Resveratrol Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction by Inhibiting Apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a Pathway in a Rat Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Adropin/Tirzepatide Combination Mitigates Cardiac Metabolic Aberrations in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Implicating the Role of the AKT/GSK3β/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted metabolic and hormonal disorder in females of reproductive age, frequently associated with cardiac disturbances. This research aimed to explore the protective potential of adropin and/or tirzepatide (Tirze) on cardiometabolic aberrations in the letrozole-induced PCOS model. Female Wistar non-pregnant rats were allotted into five groups: CON; PCOS; PCOS + adropin; PCOS + Tirze; and PCOS + adropin+ Tirze. The serum sex hormones, glucose, and lipid profiles were securitized. Cardiac phosphorylated levels of AKT(pAKT), glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (pGSK-3β), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLPR3), IL-1β and IL-18 were assayed. The cardiac redox status and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) parameters including relative glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) gene expressions were detected. Finally, the immunoreactivity of cardiac NF-κB, Bcl2, and BAX were assessed. Our results displayed that adropin and/or Tirze intervention successfully alleviated the PCOS-provoked cardiometabolic derangements with better results recorded for the combination treatment. The synergistic effect of adropin and Tirze is mostly mediated via activating the cardiac Akt, which dampens the GSK3β/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, with a sequel of alleviating oxidative damage, inflammatory response, ER stress, and related apoptosis, making them alluring desirable therapeutic targets in PCOS-associated cardiac complications.

Preclinical evidence and possible mechanisms of cardioprotective effects of resveratrol in diabetic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant complication of diabetes, characterized primarily by the development of heart failure in individuals with diabetes. Numerous animal studies have indicated that resveratrol enhances cardiac function in diabetic cardiomyopathy; however, its reliability and underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study aims to assess the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol on DCM and explore its potential mechanism.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, WOS, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, Chinese VIP, and Wan Fang Database until March 31st, 2024, without language restrictions. Continuous outcome measures were analyzed using weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference, and heterogeneity was assessed with I2. The risk of bias in animal experiments was evaluated using the SYRCLE tool, and evidence reliability was determined with the GRADE tool. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4.1 and Stata 17. This study has been registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42024523944).

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies meeting the criteria were identified. The analysis revealed that the resveratrol intervention group exhibited significant improvements in LVEF (WMD = 17.88), LVFS (WMD = 8.77), HW/BW (SMD=-2.92), SOD (SMD = 4.53), and MDA (SMD=-5.07) compared to the control group. The GRADE grading assessment indicated moderate certainty for LVEF, HW/BW, and MDA, while certainty for other factors was considered low.

CONCLUSION

Our research suggests that resveratrol may protect cardiac function in DCM through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects. However, these findings are based on preclinical data, and further extensive trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety before clinical application.

Natural Autophagy Activators to Fight Age-Related Diseases

The constant increase in the elderly population presents significant challenges in addressing new social, economic, and health problems concerning this population. With respect to health, aging is a primary risk factor for age-related diseases, which are driven by interconnected molecular hallmarks that influence the development of these diseases. One of the main mechanisms that has attracted more attention to aging is autophagy, a catabolic process that removes and recycles damaged or dysfunctional cell components to preserve cell viability. The autophagy process can be induced or deregulated in response to a wide range of internal or external stimuli, such as starvation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, damaged organelles, infectious pathogens, and aging. Natural compounds that promote the stimulation of autophagy regulatory pathways, such as mTOR, FoxO1/3, AMPK, and Sirt1, lead to increased levels of essential proteins such as Beclin-1 and LC3, as well as a decrease in p62. These changes indicate the activation of autophagic flux, which is known to be decreased in cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, and cataracts. The regulated administration of natural compounds offers an adjuvant therapeutic alternative in age-related diseases; however, more experimental evidence is needed to support and confirm these health benefits. Hence, this review aims to highlight the potential benefits of natural compounds in regulating autophagy pathways as an alternative approach to combating age-related diseases.

Crosstalk between MiRNAs/lncRNAs and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in diabetes mellitus: Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives

Diabetes as a fastest growing diseases worldwide is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. There's an enormous financial burden associated with this endocrine disorder, with unequal access to health care between developed and developing countries. PI3Ks (phosphoinositide 3-kinases) have been demonstrated to be crucial for glucose homeostasis, and malfunctioning of these molecules can contribute to an increase in glucose serum levels, the main pathophysiological feature of diabetes. Additionally, recent evidence suggests that miRNAs and lncRNAs are reciprocally interacting with this signaling pathway. It is therefore evident that abnormal regulation of miRNAs/lncRNAs in the lncRNAs/miRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis is related to clinicopathological characteristics and plays a crucial role in the regulation of biological processes. It has therefore been attempted in this review to describe the interaction between PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and various miRNAs/lncRNAs and their importance in DM biology. We also presented the clinical applications of PI3K/AKT-related ncRNAs/herbal medicine in patients with DM.

Potential role of resveratrol in prevention and therapy of diabetic complications: a critical review

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a category of metabolic conditions affecting about 5% of people worldwide. High mortality associated with DM is mostly due to its severe clinical complications, including diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural, biologically active polyphenol known to have various health-promoting effects in animal models and humans.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, we have reviewed the preventive and therapeutic role of RSV on diabetes complications with emphasis on its molecular mechanisms of action.

METHODS

To prepare this review, all the basic and clinical available literatures regarding this topic were gathered through electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Therefore, we summarized previous studies that have evaluated the effects of RSV on diabetic complications and their mechanisms. Only English language studies published up to January 2023 were included in this review.

RESULTS

RSV improves glucose homeostasis, decreases insulin resistance, induces autophagy, regulates lipid metabolism, protects pancreatic β-cells, ameliorates metabolic disorders, and increases the GLUT4 expression. These effects induced by RSV are strongly associated with ability of this polyphenol agent to elevation expression/activity of AMP-activated protein kinase and Sirtuin 1 in various organs of diabetic subjects, which leads to prevention and therapy of diabetic complications. In addition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of RSV were reported to be involved in its action in diabetic complications, such as retinopathy and nephropathy.

CONCLUSION

RSV is a promising compound for improving diabetic complications. However, the exact antidiabetic mechanisms of RSV need to be further investigated.

The association between circulatory, local pancreatic PCSK9 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The effects of antidiabetic drugs on PCSK9

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a potent modulator of cholesterol metabolism and plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of pancreatic islets and the progression of diabetes. Islet autocrine PCSK9 deficiency can lead to the enrichment of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) and excessive LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) uptake, subsequently impairing the insulin secretion in β-cells. Circulatory PCSK9 levels are primarily attributed to hepatocyte secretion. Notably, anti-PCSK9 strategies proposed for individuals with hypercholesterolemia chiefly target liver-derived PCSK9; however, these anti-PCSK9 strategies have been associated with the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). In the current review, we highlight a new direction in PCSK9 inhibition therapy strategies: screening candidates for anti-PCSK9 from the drugs used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. We explored the association between circulating, local pancreatic PCSK9 and T2DM, as well as the relationship between PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies and NODM. We discussed the emergence of artificial and natural drugs in recent years, exhibiting dual benefits of antidiabetic activity and PCSK9 reduction, confirming that the diverse effects of these drugs may potentially impact the progression of diabetes and associated disorders, thereby introducing novel avenues and methodologies to enhance disease prognosis.

SK-03-92 Drug Kills Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis affects millions of people worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains has made treatment more difficult. A drug discovery project initiated to screen natural products identified a lead stilbene compound, and structure function analysis of hundreds of analogs led to the discovery of the SK-03-92 stilbene lead compound with activity against several non-tuberculoid mycobacteria.

METHODS

For this study, an MIC analysis and intracellular killing assay were performed to test SK-03-92 against M. tuberculosis grown in vitro as well as within murine macrophage cells.

RESULTS

The MIC analysis showed that SK-03-92 had activity against M. tuberculosis in the range of 0.39 to 6.25 μg/mL, including activity against single-drug-resistant strains. Further, an intracellular kill assay demonstrated that the SK-03-92 lead compound killed M. tuberculosis cells within murine macrophage cells.

CONCLUSION

Together, the data show the SK-03-92 lead compound can kill M. tuberculosis bacteria within mammalian macrophages.

Uncovering the mechanism of resveratrol in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has been the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in developed countries. Evidence of the benefits of resveratrol (RES) for the treatment of DKD is accumulating. However, comprehensive therapeutic targets and underlying mechanisms through which RES exerts its effects against DKD are limited.

METHODS

Drug targets of RES were obtained from Drugbank and SwissTargetPrediction Databases. Disease targets of DKD were obtained from DisGeNET, Genecards, and Therapeutic Target Database. Therapeutic targets for RES against DKD were identified by intersecting the drug targets and disease targets. GO functional enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway analysis, and disease association analysis were performed using the DAVID database and visualized by Cytoscape software. Molecular docking validation of the binding capacity between RES and targets was performed by UCSF Chimera software and SwissDock webserver. The high glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury model, RT-qPCR, and western blot were used to verify the reliability of the effects of RES on target proteins.

RESULTS

After the intersection of the 86 drug targets and 566 disease targets, 25 therapeutic targets for RES against DKD were obtained. And the target proteins were classified into 6 functional categories. A total of 11 cellular components terms and 27 diseases, and the top 20 enriched biological processes, molecular functions, and KEGG pathways potentially involved in the RES action against DKD were recorded. Molecular docking studies showed that RES had a strong binding affinity toward PPARA, ESR1, SLC2A1, SHBG, AR, AKR1B1, PPARG, IGF1R, RELA, PIK3CA, MMP9, AKT1, INSR, MMP2, TTR, and CYP2C9 domains. The HG-induced podocyte injury model was successfully constructed and validated by RT-qPCR and western blot. RES treatment was able to reverse the abnormal gene expression of PPARA, SHBG, AKR1B1, PPARG, IGF1R, MMP9, AKT1, and INSR.

CONCLUSIONS

RES may target PPARA, SHBG, AKR1B1, PPARG, IGF1R, MMP9, AKT1, and INSR domains to act as a therapeutic agent for DKD. These findings comprehensively reveal the potential therapeutic targets for RES against DKD and provide theoretical bases for the clinical application of RES in the treatment of DKD.

Highlighting the novel effects of high-intensity interval training on some histopathological and molecular indices in the heart of type 2 diabetic rats

Background

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases in recent years and has become an important risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. The first goal is to reduce type 2 diabetes, and in the case of cardiovascular disease, the second goal is to reduce and manage that disorder.

Materials and methods

The rats were divided into 4 groups: Healthy Control (n=8), Diabetes Control (n=8), Diabetes Training (n=8), and Healthy Training (n=8). The protocol consisted of 8 weeks of High-intensity interval (5 sessions per week), where the training started with 80% of the peak speed in the first week, and 10% was added to this speed every week. To measure the level of B-catenin, c-MYC, GSK3B, and Bcl-2 proteins using the western blot method, cardiac pathological changes were measured using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome and PAS staining and apoptosis using the TUNEL method.

Findings

Histological results showed that diabetes causes significant pathological hypertrophy, fibrosis, and severe apoptosis in heart tissue. HIIT training significantly reduced pathological hypertrophy and fibrosis in heart tissue, and the rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis was greatly reduced. This research showed that diabetes disorder increases the levels of B-catenin and c-Myc proteins and causes a decrease in the expression of GSK3B and Bcl-2 proteins. After eight weeks of HIIT training, the levels of B-catenin and c-Myc proteins decreased significantly, and the levels of GSK3B and Bcl-2 proteins increased.

Conclusion

This study showed that HIIT could be a suitable strategy to reduce cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetic rats. However, it is suggested that in future studies, researchers should perform different intensities and exercises to promote exercise goals in type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathy.

HDAC Inhibitors Alleviate Uric Acid-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Way of the HDAC6/FGF21/PI3K/AKT Pathway

ABSTRACT

Uric acid (UA) accumulation triggers endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) plays a vital role in regulating the pathological processes of various diseases. However, the influence of HDAC inhibitor on UA-induced vascular endothelial cell injury (VECI) remains undefined. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of HDACs inhibition on UA-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and its detailed mechanism. UA was used to induce human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury. Meanwhile, potassium oxonate-induced and hypoxanthine-induced hyperuricemia mouse models were also constructed. A broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) or selective HDAC6 inhibitor TubastatinA (TubA) was given to HUVECs or mice to determine whether HDACs can affect UA-induced VECI. The results showed pretreatment of HUVECs with TSA or HDAC6 knockdown-attenuated UA-induced VECI and increased FGF21 expression and phosphorylation of AKT, eNOS, and FoxO3a. These effects could be reversed by FGF21 knockdown. In vivo, both TSA and TubA reduced inflammation and tissue injury while increased FGF21 expression and phosphorylation of AKT, eNOS, and FoxO3a in the aortic and renal tissues of hyperuricemia mice. Therefore, HDACs, especially HDAC6 inhibitor, alleviated UA-induced VECI through upregulating FGF21 expression and then activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. This suggests that HDAC6 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treating UA-induced endothelial dysfunction.

FoxO3 and oxidative stress: a multifaceted role in cellular adaptation

Oxidative stress is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in human health and disease. In this review, we focus on the Forkhead Box (Fox) subclass O3 (FoxO3), an extensively studied transcription factor that plays a pleiotropic role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes by regulating multiple gene regulatory networks involved in the modulation of numerous aspects of cellular metabolism, including fuel metabolism, cell death, and stress resistance. This review will also focus on regulatory mechanisms of FoxO3 expression and activity, such as crucial post-translational modifications and non-coding RNAs. Moreover, this work discusses and evidences some pathways to how this transcription factor and reactive oxygen species regulate each other, which may lead to the pathogenesis of various types of diseases. Therefore, in addition to being a promising therapeutic target, the FoxO3-regulated signaling pathways can also be used as reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and indicators for drug responsiveness.

Disease-associated regulation of gene expression by resveratrol: Special focus on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural phenol that is present in the skin of the grape, blueberry, raspberry, mulberry, and peanut. This substance is synthesized in these plants following injury or exposure to pathogens. Resveratrol is used as a dietary supplement for a long time and its effects have been assessed in animal models of human disorders. It has potential beneficial effects in diverse pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, neoplastic conditions, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disorders. Notably, resveratrol has been found to affect the expression of several genes including cytokine coding genes, caspases, matrix metalloproteinases, adhesion molecules, and growth factors. Moreover, it can modulate the activity of several signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt, NF-κB, and Notch pathways. In the current review, we summarize the results of studies that reported modulatory effects of resveratrol on the expression of genes and the activity of signaling pathways. We explain these results in two distinct sections of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions.

Interplay between PI3K/AKT pathway and heart disorders

The PI3K/AKT signaling has crucial role in the regulation of numerous physiological functions through activation of downstream effectors and modulation of cell cycle transition, growth and proliferation. This pathway participates in the pathogenesis of several human disorders such as heart diseases through regulation of size and survival of cardiomyocytes, angiogenic processes as well as inflammatory responses. Moreover, PI3K/AKT pathway participates in the process of myocardial injury induced by a number of substances such as H₂O₂, Mercury, lipopolysaccharides, adriamycin, doxorubicin and epirubicin. In this review, we describe the contribution of this pathway in the pathoetiology of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy and toxins-induced cardiac injury.

Effects of insulin and sitagliptin on early cardiac dysfunction in diabetic rats

AIMS

Cardiac affection is common in diabetic patients. Although insulin exerts a cardioprotective role, it may not be enough to totally prevent this affection. The current study aimed to compare the cardioprotective effect of insulin alone or combined with sitagliptin in a rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were treated with insulin (3 IU), insulin (6 IU), or insulin (3 IU) + sitagliptin (10 mg/kg) for 42 days.

KEY FINDINGS

Diabetic rats exhibited significant systolic and diastolic cardiac affection with significant elevation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Treatment with insulin prevented the deterioration of diabetes-induced cardiac condition, an effect that was significantly potentiated by the combined use of sitagliptin.

SIGNIFICANCE

The combined use of sitagliptin and insulin significantly improved the cardioprotective effect of insulin and prevented the early cardiac dysfunction in STZ diabetic rats.

CircRNA CDR1as promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis through activating hippo signaling pathway in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), as a major complication of diabetic patients, can cause myocardial metabolic remodeling and lead to severe and irreversible cardiac dysfunction. Previously, we found that the circular RNA cerebellar degeneration-related protein 1 antisense (Circ-CDR1as) independently predicted acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and might be a new indicator marker for this. However, CDR1as was not clearly described in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, our purpose was to deeply explore the function of CDR1as in DCM. In this study, we found that CDR1as was upregulated in DCM, and knockdown of CDR1as could improve the apoptosis caused by DCM. Mechanistically, CDR1as activates the Hippo signaling pathway by significantly inhibiting Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) ubiquitination level. Furthermore, as a transcriptional factor of CDR1as, Forkhead box group O3a (FOXO3) was identified to activate the Hippo signaling pathway. Notably, the total m6A level was downregulated in the cardiac tissue of DCM. Alk B homolog 5 (ALKBH5), a m6A demethylation enzyme, was upregulated in the cardiomyocytes of DCM mice and posttranscriptionally activated FOXO3 by m6A demethylation in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. Hence, our work reveals the key function of the ALKBH5-FOXO3-CDR1as/Hippo signaling pathway in DCM and provides insight into the critical roles of m6A methylation in DCM.

Type 2 Diabetes Complicated With Heart Failure: Research on Therapeutic Mechanism and Potential Drug Development Based on Insulin Signaling Pathway

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF) are diseases characterized by high morbidity and mortality. They often occur simultaneously and increase the risk of each other. T2DM complicated with HF, as one of the most dangerous disease combinations in modern medicine, is more common in middle-aged and elderly people, making the treatment more difficult. At present, the combination of blood glucose control and anti-heart failure is a common therapy for patients with T2DM complicated with HF, but their effect is not ideal, and many hypoglycemic drugs have the risk of heart failure. Abnormal insulin signaling pathway, as a common pathogenic mechanism in T2DM and HF, could lead to pathological features such as insulin resistance (IR), myocardial energy metabolism disorders, and vascular endothelial disorders. The therapy based on the insulin signaling pathway may become a specific therapeutic target for T2DM patients with HF. Here, we reviewed the mechanisms and potential drugs of insulin signaling pathway in the treatment of T2DM complicated with HF, with a view to opening up a new perspective for the treatment of T2DM patients with HF and the research and development of new drugs.

Oxidative Stress Signaling Mediated Pathogenesis of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

As a serious cardiovascular complication, diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) refers to diabetes-related changes in myocardial structure and function, which is obviously different from those cardiomyopathy secondary to hypertension, coronary heart disease, and valvular disease. The clinical features of DCM are left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and impaired diastolic function. DCM will lead to cardiac dysfunction, eventually progress to cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. At present, the pathogenesis of DCM is complex and not fully elucidated, and oxidative stress (OS), inflammatory response, glucolipid metabolism disorder, etc., are considered as the potential pathophysiological mechanisms. As a consequence, there is no specific and effective treatment for DCM. OS refers to the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and scavenging, oxidation, and antioxidants in vivo, which is widely studied in DCM. Numerous studies have pointed out that regulating the OS signaling pathways and reducing the generation and accumulation of ROS are potential directions for the treatment of DCM. This review summarizes the major OS signaling pathways that are related to the pathogenesis of DCM, providing ideas about further research and therapy.

Signaling Pathways Related to Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that is increasing in prevalence and causes many complications. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complication of diabetes that is associated with high mortality, but it is not well defined. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that DCM refers to a clinical disease that occurs in patients with diabetes and involves ventricular dysfunction, in the absence of other cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, or valvular heart disease. However, it is currently uncertain whether the pathogenesis of DCM is directly attributable to metabolic dysfunction or secondary to diabetic microangiopathy. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered to be a key component of its pathogenesis. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes is a vicious circle, resulting in further production of ROS, mitochondrial DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and the post-translational modification of proteins, as well as inflammation, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, ultimately leading to cell death and cardiac dysfunction. ROS have been shown to affect various signaling pathways involved in the development of DCM. For instance, OS causes metabolic disorders by affecting the regulation of PPARα, AMPK/mTOR, and SIRT3/FOXO3a. Furthermore, OS participates in inflammation mediated by the NF-κB pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome, and the TLR4 pathway. OS also promotes TGF-β-, Rho-ROCK-, and Notch-mediated cardiac remodeling, and is involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which impairs ATP production and causes ROS overproduction. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways that link OS to DCM, with the intention of identifying appropriate targets and new antioxidant therapies for DCM.

Biomarkers of geroprotection and cardiovascular health: An overview of omics studies and established clinical biomarkers in the context of diet

The slowdown, inhibition, or reversal of age-related decline (as a composite of disease, dysfunction, and, ultimately, death) by diet or natural compounds can be defined as dietary geroprotection. While there is no single reliable biomarker to judge the effects of dietary geroprotection, biomarker signatures based on omics (epigenetics, gene expression, microbiome composition) are promising candidates. Recently, omic biomarkers started to supplement established clinical ones such as lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines. In this review, we focus on human data. We first summarize the current take on genetic biomarkers based on epidemiological studies. However, most of the remaining biomarkers that we describe, whether omics-based or clinical, are related to intervention studies. Then, because of their promising potential in the context of dietary geroprotection, we focus on the effects of berry-based interventions, which up to now have been mostly described employing clinical markers. We provide an aggregation and tabulation of all the recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses that we could find related to this topic. Finally, we present evidence for the importance of the "nutribiography," that is, the influence that an individual's history of diet and natural compound consumption can have on the effects of dietary geroprotection.

Natural and synthetic antioxidants targeting cardiac oxidative stress and redox signaling in cardiometabolic diseases

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, rare genetic metabolic diseases, etc.) associated with cardiac pathologies. Pathophysiology of most CMDs involves increased production of reactive oxygen species and impaired antioxidant defense systems, resulting in cardiac oxidative stress (OxS). To alleviate OxS, various antioxidants have been investigated in several diseases with conflicting results. Here we review the effect of CMDs on cardiac redox homeostasis, the role of OxS in cardiac pathologies, as well as experimental and clinical data on the therapeutic potential of natural antioxidants (including resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, vitamins A, C, and E, coenzyme Q10, etc.), synthetic antioxidants (including N-acetylcysteine, SOD mimetics, mitoTEMPO, SkQ1, etc.), and promoters of antioxidant enzymes in CMDs. As no antioxidant indicated for the prevention and/or treatment of CMDs has reached the market despite the large number of preclinical and clinical studies, a sizeable translational gap is evident in this field. Thus, we also highlight potential underlying factors that may contribute to the failure of translation of antioxidant therapies in CMDs.

Calcium relieves fluoride-induced bone damage through the PI3K/AKT pathway

Bone is the main target of fluorosis, and it has been perfectly elaborated that a moderate dosage of calcium (Ca) can alleviate bone fluorosis. However, whether Ca can alleviate fluorosis through the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway has not yet been reported. Hence, we evaluated the histopathological structure, the imbalance of the biochemical index of bone metabolism, and the expression levels of PI3K/AKT apoptosis signaling pathway-related genes in rats treated with sodium fluoride (NaF, F) and/or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) for 120 days. Our results suggest that 100 mg L-1 NaF induced histopathological injury as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (StrACP) activity increased, with a decrease in the serum Ca levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, the results of qRT-PCR and western blotting showed that F increased the expression levels of transglutaminase 2 (TGM2), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), PI3K, AKT, forkhead box O1 (Foxo1), Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), Bcl2-associated x protein (Bax) and Caspase 3 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). It also decreased the expression of AnnexinA5 (Anxa5), 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), which finally activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. On the other hand, CaCO3 supplementation reversed the histopathological injury along with the levels of ALP, StrACP and serum Ca, alleviating the gene expression levels of PI3K/AKT pathway-related markers. Altogether, we can conclude that CaCO3 supplementation mitigated F-induced bone damage via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Sirtuin inhibits M. tuberculosis -induced apoptosis in macrophage through glycogen synthase kinase-3β

Apoptotic and inflammatory pathways play important roles in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macrophages. Sirt1 is a member of the deacetylase family that is known to promote apoptosis resistance in mammalian cells and was recently reported to regulate mycobacterial immunopathogenesis via inflammatory responses. However, the apoptotic role of Sirt1 in the process of M. tuberculosis infection remains unclear. With the help of mouse peritoneal macrophage samples, we have shown that resveratrol, a Sirt1 activator, inhibited M. tuberculosis-induced apoptosis in peritoneal macrophages. Further, we found that Sirt1 activation prompted M. tuberculosis induced GSK3β phosphorylation. Further investigation into the possible mechanisms of action showed that Sirt1 directly interacted with GSK3β and enhanced GSK3β phosphorylation by promoting its deacetylation. Sirt1 activation inhibited M. tuberculosis growth. Thus, it seemed that Sirt1 acted as a novel regulator of apoptosis signaling in M. tuberculosis infection via its direct effects on GSK3β. Sirt1 may therefore be a new candidate for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.

Curcumin alleviates oxidative stress and inhibits apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy via Sirt1-Foxo1 and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways

Diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism, and over 90% are type 2 diabetes. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the type 2 diabetes complications, usually accompanied by changes in myocardial structure and function, together with cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our study investigated the effect of curcumin on regulating oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis in DCM. In vivo, diabetes was induced in an experimental rat model by streptozoticin (STZ) together with high‐glucose and high‐fat (HG/HF) diet feeding. In vitro, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured with high‐glucose and saturated free fatty acid palmitate. Curcumin was orally or directly administered to rats or cells, respectively. Streptozoticin ‐induced diabetic rats showed metabolism abnormalities and elevated markers of OS (superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA], gp91^phox, Cyt‐Cyto C), enhanced cell apoptosis (Bax/Bcl‐2, Cleaved caspase‐3, TUNEL‐positive cells), together with reduced Akt phosphorylation and increased Foxo1 acetylation. Curcumin attenuated the myocardial dysfunction, OS and apoptosis in the heart of diabetic rats. Curcumin treatment also enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and inhibited acetylation of Foxo1. These results strongly suggest that apoptosis was increased in the heart of diabetic rats, and curcumin played a role in diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment by modulating the Sirt1‐Foxo1 and PI3K‐Akt pathways.

Molecular mechanisms of action of resveratrol in modulation of diabetic and non-diabetic cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is among the major clinical manifestations of heart diseases that triggers malfunctioning of the cardiovascular system. Some of the major causal factors of cardiomyopathy includes myocardial ischemia, drug-toxicity, genetic aberrations, abnormal depositions of essential elements, and redox imbalance. Diabetes, being the major comorbid of cardiovascular diseases and vice versa, further contributes to the progression of cardiomyopathy. The molecular mechanisms of action suggest that oxidative stress is among the primary factors that triggers cascading impact on cardiomyopathy. Resveratrol, a phenolic antioxidant, has the potential to quench the excessive free radicals. It is a potent antioxidant supplement that may as well be a therapeutic molecule. The review focuses on the various molecular mechanisms of action that resveratrol potentiates in reversing or attenuating the progress of diabetic and non-diabetic cardiomyopathy triggered by wide range of factors. Additionally, resveratrol also tends to preserve the healthy heart from potential damage that may be triggered by oxidative stress.

The Mitochondria: A Target of Polyphenols in the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a constellation of symptoms consisting of ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyocyte disarray in the presence of diabetes. The exact cause of this type of cardiomyopathy is still unknown; however, several processes involving the mitochondria, such as lipid and glucose metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis have been implicated. In addition, polyphenols have been shown to improve the progression of diabetes. In this review, we discuss some of the mechanisms by which polyphenols, particularly resveratrol, play a role in slowing the progression of DCM. The most important intermediates by which polyphenols exert their protective effect include Bcl-2, UCP2, SIRT-1, AMPK and JNK1. Bcl-2 acts to attenuate apoptosis, UCP2 decreases oxidative stress, SIRT-1 increases mitochondrial biogenesis and decreases oxidative stress, AMPK increases autophagy, and JNK1 decreases apoptosis and increases autophagy. Our dissection of these molecular players aims to provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of DCM.

Rg1 protects H9C2 cells from high glucose-/palmitate-induced injury via activation of AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway

Our previous studies have assessed ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1)‐mediated protection in a type 1 diabetes rat model. To uncover the mechanism through which Rg1 protects against cardiac injury induced by diabetes, we mimicked diabetic conditions by culturing H9C2 cells in high glucose/palmitate. Rg1 had no toxic effect, and it alleviated the high glucose/palmitate damage in a dose‐dependent manner, as indicated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and lactate dehydrogenase release to the culture medium. Rg1 prevented high glucose/palmitate‐induced cell apoptosis, assessed using cleaved caspase‐3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining. Rg1 also reduced high glucose‐/palmitate‐induced reactive oxygen species formation and increased intracellular antioxidant enzyme activity. We found that Rg1 activates protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3β) pathway and antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, indicated by increased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK‐3β, and nuclear translocation of Nrf2. We used phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase inhibitor Ly294002 to block the activation of the AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and found that it partially reversed the protection by Rg1 and decreased Nrf2 pathway activation. The results suggest that Rg1 exerts a protective effect against high glucose and palmitate damage that is partially AKT/GSK‐3β/Nrf2‐mediated. Further studies are required to validate these findings using primary cardiomyocytes and animal models of diabetes.

Resveratrol and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Focusing on the Protective Signaling Mechanisms

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiovascular complication of diabetic mellitus that is characterized by diastolic disorder in the early stage and clinical heart failure in the later stage. Presently, DCM is considered one of the major causes of death in diabetic patients. Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring stilbene, is widely reported as a cardioprotective substance in many heart diseases. Thus far, the specific roles of RSV in DCM prevention and treatment have attracted great attention. Here, we discuss the roles of RSV in DCM by focusing its downstream targets from both in vivo and in vitro studies. Among such targets, Sirtuins 1/3 and AMP-activated kinase have been identified as key mediators that induce cardioprotection during hyperglycemia. In addition, many other signaling molecules (e.g., forkhead box-O3a and extracellular regulated protein kinases) are also regulated in the presence of RSV and exert beneficial effects such as opposing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes exposed to high-glucose conditions. The beneficial potential of an RSV/stem cell cotherapy is also reviewed as a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing the development of DCM.

Preventive Role of Resveratrol Against Inflammatory Cytokines and Related Diseases

BACKGROUND

Immunity is the ultimate barrier between foreign stimuli and a host cell. Unwanted immune responses can threaten the host cells and may eventually damage a vital organ. Overproduction of inflammatory cytokines may also lead to autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines can eventually progress to renal, cardiac, brain, hepatic, pancreatic and ocular inflammation that can result in severe damage in the long run. Evidence also suggests that inflammation may lead to atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, hypertension, stroke, cysts and cancers.

METHODS

This study was designed to correlate the possible molecular mechanisms for inflammatory diseases and prevent biochemical changes owing to inflammatory cytokines by using Resveratrol. Therefore, we searched and accumulated very recent literature on inflammatory disorders and Resveratrol. We scoured PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, PLoS One and Google Scholar to gather papers and related information.

RESULTS

Reports show that inflammatory diseases are very complex, as multiple cascade systems are involved; therefore, they are quite difficult to cure. However, our literature search also correlates some possible molecular interactions by which inflammation can be prevented. We noticed that Resveratrol is a potent lead component and has multiple activities against harmful inflammatory cytokines and related microRNA. Our study also suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of Resveratrol have been highly studied on animal models, cell lines and human subjects and proven to be very effective in reducing inflammatory cell production and pro-inflammatory cytokine accumulation. Our tables and figures also demonstrate recent findings and possible preventive activities to minimize inflammatory diseases.

CONCLUSION

This study would outline the role of harmful inflammatory cytokines as well as how they accelerate pathophysiology and progress to an inflammatory disorder. Therefore, this study might show a potential therapeutic value of using Resveratrol by health professionals in preventing inflammatory disorders.

A review on the potential of Resveratrol in prevention and therapy of diabetes and diabetic complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major world health problem and one of the most studied diseases, which are highly prevalent in the whole world, it is frequently associated with severe clinical complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy etc. Scientific research is continuously casting about for new monomer molecules from Chinese herbal medicine that could be invoked as candidate drugs for fighting against diabetes and its complications. Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol phytoalexin, possesses diverse biochemical and physiological actions, including antiplatelet, estrogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is recently gaining scientific interest for RES in controlling blood sugar and fighting against diabetes and its complications properties in various types of diabetic models. These beneficial effects seem to be due to the multiple actions of RES on cellular functions, which make RES become a promising molecule for the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications. Here, we review the mechanism of action and potential therapeutic use of RES in prevention and mitigation of these diseases in recent ten years to provide a reference for further research and development of RES.

The protective effects of grape seed procyanidin B2 against asporin mediates glycated low-density lipoprotein induced-cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis

The progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy is related to cardiomyocyte dysfunction and apoptosis. Our previous studies showed that asporin (ASPN) was significantly increased in the myocardium of db/db mice through proteomics, and grape seed procyanidin B2 (GSPB2) significantly inhibited the expression of ASPN in the heart of db/db mice. We report here that ASPN played a critical role in glycated low-density lipoproteins (gly-LDL) induced-cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We found that gly-LDL upregulated ASPN expression. ASPN increased H9C2 cardiomyocyte apoptosis with down-regulation of Bcl-2, upregulation of transforming growth factor-β1, Bax, collagen III, fibronectin, and phosphorylation of smad2 and smad3. However, GSPB2 treatment reversed ASPN-induced impairments in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. These results provide evidence for the cardioprotective action of GSPB2 against ASPN injury, and thus suggest a new target for fighting against diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Resveratrol alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury‑induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes

Resveratrol (RES) is a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in red wine. Although it has been demonstrated to have a cardioprotective effect, the mechanism underlying this effect remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether RES exerts a protective effect against mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Primary cultured NRCMs were used as a model system and were divided into four experimental groups: Control, H/R, H/R + DMSO (H/R with 0.2% DMSO) and H/R + RES (H/R with 100 µM RES) groups. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was determined by measuring the alteration in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) of NRCMs, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the ratio of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) from NRCMs. Cell apoptosis was assessed by measuring cell apoptotic rates and the activity of caspase 3. In the H/R+RES group, RES significantly alleviated structural impairment, including disordered α-actin and F-actin, in the NRCMs induced by H/R injury. RES attenuated H/R injury-induced mitochondria oxidative stress. RES also attenuated H/R injury-induced cell apoptosis; it decreased the NRCM apoptotic rate from 84.25±7.41% (H/R) to 46.39±5.43% (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=4), rescued the decrease in the Bcl2/Bax ratio induced by H/R from 0.53±0.08-fold (H/R) to 0.86±0.06-fold (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=5) and alleviated the increased activity of caspase 3 induced by H/R from 1.32±0.06-fold to 1.02±0.04-fold (P<0.05, n=5). Furthermore, RES significantly attenuated the increment of LDH release induced by H/R injury in NRCMs from 1.41±0.03-fold (H/R) to 1.02±0.06-fold (H/R+RES) (P<0.01, n=4) and alleviated the depolarization of ΔΨm induced by H/R, shifting the ratio of JC-1 monomer from 62.39±1.82% (H/R) to 35.31±8.63% (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=4). RES alleviated the decrease in sirtuin 1 induced by H/R injury from 0.61±0.06-fold (H/R) to 1.01±0.05-fold (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=5). In conclusion, the present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to demonstrate that RES provides cardioprotection against H/R injury through decreasing mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress injury and structural impairment in NRCMs. These results provide scientific evidence for the clinical application of RES in the treatment of cardiac conditions.

Retracted: Upregulated microRNA-132 rescues cardiac fibrosis and restores cardiocyte proliferation in dilated cardiomyopathy through the phosphatase and tensin homolog-mediated PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway

Cardiac fibrosis is known to be present in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and it predicts the occurrence of sudden death and congestive heart failure. The aim of our study is to investigate the expression of microRNA-132 (miR-132) and its effect on cardiocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and cardiac fibrosis by binding to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) through the phosphateidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (Akt) signal transduction pathway in DCM rats. DCM rat models induced by doxorubicin were established and confirmed by an ultrasonic cardiogram. Epithelial cells were treated with inhibitors, activators, and small interfering RNAs to identify the mechanisms by which miR-132 controls cardiocyte activity and cardiac fibrosis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone (ALD) expressions were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between PTEN and miR-132 was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were tested by the MTT assay and flow cytometry. PTEN was determined to be the target gene of miR-132. Rat models of DCM exhibited a lower level of miR-132, PI3K, Akt, B-cell lymphoma 2, collagen I, and collagen III, but a higher level of PTEN, Bcl-2-associated X protein, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen as well as inflammatory response (Ang II and ALD), accompanied by declined cardiocyte proliferation and elevated apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis. Upregulated miR-132 or silenced PTEN activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus facilitating cardiocyte proliferation and repressing cardiocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis, as well as inflammatory responses. Downregulated miR-132 reversed this tendency. These findings indicate that miR-132 activates the PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting PTEN expression, thus facilitating cardiocyte proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis in DCM rats.

Cardioprotective effects of the novel curcumin analogue C66 in diabetic mice is dependent on JNK2 inactivation

Aim

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is an independent cardiac injury that can develop in diabetic individuals. Our previous study showed that C66, a curcumin analogue, protects against diabetes‐induced cardiac damage. The present study sought to reveal the underlying mechanisms of C66‐mediated cardioprotection.

Methods

An experimental diabetic model was established using JNK2^−/− and wild‐type (WT) mice. C66 (5 mg/kg) was administered orally every other day for 3 months. Body weight, plasma glucose levels, cardiac function, and structure were measured. Masson trichrome and TUNEL staining were used to assess myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis, respectively. mRNA and protein levels of inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis molecules were measured by quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively.

Results

Neither C66 treatment nor JNK2 knockout affected body weight or plasma glucose levels. Cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were increased in WT diabetic compared to WT control mice, all of which were attenuated by C66 treatment. However, these pathological and molecular changes induced by diabetes were eliminated in JNK2^−/− diabetic mice compared to JNK2^−/− control mice, and C66 treatment did not further affect these parameters in JNK2^−/− diabetic mice.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that C66 ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting JNK2 relative pathways.

FGF21 protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against high glucose-induced apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/Fox3a signaling pathway

AIMS

Diabetic macroangiopathy is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Endothelial cell injury is a pathological precondition for diabetic macroangiopathy. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key metabolic regulator which has recently been suggested to protect cardiac myocytes and vascular cells against oxidative stress-induced injury in vitro and vivo. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective capacity of FGF21 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against high glucose (HG)-induced apoptosis via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt)/FoxO3a pathway.

METHODS

The cell viability was examined by CCK-8 assay, Intracellular ROS levels were measured by the detection of the fluorescent product formed by the oxidation of DCFH-DA, Apoptosis was analyzed using Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining and Flow Cytometry Analysis (FCA), the expression of protein were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Results show that pretreating HUVECs with FGF21 before exposure to HG increases cell viability, while decreasing apoptosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Western blot analysis shows that HG reduces the phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO3a, and induces nuclear localization of FoxO3a. The effects were significantly reversed by FGF21 pre-treatment. Furthermore, the protective effects of FGF21 were prevented by PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrates that FGF21 protects HUVECs from HG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via the activation of PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway.

Recent novel approaches to limit oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic complications

Diabetes is considered a major burden on the healthcare system of Western and non‐Western societies with the disease reaching epidemic proportions globally. Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to developing micro‐ and macrovascular complications, which contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality rates. Over the past decade, a plethora of research has demonstrated that oxidative stress and inflammation are intricately linked and significant drivers of these diabetic complications. Thus, the focus now has been towards specific mechanism‐based strategies that can target both oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways to improve the outcome of disease burden. This review will focus on the mechanisms that drive these diabetic complications and the feasibility of emerging new therapies to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the diabetic milieu.

Resveratrol Prevents Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Increasing Nrf2 Expression and Transcriptional Activity

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated if resveratrol ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by targeting associated oxidative stress mechanisms.

METHOD

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in FVB mice was induced by several intraperitoneal injections of a low dose of streptozotocin. Hyperglycemic and age-matched control mice were given resveratrol (10 mg/kg per day) for 1 month and subsequently monitored for an additional 6 months. Mice were assigned to four groups: control, resveratrol, DM, and DM/resveratrol. Cardiac function and blood pressure were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after DM induction. Oxidative damage and cardiac fibrosis were analyzed by histopathology, real-time PCR, and Western blot.

RESULT

Mice in the DM group exhibited increased blood glucose levels, cardiac dysfunction, and high blood pressure at 1, 3, and 6 months after DM induction. Resveratrol did not significantly affect blood glucose levels and blood pressure; however, resveratrol attenuated cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy in DM mice. Resveratrol also reduced DM-induced fibrosis. In addition, DM mice hearts exhibited increased oxidative damage, as evidenced by elevated accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxynonenal, which were both attenuated by resveratrol. Mechanistically, resveratrol increased NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and transcriptional activity, as well as Nrf2's downstream antioxidative targets.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that resveratrol prevents DM-induced cardiomyopathy, in part, by increasing Nrf2 expression and transcriptional activity.