Crataegus oxycantha Extract Attenuates Apoptotic Incidence in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Akt and Hif-1 Signaling Pathways

Identification of GLS as a cuproptosis-related diagnosis gene in acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has the characteristics of sudden onset, rapid progression, poor prognosis, and so on. Therefore, it is urgent to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for it. Cuproptosis is a new form of mitochondrial respiratory-dependent cell death. However, studies are limited on the clinical significance of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in AMI. In this study, we systematically assessed the genetic alterations of CRGs in AMI by bioinformatics approach. The results showed that six CRGs (LIAS, LIPT1, DLAT, PDHB, MTF1, and GLS) were markedly differentially expressed between stable coronary heart disease (stable_CAD) and AMI. Correlation analysis indicated that CRGs were closely correlated with N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related genes through R language “corrplot” package, especially GLS was positively correlated with FMR1 and MTF1 was negatively correlated with HNRNPA2B1. Immune landscape analysis results revealed that CRGs were closely related to various immune cells, especially GLS was positively correlated with T cells CD4 memory resting and negatively correlated with monocytes. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the group with high DLAT expression had a better prognosis. The area under curve (AUC) certified that GLS had good diagnostic value, in the training set (AUC = 0.87) and verification set (ACU = 0.99). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested that GLS was associated with immune- and hypoxia-related pathways. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) analysis, transcription factor (TF), and compound prediction were performed to reveal the regulatory mechanism of CRGs in AMI. Overall, our study can provide additional information for understanding the role of CRGs in AMI, which may provide new insights into the identification of therapeutic targets for AMI.

Botanical, Phytochemical, Anti-Microbial and Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Hawthorn (Crataegusmonogyna Jacq.), Rosaceae

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) is a wild edible fruit tree of the genus Crataegus, one of the most interesting genera of the Rosaceae family. This review is the first to consider, all together, the pharmaceutical, phytochemical, functional and therapeutic properties of C. monogyna based on numerous valuable secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, vitamin C, glycoside, anthocyanin, saponin, tannin and antioxidants. Previous reviews dealt with the properties of all species of the entire genera. We highlight the multi-therapeutic role that C. monogyna extracts could have in the treatment of different chronic and degenerative diseases, mainly focusing on flavonoids. In the first part of this comprehensive review, we describe the main botanical characteristics and summarize the studies which have been performed on the morphological and genetic characterization of the C. monogyna germplasm. In the second part, the key metabolites and their nutritional and pharmaceutical properties are described. This work could be an essential resource for promoting future therapeutic formulations based on this natural and potent bioactive plant extract.

Plausible computational insights and new atomic-level perspective of epicathechin gallate from Crataegus oxycantha extract in preventing caspase 3 activation in conditions like post-myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among the human species, however the non-existence of successful therapies to curtail the effect of Myocardial Infarction (MI) is a disquieting reality. Even though successful herbal formulations using Crataegus oxycantha (COC) is available, however, it is not recognized as an alternative medicine due to the lack of explanation on the molecular mechanism of COC extract on CVD conditions. In vivo studies revealed that COC extract significantly prevented caspase activation in conditions like post-MI; however, the role of a specific secondary metabolite that could be involved in this action is under quest. The present study, therefore, aims at predicting the plausible mechanism of action of key secondary metabolite in COC extract on apoptotic executioner caspase - caspase 3 during MI through in silico tools. The protein-protein interaction network, QikProp, and molecular docking studies were performed to identify the lead compound that revealed Epicatechin Gallate (ECG) of COC as an effective inhibitor against candidate MI/apoptosis mediator - caspase 3. The docked complex was further taken for molecular dynamics simulation, which was achieved through Desmond. Molecular dynamics further confirmed the stability of the binding interactions between the docked complex. The overall in silico results proved that ECG could prevent the dissociation of cleaved caspases, which is essential for their activation. Computational observations were strongly supported by experimental evidence obtained from in vivo studies in the MI-model system. From the above observations, it was concluded that computational analysis was in good agreement with the experimental analysis on ECG's potential to prevent caspase 3 activation during MI. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Roles and Mechanisms of Hawthorn and Its Extracts on Atherosclerosis: A Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially atherosclerosis, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally; it causes a considerable burden on families and caregivers and results in significant financial costs being incurred. Hawthorn has an extensive history of medical use in many countries. In China, the use of hawthorn for the treatment of CVD dates to 659 AD. In addition, according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, it acts on tonifying the spleen to promote digestion and activate blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis. This review revealed that the hawthorn extracts possess serum lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, and cardiovascular protective properties, thus gaining popularity, especially for its anti-atherosclerotic effects. We summarize the four principal mechanisms, including blood lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and vascular endothelial protection, thus providing a theoretical basis for further utilization of hawthorn.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury in male guinea pigs: An efficient model to investigate myocardial damage in cardiovascular complications

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the major problem that aggravates cardiac damage. Several established animal models fail to explain the similarity in disease mechanism and progression as seen in humans; whereas guinea pig shows high similarity in cardiovascular parameters. Hence, current study is aimed to develop an animal model using guinea pigs that may best correlate with disease mechanism of human myocardial I/R injury. Male guinea pigs were randomized into three groups: normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD) and sham; fed with respective diets for 90 days. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligating left anterior descending artery (LAD) for 30 min followed by 24 h and 7 days of reperfusion in ND and HFD groups. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed the alterations in electrical conduction during myocardial I/R injury. Elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB ((CK-MB)) were higher in HFD compared to ND. Inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were up-regulated in I/R injury animals compared to sham. Fold change of these protein expression levels were higher in HFD compared to ND. Elevated lipid profile and increased aortic wall thickness in HFD animals depicts the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. ECG analysis strongly confirmed MI through changes in sinus rhythm that are reflected in infarcted tissue as verified through TTC staining. Thus the combination of HFD followed by I/R injury proved to be an efficient model to study pathophysiology of myocardial I/R injury with minimal tissue damage and surgical mortality.

Inhibition of differentiation of monocyte to macrophages in atherosclerosis by oligomeric proanthocyanidins -In-vivo and in-vitro study

Monocyte to macrophage differentiation is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis. An understanding on the fundamental molecular mechanisms and the identification of regulatory mechanisms behind this differentiation may aid in the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Inhibition of this phenomenon will form first line of defense in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. In the current study we explored hypercholesterolemia induced monocyte to macrophage differentiation in-vivo (Wistar rats) leading to atherosclerosis and OxyLDL, M-CSF induced monocyte differentiation in-vitro (U937 cells). Oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC) isolated from Crataegus oxyacantha was tested for its efficacy in downregulating this differentiation and in preventing atherogenic disturbances. Cholesterol cholic acid diet induced an increased monocyte to macrophage differentiation by upregulating MCP1 and VCAM1 which induced the inflammatory cytokines that further substantiated the monocyte conversion and infiltration into the vascular walls. On addition of OxyLDL and M-CSF to U937 cells, macrophage markers CD36 and CD 68, PPARγ, MMP2 and 9 were elevated, suggesting differentiation. OPC downregulated this differentiation and thus could prevent the initiation of atherosclerosis.

Molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses of pharmacological inhibitors of HIF-prolyl 4-hydroxylases for treatment of ischemic diseases

SIGNIFICANCE

In this review, we have discussed the efficacy and effect of small molecules that act as prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibitors (PHDIs). The use of these compounds causes upregulation of the pro-angiogenic factors and hypoxia inducible factor-1α and -2α (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) to enhance angiogenic, glycolytic, erythropoietic, and anti-apoptotic pathways in the treatment of various ischemic diseases responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in humans.

RECENT ADVANCES

Sprouting of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature and surgical intervention, such as coronary bypass and stent insertion, have been shown to be effective in attenuating ischemia. However, the initial reentry of oxygen leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress and result in ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. This apparent "oxygen paradox" must be resolved to combat IR injury. During hypoxia, decreased activity of PHDs initiates the accumulation and activation of HIF-1α, wherein the modulation of both PHD and HIF-1α appears as promising therapeutic targets for the pharmacological treatment of ischemic diseases.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Research on PHDs and HIFs has shown that these molecules can serve as therapeutic targets for ischemic diseases by modulating glycolysis, erythropoiesis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Efforts are underway to identify and synthesize safer small-molecule inhibitors of PHDs that can be administered in vivo as therapy against ischemic diseases.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This review presents a comprehensive and current account of the existing small-molecule PHDIs and their use in the treatment of ischemic diseases with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic action in animal models.

Management of cardiorenal metabolic syndrome in diabetes mellitus: a phytotherapeutic perspective

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a complex disease in which the heart and kidney are simultaneously affected and their deleterious declining functions are reinforced in a feedback cycle, with an accelerated progression. Although the coexistence of kidney and heart failure in the same individual carries an extremely bad prognosis, the exact cause of deterioration and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the initiation and maintenance of the interaction are complex, multifactorial in nature, and poorly understood. Current therapy includes diuretics, natriuretic hormones, aquaretics (arginine vasopressin antagonists), vasodilators, and inotropes. However, large numbers of patients still develop intractable disease. Moreover, the development of resistance to many standard therapies, such as diuretics and inotropes, has led to an increasing movement toward utilization and development of novel therapies. Herbal and traditional natural medicines may complement or provide an alternative to prevent or delay the progression of CRS. This review provides an analysis of the possible mechanisms and the therapeutic potential of phytotherapeutic medicines for the amelioration of the progression of CRS.

Hawthorn leaves flavonoids decreases inflammation related to acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in anesthetized dogs

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and mechanisms of hawthorn leaves flavonoids (HLF) on acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in anesthetized dogs.

METHODS

The acute ischemia models were prepared by ligating left anterior descending (LAD) artery for 60 min. Qualified 15 male dogs were randomly divided into 3 groups with 5 in each group: blank control (treated with normal saline 3 mL/kg) group, HLF low dosage (5 mg/kg) group and high dosage (10 mg/kg) group, with an once injection through a femoral vein 5 min before reperfusion. Epicardial electrocardiogram was adopted to measure the scope and degree of myocardial ischemia. Simultaneously, neutrophil infiltration in infarct (Inf) and remote site (RS) of myocardial tissue was measured by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay. The serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α) content were quantified by radioimmuno-assay. Furthermore, expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in Inf and RS tissue were detected by Western blotting technique.

RESULTS

Ischemia and reperfusion increased the MPO activity and IL-1 and TNF-α content. HLF (10 and 5 mg/kg) could significantly decrease the degree and scope of myocardial ischemia; markedly inhibit the increase of MPO activity, and IL-1 and TNF-α content induced by myocardial ischemia/infarction. Furthermore, HLF increased GRK2 expression and inhibited NF-κB expression in Inf tissue.

CONCLUSION

HLF could improve the situation of acute myocardial ischemia and inhibit the inflammation in anesthetized dogs, which might be due to its increasing effect on the GRK2 and NF-κB expressions.