerts multiple beneficial actions in treatment of cardiovascular diseases and there are an inverse association between Que intakes and occurrence and development of various cardiovascular diseases. Some researchers have inferred that the mechanisms of Que to protect cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury may be involved in modulation of intracellular signal pathways and regulation of proteins expression in vivo. The current study investigated whether Que has any protective effects on cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro and its potential cardioprotective mechanisms. The cell viability of Que on H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells was assessed by MTT. Apoptosis was evaluated by both Hoechst33342 staining and Flow cytometric analysis (FACS). Furthermore, the effect of Que, SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the expression of apoptosis related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3) was determined by Western blotting. MTT assays showed that pretreatment with Que could increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes that suffered H/R. Both Hoechst33342 staining and FACS confirmed that Que could remarkably suppress the H/R-induced apoptotic cardiomyocytes. In addition, Que significantly alleviated H/R-induced the phosphorylation of JNK and p38, which further increased Bcl-2 expression and inhibited the activation of Bax and caspase-3 directly or indirectly. In summary, our results imply that Que can induce cardioprotection by inhibition of JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways and modulate the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins that provides a new experimental foundation for myocardial ischemia disease therapy.