Antioxidant and cardioprotective effects of Danshensu (3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-propanoic acid from Salvia miltiorrhiza) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial hypertrophy in rats

Danshensu reduces neuronal excitability by enhancing potassium currents in bushy cells in the mouse cochlear nucleus

Danshensu, also known as salvianic acid A, is a primary active compound extracted from a traditional Chinese herb Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza). While its antioxidative and neuroprotective effects are well-documented, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we sought out to investigate if and how Danshensu modulates neuronal excitability and voltage-gated ionic currents in the central nervous system. We prepared brain slices of the mouse brainstem and performed patch-clamp recording in bushy cells in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus, with or without Danshensu incubation for 1 h. QX-314 was used internally to block Na+ current, while tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine were used to isolate different subtypes of K+ current. We found that Danshensu of 100 μm decreased the input resistance of bushy cells by approximately 60% and shifted the voltage threshold of spiking positively by approximately 7 mV, resulting in significantly reduced excitability. Furthermore, we found this reduced excitability by Danshensu was caused by enhanced voltage-gated K+ currents in these neurons, including both low voltage-activated IK,A, by approximately 100%, and high voltage-activated IK,dr, by approximately 30%. Lastly, we found that the effect of Danshensu on K+ currents was dose-dependent in that no enhancement was found for Danshensu of 50 μm and Danshensu of 200 μm failed to cause significantly more enhancement on K+ currents when compared to that of 100 μm. We found that Danshensu reduced neuronal excitability in the central nervous system by enhancing voltage-gated K+ currents, providing mechanistic support for its neuroprotective effect widely seen in vivo.

Ursolic acid inhibits NF-κB signaling and attenuates MMP-9/TIMP-1 in progressive osteoarthritis: a network pharmacology-based analysis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, characterized by infiltration of monocytes into the synovial joint which promotes inflammation, stiffness, joint swelling, cartilage degradation and further bone destruction. The leaves of Ocimum forskolei have been used for inflammation-related disease management in traditional medicine. Additionally, the downregulation of NF-κB and the MMP/TIMP-1 ratio has been shown to protect against OA. The LC-HR-MS metabolic analysis of Ocimum yielded 19 putative compounds, among which ursolic acid (UA) was detected. Ursolic acid possesses significant anti-inflammatory effects and has been reported to downregulate oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. It was tested on rats in a model of intra-articular carrageenan injection to investigate its efficacy on osteoarthritis progression. The UA emulgel exerted chondroprotective, analgesic and local anaesthetic efficacies confirmed via histopathological investigation and radiographical imaging. A network pharmacology followed by molecular docking highlighted TNF-α, TGF-β and NF-κB as the top filtered genes. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that UA significantly attenuated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and elevated levels of TGF-β. Taken together, these results suggest that UA could serve as a functional food-derived phytochemical with a multi-targeted efficacy on progression of OA, regulating the immune and inflammatory responses, particularly, attenuating chondrocytes degeneration via suppression of NF-κB and MMP-9/TIMP-1. Accordingly, UA might be a promising alternative to conventional therapy for safe, easily applicable and effective management of OA.

Effects of plant extracts and derivatives on cardiac K+, Nav, and Cav channels: a review

Natural products (NPs) are endless sources of compounds for fighting against several pathologies. Many dysfunctions, including cardiovascular disorders, such as cardiac arrhythmias have their modes of action regulation of the concentration of electrolytes inside and outside the cell targeting ion channels. Here, we highlight plant extracts and secondary metabolites' effects on the treatment of related cardiac pathologies on hERG, Nav, and Cav of cardiomyocytes. The natural product's pharmacology of expressed receptors like alpha-adrenergic receptors causes an influx of Ca2+ ions through receptor-operated Ca2+ ion channels. We also examine the NPs associated with cardiac contractions such as myocardial contractility by reducing the L-type calcium current and decreasing the intracellular calcium transient, inhibiting the K+ induced contractions, decreasing amplitude of myocyte shortening and showed negative ionotropic and chronotropic effects due to decreasing cytosolic Ca2+. We examine whether the NPs block potassium channels, particular the hERG channel and regulatory effects on Nav1.7.

A review of chemotherapeutic drugs-induced arrhythmia and potential intervention with traditional Chinese medicines

Significant advances in chemotherapy drugs have reduced mortality in patients with malignant tumors. However, chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity increases the morbidity and mortality of patients, and has become the second leading cause of death after tumor recurrence, which has received more and more attention in recent years. Arrhythmia is one of the common types of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and has become a new risk related to chemotherapy treatment, which seriously affects the therapeutic outcome in patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has experienced thousands of years of clinical practice in China, and has accumulated a wealth of medical theories and treatment formulas, which has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine may reduce the arrhythmic toxicity caused by chemotherapy without affecting the anti-cancer effect. This paper mainly discussed the types and pathogenesis of secondary chemotherapeutic drug-induced arrhythmia (CDIA), and summarized the studies on Chinese medicine compounds, Chinese medicine Combination Formula and Chinese medicine injection that may be beneficial in intervention with secondary CDIA including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia and sinus bradycardia, in order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced arrhythmias.

Guanxinning tablets improve myocardial hypertrophy by inhibiting the activation of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Myocardial hypertrophy may lead to heart failure and sudden death. As traditional Chinese medicine, Guanxinning tablets (GXN) have significant pharmacological effects in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the anti-cardiac hypertrophy efficacy of GXN and its mechanism of action are still unclear. Therefore, we established a heart failure rat model and isolated primary cardiomyocytes of neonatal rat to observe the protective effect of GXN on heart failure rat model and the intervention effect on myocardial cell hypertrophy, and to explore the possible mechanism of GXN preventing and treating myocardial hypertrophy. The results of in vivo experiments showed that GXN could significantly reduce the degree of cardiac hypertrophy, reduce the size of cardiomyocytes, inhibit the degree of myocardial remodeling and fibrosis, and improve cardiac function in rats with early heart failure. The results of in vitro experiments showed that GXN was safe for primary cardiomyocytes and could improve cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reduce the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in pathological state, which may be related to the inhibition of the over-activation of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, GXN may inhibit cardiac hypertrophy and improve early heart failure by inhibiting the over-activation of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases ─ targeting cardiac ion channels

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, imposing an increasing global health burden. Cardiac ion channels (voltage-gated Na_V, Ca_V, K_Vs, and others) synergistically shape the cardiac action potential (AP) and control the heartbeat. Dysfunction of these channels, due to genetic mutations, transcriptional or post-translational modifications, may disturb the AP and lead to arrhythmia, a major risk for CVD patients. Although there are five classes of anti-arrhythmic drugs available, they can have varying levels of efficacies and side effects on patients, possibly due to the complex pathogenesis of arrhythmias. As an alternative treatment option, Chinese herbal remedies have shown promise in regulating cardiac ion channels and providing anti-arrhythmic effects. In this review, we first discuss the role of cardiac ion channels in maintaining normal heart function and the pathogenesis of CVD, then summarize the classification of Chinese herbal compounds, and elaborate detailed mechanisms of their efficacy in regulating cardiac ion channels and in alleviating arrhythmia and CVD. We also address current limitations and opportunities for developing new anti-CVD drugs based on Chinese herbal medicines.

Evaluation of Non-Fermented and Fermented Chinese Chive Juice as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters of Broilers

The present study explores the application of CC juice as a suitable feed additive and alternative to conventional antibiotics. We performed a comparative study to investigate the effects of non-fermented and fermented CC juice on broiler productivity, meat quality, blood characteristics, intestinal characteristics, and microbiota associated with intestinal characteristics. A total of 800 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatment groups: (1) basal diet (negative control; NC); (2) basal diet + 0.01% enramycin (positive control; PC); (3) basal diet + 3% non-fermented CC juice (NCC; CC juice 10%, water 90%); and (4) basal diet + 3% fermented CC juice (FCC; CC juice 10%, water 90%, Lactobacillus plantarum SK4719). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Intriguingly, all treatments showed similar results in terms of broiler productivity and chicken meat quality. Considering organ characteristics, the FCC group showed a low spleen weight and lower (p < 0.05) blood levels of AST and total cholesterol (TCHO). Regarding intestinal characteristics, the CC feed additive (NCC and FCC) resulted in a heavier intestinal weight (p < 0.05) without affecting the length ratio of the villi or the crypt compared to the control (NC or PC). NCC and FCC lowered the growth of intestinal pathogens (p < 0.01). In summary, the addition of FCC can maintain poultry health by improving blood compositions and inhibiting the growth of intestinal pathogens, leading to a productivity comparable to that of poultry treated with growth-promoting antibiotics.

Pirfenidone attenuates cardiac hypertrophy against isoproterenol by inhibiting activation of the janus tyrosine kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK-2/STAT3) signaling pathway

Cardiovascular risk factors have attracted increasing attention in recent years with the acceleration of population aging, amongst which cardiac hypertrophy is the initiating link to heart failure. Pirfenidone is a promising agent for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and has recently proven to exert inhibitory effects on the inflammatory response. This study proposes to explore the potential pharmacological action of pirfenidone in treating cardiac hypertrophy in a rodent model. Four groups of mice were used in the present study: the control, ISO (5 mg/kg/day) for 7 days, pirfenidone (200 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, and spironolactone (SPI) (200 mg/kg/day) for 14 days groups. Increased heart weight index, left ventricle (LV) weight index, LV wall thickness, declined LV volume, and elevated serum levels of CK-MB, AST, and LDH were observed in ISO-challenged mice, all of which were dramatically reversed by the administration of pirfenidone or SPI. Furthermore, an elevated cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes in the wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining of heart cross-sections, upregulated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), β-Myosin Heavy Chain (β-MHC), and excessively released tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in cardiac tissues were observed in the ISO group but greatly alleviated by pirfenidone or SPI. Lastly, the promoted expression levels of p-JAK-2/JAK-2 and p-STAT3/STAT-3 in the cardiac tissues of ISO-challenged mice were significantly repressed by pirfenidone or SPI. Collectively, our data reveals a therapeutic property of pirfenidone on ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice.  

Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on the Cardiovascular Diseases

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the health care system developed with the help of clinical trials that are based ideally on the scientific model of regulation. Objective: This systematic health care system relies on some specific unique theories and practical experiences to treat and cure diseases, thus enhancing the public's health. Review Methodology: The current review covers the available literature from 2000 to 2021. The data was collected from journals research articles, published books, thesis, and electronic databases, search engines such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, EBSCO, PMC, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Willey Online Library, Springer Link, and CNKI) searching key terms, cardiovascular disease, traditional Chinese medicines, natural products, and bioactive compounds. Full-length articles and abstracts were screened for the collection of information included in the paper. Results: Clinical trials on the TCM and basic research carried out on its mechanism and nature have led to the application and development of the perfect design of the research techniques, for example, twofold striking in acupuncture that aid in overcoming the limitations and resistances in integrating and applicability of these experiences and trials into the pre-existing biomedical models. Furthermore, TCM has also been utilized from ancient times to treat heart diseases in Asia, particularly in China, and is now used by people in many other areas. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is mainly developed by oxidative stress. Hence antioxidants can be beneficial in treating this particular disease. TCM has a wide variety of antioxidant components. Conclusion: The current review article summarizes the underlying therapeutic property of TCM and its mechanism. It also overviews the evidence of the mechanism of TCM action in CVD prevention by controlling oxidative stress and its signaling pathway.

Identifying the cardioprotective mechanism of Danyu Tongmai Granules against myocardial infarction by targeted metabolomics combined with network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Danyu Tongmai Granules (DY), the commercial Chinese medicine, was well-accepted cardiovascular protective actions in clinic. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of DY on cardiovascular disease still need largely to be clarified.

PURPOSE

Therefore, this study was designed to explore potential mechanisms of DY in myocardial infarction (MI) by integrated strategy of metabolomics and network pharmacology.

METHODS

Cardiomyocytes were subjected to H2O2 induced myocardial injury and rats were induced MI via isoproterenol (ISO) injection. The entire metabolic alterations in serum and heart tissues of experimental rats were profiled by UPLC-MS/MS. Based on the identified differential metabolites, the pathway analysis results were obtained and further validated using the network pharmacology approach.

RESULTS

We found that DY exerted significant cardioprotective effects in vitro and in vivo, and ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by ISO. The metabolomics data suggested that DY mainly affected the amino acid metabolism (i.e., valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, glycine, serine, as well as the alanine metabolism, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, etc.). Simultaneously, DY participated in the regulation of the biosynthesis of bile acids and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Notably, DY significantly reduced the biosynthesis of valine, leucine and isoleucine to regulating the metabolism of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) in infarcted myocardium, thus blocking the inflammation via inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in ISO-induced rats. The anti-inflammatory system of DY was further validated with the results of network pharmacology.

CONCLUSION

Our study, for the first time, confirmed that DY inhibited inflammation and further exerted significant anti-myocardial infarction effect. Additionally, our work further demonstrated that the myocardial protective effect of DY was contributed to the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation by regulating BCAAs in infarcted myocardium using the comprehensive metabolomics, molecular biology and network analysis. Overall, our study gained new insights into the role of the relationship between the metabolic regulation of BCAAs and the NLRP3 inflammasome against MI.

Exploring the Mechanism of Danshensu in the Treatment of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluation

Background

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents available; however, its use is limited by the risk of serious cardiotoxicity. Danshensu (DSS), an active ingredient in Salvia miltiorrhiza, has multiple cardioprotective effects, but the effect of DSS on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has not been reported.

Objectives

Predicting the targets of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and validating the protective effects and mechanisms of DSS.

Methods

(1) Using methods based on network pharmacology, DOX-induced cardiotoxicity was analyzed by data analysis, target prediction, PPI network construction and GO analysis. (2) The cardiotoxicity model was established by continuous intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg of DOX into mice for 4 days and the protective effects and mechanism were evaluated by treatment with DSS.

Results

The network pharmacology results indicate that CAT, SOD, GPX1, IL-6, TNF, BAX, BCL-2, and CASP3 play an important role in this process, and Keap1 is the main target of DOX-induced cardiac oxidative stress. Then, based on the relationship between Keap1 and Nrf2, the Keap1-Nrf2/NQO1 pathway was confirmed by animal experiments. In the animal experiments, by testing the above indicators, we found that DSS effectively reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the damaged heart, and significantly alleviated the prolonged QTc interval caused by DOX. Moreover, compared with the DOX group, DSS elevated Keap1 content and inhibited Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1.

Conclusion

The results of network pharmacology studies indicated that Keap1-Nrf2/NQO1 is an important pathway leading to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and the results of animal experiments showed that DSS could effectively exert anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic therapeutic effects on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating the expression of Keap1-Nrf2/NQO1.

Investigation of the ameliorative effects of baicalin against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in mice

Baicalin (BA), a kind of flavonoids compound, comes from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (a kind of perennial herb) and has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system through anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis actions. However, the therapeutic effects and latent mechanisms of BA on arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced cardiac toxicity has not been reported. The present research was performed to explore the effects and mechanisms of BA on ATO-induced heart toxicity. Male Kunming mice were treated with ATO (7.5 mg/kg) to induce cardiac toxicity. After the mice received ATO, BA (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered for estimating its cardioprotective effects. Statistical data demonstrated that BA treatment alleviated electrocardiogram abnormalities and pathological injury caused by ATO. BA could also lead to recovery of CK and LDH activities to normal range and cause a decrease in MDA levels and ROS generation, augmentation of SOD, CAT, and GSH activities. We also found that BA caused a reduction in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, BA attenuated ATO-induced apoptosis by promoting the expression of Bcl-2 and suppressing the expression of Bax and caspase-3. TUNEL test result demonstrated BA caused impediment of ATO-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, BA treatment suppressed the high expression of TLR4, NF-κB and P-NF-κB caused by ATO. In conclusion, these results indicate that BA may alleviate ATO-induced cardiac toxicity by restraining oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, and its mechanism would be associated with the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Betalain exerts cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects against the experimental model of heart failure

Betalain is a natural plant pigment known to elicit various biological activities. However, studies on the protective effect of betalain against heart failure have not reported yet. The experimental model of heart failure was created in Wistar rats using isoproterenol (ISO). The animals were randomly assigned into four groups such as sham-control, ISO-induced heart failure, betalain pretreated before ISO induction (50 mg/kg/day), and betalain drug control group were maintained for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, anti-oxidant enzymes, inflammatory markers, matrix proteins, cardiac-specific markers, and micro RNAs were elucidated using RT-PCR, and ELISA analysis. The results demonstrated that the rats induced with ISO displayed an abnormality in cardiac functions, increased oxidative stress markers (p < 0.01), inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.01) while abrogated the expression of miR-18a, and increased miR-199a. While betalain pre-treated rats prevented the cardiac failure significantly (p < 0.01) with improved anti-oxidant enzymes, abrogated the inflammatory signals with restored matrix proteins, cardiac biomarker genes, and attenuated miR-423 and miR-27 compared to heart failure rats. The results of the study suggest that the betalain treatment protected the hearts from failing via microRNA mediated activation the anti-inflammatory signaling and restoring the matrix protein modulation.

Ameliorative effects and mechanism of crocetin in arsenic trioxide‑induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is commonly used to treat patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia since it was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the 1970s, but its applicability has been limited by its cardiotoxic effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects and underlying mechanism of crocetin (CRT), the critical ingredient of saffron. Sprague-Dawley rats were then randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group): i) Control group; ii) ATO group, iii) CRT-low (20 mg/kg) group; and iv) CRT-high (40 mg/kg) group. Rats in the Control and ATO groups were intraperitoneally injected with equal volumes of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and CRT groups were administered with either 20 and 40 mg/kg CRT. Following 6 h, all groups except the Control group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg ATO over 10 days. Cardiotoxicity was indicated by changes in electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns, morphology and marker enzymes. Histomorphological changes in the heart tissue were observed by pathological staining. The levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde and catalase in the serum were analyzed using colometric commercial assay kits, and the levels of reactive oxygen species in the heart tissue were detected using the fluorescent probe dihydroethidium. The expression levels of inflammatory factors and activities of apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of silent information regulator of transcription 1 were measured using western blotting. Cardiotoxicity was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats with ATO (5 mg/kg). CRT (20 and 40 mg/kg) and ATO were co-administered to evaluate possible cardioprotective effects. CRT significantly reduced the heart rate and J-point elevation induced by ATO in rats. Histological changes were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin staining. CRT decreased the levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase and catalase, and decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. Moreover, CRT downregulated the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax and p65, as well as increased the expression of Bcl-2. It was also identified that CRT enhanced silent information regulator of transcription 1 protein expression. Thus, the present study demonstrated that CRT treatment effectively ameliorated ATO-induced cardiotoxicity. The protective effects of CRT can be attributed to the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, CRT represents a promising therapeutic method for improving the cardiotoxic side effects caused by ATO treatment, and additional clinical applications are possible, but warrant further investigation.

Dihydrotanshinone I Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy in Diabetic Mice Induced by Chronic High-Fat Feeding

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) is widely used to improve blood circulation and the dredge meridian in traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of dihydrotanshinone I (DHTS), a natural product from Danshen, on chronic high-fat feeding-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. DHTS (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) did not affect blood glucose, insulin levels, and glucose intolerance. However, it alleviated diastolic dysfunction induced by the high-fat diet, as indicated by the increase in the ratio of peak early filling velocity to peak late filling velocity of the mitral and suppression of the extension of the isovolumic relaxation phase of the left ventricle. Further investigations revealed that DHTS ameliorated high-fat induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice and suppressed insulin-induced enlargement of cardiomyocytes in vitro. In neonatal cardiomyocytes, DHTS restored insulin-induced suppression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta-2 isoform (CEBPβ) and the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Taken together, our results indicated that DHTS ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in high-fat-fed mice, probably through the inhibition of insulin-induced suppression of CEBPβ and phosphorylation of GSK3β and ERK in cardiomyocytes.

[6]-Gingerol Ameliorates ISO-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis through Inhibition of TLR4/MAPKs/NF-κB Pathway

SCOPE

[6]-Gingerol is one of the primary pungent constituents of ginger. While [6]-gingerol has many pharmacological effects, its benefits for myocardial fibrosis, including its exact role and underlying mechanisms, remain largely unexplored. The present study is designed to characterize the cardio-protective effects of [6]-gingerol in myocardial fibrosis mice and possible underlying mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice are subcutaneously injected with isoproterenol (ISO, 10 mg kg^-1 ) and gavaged with [6]-gingerol (10, 20 mg kg^-1 day^-1 ) for 14 days. Pathological alterations, fibrosis, oxidative stress, inflammation response, and apoptosis are examined. In ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis, [6]-gingerol treatment decreases the J-point, heart rate, cardiac weight index, left ventricle weight index, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase serum levels, calcium concentration, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and increases levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and GSH/GSSG. Further, [6]-gingerol improved ISO-induced morphological pathologies, inhibited inflammation and apoptosis, and suppressed the toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

The protective effect of [6]-gingerol in mice with ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, potentially through the TLR4/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Research of Shenkang Injection in Rats Based on UHPLC-MS/MS and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS

Purpose

Shenkang injection, a traditional Chinese herbal prescription, had been widely used in renal disease due to its perfect curative effect. In this research, a novel, sensitive, accurate and rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method was developed to simultaneously detect the seven active ingredients in rat plasma of Shenkang injection and investigate its pharmacokinetic behaviors with metabolism profiling meanwhile.

Methods

For accurate pharmacokinetic quantitation, a WATERS ACQUITY UPLC^® BEH C18 column was used to perform a separation and acetonitrile-water (0.1% formic acid) was selected as mobile phase for gradient elution with a flow rate of 0.20 mL/min. A heated electrospray ionization with selective reaction monitoring mode was used to monitor the precursor-product ion transitions for all the analytes and IS.

Results

They all showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (r>0.996 3) and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.1–1.0 ng/mL for analytes. The validation parameters were all within the acceptable limits. Furthermore, for metabolism profiling study, metabolites of the seven ingredients were identified from the rat plasma based on the accurate mass and fragment ions. The metabolic pathways mainly focus on reduction, dehydration and conjugation.

Conclusion

This study provided an overview of disposition of Shenkang injection, which is highly instructive for better understanding the effectiveness and toxicity of this drug.

A review on plants and herbal components with antiarrhythmic activities and their interaction with current cardiac drugs

This paper aimed to compile information on plants or their compounds which have experimentally shown antiarrhythmic effect and to scrutinize the efficacy and potency of them and their potential interaction with conventional cardiac drugs. Literature searches were accomplished by using numerous electronic databases, and the available knowledge on different parts of herbs and their ingredients with antiarrhythmic effects up to 2019 were identified and collected. The results indicate that 36 herbs or their derivatives can be effective in the treatment of arrhythmias, especially in animal and cellular models. They affect various ionic channels in different action potential phases. The alterations in ionic currents lead to changing in the amplitude and duration of the action potential, effective refractory period, maximum velocity, resting membrane potential, channel trafficking, or intracellular calcium concentration. The agents that prolong action potential duration and effective refractory period such as dauricine and sophocarpine seem to be more beneficial if more comprehensive studies confirm their efficacy and safety. It is noteworthy that the consumption of some herbal agents for cardiovascular (e.g. Hawthorn and Ginseng) or other (e.g. Ginseng and Licorice) therapeutic purposes may boost the pro-arrhythmogenic effect of current cardiovascular drugs such as cardiac glycosides. This study accentuates known plants or their derivatives with anti-arrhythmic effects, potential interaction with other cardiac drugs, and the possible mechanisms involved. It can assist clinicians and scientists in research and therapeutic approaches to the management of cardiac arrhythmias.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Danshen in isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial ischemic injury combined with Honghua

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herb pair, the most fundamental and simplest form of herb compatibility, serves as the basic building block of traditional Chinese medicine formulae. The Danshen-Honghua herb pair (DH), composed of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen in Chinese) and Carthami Flos (Honghua in Chinese), has remarkable clinical efficacy to cure cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. This study was designed to investigate the pharmacodynamics of DH in comparison with single herbs and pharmacokinetics of DH relative to Danshen in acute myocardial ischemic injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into control, model and drug treated groups. The acute myocardial ischemia rat model was induced by administering 85 mg/kg/d isoproterenol (ISO) subcutaneously for two consecutive days. For pharmacodynamic study, histopathological and biochemical analysis were performed to assess the anti-myocardial ischemic effects. While for pharmacokinetic study, a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for determination of nine main active ingredients, namely danshensu, protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, lithospermic acid, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid C in rat plasma.

RESULTS

The histopathological and biochemical analysis revealed that DH exerted enhanced anti-myocardial ischemic effects against the ISO-induced myocardial ischemia compared with single herbs. The pharmacokinetic study indicated that DH could significantly increase the t_1/2z of danshensu, T_max, AUC_0-∞ and MRT_0-t of protocatechuic acid in comparison with Danshen alone in normal rats, but more importantly elevate systemic exposure level and prolong t_1/2z of protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, T_max of danshensu in acute myocardial ischemia rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the greater effects of DH after the compatibility in ISO-induced acute myocardial ischemia rats at pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic levels and provided valuable information for clinical application of herb pairs.

Paeonol protects against hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats by restoring vascular endothelium

The present study focused on the effect of paeonol, one of the main components of Guizhi Fuling Pill, on blood pressure, cerebral blood flow, and vascular endothelium injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of hypertension. After treatment with paeonol, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of LSHRT and HSHRT rats decreased gradually with the prolongation of treatment time. The systolic blood flow velocity (Vs), diastolic blood flow velocity (Vd) and mean blood flow velocity (Vm) were significantly increased after paeonol treatment (p &lt; 0.05). Paeonol effectively improved the blood pressure and increased the cerebral blood flow velocity in spontaneously hypertensive rats. This may be related to the fact that paeonol reduced the blood viscosity and the oxidative stress and improved the antioxidant capacity. Moreover, paeonol protected vascular endothelial cells and reduced vascular endothelial injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Therapeutic potentials and mechanisms of the Chinese traditional medicine Danshensu

Danshensu is a pure molecule derived from Danshen, which is the root of the herb Salvia miltiorrhiza. It has a clearly defined chemical structure and demonstrates therapeutic effects in cardiovascular diseases (e.g., myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, atherosclerosis, hypertension), cerebral lesions and disorders (e.g., ischemia, cognitive decline, and anxiety), and other health problems (e.g., thrombosis, tumorigenesis, pancreatitis). The mechanisms behind these effects include antioxidation, anti-apoptosis, vasodilation, inflammation regulation, lipidemia control, etc., through the PI3K/Akt-ERK1/2/Nrf2/HO-1, Bcl-2/Bax, eNOS and other molecular signaling pathways. Both Danshen and Danshensu might be more effective than classical cardiovascular drugs, and their combination yields improved therapeutic efficiency. Here, we provide an overview of these drugs for a better understanding of Danshensu as a promising Chinese traditional medicine.

Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants

Cutaneous wound healing is the process by which skin repairs itself. It is generally accepted that cutaneous wound healing can be divided into 4 phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. In humans, keratinocytes re-form a functional epidermis (reepithelialization) as rapidly as possible, closing the wound and reestablishing tissue homeostasis. Dermal fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed and proliferate, creating “granulation tissue” rich in extracellular matrix proteins and supporting the growth of new blood vessels. Ultimately, this is remodelled over an extended period, returning the injured tissue to a state similar to that before injury. Dysregulation in any phase of the wound healing cascade delays healing and may result in various skin pathologies, including nonhealing, or chronic ulceration. Indigenous and traditional medicines make extensive use of natural products and derivatives of natural products and provide more than half of all medicines consumed today throughout the world. Recognising the important role traditional medicine continues to play, we have undertaken an extensive survey of literature reporting the use of medical plants and plant-based products for cutaneous wounds. We describe the active ingredients, bioactivities, clinical uses, formulations, methods of preparation, and clinical value of 36 medical plant species. Several species stand out, including Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, and Paeonia suffruticosa, which are popular wound healing products used by several cultures and ethnic groups. The popularity and evidence of continued use clearly indicates that there are still lessons to be learned from traditional practices. Hidden in the myriad of natural products and derivatives from natural products are undescribed reagents, unexplored combinations, and adjunct compounds that could have a place in the contemporary therapeutic inventory.

IDO1 depletion induces an anti-inflammatory response in macrophages in mice with chronic viral myocarditis

Inflammation and myocardial weakness, two major hallmarks of chronic viral myocarditis (VMC), often lead to dilated cardiomyopathy or chronic heart failure. It has been reported that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) may play a pathogenic role in the progression of inflammatory diseases. Hence, the study is set out to investigate the potential role of IDO1 in chronic VMC by establishing a mouse model of VMC by intraperitoneally injected with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). After model establishment, the expression of IDO1 was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. IDO1 was identified as an up-regulated gene in CVB3-induced VMC. Then, in order to elucidate the potential role of IDO1 in VMC, macrophages were isolated and treated with the overexpression plasmid of IDO1 or IDO1 inhibitor (1-MT). After that, these transfected macrophages were co-cultured with normal cardiomyocytes, followed by measurement of inflammatory factors and evaluation of cardiomyocyte injury. The overexpression of IDO1 was observed to significantly enhance the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. By contrast, the treatment of 1-MT in macrophages reversed the promoting effects of IDO1 on cardiomyocyte injury. Co-culture experiment showed that overexpressed IDO1 impaired cardiomyocyte, which was alleviated upon treatment of 1-MT. Taken together, the key findings of the present study provide evidence that 1-MT-mediated IDO1 suppression could potentially reduce inflammatory response in macrophages and consequently ameliorate cardiomyocyte injury in mice with VMC.

Crocin attenuates isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis by targeting TLR4/NF-κB signaling: connecting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

Crocin is isolated from saffron and has multiple activities. There are many reports on its beneficial effects for cardiovascular disease, but crocin's effects on anti-myocardial fibrosis have not yet been reported. This study investigated crocin's effects and potential mechanisms on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis (MF) in mice. Mice were infused intraperitoneally with crocin with concurrent ISO subcutaneous injections over 2 weeks. Electrocardiography, cardiac weight index (CWI), hydroxyproline content, and heart morphology changes were observed. Administration of crocin markedly decreased heart rate, J-point elevation, QRS interval, CWI, and hydroxyproline content in the myocardial tissues, and improved heart pathologic morphology. Versus the control group, the ISO group showed an increase in lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities and malondialdehyde content. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione contents decreased in the ISO group; crocin caused a significant reduction in oxidative stress levels in ISO-induced MF. ISO led to a significant increase in interleukin-1 and -6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in addition to nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (p65) and toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expressions. Crocin treatment suppressed these inflammatory cytokine expressions. Moreover, crocin treatment caused a significant decrease in connective tissue growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 mRNA levels in addition to a decrease in B cell lymphoma-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 expressions. Crocin has a protective effect on ISO-induced MF, which may be associated with the TLR4/NF-κB (p65) signal transduction pathway.

Redox self-sufficient biocatalyst system for conversion of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine into (R)- or (S)-3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid

We developed an efficient multi-enzyme cascade reaction to produce (R)- or (S)-3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid [(R)- or (S)-Danshensu, (R)- or (S)-DSS] from 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-DOPA) in Escherichia coli by introducing tyrosine aminotransferase (tyrB), glutamate dehydrogenase (cdgdh) and D-aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (csldhD) or L-aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (tcldhL). First, the genes in the pathway were overexpressed and fine-tuned for (R)- or (S)-DSS production. The resulting strain, E. coli TGL 2.1 and E. coli TGL 2.2, which overexpressed tyrB with the stronger T7 promoter and cdgdh, csldhD or tcldhL with the weaker Trc promoter, E. coli TGL 2.1 yielded 57% increase in (R)-DSS production: 59.8 ± 2.9 mM. Meanwhile, E. coli TGL 2.2 yielded 54% increase in (S)-DSS production: 52.2 ± 2.4 mM. The optimal concentration of L-glutamate was found to be 20 mM for production of (R)- or (S)-DSS. Finally, L-DOPA were transformed into (R)- or (S)-DSS with an excellent enantiopure form (enantiomeric excess > 99.99%) and productivity of 6.61 mM/h and 4.48 mM/h, respectively.

One-pot, three-step cascade synthesis of D-danshensu using engineered Escherichia coli whole cells

D-danshensu (D-DSS), extracted from the plant Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), is widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Here we engineered Escherichia coli strains to produce D-DSS from catechol, pyruvate and ammonia by one-pot biotransformation. Tyrosin-phenol lyase (TPL), L-amino acid deaminase (aadL), D-lactate dehydrogenase (ldhD) and glucose dehydrogenase (gdh) genes were overexpressed in Escherichia coli strain. First, the expression of genes was regulated by different copy number plasmids combination, the result of E. coli TALG6, with strong overexpression of TPL, aadL, ldhD and moderate overexpression of gdh, exhibited 253.7% increase D-DSS production compared to E. coli TALG1. Second, the optimum concentration of catechol was found to be 50 mM. Finally, a fed-batch biotransformation strategy was proposed, namely the amount of catechol was added to 50 mM every 2 h. The total production of D-DSS reached 55.35 mM within 14 h, which was 1.7 times that without feeding.

Targeting autophagy in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury: A novel therapeutic strategy

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Myocardial reperfusion is known as an effective therapeutic choice against AMI. However, reperfusion of blood flow induces ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury through different complex processes including ion accumulation, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, the formation of reactive oxygen species, and so forth. One of the processes that gets activated in response to I/R injury is autophagy. Indeed, autophagy acts as a "double-edged sword" in the pathology of myocardial I/R injury and there is a controversy about autophagy being beneficial or detrimental. On the basis of the autophagy effect and regulation on myocardial I/R injury, many studies targeted it as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we discuss the role of autophagy in I/R injury and its targeting as a therapeutic strategy.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Regulation of Oxidative Stress in Treating Coronary Heart Disease

Oxidative stress has been closely related with coronary artery disease. In coronary heart disease (CHD), an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production generates endothelial cell and smooth muscle functional disorders, leading to a disequilibrium between the antioxidant capacity and prooxidants. ROS also leads to inflammatory signal activation and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, which can promote and increase the occurrence and development of CHD. There are several kinds of antioxidative and small molecular systems of antioxidants, such as β-carotene, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and reduced glutathione (GSH). Studies have shown that antioxidant treatment was effective and decreased the risk of CHD, but the effect of the treatment varies greatly. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been utilized for thousands of years in China and is becoming increasingly popular all over the world, especially for the treatments of cardiovascular diseases. This review will concentrate on the evidence of the action mechanism of TCM in preventing CHD by modulating oxidative stress-related signaling pathways.

Protective effect of rutin isolated from Spermococe hispida against cobalt chloride-induced hypoxic injury in H9c2 cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease and its related deaths are increasing in the modern world. Therefore, there is a need to identify a plant based nutraceutical supplement with potent activity.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Reportedly, the protective effect of the rutin in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes is due to the activation of molecular networks related to programmed cell death.

STUDY DESIGN-METHODS

Phytochemical methods and advanced analytical methods were employed to isolate natural products from Spermococe hispida their effects in cardiomyocyets.

RESULTS

We reports herein that CoCl₂-induced hypoxic condition significantly decreased cell viability as evidenced by MTT assay and cell cycle analysis. Western blot studies revealed an up-regulation of HIF-1α, BAX and caspase and down-regulation of BCl-2 expression, followed by modulation of Akt, p-Akt, p38 and p-p38. The oxidative abnormalities were ameliorated by rutin pretreatment, as deduced by the reduced CoCl₂-induced cytotoxicity, MDA concentration and LDH activity and the enhanced levels of GSH and SOD in a dose-dependent manner. Rutin protects H9c2 cells from CoCl₂-induced hypoxic damage by mitigating oxidative stress and preserving cell viability by modulating the antiapoptotic proteins.

CONCLUSION

The overall findings reinforce the cardioprotective action of rutin, a potential source of antioxidant of natural origin, which may help in mitigating the progress of oxidative stress in hypoxic conditions such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

Isoproterenol-induced cardiac ischemia and fibrosis: Plant-based approaches for intervention

Heart is the most active and incumbent organ of the body, which maintains blood flow, but due to various pathological reasons, several acute and chronic cardiac complications arise out of which myocardial infarction is one of the teething problems. Isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial ischemia is a classical model to screen the cardioprotective effects of various pharmacological interventions. Phytochemicals present a novel option for treating various human maladies including those of the heart. A large number of plant products and their active ingredients have been screened for efficacy in ameliorating ISP-induced myocardial ischemia including coriander, curcumin, Momordica, quercetin, and Withania somnifera. These phytochemicals constituents may play key role in preventing disease and help in cardiac remodeling. Reactive oxygen species scavenging, antiinflammatory, and modulation of various molecular pathways such as Nrf2, NFкB, p-21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1), and p-smad2/3 signaling modulation have been implicated behind the claimed protection. In this review, we have provided a focused overview on the utility of ISP-induced cardiotoxicity, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac fibrosis for preclinical research. In addition, we have also surveyed molecular mechanism of various plant-based interventions screened for cardioprotective effect in ISP-induced cardiotoxicity, and their probable mechanistic profile is summarized.

Salvia miltiorrhizaBurge (Danshen): a golden herbal medicine in cardiovascular therapeutics

Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen) is an eminent medicinal herb that possesses broad cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective actions and has been used in Asian countries for many centuries. Accumulating evidence suggests that Danshen and its components prevent vascular diseases, in particular, atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. The published literature indicates that lipophilic constituents (tanshinone I, tanshinone IIa, tanshinone IIb, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, etc) as well as hydrophilic constituents (danshensu, salvianolic acid A and B, protocatechuic aldehyde, etc) contribute to the cardiovascular protective actions of Danshen, suggesting a potential synergism among these constituents. Herein, we provide a systematic up-to-date review on the cardiovascular actions and therapeutic potential of major pharmacologically active constituents of Danshen. These bioactive compounds will serve as excellent drug candidates in small-molecule cardiovascular drug discovery. This article also provides a scientific rationale for understanding the traditional use of Danshen in cardiovascular therapeutics.

Noninvasive Real-Time Characterization of Renal Clearance Kinetics in Diabetic Mice after Receiving Danshensu Treatment

Danshensu (DSS) is an active ingredient extracted from the root of the Danshen that could ameliorate oxidative stress via upregulation of heme oxygenase- (HO-) 1. Little is known about the treatment effects of DSS on kidney function in diabetic mice. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to characterize the renal clearance kinetics of IRdye800CW in db/db mice after DSS treatment. The secondary aim was to measure several biomarkers of renal function and oxidative stress (urinary F2-isoprostane, HO-1 in kidney and serum bilirubin). Fourteen db/db diabetic mice were randomly assigned into two groups and received either DSS treatment (DM + DSS) or vehicle treatment (DM). A third group that comprised of db/+ nondiabetic mice (non-DM control) received no DSS treatment and served as the nondiabetic control. At the end of a 3-week intervention period, serum and urinary biomarkers of renal function and oxidative stress were assessed and the renal clearance of IRdye800CW dye in all mice was determined noninvasively using Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography. The major finding from this study suggested that DSS treatment in db/db mice improved renal clearance. Increased expression of HO-1 after DSS treatment also suggested that DSS might represent a potential therapeutic avenue for clinical intervention in diabetic nephropathy.

Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, also known as Danshen in Chinese, has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China and other Asia countries. Here, we summarize literatures of the historical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interpretation of the action of Salvia miltiorrhiza, its use in current clinical trials, its main phytochemical constituents and its pharmacological findings by consulting Pubmed, China Knowledge Resource Integrated, China Science and Technology Journal, and the Web of Science Databases. Since 2000, 39 clinical trials have been identified that used S. miltiorrhiza in TCM prescriptions alone or with other herbs for the treatment of patients with CVD. More than 200 individual compounds have been isolated and characterized from S. miltiorrhiza, which exhibited various pharmacological activities targeting different pathways for the treatment of CVD in various animal and cell models. The isolated compounds may provide new perspectives in alternative treatment regimes and reveal novel chemical scaffolds for the development of anti-CVD drugs. Meanwhile, there are also some rising concerns of the potential side effects and drug-drug interactions of this plant. The insights gained from this study will help us to better understanding of the actions of this herb for management of cardiovascular disorders. As an herb of red root, S. miltiorrhiza will act as a potential red light to prevent the development of CVD.

The Effects of Aqueous Extract from Nardostachys chinensis Batalin on Blood Pressure and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Two-Kidney One-Clip Hypertensive Rats

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Nardostachys chinensis Batalin (NCBAE) on blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy using two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats.

Methods

2K1C rat models were set up by clipping the left renal artery. Sham-operated rats underwent the same surgical procedure except for renal arterial clipping. 2K1C hypertensive rats were orally given NCBAE at doses of 210, 420, and 630 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ for 6 weeks. Twelve weeks after surgery, rat SBP and echocardiographic parameters were measured, cardiac histopathology was assessed, serum NO and LDH were detected, and the expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 of left ventricular tissue was assessed by western blot.

Results

Treatment with NCBAE resulted in a decrease of SBP, LVPWd, LVPWs, IVSd, IVSs, LVW/BW ratio, and cardiomyocyte CSA, an increase of LVEF, and inhibition of 2K1C-induced reduction in serum NO and elevation of LDH compared with 2K1C group. NCBAE intervention also showed a significant increase of Bcl-2 expression and reduction of cleaved caspase-3 level dose-dependently in left ventricular tissue.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that NCBAE has an antihypertensive property and protective effect on 2K1C-induced cardiac hypertrophy especially at the dose of 630 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹.

Molecular understanding of the protective role of natural products on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction: A review

Modern medicine has been used to treat myocardial infarction, a subset of cardiovascular diseases, and have been relatively effective but not without adverse effects. Consequently, this issue has stimulated interest in the use of natural products, which may be equally effective and better tolerated. Many studies have investigated the cardioprotective effect of natural products, such as plant-derived phytochemicals, against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial damage; these have produced promising results on the basis of their antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. This review briefly introduces the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI) and then addresses the progress of natural product research towards its treatment. We highlight the promising applications and mechanisms of action of plant extracts, phytochemicals and polyherbal formulations towards the treatment of ISO-induced myocardial damage. Most of the products displayed elevated antioxidant levels with decreased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, along with restoration of ionic balance and lowered expression of myocardial injury markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic parameters. Likewise, lipid profiles were positively altered and histopathological improvements could be seen from, for example, the better membrane integrity, decreased necrosis, edema, infarct size, and leukocyte infiltration. This review highlights promising results towards the amelioration of ISO-induced myocardial damage, which suggest the direction for future research on natural products that could be used to treat MI.

AstragalosideⅣ against cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting TRPM7 channel

BACKGROUND

Astragaloside Ⅳ (ASG-Ⅳ, (Fig. 1) is the most active component of Chinese sp. Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Fabaceae) that has showed antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antiviral activities among others. It is reported to play an important role in cardiac fibrosis (CF), but the mechanism remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To investigate the mechanism of ASG-Ⅳ on inhibiting myocardial fibrosis induced by hypoxia.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied the relationship between anti-fibrotic effect of ASG-Ⅳ and transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7) by in vivo and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

In vivo, CF was induced by subcutaneous isoproterenol (ISO) for 10 days. Rat hearts were resected for histological experiment and reverse transcription real-time quantitative poly merase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In vitro, molecular and cellular biology technologies were used to confirm the anti-fibrosis effect underlying mechanism of ASG-Ⅳ.

RESULTS

Histological findings and the collagen volume fraction showed that ASG-Ⅳ decreased fibrosis in heart tissues. Hypoxia could stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of cardiac fibroblast which indicated that the degree of fibrosis was increased significantly. Anoxic treatment could also obviously up-regulate the expression of TRPM7 protein and current. ASG-Ⅳ groups showed the opposite results. Knock-down TRPM7 experiment further confirmed the role of TRPM7 channel in hypoxia-induced cardiac fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the inhibition of hypoxia-induced CF in vivo and in vitro by ASG-IV is associated with reduction of the expression of TRPM7. The moderate inhibition of the TRPM7 channel may be a new strategy for treating cardiac fibrosis.

The Role of Biologically Active Ingredients from Natural Drug Treatments for Arrhythmias in Different Mechanisms

Arrhythmia is a disease that is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart rate or rhythm. It is the major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although several antiarrhythmic drugs have been used in clinic for decades, their application is often limited by their adverse effects. As a result, natural drugs, which have fewer side effects, are now being used to treat arrhythmias. We searched for all articles on the role of biologically active ingredients from natural drug treatments for arrhythmias in different mechanisms in PubMed. This study reviews 19 natural drug therapies, with 18 active ingredient therapies, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, quinones, and terpenes, and two kinds of traditional Chinese medicine compound (Wenxin-Keli and Shensongyangxin), all of which have been studied and reported as having antiarrhythmic effects. The primary focus is the proposed antiarrhythmic mechanism of each natural drug agent. Conclusion. We stress persistent vigilance on the part of the provider in discussing the use of natural drug agents to provide a solid theoretical foundation for further research on antiarrhythmia drugs.

Momordica charantia polysaccharides ameliorate oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and apoptosis during myocardial infarction by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway

The polysaccharide extract of Momordica charantia has various biological activities; however, its effect on endothelial dysfunction in myocardial infarction remains unclear. To elucidate this, myocardial infarction was induced in rats using isoproterenol (ISP). Pretreatment with M. charantia polysaccharides (MCP; 150 or 300mg/kg) for 25days significantly inhibited increases in heart weight, the heart-weight-to-body-weight ratio, and infarction size, and ameliorated the increased serum levels of aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, MCP enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and non-protein sulfhydryls, and decreased the level of lipid peroxidation. Moreover, MCP pretreatment downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10), inflammatory markers (nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase), and apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and BAX), and upregulated Bcl-2 expression. Pretreatment with MCP reduced myonecrosis, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration, and restored cardiomyocytes architecture. This myocardial protective effect could be related to the enhancement of the antioxidant defense system through the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways, and to anti-apoptosis through regulation of Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2.

Mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effect of Salvianic acid A against isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia injury in rats: Possible involvement of L-type calcium channels and myocardial contractility

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvianic acid A (SAA), which is the main water-soluble fraction in Radix Salviae Milthiorrhizae, has been widely applied for treating cardiovascular diseases in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the effects of SAA against myocardial ischemia injury induced by isoproterenol (ISO) in rats and to clarify its underlying myocardial protective mechanisms based on l-type calcium channels and myocardial contractility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The myocardial ischemia injured rat model was induced by administering ISO (85mg/kg) subcutaneously at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night for 2 consecutive days. Serum cardiac biomarkers were analyzed, and heart tissues were isolated and prepared for histopathology assay. The regulatory effects of SAA on the L-type calcium current (ICa-L) in rat ventricular myocytes were observed by the patch clamp technique. The IonOptix Myocam detection system was used to observe the contractility of isolated rat ventricular myocytes.

RESULTS

SAA significantly ameliorated changes in heart morphology and electrocardiographic patterns and reduced serum levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in the ISO-induced myocardial ischemia injured rat model. Meanwhile, SAA reduced ICa-L in a concentration-time dependent way with an IC50 of 1.47×10(-5)M, upshifted the current-voltage, activation, and inactivation curves of ICa-L, and significantly inhibited the amplitude of the cell shortening.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that SAA exhibits significant cardioprotective effects against the ISO-induced myocardial ischemia injury, potentially through inhibiting ICa-L and decreasing myocardial contractility.

Neuroprotective Effect of Salvianolic Acids against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of salvianolic acids (SA) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and explored whether the neuroprotection was dependent on mitochondrial connexin43 (mtCx43) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. In vitro, we measured astrocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and also evaluated the morphology of astrocyte mitochondria with transmission electron microscopy. In vivo, we determined the cerebral infarction volume and measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, mtCx43, p-mtCx43, AKT, and p-AKT levels were determined. In vitro, we found that I/R injury induced apoptosis, decreased cell mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and damaged mitochondrial morphology in astrocytes. In vivo, we found that I/R injury resulted in a large cerebral infarction, decreased SOD activity, and increased MDA expression. Additionally, I/R injury reduced both the p-mtCx43/mtCx43 and p-AKT/AKT ratios. We reported that both in vivo and in vitro, SA ameliorated the detrimental outcomes of the I/R. Interestingly, co-administering an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway blunted the effects of SA. SA represents a potential treatment option for cerebral infarction by up-regulating mtCx43 through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Danhong injection attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating p38 and NF-κb pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danhong injection (DHI), derived from Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., Labiatae, Danshen in Chinese) and Flos Carthami (Carthamus tinctorius L., Compositae, Salvia militiorrhiza Bunge), is an extensively-used Chinese material standardized clinical product for treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is an adaptive response of cardiomyocytes. Long-lasting cardiac hypertrophy results in the loss of compensation by cardiomyocytes which could ultimately develop into heart failure. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect and exact mechanisms of DHI on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced CH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H9c2 cells and male Wistar rats were stimulated by ISO in the present study to establish CH models in vitro and in vivo. CCk-8 assay, Western blot, real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and Echocardiography were used in the present study.

RESULTS

DHI significantly attenuated ISO-induced CH of H9c2 cells (p<0.01). DHI decreased ISO-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) elevation both at the mRNA and protein levels (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Western blot showed that DHI down-regulated the phosphorylation of p38. Furthermore, we found that DHI inhibited the nuclear translocation and activation of NF-κb. Echocardiography from ISO-induced CH rats showed that DHI significantly decreased left ventricle (LV) mass, the thickness of the LV end-systolic posterior wall (LVPWs), and the LV end-diastolic posterior wall (LVPWd) elevated by ISO (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that DHI might exert anti-cardiac hypertrophic effects by regulating p38 and NF-κb pathway.