Protective effect of total flavones from Elsholtzia blanda (TFEB) on myocardial ischemia induced by coronary occlusion in canines

Reperfusion Cardiac Injury: Receptors and the Signaling Mechanisms

It has been documented that Ca2+ overload and increased production of reactive oxygen species play a significant role in reperfusion injury (RI) of cardiomyocytes. Ischemia/reperfusion induces cell death as a result of necrosis, necroptosis, apoptosis, and possibly autophagy, pyroptosis and ferroptosis. It has also been demonstrated that the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in RI of the heart. An increase in adrenergic system activity during the restoration of coronary perfusion negatively affected cardiac resistance to RI. Toll-like receptors are involved in RI of the heart. Angiotensin II and endothelin-1 aggravated ischemic/reperfusion injury of the heart. Activation of neutrophils, monocytes, CD4+ T-cells and platelets contributes to cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our review outlines the role of these factors in reperfusion cardiac injury.

A novel method for the rapid sensing of H2O2 using a colorimetric AuNP probe and its DFT study

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has tremendous applications in industry, medicine and in our day-to-day lives. It is toxic to human health upon exposure at a high concentration. Therefore, a green and cost-effective sensing technique is greatly needed for the sensitive naked eye detection of peroxide. This study is mainly focused on the synthesis of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) using an aqueous extract of Elsholtzia blanda, a flower that is widely available in the North Eastern part of India, the characterization of which was carried out using different analytical techniques. The bioactive molecule (epigallocatechin gallate) present in the aqueous extract was identified, isolated and confirmed through high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array, high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis which could be responsible for the reduction of Au³⁺ ions. By approaching this greener route, the synthesized nanomaterial was further used as a colorimetric probe for the detection of H₂O₂ and the degradation of AuNPs was observed. The limit of detection was found to be 0.7435 μM in the present work. The degradation of the AuNPs was found to be linearly dependent on peroxide concentration. Along with these results, kinetic studies were carried out by considering different effects to monitor the sensing speed of the AuNPs. The plausible mechanism of the work was supported by density functional theory study.

Synergistic effect of cranberry extract and losartan against aluminium chloride-induced hepatorenal damage associated cardiomyopathy in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of cranberry extract (CRAN) and/or losartan (LOS) against aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) induced hepatorenal damage associated cardiomyopathy in rats. To induce hepatorenal and cardiotoxicity, animals were received (AlCl₃; 70 mg/kg i.p.) for 8 weeks day after day and treated with CRAN (100 mg/kg b.wt.) orally daily for 4 weeks started after 4 weeks from AlCl₃ injection accompanied with an administration of LOS (5 mg/kg i.p.) three times weekly for 4 weeks. Our data revealed that, compared to AlCl₃, administration of CRAN extract and LOS produced a significant improvement which was evidenced by a significant amelioration in myocardial and vascular indices, kidney and liver markers, lipid profile and oxidative stress indices. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination reinforced the previous results. It could be concluded that combination of CRAN extract and LOS hindered AlCl₃ induced hepatorenal damage complicated cardiomyopathy in rats.

Mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus L.) polyphenol extract attenuates aluminum-induced cardiotoxicity through an ROS-triggered Ca2+/JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats

Aluminum (Al) has been linked to the development of some cardiovascular diseases and mung bean is a functional food with the ability to detoxify. We aimed to evaluate the preventive effect and possible underlying mechanisms of the mung bean polyphenol extract (MPE) on Al-induced cardiotoxicity. Control, AlCl₃ (171.8 mg Al per kg body weight), MPE + AlCl₃ (Al-treatment plus 200 mg MPE per kg body weight), and a group of MPE per se were used. Al intake induced a significant increase of serum CK and LDH activity and the level of Na⁺, Ca²⁺, malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products in the AlCl₃-treated rats' heart tissue. Administration of MPE significantly improved the integrity and normal ion levels of heart tissue, and attenuated oxidative damage and the accumulation of Al in Al-treated rats. MPE significantly inhibited Al-induced increase of myocardial p-JNK, cytoplasmic NF-κB, cytochrome C, and caspase-9 protein expressions. Therefore, these results showed that MPE has a cardiac protective effect against Al-induced biotoxicity through ROS-JNK and NF-κB-mediated caspase pathways. Furthermore, the stability constant for the vitexin-Al complex was analyzed (log K = log K₁ + log K₂ = 4.91 + 4.85 = 9.76). We found that MPE-mediated protection against Al-cardiotoxicity is connected both with MPE antioxidant and chelation properties.

Elsholtzia: phytochemistry and biological activities

Plants of the genus Elsholtzia (Lamiaceae) have a long history of medicinal use in folk. The phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, and other compounds. Abundant volatile components are also identified. Pure compounds, volatile constituents and crude extracts from the genus exhibited a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities. The aims of this review hopefully provide comprehensive information on the distribution, phytochemistry, volatile components, and pharmacological research of Elsholtzia for exploring the potential and advance researches.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Efficacy of Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsule and Isosorbide Dinitrate in Treating Angina Pectoris

Objective. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on di'ao xinxuekang capsule (XXK) in treating angina pectoris were published only in Chinese and have not been systematically reviewed particularly for comparing XXK with isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN). This study aims to provide a comprehensive PRISMA compliant and internationally accessible systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacies of XXK and ISDN in treating angina pectoris. Methods. The RCTs published between 1989 and 2011 on XXK and ISDN in treating angina pectoris were selected according to specific criteria. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the symptomatic (SYMPTOMS) and electrocardiographic (ECG) improvements after treatment. Odds ratios (OR) were used to measure effect sizes. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. Results. Seven RCTs with 550 participants were eligible. Overall ORs for comparing XXK with ISDN were 4.11 (95% CI :  2.57, 6.55) in SYMPTOMS and 2.37 (95% CI : 1.46, 3.84) in ECG. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and metaregression found no significant dependence of overall ORs upon specific study characteristics. Conclusion. The meta-analysis of eligible but limited RCTs demonstrates that XXK seems to be more effective than ISDN in treating angina pectoris. Further RCTs of high quality are warranted to be conducted for update of the results of this meta-analysis.

Ginsenoside Rb3 ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

CONTEXT

Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (Araliaceae) has been widely used in clinic for treatment of cardiovascular diseases in China. Ginsenoside Rb3 is the main chemical component of Panax ginseng.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginsenoside Rb3 on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODS

Sprague--Dawley rats were orally treated with Rb3 (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) daily for 3 days followed by subjecting to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 30 min and reperfusion for 24 h.

RESULTS

This study showed that ginsenoside Rb3 treatment resulted in a reduction in myocardial infarct size. Ginsenoside Rb3 significantly attenuated the changes of creatine kinase activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The cardioprotective effect of ginsenoside Rb3 was further confirmed by histopathological examination. Ginsenoside Rb3 alleviated the increase of malondialdehyde content and the decrease of superoxide dismutase activity in left ventricle. Treatment with ginsenoside Rb3 also decreased plasma endothelin and angiotensin II levels.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that ginsenoside Rb3 possesses the effect against myocardial IR injury and the underlying mechanism is related to its antioxidant activity and microcirculatory improvement.

Antiapoptotic potential of herbal drugs in cardiovascular disorders: an overview

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis has been reported in a number of cardiovascular disorders, including myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion, end-stage heart failure, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, and adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy. Prevention of myocyte apoptosis has emerged as a potential new target in a multimodel therapeutic approach to cardiac disease. Herbal therapy may be an alternative strategy for the prevention and treatment of heart disease. The present review summarizes the list of plants/herbal formulations studied for their antiapoptotic activity in cardiovascular disorders. However, despite extensive positive research data from experimental studies for herbal drugs in cardiovascular disorders, and the anecdotal clinical experience of many practitioners and patients, its potential in the field of cardiac apoptosis remains largely untapped, and large scale clinical trials are needed to explore the potential of herbal medicines as a new treatment regime for targeting cardiovascular apoptosis.

Safety evaluation of Elsholtzia splendens extracts: assessment of acute toxicity and mutagenicity

Much attention is recently gained for Elsholtzia splendens extracts and issue on their usage is raised due to their biological properties. However, there is no sufficient background information on toxicological evaluation of E. splendens extracts to give an assurance of safety for developing dietary supplements and functional foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate safety on E. splendens extracts using acute oral toxicity, bacterial reverse mutation, and chromosome aberration test. Total flavonoids within E. splendens were extracted with 80% of methanol by a reflux condenser. Both female and male mice were orally administrated E. splendens extracts at the dose of 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight/day. Mutagenicity of the extracts was evaluated in a bacterial reverse mutation assay using histidine requiring Salmonella typhimurium (TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, and TA 1537) and tryptophan-requiring Escherichia coli (WP2uvrA). In vitro chromosome aberration assay in Chinese Hamster Lung (CHL) was conducted to evaluate genotoxicity. Single administration of dose levels of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight/day to mice for 15 days did not produce any significant mortality, clinical signs, body weight loss, and gross findings. E. splendens extracts in the range of 156.3-5000 microg/plate did not induce mutagenicity in S. typhimurium and E. coli with and without metabolic activation system. Any significant chromosomal aberration was not observed in CHL cells 6h after treating with the extract at the concentrations of 1250, 2500, and 5000 microg/mL in absence and presence of metabolic activation system. However, frequency of chromosomal aberration in 22 h after treatment without metabolic activation system was increased with showing a pattern of dose-response relationship. The highest concentration of 5000 microg/mL significantly induced chromosomal aberration. E. splendens extracts may induce chromosomal structure abnormality in CHL cells. This study suggests that further study is needed to assess the potential genotoxic effects of E. splendens extracts.

Cardioprotective effects of the combined use of puerarin and Danshensu on acute ischemic myocardial injury in rats

Ischemic heart diseases are the leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries over the past decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of the complex preparation (called Shenge), made of puerarin and Danshensu, on acute ischemic myocardial injury in rats and its underlying mechanisms. The left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was occluded to induce myocardial ischemia in hearts of SD rats. Shenge was injected into the tail vein 15 min after occlusion at doses of 0, 30, 60 or 120 mg/kg. Then, the ST elevation was measured at 60, 120 and 240 min after Shenge administration. The infarct size, serum levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the ST elevation were measured after the rats were killed. Shenge decreased the ST elevation induced by acute myocardial ischemia, reduced infarct size, serum levels of CK-MB, LDH and MDA and increased the serum activity of SOD in a dose-dependent manner. The combined use of puerarin and Danshensu at a ratio of 1:1 shows the most effective activity. In conclusion, Shenge exerts significant cardioprotective effects against acute ischemic myocardial injury in rats, likely through its antioxidant and antilipid peroxidation properties, and thus may be used as an effective and promising medicine for both prophylaxis and treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Protective roles of puerarin and Danshensu on acute ischemic myocardial injury in rats

Ischemic heart diseases have been the leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries over the past decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of the complex preparation (called Shenge), made of puerarin (isolated from Pueraria lobata Ohwi., also called Kudzu) and Danshensu (isolated from the Chinese herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza), on acute ischemic myocardial injury in rats and its underlying mechanisms. The left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was occluded to induce myocardial ischemia in the hearts of SD rats. Shenge was injected into the tail vein 15 min after occlusion at doses of 0, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg body wt. ST elevation was then measured at 60, 120, and 240 min after Shenge administration. The ischemic size, serum levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and ST elevation were measured after the rats were sacrificed. Shenge decreased ST elevation induced by acute myocardial ischemia, reduced ischemic size, serum levels of CK-MB, LDH and MDA, and increased serum activity of SOD in a dose-dependent manner. The combined use of puerarin and Danshensu at a ratio of 1:1 showed the most effective activity. In conclusion, Shenge exerts significant cardioprotective effects against acute ischemic myocardial injury in rats, likely through its antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation properties, and thus may be an effective and promising medicine for both prophylaxis and treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Vasorelaxant effects of icariin on isolated canine coronary artery

Owing to its cardiovascular therapeutical effects, icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Epimedii herba, is considered to be the major active constituent of Epimedii herba. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of icariin on precontracted coronary artery isolated from canine. Coronary artery segments were isolated from normal anesthetized Beagle dogs and cut into 5-mm rings. The rings were mounted in an organ chamber and contracted by either 40 mM KCl or 10 microM PGF2alpha, and vasorelaxant tone to icariin was measured. Treatment of icariin could significantly produce a relaxation of precontracted coronary arterial rings with intact endothelium in a concentration-dependent manner. Comparatively, the vasorelaxation disappeared in denuded-endothelium rings. Furthermore, the vasorelaxant effect of icariin was blocked by Nomega-Nitro- L-arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), 1H-[1, 2, 4]-oxadiazolo [4, 3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) but not by indomethacin and glibenclamide, respectively. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) could partly antagonize the vasorelaxant effect triggered by icariin. There was no significant gene expression difference of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene in coronary arterial rings among the different concentrations of icariin by RT-PCR, but the activity of eNOS was increased in a concentration-dependent manner after icariin exposure. These results suggest that icariin produces NO-dependent relaxation in the isolated canine coronary artery, and the possible mechanism is involved in the activation of eNOS protein and NO-cGMP pathway.

Total flavones from Elsholtzia blanda reduce infarct size during acute myocardial ischemia by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis in rats

Apoptosis is a common pathological feature in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The infarct size is an important determinant of the prognosis of AMI. In recent years, Chinese medicinal herbs and their extracts have received great attention in prevention of AMI. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the anti-ischemic effect of total flavones from Elsholtzia blanda (Benth.) Benth. (TFEB), a traditional Chinese medicine and to make clear the mechanism involved in it. Myocardial infarction was induced by coronary occlusion in rats. Apoptosis was measured quantitatively by the terminal transferase UTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method and confirmed by DNA laddering on agarose gel. The expression of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic protein, Bax was visualized by Western blot analysis. TFEB significantly reduced infarct size and TUNEL-positive rate confirmed by disappearance of DNA laddering. Greater Bcl-2 and attenuated Bax expression was found in TFEB treating rats. These results suggest that TFEB reduce infarct size during AMI by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis through modulation of Bcl-2 family.