Organ-Protective Effects of Red Wine Extract, Resveratrol, in Oxidative Stress-Mediated Reperfusion Injury

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Pediatric Asthma's Evolution and Management

Within the pediatric population, bronchial asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic respiratory system diseases. The number of exacerbations, severity, and duration of symptoms all have a significant impact on children's life quality. In the last decades, the prevention and management strategies of this pathology have focused on maintaining or even increasing the pulmonary function to maximum levels in early childhood, as it has been demonstrated that functional deficits at this level occurring before school age cause pathological manifestations later, in adulthood. The epithelium of the airways and implicitly that of the lung is the first barrier against the lesions caused by pro-oxidative factors. Both oxidative and antioxidative factors can be of endogenous origin (produced by the body) or exogenous (from the environment or diet). Good functioning of antioxidant defense mechanisms from the molecular level to the tissue level, and a balance between pro-oxidative factors and anti- oxidative factors, influence the occurrence of compensatory mechanisms at the level of the respiratory epithelium, causing the delay of local responses to the stress induced by chronic inflammation (bronchial remodeling, thickening of airway smooth muscles, bronchoconstriction, bronchial hyper-reactivity). These mechanisms underlie the pathophysiological changes in asthma. Numerous studies carried out among the pediatric population inclusively have demonstrated the effectiveness of antioxidants in the prophylaxis, slowing down and preventing the progression of this pathology. This review complements the scientific articles, aiming at emphasizing the complexity of oxidative physio-pathological pathways and their importance in the occurrence, development, and therapeutic response in asthma, providing a good understanding of the relationship between oxidative and antioxidative factors, and being a source of future therapeutic strategies.

Potential of resveratrol in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (Review)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi‑system chronic autoimmune disease with a complex occurrence and development process, associated with immune disorders, uncertain prognosis, and treatment modalities which vary by patient and disease activity. At present, the clinical treatment of SLE mainly focuses on hormones and immunosuppressants. In recent years, the research on new treatment strategies for SLE has been booming, and strong preclinical results and clinical research have promoted the development of numerous drugs (such as rituximab and orencia), but numerous of these drugs have failed to achieve effectiveness in clinical trials, and there are some adverse reactions. Recent evidence suggests that resveratrol (RSV) has the effect of ameliorating immune disorders by inhibiting overactivation of immune cells. In the present review, advances in research on the protective effects and potential mechanisms of RSV against SLE are summarized and the potential potency of RSV and its use as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of SLE are highlighted.

Molecular Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress in Acute Kidney Injury: Targeting the Loci by Resveratrol

Reactive oxygen species are a group of cellular molecules that stand as double-edged swords, their good and bad being discriminated by a precise balance. Several metabolic reactions in the biological system generate these molecules that interact with cellular atoms to regulate functions ranging from cell homeostasis to cell death. A prooxidative state of the cell concomitant with decreased clearance of such molecules leads to oxidative stress, which contributes as a prime pathophysiological mechanism in various diseases including renal disorders, such as acute kidney injury. However, targeting the generation of oxidative stress in renal disorders by an antioxidant, resveratrol, is gaining considerable therapeutic importance and is known to improve the condition in preclinical studies. This review aims to discuss molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress in acute kidney injury and its amelioration by resveratrol. The major sources of data were PubMed and Google Scholar, with studies from the last five years primarily included, with significant earlier data also considered. Mitochondrial dysfunction, various enzymatic reactions, and protein misfolding are the major sources of reactive oxygen species in acute kidney injury, and interrupting these loci of generation or intersection with other cellular components by resveratrol can mitigate the severity of the condition.

Hypertension medication from guidelines to practice: A cohort study in western Iran

PURPOSE

Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive medications in Kermanshah Province, west of Iran.

METHODS

The Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort study is the first Kurdish community-based study; subjects' age ranged from 35 to 65 years. In order to examine the use of medications to control blood pressure, participants were asked to bring all prescribed medications to the study center. Treatments were compared with 2013 European Society of Hypertension (ESH)/European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the management of arterial HTN.

RESULTS

From a total of 10 040 participants in RaNCD cohort, 1575 (15.7%) individuals were hypertensive, of whom, 1271 (80.7%) people were aware of their condition. From 1153 (73.20%) people under treatment, 840 (72.8%) had their HTN properly controlled. The most common medications used to treat HTN were losartan (27.5%), metoprolol (14.3%), and captopril (11.9%). Regardless of type of treatment, 49.3% of all patients have received the medication for l 6 ≥ years. The most commonly used drugs were β-blockers and angiotension receptor blockers as 620 (31.0%) and 612 (30.6%), respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that female gender, those receive ≥3 antihypertensive agents, and using preferred combinations were associated with a better blood pressure control. In addition, the probability of hypertension control was less likely with increasing duration of treatment (i.e >6 years) and in obese patients with ≥35 kg/m2 .

CONCLUSIONS

Even though adherence to the international guidelines was acceptable, improvements can be made for better control of HTN. Therefore, it is imperative to educate healthcare professionals on improving their selection of antihypertensive medications and combination therapy for hypertensive patients.

Valorization of Peanut Skin as Agricultural Waste Using Various Extraction Methods: A Review

Peanuts (Arachis hypogea) can be made into various products, from oil to butter to roasted snack peanuts and candies, all from the kernels. However, the skin is usually thrown away, used as cheap animal feed, or as one of the ingredients in plant fertilizer due to its little value on the market. For the past ten years, studies have been conducted to determine the full extent of the skin's bioactive substance repertoire and its powerful antioxidant potential. Alternatively, researchers reported that peanut skin could be used and be profitable in a less-intensive extraction technique. Therefore, this review explores the conventional and green extraction of peanut oil, peanut production, peanut physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, and the prospects of valorization of peanut skin. The significance of the valorization of peanut skin is that it contains high antioxidant capacity, catechin, epicatechin resveratrol, and procyanidins, which are also advantageous. It could be exploited in sustainable extraction, notably in the pharmaceutical industries.

Insight into Green Extraction for Roselle as a Source of Natural Red Pigments: A Review

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a source of anthocyanins as red pigments that is extensively farmed in tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Egypt, Mexico, and West India. The roselle plant contains a variety of nutrients, including anthocyanins, organic acids, pectin, etc. Due to the toxicity and combustibility of the solvents, traditional extraction methods for these compounds are restricted. Obtaining pure extracts is typically a lengthy procedure requiring many processes. Supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂) extraction as a green technology is rapidly improving and extending its application domains. The advantages of this method are zero waste production, quicker extraction times, and reduced solvent consumption. The ScCO₂ extraction of natural pigments has great promise in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles, among other uses. The ScCO₂ technique for natural pigments may also be advantageous in a variety of other contexts. Due to their minimal environmental risk, the high-quality red pigments of roselle rich in anthocyanins extracted using ScCO₂ extraction have a high sustainability potential. Therefore, the objective of this review is to increase knowledge related to the natural colorant of roselle as a substitute for chemically manufactured colorants using ScCO₂ as a green method. This article covers ScCO₂ extraction, particularly as it relates to the optimization of pigments that promote health. This article focuses on the high extraction efficiency of ScCO₂ extraction. Natural colorants extracted via ScCO₂ are regarded as safe compounds, especially for human consumption, such as novel functional food additives and textile and pharmaceutical colors.

Resveratrol supplementation efficiently improves endothelial health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to quantify the effect of resveratrol supplementation on endothelial function. A comprehensive search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to February 2021 with no limitation in time and language. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled effect size of flow-mediated dilation (FMD), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). In total, 21 arms from 17 studies were included. The meta-analysis results showed that resveratrol significantly change the concentrations of FMD (WMD: 1.43%; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.88, p < .001) and ICAM-1 (WMD: -7.09 ng/ml, 95% CI: -7.45 to -6.73, p < .001). However, VCAM-1, fibrinogen, and PAI-1 did not change significantly after resveratrol supplementation. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that resveratrol supplementation can improve endothelial function which could be important, especially in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Red wine but not alcohol consumption improves cardiovascular function and oxidative stress of the hypertensive-SHR and diabetic-STZ rats

AIMS

This raised the issue of whether in vivo long-term red wine treatment can act as a modulator of these targets.

MAIN METHODS

We monitored SBP, glucose tolerance, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular function. Aortic and atrial tissues from normotensive-WKY, hypertensive-SHR, and diabetic-STZ animals, chronically exposed to red wine (3.715 ml/kg/v.o/day) or alcohol (12%) for 21-days, were used to measure contractile/relaxation responses by force transducers. Key findings: red wine, but not alcohol, prevented the increase of SBP and hyperglycemic peak. Additionally, was observed prevention of oxidative stress metabolites formation and an improvement in ROS scavenging antioxidant capacity of SHR. We also revealed that red wine intake enhances the endothelium-dependent relaxation, decreases the hypercontractile mediated by angiotensin-II in the aorta, and via β₁-adrenoceptors in the atrium.

SIGNIFICANCE

The long-term consumption of red wine can improve oxidative stress and the functionality of angiotensin-II and β₁-adrenoceptors, inspiring new pharmacologic and dietetic therapeutic approaches for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes.Abbreviation Acronyms and/or abbreviations: [Ca²⁺]_cyt = Cytosolic Ca²⁺ Concentration; ACh = Acetylcholine; ANG II = Angiotensin II; AT1 = ANG II type 1 receptor; AUC = Area Under the Curve; Ca²⁺ = Calcium; Endo + = Endothelium Intact; Fen = Phenylephrine (1 μM); GTT = Glucose Tolerance Test; ISO = Isoprenaline (isoproterenol); KHN = Krebs-Henseleit Nutrient; LA = Left Atria; LH = Lipid Hydroperoxide; NO = Nitric Oxide; RA = Right Atria; RAS = Renin-Angiotensin System; ROS = Reactive Oxygen Species; SBP = Systolic Blood Pressure; SHR = Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; STZ = Streptozotocin; WKY = Normotensive Wistar Kyoto Rats.

Effect of soya phosphatidylcholine and possible underlying mechanism on ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated perfused rat heart: an experimental and computational study

This study was designed to assess the effect of soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the possible underlying mechanism using experimental and computational studies. I/R injury was induced by global ischemia for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 120 min. The perfusion of the SPC was performed for 10 min before inducing global ischemia. In the mechanistic study, the involvement of specific cellular pathways was identified using various inhibitors such as ATP-dependent potassium channel (KATP) inhibitor (glibenclamide), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (chelerythrine), non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME), and endothelium remover (Triton X-100). The computational study of various ligands was performed on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein using AutoDock version 4.0. SPC (100 μM) significantly decreased the levels of cardiac damage markers and %infarction compared with the vehicle control (VC). Furthermore, cardiodynamics (indices of left ventricular contraction (dp/dtmax), indices of left ventricular relaxation (dp/dtmin), coronary flow, and antioxidant enzyme levels were significantly improved as compared with VC. This protective effect was attenuated by glibenclamide, chelerythrine, and Triton X-100, but it was not attenuated by L-NAME. The computational study showed a significant bonding affinity of SPC to the TLR4-MD2 complex. Thus, SPC reduced myocardial I/R injury in isolated perfused rat hearts, which might be governed by the KATP channel, PKC, endothelium response, and TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway.

The Effect of Resveratrol on Sphingosine-1 and Oxidative/ Nitrosative Stress in an Experimental Heart Ischemia Reperfusion Model

Objectives: Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound showing significant antioxidant effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and oxidative stress biomarkers in hearth ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).

Materials and Methods: The biochemical and histopathological effects of RSV on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury were investigated through ELISA- and light microscope.

Results: We observed statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) level, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities (p<0.05). Histopathologically, we also observed decreased Polymorphonuclear Leucocyte (PMNL) infiltration, myocardial edema, miyositolysis in the treatment group compared to the I/R and sham groups.

Conclusion: Resveratrol may play an important role in cardiac I/R injury through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects which were biochemically and histopathologically confirmed in the present study.

Potential nephroprotective phytochemicals: Mechanism and future prospects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kidney disease (KD) is one of the serious health issues, which causes worrisome morbidity and economic burden. Therapeutic strategies are available however majority of them are associated with severe adverse effects and poor patient compliance and adherence. This explorative article was undertaken to provide a holistic review of known nephroprotective (NP) phytoconstituents along with their research-based evidences on mechanism, sources, and clinical trials that may play essential role in prevention and cure of KD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present systematic review aimed to provide in-depth and better evidences of the global burden of KD, phytoconstituents as NP with emphasis on mechanism of action both in vitro and in vivo, their wide biological sources as well as their clinical efficacy in management of kidney disease and its related disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Comprehensive information was searched systematically from electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Wiley, Scopus, Google scholar and Springer until February 2021 to find relevant data for publication on phytoconstituents with nephroprotective potential.

RESULTS

In total, 24,327 articles were screened in first search for "phytoconstituents and medicinal plants for nephroprotection and kidney disorder". On the basis of exclusion and inclusion criteria, 24,091 were excluded. Only 236 papers were spotted to have superlative quality data, which is appropriate under titles and sub-titles of the present review. The phytoconstituents having multiple research evidence along with wide number of medicinal plants sources and mechanism reported for nephroprotection have been selected and reviewed.

CONCLUSION

This review, based on pre-clinical and clinical data of NP phytoconstituents, provides scientific-basis for the rational discovery, development and utilization of these upcoming treatment practices. Further,-more clinical studies are warranted to improve the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic understanding of phytoconstituents. Also, more specific evaluation for natural sources is needed.

The potent radioprotective agents: Novel nitronyl nitroxide radical spin-labeled resveratrol derivatives

It is commonly known that radiotherapy is still a key modality for treatment of cancer. Though this effect is desirable during radiotherapy, it leads to radiotoxicity on normal healthy cells. In the present research, we designed, synthesized and analyzed a series of nitronyl nitroxide radical (NITR) spin-labeled resveratrol (RES) derivatives. The cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized substances was tested on Jurkat T cells. The derivatives were studied as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger to protect ionizing radiation of Jurkat T cells upon 6 Gy X-irradiation. The experimental results revealed that compound 2 and 3 could significantly alleviate the damage of Jurkat T cells, as evidenced by decreasing ROS production and restoring the cell apoptosis. Further mechanism investigations indicated that the radioprotective effects of the novel derivatives were largely associated with modulating the expression of apoptotic proteins including cIAP-1, cIAP-2, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and caspase-9. Based on the experimental result, we disclosed that the novel NITR spin-labeled RES derivatives exhibit the potential to be used as the novel radioprotective candidates to ameliorate the injury induced by ionizing radiation.

Recent Approaches to Targeting Canonical NFκB Signaling in the Early Inflammatory Response to Renal IRI

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is the most common cause of in-hospital AKI and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. IRI is associated with an early phase of inflammation primarily regulated by the canonical NFκB signaling pathway. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of IRI, few therapeutic strategies have emerged. The purpose of this manuscript is to review interventions targeting NFκB after IRI.

Therapeutic Effects of Resveratrol on Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Nervous System

Resveratrol is a phenol compound produced by some plants in response to pathogens, infection, or physical injury. It is well-known that resveratrol has antioxidant and protective roles in damages potentially caused by cancer or other serious disorders. Thus, it is considered as a candidate agent for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Evidence has confirmed other bioactive impacts of resveratrol, including cardioprotective, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, phytoestrogenic, and neuroprotective effects. Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) can result in various disorders, comprising myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, which may continue to induce debilitating conditions and even mortality. In virtue of chronic ischemia or hypoxia, cells switch to anaerobic metabolism, giving rise to some dysfunctions in mitochondria. As the result of lactate accumulation, adenosine triphosphate levels and pH decline in cells. This condition leads cells to apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. However, restoring oxygen level upon reperfusion after ischemia by producing reactive oxygen species is an outcome of mitochondrial dysfunction. Considering the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol and neuronal injury that comes from IR, we focused on the mechanism(s) involved in IR injury in the nervous system and also on the functions of resveratrol in the protection, inhibition, and treatment of this injury.

Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neuroprotection of Polyphenols with Respect to Resveratrol in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss. The exact pathogenesis of PD is complex and not yet completely understood, but research has established the critical role mitochondrial dysfunction plays in the development of PD. As the main producer of cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress once an imbalance between ROS generation and the organelle’s antioxidative system occurs. An overabundance of ROS in the mitochondria can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and further vicious cycles. Once enough damage accumulates, the cell may undergo mitochondria-dependent apoptosis or necrosis, resulting in the neuronal loss of PD. Polyphenols are a group of natural compounds that have been shown to offer protection against various diseases, including PD. Among these, the plant-derived polyphenol, resveratrol, exhibits neuroprotective effects through its antioxidative capabilities and provides mitochondria protection. Resveratrol also modulates crucial genes involved in antioxidative enzymes regulation, mitochondrial dynamics, and cellular survival. Additionally, resveratrol offers neuroprotective effects by upregulating mitophagy through multiple pathways, including SIRT-1 and AMPK/ERK pathways. This compound may provide potential neuroprotective effects, and more clinical research is needed to establish the efficacy of resveratrol in clinical settings.

Resveratrol and cardiac fibrosis prevention and treatment

Cardiovascular diseases are some of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developed or developing countries but in developed countries as well. Cardiac fibrosis is one of the most often pathological changes of heart tissues. It occurs as a result of extracellular matrix proteins accumulation at myocardia. Cardiac fibrosis results in impaired cardiac systolic and diastolic functions and is associated with other effects. Therapies with medicines have not been sufficiently successful in treating chronic diseases such as CVD. Therefore, the interest for therapeutic potential of natural compounds and medicinal plants has increased. Plants such as grapes, berries and peanuts contain a polyphenolic compound called "resveratrol" which has been reported to have various therapeutic properties for a variety of diseases. Studies on laboratory models that show that resveratrol has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, high blood pressure cardiomyopathy, thrombosis, cardiac fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. In vitro animal models using resveratrol indicated protective effects on the heart by neutralizing reactive oxygen species, preventing inflammation, increasing neoangiogenesis, dilating blood vessels, suppressing apoptosis and delaying atherosclerosis. In this review, we are presenting experimental and clinical results of studies concerning resveratrol effects on cardiac fibrosis as a CVD outcome in humans.

Significant reduction of apoptosis induced via hypoxia and oxidative stress in isolated human islet by resveratrol

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Successful islet transplantation as a promising treatment of diabetes type 1 is threatened with the loss of islets during the pre-transplant culture due to hypoxia and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Therefore, optimization of culture in order to preserve the islets is a critical point. In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol, as a cytoprotective agent, on the cultured human islets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Isolated islets were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol for 24 and 72 h. Islets' viability, apoptosis, apoptosis markers, and insulin and C-peptide secretion, along with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), and its target genes in the islets were investigated. Our findings showed that the islets were exposed to hypoxia and oxidative stress after isolation and during culture. This insult induced apoptosis and decreased viability during 72 h. The presence of resveratrol significantly attenuated HIF-1α and ROS production, reduced apoptosis, promoted the VEGF secretion, and increased the insulin and C-peptide secretion. In this regard, resveratrol improved the islet's survival and function in the culture period.

CONCLUSIONS

Using resveratrol can attenuate the stressful condition for the islets in the pre-transplant culture and subsequently ameliorate their viability and functionality that lead to successful outcome after clinical transplantation.

Paradoxical Effect of Grape Pomace Extract on Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats

Cisplatin is one of the most used drugs in the therapy of different types of cancer. However, its use is limited by nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the effects of a commercially available grape pomace extract (GE) from Vitis vinifera on cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity in rats. Sixty-four male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Groups 1–3 were controls, receiving 0.9% saline and doses 1 and 2 of GE respectively. Cisplatin was given to groups 4–8. Two groups received pretreatment with GE, while another two groups received pre- and post-treatment with GE. Blood samples were collected and all animals sacrificed. Kidneys were harvested for histopathological analysis. GE significantly increased blood creatinine and urea levels, the severity of kidney histopathological damage, and mortality in all cisplatin groups, except for group 7 which received pre- and post-treatment with a low dose of GE. Renal toxicity was determined by mortality and severe histopathological renal lesions. Additionally, the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was not significantly modified in the treated groups compared to the control. These results indicate that the GE did not have a protective effect on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity; on the contrary, GE accentuated the toxic effect of cisplatin.

Therapeutic Targeting of the Notch Pathway in Glioblastoma Multiforme

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly form of brain tumor. After standard treatment of resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the 5-year survival is <5%. In recent years, research has uncovered several potential targets within the Notch signaling pathway, which may lead to improved patient outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search was performed for articles containing the terms "Glioblastoma" and "Receptors, Notch" between 2003 and July 2015. Of the 62 articles retrieved, 46 met our criteria and were included in our review. Nine articles were identified from other sources and were subsequently included, leaving 55 articles reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 55 articles reviewed, 47 used established human GBM cell lines. Seventeen articles used human GBM surgical samples. Forty-five of 48 articles that assessed Notch activity showed increased expression in GBM cell lines. Targeting the Notch pathway was carried out through Notch knockdown and overexpression and targeting δ-like ligand, Jagged, γ-secretase, ADAM10, ADAM17, and Mastermindlike protein 1. Arsenic trioxide, microRNAs, and several other compounds were shown to have an effect on the Notch pathway in GBM. Notch activity in GBM was also shown to be associated with hypoxia and certain cancer-related molecular pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK/MAPK. Most articles concluded that Notch activity amplifies malignant characteristics in GBM and targeting this pathway can bring about amelioration of these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent literature suggests targeting the Notch pathway has great potential for future therapies for GBM.

Genetic Deletion or Pharmacological Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Ameliorates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Attenuating NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome cascade has a role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. There is growing evidence indicating cytochrome p450 (CYP450)-derived metabolites of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) possess both adverse and protective effects in the heart. CYP-derived epoxy metabolites are rapidly hydrolyzed by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The current study hypothesized that the cardioprotective effects of inhibiting sEH involves limiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Isolated hearts from young wild-type (WT) and sEH null mice were perfused in the Langendorff mode with either vehicle or the specific sEH inhibitor t-AUCB. Improved post-ischemic functional recovery and better mitochondrial respiration were observed in both sEH null hearts or WT hearts perfused with t-AUCB. Inhibition of sEH markedly attenuated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex and limited the mitochondrial localization of the fission protein dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp-1) triggered by IR injury. Cardioprotective effects stemming from the inhibition of sEH included preserved activities of both cytosolic thioredoxin (Trx)-1 and mitochondrial Trx-2 antioxidant enzymes. Together, these data demonstrate that inhibiting sEH imparts cardioprotection against IR injury via maintaining post-ischemic mitochondrial function and attenuating a detrimental innate inflammatory response.

Anthocyanins and Anthocyanin-Derived Products in Yeast-Fermented Beverages

The beverages obtained by yeast fermentation from anthocyanin-rich natural sources (grapes, berries, brown rice, etc.) retain part of the initial pigments in the maturated drink. During the fermentation and aging processes anthocyanins undergo various chemical transformations, which include reactions with glycolytic products (especially pyruvate and acetaldehyde) or with other compounds present in the complex fermentation milieu (such as vinylphenols obtained from cinnamic acids by means of a yeast decarboxylase) yielding pigments which can be more stable than the initial anthocyanins. Overall, these compounds contribute to the organoleptic traits of the mature product, but also to the overall chemical composition which make the yeast fermented beverages important sources of dietary antioxidants. In this review, we focused on the studies regarding the changes underwent by anthocyanins during yeast-mediated fermentation, on the approaches taken to enrich the fermented beverages in anthocyanins and their derived products, and on the interrelations between yeast and anthocyanin which were of relevance for obtaining a high-quality product containing optimum amounts of anthocyanin and anthocyanin-derived products.

Resveratrol alleviates nuclear factor-κB-mediated neuroinflammation in vasculitic peripheral neuropathy induced by ischaemia-reperfusion via suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress

Vasculitic peripheral neuropathy (VPN) arises from an inflammatory obstruction in the blood vessels supplying peripheral nerves and subsequent ischaemic insults, which exhibits the clinical features of neuropathic pain and impaired peripheral nerve function. VPN induced by ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) has been reported to involve nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated neuroinflammation. Recent studies have suggested that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in the development of peripheral neuropathies. Resveratrol possesses a potent anti-inflammatory capacity. We hypothesized that resveratrol may exert a protective effect against VPN through modulating the interrelated ER stress and NF-κB pathways. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into five groups: sham, sham + resveratrol 40 mg/kg (R40), IR, IR + R20 and IR + R40. VPN was induced by occluding the right femoral artery for 4 hours followed by reperfusion. Our data have shown that VPN induced by IR led to hind paw mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgaesia, and impaired motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV). With resveratrol intervention, the behavioural parameters were improved in a dose-dependent manner and the MNCV levels were increased as well. The molecular data revealed that VPN induced by IR significantly increased the expression of NF-κB as well as the ER stress sensor proteins, protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, inositol-requiring enzyme 1 and activating transcription factor 6 in the sciatic nerves. More importantly, resveratrol significantly attenuated the expression of NF-κB and the ER stress sensor proteins after IR. In conclusion, resveratrol alleviates VPN induced by IR. The mechanisms may involve modulating NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation via suppressing ER stress.

Effects of Supplementation and Training on Ameliorating Lipid Profiles and Protection against Coronary Artery Disease; an Experimental Study

INTRODUCTION

The use of antioxidants may reduce the harmful effects of radicals during exercise and extreme sports. The Current study aimed to investigate the effect of this supplement on the lipid profiles in exercise-induced muscle injury.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 64 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of control, exercise, exercise + Resveratrol (REV) and REV. After a week of adaptation, endurance and acute exercises were conducted in a motor driven treadmill, followed by using a training protocol in which running speed was gradually elevated until 19 weeks of age. Finally, the levels of cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in CHO plasma level between the studied groups after acute and endurance exercises. There was a significant increase in the level of TG in the exercise group (p = 0.001) and the exercise + REV (p = 0.004) group after acute and endurance exercises. After the implementation of the endurance and acute exercises none of the studied groups had statistically significant changes in HDL plasma level. There was a significant decrease in LDL plasma levels in the exercise (p = 0.007) and the exercise + REV (p = 0.01) groups. After performing endurance protocol, VLDL plasma levels increased significantly in the exercise (p = 0.001) and the exercise+ REV (p = 0.005) groups in comparison with control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings, there was no difference in the level of CHO and HDL between the training groups, REV and control groups. However, both endurance exercise and acute exercise trainings resulted in an increase in TG and VLDL levels and decrease in LDL level, compared with the control group.

Resveratrol Delivery by Albumin Nanoparticles Improved Neurological Function and Neuronal Damage in Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rats

Human serum albumin (HSA) is an intrinsic protein and important carrier that transports endogenous as well as exogenous substances. It is demonstrated in this study that the regional accumulation of albumin in the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) brain may lead in the application of HSA based nanoparticles in the study of cerebral I/R injury. Resveratrol (RES) is potential in the treatment of cerebral I/R injury but is restricted for its water insolubility and short half-life in vivo. In our study, RES loaded HSA nanoparticles (RES-HSA-NPs) were prepared to facilitate the application of RES in protection from cerebral I/R injury. RES-HSA-NPs demonstrated spherical shape, a diameter about 100 nm, a highest RES encapsulation efficiency of 60.9 ± 5.07%, and controlled release pattern with the maximum release ratio of 50.2 ± 4.91% [in pH = 5.0 phosphate buffered saline (PBS)] and 26. 2 ± 2.73% (in pH = 7.4 PBS), respectively, after 90 h incubation at 37°C. After intravenous injection into transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rats, RES-HSA-NPs improved neurological score and decreased infarct volume at 24 h after tMCAO in a dose dependent manner. A single dose of 20 mg/kg RES-HSA-NPs via tail vein improved neurological outcomes and decreased infarct volume at 24 and 72 h in tMCAO rats. I/R increased oxidative stress (indicated by products of lipid peroxidation, MDA) and neuronal apoptosis (indicated by yellow-brown TUNEL-positive cells), RES-HSA-NPs significantly attenuated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. These results demonstrated the potential of RES-HSA-NPs in the therapy of cerebral I/R injury.

Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides protects PC12 cells against OGD/RP-induced injury

Ischemia stroke is a disease with high morbidity and mortality. Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides (CDP) possess a wide range of beneficial effects, including hepatoprotection and immune homeostasis. As far as we know, the protective effect of CDP on neurons injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) has not been investigated. In this study, OGD/RP injured a PC12 cell model. Briefly, CDP (0.05, 0.5 and 5??g/ml) was administered before reperfusion. The protective effect of CDP was then evaluated on the basis of cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, [Ca²⁺]_i, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)and cell apoptosis, and redox status after reperfusion was evaluated by assaying reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity. Basing on the fact that Parkinson's disease-associated protein DJ-1 participates in endogenous antioxidation and performs neuroprotective effects after ischemia stroke, we investigated the interaction between CDP and DJ-1. DJ-1 expression was detected through ELISA and Western blot analysis, and the translocation of DJ-1 was evaluated through immunofluorescence. Result showed that CDP (0.05, 0.5 and 5??g/ml) attenuated PC12 cell death, preserved MMP and calcium homeostasis; inhibited oxidative stress and decreased cell apoptosis. Moreover, CDP (5??g/ml) markedly stimulated DJ-1 secretion and expression. Overall, the results suggested that CDP exerts neuroprotective effect against OGD/RP-induced injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating the DJ-1 pathway.

Evaluation of the treatment with resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles in intestinal injury model caused by ischemia and reperfusion

The gastrointestinal tract is extremely sensitive to ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Studies have reported that resveratrol (RSV) is able to combat damage caused by intestinal I/R. Because of its effectiveness in increasing the permanence and bioavailability of resveratrol in the intestinal epithelium, we investigated whether the effect of resveratrol-loaded in poly(anhydride) nanoparticles reduce oxidative stress and promote myenteric neuroprotection in the ileum of rats subjected to I/R. Physicochemical evaluations were performed on nanoparticles. The animals were divided into nine groups (n = 6/group) and treated every 48 h. Treatments with resveratrol (7 mg/kg of body weight) were applied 5 days before surgery and continued for 7 days after surgery (reperfusion period). The superior mesenteric artery was occluded to cause I/R injury. Oxidative stress, myeloperoxidase, nitrite, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, immunolabeling of myenteric neurons and glial cells, and gastrointestinal transit was evaluated. Both nanoparticle formulations presented negative charge with homogeneous distribution, and the payload, showed an encapsulation efficiency of 60%. Resveratrol administered in free form prevented alterations that were caused by I/R. The results of the groups treated with RSV-loaded nanoparticles presented similar results to the group treated with free resveratrol. Treatment with empty nanoparticles showed that poly(anhydride) is not an ideal nanocarrier for application in in vivo models of intestinal I/R injury, because of hepatotoxicity that may be caused by epithelial barrier dysfunction that triggers the translocation of nanoparticles.

Resveratrol protects neuronal cells from isoflurane-induced inflammation and oxidative stress-associated death by attenuating apoptosis via Akt/p38 MAPK signaling

The aim of the present study was to determine whether resveratrol protects neuronal cells from inflammation and isoflurane-induced oxidative stress-associated death via attenuating apoptosis via Akt/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. The PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line was treated with 2% isoflurane + 21% O₂ + 5% CO₂ for 6 h and pre-treated with resveratrol (0-1,000 µM) for 0, 24 or 48 h prior to isoflurane treatment. An MTT assay, flow cytometry and ELISA of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase revealed that resveratrol reduced growth inhibition, restrained apoptosis and suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress induced by isoflurane in PC12 cells. Pretreatment with resveratrol effectively reduced caspase-3 activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression in isoflurane-induced PC12 cells. In addition, western blot analysis demonstrated that resveratrol treatment significantly attenuated isoflurane-induced decreases in the activated phosphorylated (p)-Akt/Akt ratio and increases in the p-p38/p38 MAPK protein ratio in PC12 cells. These findings indicated that resveratrol was able to protect neuronal cells from isoflurane-induced inflammation and oxidative stress-associated death by attenuating apoptosis via Akt/p38 MAPK signaling.

The grapes and wrath: using resveratrol to treat the pathophysiology of hemorrhagic shock

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol found in grapes, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in a variety of conditions. Recently, resveratrol has been investigated as a potential adjunct to resuscitation therapy for hemorrhagic shock-a condition characterized by tissue hypoxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Although standard resuscitation restores tissue perfusion, it can exacerbate oxidative stress and organ damage. In rodent models of severe hemorrhagic shock, resveratrol mitigates reperfusion injury, preserves organ function, and improves survival. While many of these benefits can be attributed to its ability to activate sirtuin 1, resveratrol interacts with many targets that are relevant to ischemia-reperfusion. Here, we explore the probable mechanisms, potential benefits, and possible problems associated with administering resveratrol as an adjunct during resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock.

Cardiovascular Protective Effects and Clinical Applications of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phenol that is generated by plant species following injury or attack by bacterial and fungal pathogens. This compound was first described as the French Paradox in 1992. Later in 2003, resveratrol was reported to activate sirtuins in yeast cells. Recent experimental studies have found that resveratrol offers a variety of benefits that include both anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to the ability to reverse obesity, attenuate hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, protect heart and endothelial function, and increase the life span. Multiple molecular targets are associated with the cardioprotective capabilities of resveratrol, and therefore, resveratrol has potential for a wide range of new therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion, metabolic syndrome, cardiac failure, and inflammatory alterations during aging. Expectations for application in human patients, however, suffer from a lack of sufficient clinical evidence in support of these beneficial effects. This article reviews recently reported basic research results that describe the beneficial effects of resveratrol in an attempt to condense the evidence observed in clinical trials and provide support for the future development of novel clinical therapeutics in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Resveratrol and curcumin as protective agents in an experimental rat model of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of resveratrol and curcumin in an experimental rat model of intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). Forty-eight adult Wistar rats were used: 12 animals undergoing the sham surgery and 36 animals undergoing laparotomy, with 15 min of mesentric artery clamping. The animals from the latter group (n = 12) were pretreated, for 1 week, with vehicle (CTR), resveratrol (RES), and curcumin (CUR). After 1 h and 6 h of reperfusion, respectively, cyclooxigenase (COX)-2, mucin-1, E-cadherin, nuclear factor (NK)-κB expressions, and tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) were assessed in the small intestine. Oxidative stress markers were determined in tissue homogenate and serum, and histopathological analysis was performed. Pretreatment with RES decreased the expression of COX-2 and NF-κB at both intervals and increased E-cadherin (p < 0.05) and mucin-1 production after 1 h. CUR had a beneficial effect on COX-2, NF-κB, and E-cadherin expressions, both after 1 h and after 6 h (p < 0.0001). The two compounds increased TRAIL levels and had a protective effect on oxidative stress and histopathological lesions, both after 1 h and after 6 h. Our results suggested that RES and CUR had beneficial effects in intestinal I/R and may represent a promising option for complementary treatment of this pathological condition.

The effect of antioxidant supplementation on bacterial translocation after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion

The intestine is highly sensitive to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Intestinal I/R may cause local tissue injury and disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier, allowing the passage of viable bacteria and endotoxins from the gastrointestinal lumen to distant organs. This phenomenon, known as bacterial translocation (BT), may lead to systemic disorders with high morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress mediators such as reactive oxygen species, polymorphonuclear neutrophils and nitric oxide are believed to contribute to the intestinal I/R injury. Many antioxidants have shown protective effects against I/R injury of various organs. The present article provides an overview of studies investigating the effect of antioxidant supplementation on BT after intestinal I/R.

Resveratrol promotes myenteric neuroprotection in the ileum of rats after ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIMS

The present study evaluated the effects of resveratrol in the myenteric plexus after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 45min, followed by 7days of reperfusion.

MAIN METHODS

Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: control (C group), untreated sham surgery control (SC group), sham surgery control treated with resveratrol before surgery (STA group), sham surgery control treated with resveratrol before and after surgery (STAD group), ischemic control (IRC group), ischemic treated before I/R (IRTA group), and ischemic treated before and after I/R (IRTAD group). Resveratrol (10mg/kg) was administered for 4days and 2h prior to surgery and/or 7days later. Morphometric analyses were performed, and the density of the general neuronal population (HuC/D-immunoreactive [IR]), nitrergic subpopulation (neuronal nitric oxide synthase [nNOS]-IR), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)ergic varicosities (VIP-IR), and glial cells (S100-IR) was determined.

KEY FINDINGS

Injury that was caused by I/R significantly reduced (p<0.01) the HuC/D-IR general neuronal population. Treatment with resveratrol before and after ischemia had a neuroprotective effect. Morphometric changes caused by I/R in nitrergic neurons and varicosities were also attenuated by resveratrol. Ischemia/reperfusion promoted the proliferation of enteric glial cells, and resveratrol treatment before and after I/R reversed this effect.

SIGNIFICANCE

Resveratrol had neuroprotective effects, showing promise for application in intestinal surgery and transplants.

Resveratrol attenuates acute kidney injury by inhibiting death receptor‑mediated apoptotic pathways in a cisplatin‑induced rat model

Acute kidney injury is a clinical syndrome characterized by a loss of renal function and acute tubular necrosis. Resveratrol exerts a wide range of pharmacological effects based on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. The present study aimed to evaluate whether resveratrol attenuates acute kidney injury in a cisplatin-induced rat model and to investigate the potential mechanisms involved. Rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups: Control, cisplatin, resveratrol, and cisplatin plus resveratrol. Rats exposed to cisplatin displayed acute kidney injury, identified by analysis of renal function and histopathological observation. Resveratrol significantly ameliorated the increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, renal index and histopathological damage induced by cisplatin. Furthermore, compared with untreated control animals, cisplatin lead to significantly increased expression of Fas ligand, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-8 and Bcl-2 associated protein X apoptosis regulator (Bax), and decreased expression of anti-apoptosis regulators, BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID) and B cell lymphoma 2 apoptosis regulator (Bcl-2). Administration of resveratrol significantly reversed the cisplatin-induced alteration in these apoptosis-associated proteins. In conclusion, these findings suggest that resveratrol attenuates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through inactivation of the death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway, and may provide a new therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the process of acute kidney injury.

Formation of Aldehydic Phosphatidylcholines during the Anaerobic Decomposition of a Phosphatidylcholine Bearing the 9-Hydroperoxide of Linoleic Acid

Lipid oxidation-derived carbonyl compounds are associated with the development of various physiological disorders. Formation of most of these products has recently been suggested to require further reactions of oxygen with lipid hydroperoxides. However, in rat and human tissues, the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal is greatly elevated during hypoxic/ischemic conditions. Furthermore, a previous study found an unexpected result that the decomposition of a phosphatidylcholine (PC) bearing the 13-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid under a nitrogen atmosphere afforded 9-oxononanoyl-PC rather than 13-oxo-9,11-tridecadienoyl-PC as the main aldehydic PC. In the present study, products of the anaerobic decomposition of a PC bearing the 9-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid were analysed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. 9-Oxononanoyl-PC (ONA-PC) and several well-known bioactive aldehydes including 12-oxo-9-hydroperoxy-(or oxo or hydroxy)-10-dodecenoyl-PCs were detected. Hydrolysis of the oxidized PC products, methylation of the acids obtained thereby, and subsequent gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy with electron impact ionization further confirmed structures of some of the key aldehydic PCs. Novel, hydroxyl radical-dependent mechanisms of formation of ONA-PC and peroxyl-radical dependent mechanisms of formation of the rest of the aldehydes are proposed. The latter mechanisms will mainly be relevant to tissue injury under hypoxic/anoxic conditions, while the former are relevant under both normoxia and hypoxia/anoxia.

Resveratrol compares with melatonin in improving in vitro porcine oocyte maturation under heat stress

Background

Resveratrol, an important phyto-antioxidant commonly found in grapes, mulberry, and other plants, has a variety of functions including anti-aging, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current study, we investigated the beneficial effects of resveratrol on in vitro porcine oocyte maturation under heat stress (HS). The effect of resveratrol, melatonin and their combination on alleviating HS was compared according to the maturation rate of oocytes and the development competence of embryos after parthenogenetic activation (PA).

Results

Supplementation with resveratrol (2.0 μmol/L) not only improved the nuclear maturation but also raised the blastocyst rate of porcine embryos’ PA from oocytes that underwent HS by increasing their glutathione (GSH) level, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and up-regulating the expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). It was also found that melatonin (10⁻⁷ mol/L) and the combination of resveratrol (2.0 μmol/L) plus melatonin (10⁻⁷ mol/L) exhibited more potent effects than resveratrol alone regarding their protective activities on oocyte maturation under HS.

Conclusions

This study compared the efficiencies of resveratrol, melatonin and their combination for protecting porcine oocytes from heat stress. The mechanisms are attributed to the fact that each treatment may have different ability to regulate the synthesis of steroid hormones and the expression of mature related genes.

Protective effect of resveratrol against pseudorabies virus-induced reproductive failure in a mouse model

Resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol that is abundant in grapes, exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antiviral bioactive effects. Protective effects of RES against pseudorabies virus (PrV)- induced reproductive failure were investigated in a mice model. Injection of PrV partially induced stillbirth and abortion, and caused poor growth of progeny. Treatment with RES attenuated the reproductive failure induced by the virus with recovery of the serum progesterone level. RES improved the growth performance of newborn mice. RES can attenuate the reproductive failure induced by PrV in mice.

Cardioprotective Effects of Astragalin against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Isolated Rat Heart

This study aims to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of astragalin against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated rat heart. The cardioprotective effects of astragalin on myocardial I/R injury were investigated on Langendorff apparatus. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. The results showed that astragalin pretreatment improved myocardial function. Compared with I/R group, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities in coronary flow decreased in astragalin pretreatment groups, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) ratio significantly increased. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased in astragalin-treated groups. The infarct size (IS) and apoptosis rate in hearts from astragalin-treated groups were lower than those in hearts from the I/R group. Western blot analysis also revealed that astragalin preconditioning significantly reduced Bax level, whereas Bcl-2 was increased in the myocardium. Therefore, astragalin exhibited cardioprotective effects via its antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Penehyclidine Hydrochloride Preconditioning Provides Cardioprotection in a Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

To investigate the impacts and related mechanisms of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced myocardial injury. A rat model of myocardial I/R injury was established by the ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by 3 h perfusion. Before I/R, the rats were pretreated with or without PHC. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography. The activities/levels of myocardial enzymes, oxidants and antioxidant enzymes were detected. Evans blue/TTC double staining was performed to assess infarct size. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay. The release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators was detected by ELISA. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of COX-2, IκB, p-IκB and NF-κB. Meanwhile, the rats were given a single injection of H-PHC before I/R. The effects of PHC on myocardial infarct and cardiac function were investigated after 7 days post-reperfusion. We found that PHC remarkably improved cardiac function, alleviated myocardial injury by decreasing myocardial enzyme levels and attenuated oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PHC preconditioning significantly reduced infarct size and the apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes. Administration of PHC significantly decreased serum TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and PGE₂ levels and myocardium COX-2 level. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-IκB and NF-κB were downregulated, while IκB expression was upregulated. H-PHC also exerted long-term cardioprotection in a rat model of I/R injury by decreasing infarct size and improving cardiac function. These results suggest that PHC can efficiently protect the rats against I/R-induced myocardial injury.