Amalaki rasayana, a traditional Indian drug enhances cardiac mitochondrial and contractile functions and improves cardiac function in rats with hypertrophy

RelA-mediated signaling connects adaptation to chronic cardiomyocyte stress with myocardial and systemic inflammation in the ADCY8 model of accelerated aging

Mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of adenylyl cyclase (AC) type 8 (TGAC8) are under a constant state of severe myocardial stress. They have a remarkable ability to adapt to this stress, but they eventually develop accelerated cardiac aging and experience reduced longevity. We have previously demonstrated through bioinformatics that constitutive adenylyl cyclase activation in TGAC8 mice is associated with the activation of inflammation-related signaling pathways. However, the immune response associated with chronic myocardial stress in the TGAC8 mouse remains unexplored. Here we demonstrate that chronic activation of adenylyl cyclase in cardiomyocytes of TGAC8 mice results in activation of cell-autonomous RelA-mediated NF-κB signaling. This is associated with non-cell-autonomous activation of proinflammatory and age-associated signaling in myocardial endothelial cells and myocardial smooth muscle cells, expansion of myocardial immune cells, increase in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, and changes in the size or composition of lymphoid organs. All these changes precede the appearance of cardiac fibrosis. We provide evidence indicating that RelA activation in cardiomyocytes with chronic activation of adenylyl cyclase is mediated by calcium-protein Kinase A (PKA) signaling. Using a model of chronic cardiomyocyte stress and accelerated aging, we highlight a novel, calcium/PKA/RelA-dependent connection between cardiomyocyte stress, myocardial inflammation, and systemic inflammation. These findings suggest that RelA-mediated signaling in cardiomyocytes might be an adaptive response to stress that, when chronically activated, ultimately contributes to both cardiac and systemic aging.

Effective management Alopecia totalis by Ayurveda - A case report

Alopecia areata (AA) is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune illness characterized by intermittent, non-scarring hair loss, Alopecia totalis(AT) is a type of AA characterized by total hair loss on the face and scalp. Unfortunately, it is projected that 10-15 % of people with AA will advance to total hair loss on the scalp (AT) or hair loss on the scalp and body Alopecia Universalis (AU) only 10 % of patients with AT/AU recover completely. Treatment for severe AA is often unsatisfactory. The most popular AT/AU therapy techniques were topical steroid application and oral steroid administration. We present a case of Alopecia totalis that was treated with cupping therapy and ayurvedic treatments such as Punarnava Mandoor, manjistadi Kashaya, asanadi gana Kashaya, purnachandrodaya rasa, a churna combo, and Malatyadi and Dhurdhurapatradi taila for external application over scalp. The treatment's effectiveness is due to the synergistic action of all the herbs and the immunostimulant activity of cupping.

Phyllanthus emblica: a comprehensive review of its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties

Phyllanthus emblica Linn, a prominent member of the euphorbiaceae family, exhibits extensive distribution across a multitude of tropical and subtropical nations. Referred to as "Balakka" in Indonesia, this plant assumes various names across regions, such as "kimalaka," "balakka," "metengo," "malaka," and "kemloko" in North Sumatra, Ternate, Sundanese, and Java respectively. Phyllanthus emblica thrives in tropical locales like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, while also making its presence felt in subtropical regions like India, China, Uzbekistan, and Sri Lanka. The fruits of Balakka are enriched with bioactive constituents recognized for their wide-ranging benefits, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial properties. Comprising a spectrum of phenolic compounds (such as tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids), alkaloids, phytosterols, terpenoids, organic acids, amino acids, and vitamins, the bioactive components of Malacca fruit offer a diverse array of health-promoting attributes. In light of these insights, this review aims to comprehensively examine the pharmacological activities associated with P. emblica and delve into the intricate composition of its phytochemical constituents.

Cardiomyocyte-specific adenylyl cyclase type-8 overexpression induces cell-autonomous activation of RelA and non-cell-autonomous myocardial and systemic inflammation

Mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of adenylyl cyclase (AC) type 8 (TG AC8 ) are under a constant state of severe myocardial stress and have been shown to have a remarkable ability to adapt to this stress. However, they eventually develop accelerated cardiac aging and cardiac fibrosis, and experience reduced longevity. Here we show that young (3-month-old) TG AC8 animals are characterized by a broad and extensive inflammatory state, that precedes the development of cardiac fibrosis. We demonstrate that activation of ACVIII in the cardiomyocytes results in cell-autonomous RelA-mediated NF-κB signaling. This is associated with non-cell-autonomous activation of proinflammatory and age-associated signaling in myocardial endothelial cells, increases in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, changes in myocardial immune cells, and changes in the size or composition of lymphoid organs. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that ACVIII-driven RelA activation in cardiomyocytes might be mediated by calcium-Protein Kinase A (PKA) signaling. Our findings highlight a novel mechanistic connection between cardiomyocyte stress, myocardial para-inflammation, systemic inflammation, and aging, and therefore point to novel potential therapeutic targets to reduce age-associated myocardial deterioration.

Phyllanthi Fructus: A modal medicinal and food homologous item in quality evaluation

Phyllanthi Fructus is a highly unique medicine and food homologous item, which exhibits distinctive flavor, notable nutritional value, and abundant pharmacological activity. It has enormous potential in the creation of health products and pharmaceuticals. However, due to the unique laws of quality formation and transfer of Phyllanthi Fructus, its appearance, shape, chemical compositions, nutrients, and sensory flavors are frequently greatly influenced by botanical resources, the processing and storage conditions. As a result, the current quality evaluation model is difficult to meet the needs of Phyllanthi Fructus as a medicine and food homologous item in the development of diversified products. This paper constructs the hierarchical utilization mode of Phyllanthi Fructus based on its unique quality formation and transmission laws, explores the quality evaluation model for food-oriented use and medicinal-oriented use, respectively, and systematically describes the quality evaluation idea under diversified application scenarios. This paper aims to serve as a reference for the construction of a quality evaluation model suitable for the medicine and food homologous item of Phyllanthi Fructus.

Understanding the Combined Effects of High Glucose Induced Hyper-Osmotic Stress and Oxygen Tension in the Progression of Tumourigenesis: From Mechanism to Anti-Cancer Therapeutics

High glucose (HG), a hallmark of the tumour microenvironment, is also a biomechanical stressor, as it exerts hyper-osmotic stress (HG-HO), but not much is known regarding how tumour cells mechanoadapt to HG-HO. Therefore, this study aimed to delineate the novel molecular mechanisms by which tumour cells mechanoadapt to HG/HG-HO and whether phytochemical-based interference in these mechanisms can generate tumour-cell-selective vulnerability to cell death. Mannitol and L-glucose were used as hyper-osmotic equivalents of high glucose. The results revealed that the tumour cells can efficiently mechanoadapt to HG-HO only in the normoxic microenvironment. Under normoxic HG/HG-HO stress, tumour cells polySUMOylate a higher pool of mitotic driver pH3(Ser10), which translocates to the nucleus and promotes faster cell divisions. On the contrary, acute hypoxia dampens HG/HG-HO-associated excessive proliferation by upregulating sentrin protease SENP7. SENP7 promotes abnormal SUMOylation of pH3(Ser10), thereby restricting its nuclear entry and promoting the M-phase arrest and cell loss. However, the hypoxia-arrested cells that managed to survive showed relapse upon reversal to normoxia as well as upregulation of pro-survival-associated SENP1, and players in tumour growth signalling, autophagy, glycolytic pathways etc. Depletion of SENP1 in both normoxia and hypoxia caused significant loss of tumour cells vs undepleted controls. SENP1 was ascertained to restrict the abnormal SUMOylation of pH3(Ser10) in both normoxia and hypoxia, although not so efficiently in hypoxia, due to the opposing activity of SENP7. Co-treatment with Momordin Ic (MC), a natural SENP1 inhibitor, and Gallic Acid (GA), an inhibitor of identified major pro-tumourigenic signalling (both enriched in Momordica charantia), eliminated surviving tumour cells in normal glucose, HG and HG-HO normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments, suggesting that appropriate and enhanced polySUMOylation of pH3(Ser10) in response to HG/HG-HO stress was attenuated by this treatment along with further dampening of other key tumourigenic signalling, due to which tumour cells could no longer proliferate and grow.

Current advances on the phytochemical composition, pharmacologic effects, toxicology, and product development of Phyllanthi Fructus

Phyllanthi Fructus (PF), the edible fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L., serves as an important resource for some health products, foods and drugs due to its high safety and sufficient nutritional value. In recent years, in vivo and in vitro experiments have been conducted to reveal the active components of PF. More than 180 compounds have been isolated and identified from the PF so far, primarily including tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, fatty acids and amino acids. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), PF is used to cure several diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, peptic ulcer, hepatopathy, leprosy, and jaundice. Consistent with ethnopharmacology, numerous modern studies have demonstrated that the extracts or monomeric compounds derived from PF exhibit various pharmacological effects including anti-oxidation, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-tumour, anti-virus, immunity improvement, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, and multiple organ protective protection. Toxicological studies on PF indicated the absence of any adverse effects even at a high dose after oral administration. Due to strict quality control, these pharmacological activities and the safety of PF greatly improve the development and utilization of products. Our comprehensive review aims to summarize the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicology, and product development of PF to provide theoretical guidance and new insights for further research on PF in the future.

Sacubitril Valsartan Enhances Cardiac Function and Alleviates Myocardial Infarction in Rats through a SUV39H1/SPP1 Axis

Sacubitril valsartan (lcz696) has been demonstrated as a substitute for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers for the treatment of heart failure. This research is aimed at examining the effects of lcz696 and its target molecules on myocardial infarction (MI). A rat model of MI was induced by left anterior descending artery ligation and treated with lcz696. Lcz696 treatment significantly reduced cardiac injury and heart failure, restored the left ventricular fractional shortening and ejection fraction, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rat myocardium. By analyzing the heart failure-related GSE47495 dataset and performing gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis, we obtained histone lysine methyltransferase SUV39H1 and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) as two molecules implicated in the oxidative stress and inflammation processes. An elevation of SUV39H1 whereas a decline of SPP1 were detected in cardiac tissues after lcz696 treatment. Enrichments of SUV39H1 and H3K9me3 at the SPP1 promoter were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. SUV39H1 catalyzed H3K9me3 modification to suppress the expression of SPP1. Preconditioning of SUV39H1 silencing blocked the protective roles of lcz696, but SPP1 silencing alleviated the myocardial injury. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that lcz696 enhances cardiac function and alleviates MI in rats through a SUV39H1/SPP1 axis.

Lead exposure-induced changes in hematology and biomarkers of hepatic injury: protective role of TrévoTM supplement

Lead exposure has been linked to health challenges involving multiple organ failure. More than fifty percent of lead present in the human body is accumulated in the liver causing hepatic injury. A major mechanism of lead toxicity is oxidative stress. TrévoTM is a nutritional supplement with numerous bioactive natural products with detoxifying and antioxidant properties. This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of TrévoTM dietary supplements against lead-hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty-five healthy animals were divided into five groups of seven each as follows: Group I=control; II=15 mg/kg of lead acetate (PbA); III= 2 mL/kg of TrévoTM + PbA; IV= 5 mL/kg of TrévoTM + PbA;V=5 mL/kg of TrévoTM . Animals were orally treated with TrévoTM for two days before co-administration with PbA intraperitoneally for 12 consecutive days. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last administration and blood were collected via cardiac puncture and processed for hematological parameters and assessment of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin (ALB). The liver was excised and processed for markers of oxidative stress and histopathological examination. Intraperitoneal administration of 15 mg/kg of PbA caused a significant increase in serum concentration of AST, ALT, while the concentration of ALB was significantly decreased (P<0.001). PbA caused a significant reduction in packed cell volume, hemoglobin while the total white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were increased. Oxidative stress was significantly pronounced in the liver of rats exposed to PbA as observed in the high concentration of malonedialdehyde, decreased concentration of glutathione, the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase. Pretreatment with TrévoTM was able to significantly prevent the anemic, oxidative damage, and hepatic injury initiated by PbA. Histological examination also corroborated the biochemical results. In conclusion, the study reveals that TrévoTM is effective in attenuating PbA-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats.

Ayurvedic formulations amalaki rasayana and rasa sindoor improve age-associated memory deficits in mice by modulating dendritic spine densities

BACKGROUND

Emerging reports indicate that age-associated cognitive decline begins with the transition from young to middle-aged, and this neurological condition manifests mainly due to the progressive impairment in the adaptive homeostasis process. Moreover, cognitive decline is associated with neurodegenerative changes in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have shown that the administration of Ayurvedic formulations restores the homeostatic pathways and ameliorates neurodegeneration in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we wanted to check whether Ayurvedic formulations can rescue or delay the age-associated cognitive decline in middle-aged mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We fed two-month-old mice with amalaki aasayana (AR, 1025 mg/kg per day) or rasa sindoor (RS, 41 mg/kg per day) mixed in a gelatin-based jelly for six months. Mice eating regular chow or blank jelly served as control. Subsequently, we looked at the improvements in the cognitive and behavioural traits of the treated animals. We have also analysed the effect of these formulations on the dendritic processes of neurons, glial activation, and the formation of corpora amylacea.

RESULTS

We found a significant improvement in episodic, working- and reference-spatiotemporal memory in animals fed on AR or RS. Microscopic analyses revealed a significant increase in the dendritic spine density in the apical dendrites of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons. The treatment, however, did not significantly affect gliosis and corpora amylacea in the brains.

CONCLUSIONS

Both AR and RS showed beneficial effects on memory functions of the middle-aged mice, possibly due to their effect on the dendritic spine densities. Our findings provide strong evidence to conclude that formulations AR and RS can prevent or delay the onset of age-associated cognitive decline.

Energy metabolism disorders and potential therapeutic drugs in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. A large number of studies have shown that HF is caused by severe energy metabolism disorders, which result in an insufficient heart energy supply. This deficiency causes cardiac pump dysfunction and systemic energy metabolism failure, which determine the development of HF and recovery of heart. Current HF therapy acts by reducing heart rate and cardiac preload and afterload, treating the HF symptomatically or delaying development of the disease. Drugs aimed at cardiac energy metabolism have not yet been developed. In this review, we outline the main characteristics of cardiac energy metabolism in healthy hearts, changes in metabolism during HF, and related pathways and targets of energy metabolism. Finally, we discuss drugs that improve cardiac function via energy metabolism to provide new research ideas for the development and application of drugs for treating HF.

Proteomics study on the effect of silybin on cardiomyopathy in obese mice

Due to the increase in the number of obese individuals, the incidence of obesity-related complications such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is higher. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of silybin on protein expression in obese mice. Firstly, serum was collected, and it was used to detect serum lipids and other serological indicators. Secondly, total protein from epididymal adipose tissue was extracted for differential expression analysis by quantitative tandem mass tag (TMT) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by bioinformatics and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses of these proteins. Lastly, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) were used to further validate the expression of identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) at the mRNA and protein level, respectively. The results revealed that silybin could improve abnormal lipid metabolism caused by the high fat diet in obese mice. A total of 341, 538 and 243 DEPs were found in the high fat/control (WF/WC), silybin/high fat (WS/WF) and WS/WC groups, respectively. These DEPs mainly participated in lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. Notably, tropomyosin 1 (TPM1), myosin light chain 2 (MYL2), myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11) and other DEPs were involved in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and other pathways. Silybin could protect cardiac function by inducing the protein expression of TPM1, MYL2 and MYH11 in the adipose tissue of obese mice.

Management of acute calculus cholecystitis with integrated Ayurveda and Yoga intervention: A case report

Acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC) is a frequently reported medical condition in general practice. Approximately 20% of patients with gallbladder stones experience ACC in their lifetime. Ayurveda and Yoga are ancient traditional systems of medicine used for treatment of diseases and improving and maintaining health. There has been an increased use of Ayurveda and Yoga in the management of several health conditions in India and worldwide. The present case study is of 34 years female patient who had ACC. Post diagnosis of ACC patient was advised to undergo cholecystectomy; however, she approached alternative therapies with c/o vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, and abdominal bloating with deranged liver functions. Ayurveda and Yoga intervention protocol was designed. Ayurveda treatment consisted of mild purgation (mruduvirechana) with trivrittalehyam for consecutive seven days, followed by oral administration of Tab Liv 52, Bhunimbadi Kadha twice daily, and Amalaki Rasayana in the morning for 45 days. Patients received 8 teleyoga sessions over a period of 45 days. A therapeutic diet was advised during treatment period. After two months patient reported complete recovery in symptoms, and all laboratory investigations reached to normal range. This case study suggests the positive role of Ayurveda and yoga intervention in the management of ACC. This case report warrants future clinical studies on integrative medicine in ACC.

Mapping drug-target interactions and synergy in multi-molecular therapeutics for pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy

Advancements in systems biology have resulted in the development of network pharmacology, leading to a paradigm shift from "one-target, one-drug" to "target-network, multi-component therapeutics". We employ a chimeric approach involving in-vivo assays, gene expression analysis, cheminformatics, and network biology to deduce the regulatory actions of a multi-constituent Ayurvedic concoction, Amalaki Rasayana (AR) in animal models for its effect in pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy. The proteomics analysis of in-vivo assays for Aorta Constricted and Biologically Aged rat models identify proteins expressed under each condition. Network analysis mapping protein-protein interactions and synergistic actions of AR using multi-component networks reveal drug targets such as ACADM, COX4I1, COX6B1, HBB, MYH14, and SLC25A4, as potential pharmacological co-targets for cardiac hypertrophy. Further, five out of eighteen AR constituents potentially target these proteins. We propose a distinct prospective strategy for the discovery of network pharmacological therapies and repositioning of existing drug molecules for treating pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy.

Polyphenolic compounds of amla prevent oxidative stress and fibrosis in the kidney and heart of 2K1C rats

Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) is a natural source of antioxidants and possesses valuable medicinal properties. However, the protective effect of amla in the kidney of two-kidneys-one-clip (2K1C) rats has not been explained sufficiently. This study was performed to evaluate the renoprotective effect of amla fruit powder (2.5% W/W) supplementation in kidneys of 2K1C rats. 2K1C rats increased the remnant kidney wet weight and also increased plasma creatinine and uric acid concentration compared to the control. Amla supplementation ameliorates elevated creatinine and uric acid concentration in plasma of 2K1C rats. Various oxidative stress indicators such as malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), and advanced protein oxidation product (APOP) were also increased in plasma, heart, and kidney tissues in 2K1C rats that were also significantly brought down to normal level by amla supplementation. Moreover, the inflammatory cells entry and fibrosis in the 2K1C rat's tissues were prevented by amla supplementation. These research results suggest that amla may restore plasma antioxidant capacities and prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in 2K1C rats. Taken these results as a base, clinical supplementation of dried amla powder in diet or juice to the CKD patients would be beneficial.

Protective effect of Diosmin against benzo(a)pyrene-induced lung injury in Swiss Albino Mice

Diosmin, a naturally occurring flavonoid commonly present in citrus fruit, is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging as well as blood lipid lowering activities among others. Diosmin has also been used for the treatment of various diseases including diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. Our study explores the role of Diosmin in pulmonary toxicity (lung injury) induced by environmental contaminant benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]. Swiss Albino Mice (SAM) were administered with either Diosmin 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days and then challenged with a single dose of B(a)P. On the 15th day, animals were sacrificed; lung tissues and blood were collected for molecular analysis. B(a)P administration in mice induced the thickening of lung epithelium, damaged alveolar architecture, and promoted inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissues. Also, B[a]P significantly increased the expression of NF-kB, COX-2, IL-6, Bax, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved PARP proteins and decreased antioxidant enzyme levels. Diosmin-100 and Diosmin-200 significantly attenuated the damage to lung epithelium, alveolar architecture, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissues of mice. Diosmin significantly (P < .05) attenuated the levels of oxidative stress markers: lactate dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase. A decrease in expression of NF-kB, COX-2, IL-6, Bax, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved PARP proteins in mice was challenged with B[a]P. Diosmin thus could be a promising therapeutic adjuvant against B[a]P-induced oxidative stress and lung damage.

Mitochondrial membrane transporters and metabolic switch in heart failure

Mitochondrial dysfunction is widely recognized as a major factor for the progression of cardiac failure. Mitochondrial uptake of metabolic substrates and their utilization for ATP synthesis, electron transport chain activity, reactive oxygen species levels, ion homeostasis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and dynamics as well as levels of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria are key factors which regulate mitochondrial function in the normal heart. Alterations in these functions contribute to adverse outcomes in heart failure. Iron imbalance and oxidative stress are also major factors for the evolution of cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and aging-associated pathological changes in the heart. Mitochondrial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have a key role in regulating iron metabolism and maintenance of redox status in cells. Deficiency of mitochondrial ABC transporters is associated with an impaired mitochondrial electron transport chain complex activity, iron overload, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species, all of which can result in mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the role of mitochondrial ABC transporters in mitochondrial metabolism and metabolic switch, alterations in the functioning of ABC transporters in heart failure, and mitochondrial ABC transporters as possible targets for therapeutic intervention in cardiac failure.

Morphological and Functional Characteristics of Animal Models of Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Pressure Overload

Myocardial fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of myocardial interstitial collagen, abnormal distribution, and excessive proliferation of fibroblasts. According to the researches in recent years, myocardial fibrosis, as the pathological basis of various cardiovascular diseases, has been proven to be a core determinant in ventricular remodeling. Pressure load is one of the causes of myocardial fibrosis. In experimental models of pressure-overload-induced myocardial fibrosis, significant increase in left ventricular parameters such as interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular posterior wall thickness and the decrease of ejection fraction are some of the manifestations of cardiac damage. These morphological and functional changes have a serious impact on the maintenance of physiological functions. Therefore, establishing a suitable myocardial fibrosis model is the basis of its pathogenesis research. This paper will discuss the methods of establishing myocardial fibrosis model and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the models in order to provide a strong basis for establishing a myocardial fibrosis model.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals alterations in metabolites of lipid metabolism and immune pathways in the serum of rats after long-term oral administration of Amalaki rasayana

Amalaki rasayana, a traditional preparation, is widely used by Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Metabolic alterations induced by Amalaki rasayana intervention are unknown. We investigated the modulations in serum metabolomic profiles in Wistar rats following long-term oral administration of Amalaki rasayana. Global metabolic profiling was performed of the serum of rats administered with either Amalaki rasayana (AR) or ghee + honey (GH) for 18 months and control animals which were left untreated. Amalaki rasayana components were confirmed from AR extract using HR-LCMS analysis. Significant reductions in prostaglandin J2, 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, and higher levels of reduced glutathione and glycitein metabolites were observed in the serum of AR administered rats compared to the control groups. Eleven different metabolites classified as phospholipids, glycerophospholipids, glucoside derivatives, organic acids, and glycosphingolipid were exclusively observed in the AR administered rats. Pathway analysis suggests that altered metabolites in AR administered rats are those associated with different biochemical pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, leukotriene metabolism, G-protein mediated events, phospholipid metabolism, and the immune system. Targeted metabolomics confirmed the presence of gallic acid, ellagic acid, and arachidonic acid components in the AR extract. The known activities of these components can be correlated with the altered metabolic profile following long-term AR administration. AR also activates IGF1R-Akt-Foxo3 signaling axis in heart tissues of rats administered with AR. Our study identifies AR components that induce alterations in lipid metabolism and immune pathways in animals which consume AR for an extended period.

Chronic Pressure Overload Results in Deficiency of Mitochondrial Membrane Transporter ABCB7 Which Contributes to Iron Overload, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Metabolic Shift and Worsens Cardiac Function

We examined the hitherto unexplored role of mitochondrial transporters and iron metabolism in advancing metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart during long term pressure overload. We also investigated the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and fluctuation in mitochondrial transporters associated with pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was induced in 3-month-old male Wistar rats by constriction of the aorta using titanium clips. After sacrifice at the end of 6 and 15 months after constriction, tissues from the left ventricle (LV) from all animals were collected for histology, biochemical studies, proteomic and metabolic profiling, and gene and protein expression studies. LV tissues from rats with LVH had a significant decrease in the expression of ABCB7 and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mt-OXPHOS) enzymes, an increased level of lipid metabolites, decrease in the level of intermediate metabolites of pentose phosphate pathway and elevated levels of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy-related proteins. Knockdown of ABCB7 in H9C2 cells and stimulation with angiotensin II resulted in increased ROS levels, ferritin, and transferrin receptor expression and iron overload in both mitochondria and cytoplasm. A decrease in mRNA and protein levels of mt-OXPHOS specific enzymes, mt-dynamics and autophagy clearance and activation of IGF-1 signaling were also seen in these cells. ABCB7 overexpression rescued all these changes. ABCB7 was found to interact with mitochondrial complexes IV and V. We conclude that in chronic pressure overload, ABCB7 deficiency results in iron overload and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to heart failure.