Sodium Ferulate Protects against Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice by Regulating the MAPK/ERK and JNK Pathways

The recent advance and prospect of natural source compounds for the treatment of heart failure

Heart failure is a continuously developing syndrome of cardiac insufficiency caused by diseases, which becomes a major disease endangering human health as well as one of the main causes of death in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The occurrence of heart failure is related to hemodynamic abnormalities, neuroendocrine hormones, myocardial damage, myocardial remodeling etc, lead to the clinical manifestations including dyspnea, fatigue and fluid retention with complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Currently available drugs such as cardiac glycoside, diuretic, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, vasodilator and β receptor blocker etc are widely used for the treatment of heart failure. In particular, natural products and related active ingredients have the characteristics of mild efficacy, low toxicity, multi-target comprehensive efficacy, and have obvious advantages in restoring cardiac function, reducing energy disorder and improving quality of life. In this review, we mainly focus on the recent advance including mechanisms and active ingredients of natural products for the treatment of heart failure, which will provide the inspiration for the development of more potent clinical drugs against heart failure.

The protective effect and mechanism of piperazine ferulate in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy-caused chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a type of chronic disease in which multiple factors are responsible for the structural and functional disorders of the kidney. Piperazine ferulate (PF) has anti-platelet and anti-fibrotic effects, and its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of PF against CKD in rats and to determine its mechanism of action. Network pharmacology was used to predict potential PF action targets in the treatment of CKD and to further validate them. A rat model of CKD was established; blood was collected, etc., for the assessment of the renal function; renal pathologic damage was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining; changes in the levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA were determined with ELISA; EPOR, FN, and COL I expression were detected utilizing immunohistochemistry; and HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and EPO protein molecules were analyzed deploying western blotting. PF reduces Scr, BUN, and 24 h UP levels; decreases FN and COL I expression; and attenuates renal injury. Additionally, PF inhibited TGF-β1 and stimulated the production of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, which downregulated α-SMA and upregulated EPO. PF attenuated the progression of the CKD pathology, and the mechanism of its action is possibly associated with the promotion of HIF-1α/HIF-2α/EPO production and TGF-β1 reduction.

Lithium Treatment Induces Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice

Lithium (Li) salts are commonly used as medications for bipolar disorders. In addition to its therapeutic value, Li is also being increasingly used as a battery component in modern electronic devices. Concerns about its toxicity and negative impact on the heart have recently been raised. We investigated the effects of long-term Li treatment on the heart, liver, and kidney in mice. Sixteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to receive oral administration of Li carbonate (n = 8) or act as a control group (n = 8) for 12 weeks. We evaluated the cardiac electrical activity, morphology and function, and pathways contributing to remodelling. We assessed the multi-organ toxicity using histopathology techniques in the heart, liver, and kidney. Our findings suggest that mice receiving Li had impaired systolic function and ventricular repolarisation and were more susceptible to arrhythmias under adrenergic stimulation. The Li treatment caused an increase in the cardiomyocytes' size, the modulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, along with some minor tissue damage. Our findings revealed a cardiotoxic effect of Li at therapeutic dosage, along with some histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney. In addition, our study suggests that our model could be used to test potential treatments for Li-induced cardiotoxicity.

The novel peptide athycaltide-1 attenuates Ang II-induced pathological myocardial hypertrophy by reducing ROS and inhibiting the activation of CaMKII and ERK1/2

Pathological myocardial hypertrophy initially develops as an adaptive response to cardiac stress, which can be induced by many diseases. It is accompanied by adverse cardiovascular events, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and death. The purpose of this research was to explore the molecular mechanism of a novel peptide Athycaltide-1 (ATH-1) in the treatment of Ang II-induced pathological myocardial hypertrophy. In this study, the mRNA of Control group, Ang II group, ATH-1 group and Losartan group mice were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in cell response to oxidative stress, regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolism and calmodulin binding. Then, the oxidation level of mouse hearts and H9c2 cardiomyocytes in each group and the expression of key proteins of CaMKII/HDAC/MEF2C and ERK1/2 signaling pathways were detected to preliminarily verify the positive effect of ATH-1. At the same time, the effect of ATH-1 was further determined by adding reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and CaMKII inhibitor AIP in vitro. The results showed that ATH-1 could significantly reduce the level of oxidative stress in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and inhibiting the activation of CaMKII and ERK1/2.

The efficacy of sodium ferulate combination therapy in coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sodium ferulate (SF), a derivative of ferulic acid, is one of the active constituents in medicinal plants thought to be useful in fighting cardiovascular diseases. However, there still lacks a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of SF in treating coronary heart disease (CHD). It is therefore the purpose of this study to comprehensively review all clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SF in CHD to assess its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

All analysis is based on 8 databases as of February 2023, which includes 35 outcomes of RCTs that investigate the effect of SF combination therapy in CHD. The present study evaluates the quality and bias of selected literature by the Jadad scale and Cochrane Collaboration's tools, and also the quality of evidence by GRADE Profiler. Furthermore, it applies sensitivity analysis to assess the high heterogeneity impact of outcomes and conducted subgroup analysis to estimate the influence factors in these studies. The study protocol was set documented, and published beforehand in PROSPERO (Registration No.CRD42022348841).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of 36 studies (with 3207 patients) shows that SF combined with conventional drugs has improved clinical effectiveness for patients with CHD [RR: 1.21 (95% CI 1.17,1.26); p < 0.00001]. Statistically significant results of meta-analyses are also seen in electrocardiography (ECG) efficacy, frequency of angina attacks, endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET), whole Blood low shear rate (LS), platelet aggregation test (PAgT), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL6), triglyceride (TG). Adverse events are reported in 6 RCTs. By GRADE approaches, 2 outcomes (clinical efficacy, CRP) indicate a moderate quality of evidence, 17 outcomes indicate low quality of evidence, with the other 16 very low-quality.

CONCLUSION

SF combination therapy has a better curative effect than conventional therapy. However, due to items with low-quality evidence demonstrated in the study, the presence of clinical heterogeneity, and imprecision in partial outcome measures, all these led to limitations in the evidence of this study. Thus, the conclusion needs to be further verified by more in-depth research.

2-phenylacetamide Separated from the seed of Lepidium apetalum Willd. inhibited renal fibrosis via MAPK pathway mediated RAAS and oxidative stress in SHR Rats

BACKGROUND

Renal fibrosis with Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and oxidative stress are one of the major complications in hypertension. 2-phenylacetamide (PA), a major active component of Lepidium apetalum Willd. (L.A), has numerous pharmacological effects. Its analogues have the effect of anti-renal fibrosis and alleviating renal injury. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of PA for regulating the renal fibrosis in SHR based on the MAPK pathway mediated RAAS and oxidative stress.

METHODS

The SHR rats were used as the hypertension model, and the WKY rats were used as the control group. The blood pressure (BP), urine volume were detected every week. After PA treatment for 4 weeks, the levels of RAAS, inflammation and cytokines were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbnent Assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (HE), Masson and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to observe the renal pathology, collagen deposition and fibrosis. Western blot was used to examine the MAPK pathway in renal. Finally, the SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) antagonism assay in the high NaCl-induced NRK52e cells was used, together with In-Cell Western (ICW), Flow Cytometry (FCM), High Content Screening (HCS) and ELISA to confirm the potential pharmacological mechanism.

RESULTS

PA reduced the BP, RAAS, inflammation and cytokines, promoted the urine, and relieved renal pathological injury and collagen deposition, repaired renal fibrosis, decreased the expression of NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), SMAD3 and MAPK signaling pathway in SHR rats. Meanwhile,,the role of PA could be blocked by p38 antagonist SB203580 effectively in the high NaCl-induced NRK52e cells. Moreover, molecular docking indicated that PA occupied the ligand binding sites of p38 MAPK.

CONCLUSION

PA inhibited renal fibrosis via MAPK signalling pathway mediated RAAS and oxidative stress in SHR Rats.

IL-33 via PKCμ/PRKD1 Mediated α-Catenin Phosphorylation Regulates Endothelial Cell-Barrier Integrity and Ischemia-Induced Vascular Leakage

Angiogenesis, neovascularization, and vascular remodeling are highly dynamic processes, where endothelial cell-cell adhesion within the vessel wall controls a range of physiological processes, such as growth, integrity, and barrier function. The cadherin-catenin adhesion complex is a key contributor to inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) integrity and dynamic cell movements. However, the pre-eminent role of cadherins and their associated catenins in iBRB structure and function is not fully understood. Using a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs), we try to understand the significance of IL-33 on retinal endothelial barrier disruption, leading to abnormal angiogenesis and enhanced vascular permeability. Using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) analysis and FITC-dextran permeability assay, we observed that IL-33 at a 20 ng/mL concentration induced endothelial-barrier disruption in HRMVECs. The adherens junction (AJs) proteins play a prominent role in the selective diffusion of molecules from the blood to the retina and in maintaining retinal homeostasis. Therefore, we looked for the involvement of adherens junction proteins in IL-33-mediated endothelial dysfunction. We observed that IL-33 induces α-catenin phosphorylation at serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) residues in HRMVECs. Furthermore, mass-spectroscopy (MS) analysis revealed that IL-33 induces the phosphorylation of α-catenin at Thr654 residue in HRMVECs. We also observed that PKCμ/PRKD1-p38 MAPK signaling regulates IL-33-induced α-catenin phosphorylation and retinal endothelial cell-barrier integrity. Our OIR studies revealed that genetic deletion of IL-33 resulted in reduced vascular leakage in the hypoxic retina. We also observed that the genetic deletion of IL-33 reduced OIR-induced PKCμ/PRKD1-p38 MAPK-α-catenin signaling in the hypoxic retina. Therefore, we conclude that IL-33-induced PKCμ/PRKD1-p38 MAPK-α-catenin signaling plays a significant role in endothelial permeability and iBRB integrity.

The Role of PKC-MAPK Signalling Pathways in the Development of Hyperglycemia-Induced Cardiovascular Complications

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death among diabetic patients worldwide. Hence, cardiovascular wellbeing in diabetic patients requires utmost importance in disease management. Recent studies have demonstrated that protein kinase C activation plays a vital role in the development of cardiovascular complications via its activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, also known as PKC-MAPK pathways. In fact, persistent hyperglycaemia in diabetic conditions contribute to preserved PKC activation mediated by excessive production of diacylglycerol (DAG) and oxidative stress. PKC-MAPK pathways are involved in several cellular responses, including enhancing oxidative stress and activating signalling pathways that lead to uncontrolled cardiac and vascular remodelling and their subsequent dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the recent discovery on the role of PKC-MAPK pathways, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications, and their potential as therapeutic targets for cardiovascular management in diabetic patients.

Analgesic Alkaloids Derived From Traditional Chinese Medicine in Pain Management

Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent health problems. The establishment of chronic pain is complex. Current medication for chronic pain mainly dependent on anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants and opioidergic drugs. However, they have limited therapeutic efficacy, and some even with severe side effects. We turned our interest into alkaloids separated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), that usually act on multiple drug targets. In this article, we introduced the best-studied analgesic alkaloids derived from TCM, including tetrahydropalmatine, aloperine, oxysophocarpine, matrine, sinomenine, ligustrazine, evodiamine, brucine, tetrandrine, Stopholidine, and lappaconitine, focusing on their mechanisms and potential clinical applications. To better describe the mechanism of these alkaloids, we adopted the concept of drug-cloud (dCloud) theory. dCloud illustrated the full therapeutic spectrum of multitarget analgesics with two dimensions, which are “direct efficacy”, including inhibition of ion channels, activating γ-Aminobutyric Acid/opioid receptors, to suppress pain signal directly; and “background efficacy”, including reducing neuronal inflammation/oxidative stress, inhibition of glial cell activation, restoring the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, to cure the root causes of chronic pain. Empirical evidence showed drug combination is beneficial to 30–50% chronic pain patients. To promote the discovery of effective analgesic combinations, we introduced an ancient Chinese therapeutic regimen that combines herbal drugs with “Jun”, “Chen”, “Zuo”, and “Shi” properties. In dCloud, “Jun” drug acts directly on the major symptom of the disease; “Chen” drug generates major background effects; “Zuo” drug has salutary and supportive functions; and “Shi” drug facilitates drug delivery to the targeted tissue. Subsequently, using this concept, we interpreted the therapeutic effect of established analgesic compositions containing TCM derived analgesic alkaloids, which may contribute to the establishment of an alternative drug discovery model.

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.

JNK signaling-dependent regulation of histone acetylation are involved in anacardic acid alleviates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by phenylephrine

Cardiac hypertrophy is a complex process induced by the activation of multiple signaling pathways. We previously reported that anacardic acid (AA), a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor, attenuates phenylephrine (PE)-induced cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating histone H3 acetylation at lysine 9 (H3K9ac). Unfortunately, the related upstream signaling events remained unknown. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is an important regulator of cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we explored the role of JNK/MAPK signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy induced by PE. The mice cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was successfully established by treating cells with PE in vitro. This study showed that p-JNK directly interacts with HATs (P300 and P300/CBP-associated factor, PCAF) and alters H3K9ac. In addition, both the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and the HAT inhibitor AA attenuated p-JNK overexpression and H3K9ac hyperacetylation by inhibiting P300 and PCAF during PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, we demonstrated that both SP600125 and AA attenuate the overexpression of cardiac hypertrophy-related genes (MEF2A, ANP, BNP, and β-MHC), preventing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and dysfunction. These results revealed a novel mechanism through which AA might protect mice from PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In particular, AA inhibits the effects of JNK signaling on HATs-mediated histone acetylation, and could therefore be used to prevent and treat pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Angiotensin (ang) 1-7 inhibits ang II-induced atrial fibrosis through regulating the interaction of proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (c-Src) and Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1))

To verify whether Ang-(1-7) produces an antagonistic effect on Ang II-mediated atrial remodeling. Ang II–induced HL-1 cell model and a rat model of Ang II–induced atrial remodeling were constructed and intervened with Ang II Ang-(1-7), AngII +Ang-(1-7), Ang II+ c-Src specific inhibitor (SU6656), and Ang II + Ang-(1-7) + SSG (SHP-1/2 specific inhibitor, stibogluconate), respectively. The systolic blood pressure of the rat caudal artery was detected. And trial fibrosis was detected by Picrosirius red staining and Masson’s trichrome staining. Expressions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), galectin-3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I/III were subjected to qPCR and western blot. Furthermore, SHP-1 binding to c-Src was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results showed that the expressions of TGF-β, TIMP1, MMP-2, CTGF, α-SMA, galectin-3, and collagen I were increased markedly in the Ang II intervention group, and the expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-Akt, and p-p38MAPK were also increased dramatically. Ang-(1-7) or SU6656 addition could inhibit the action of Ang II factor, thereby minimizing the expressions of the previously described genes and proteins. Simultaneously, SSG supplement reversed the antagonistic effect of Ang-(1-7) on Ang II, and the latter elevated the blood pressure and induced atrial fibrosis in rats. Ang-(1-7) could reverse the changes related to Ang II–induced atrial fibrosis in rats. In conclusion, Ang-(1-7) antagonized Ang II–induced atrial remodeling by regulating SHP-1 and c-Src, thereby affecting the MAPKs/Akt signaling pathway.

Macrophage depletion protects against endothelial dysfunction and cardiac remodeling in angiotensin II hypertensive mice

Objective: Hypertension is associated with a low-grade systemic inflammation in cardiovascular system. Macrophage infiltration may initiate an inflammatory process that contributes to vascular and ventricular remodeling in hypertensive human and mice. The present study investigated the effect of chemical depletion of macrophage using liposome encapsulated clodronate (LEC) on cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in angiotensin (Ang) II hypertensive mice.Methods: C57BL/6 mice received an Ang II (1.1 mg/kg/day with a minipump) infusion for 2 weeks to induce hypertension. Endothelium-dependent relaxation (ED) was examined by organ bath, hematoxylin and staining and Masson-Trichrome staining were used to evaluate aorta and cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.Results: Ang II infusion significantly increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and impaired EDR accompanied by increased macrophage infiltration in the heart. Treatment with LEC significantly lowered Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and cardiac macrophage infiltration, and improved EDR with a mild reduction in SBP. Ang II increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines tumor necross factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta and profibrotic factors transforming growth factor beta 1 and fibronectin in the heart, with was reduced by LEC treatment. Treatment with LEC prevented Ang II-induced the phosphorphorylation of ERK1/2 and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase.Conclusions: Our study suggests that cardiac macrophage may be critical for hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, the underlying mechanisms may involve initial heart inflammation and the activation of hypertrophic MAPKs pathway.

Tert-butylhydroquinone attenuates osteoarthritis by protecting chondrocytes and inhibiting macrophage polarization

Aims

Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) has been identified as an inhibitor of oxidative stress-induced injury and apoptosis in human neural stem cells. However, the role of tBHQ in osteoarthritis (OA) is unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the role of tBHQ in OA.

Methods

OA animal model was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Different concentrations of tBHQ (25 and 50 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected in ten-week-old female mice. Chondrocytes were isolated from articular cartilage of mice and treated with 5 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or 10 ng/ml interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) for 24 hours, and then treated with different concentrations of tBHQ (10, 20, and 40 μM) for 12 hours. The expression levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood were measured. The expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) leptin in plasma were measured using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway proteins, and macrophage repolarization-related markers, were detected by western blot.

Results

Tert-butylhydroquinone significantly attenuated cartilage destruction in DMM-induced mice in vivo. It demonstrated clear evidence of inhibiting IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and differentiation defect in vitro. Meanwhile, tBHQ inhibited LPS-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways, and also inhibited LPS-induced reactive oxygen species production and macrophages repolarization in vitro.

Conclusion

Taken together, tBHQ might be a potential therapeutic strategy for protecting against OA development.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(11):704–713.

Effects of Sodium Ferulate on Cardiac Hypertrophy Are via the CaSR-Mediated Signaling Pathway

As a common complication of many cardiovascular diseases, cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by increased cardiac cell volume, reorganization of the cytoskeleton, and the reactivation of fetal genes such as cardiac natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain. Cardiac hypertrophy is a distinguishing feature of some cardiovascular diseases. Our previous study showed that sodium ferulate (SF) alleviates myocardial hypertrophy induced by coarctation of the abdominal aorta, and these protective effects may be related to the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. This study investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of SF on myocardial hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The effects of SF on cardiac hypertrophy were evaluated using echocardiographic measurement, pathological analysis, and detection of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) expression. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-hypertrophic effects of SF, the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), calcineurin (CaN), nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 (NFAT3), zinc finger transcription factor 4 (GATA4), protein kinase C beta (PKC-β), Raf-1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) were detected by molecular biology techniques. Treatment with SF ameliorated myocardial hypertrophy in 26-week-old SHRs. In addition, it downregulated the levels of ANP, β-MHC, CaSR, CaN, NFAT3, phosphorylated GATA4 (p-GATA4), PKC-β, Raf-1, and p-ERK 1/2; and upregulated the levels of p-NFAT3 and MKP-1. These results suggest that the effects of SF on cardiac hypertrophy are related to regulation of the CaSR-mediated signaling pathway.

Interactions between the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and PCAF play a key role in PE‑induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is a compensatory phase of chronic heart failure that is induced by the activation of multiple signaling pathways. The extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway is an important regulator of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In our previous study, it was demonstrated that phenylephrine (PE)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy involves the hyperacetylation of histone H3K9ac by P300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF). However, the upstream signaling pathway has yet to be fully identified. In the present study, the role of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway in PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was investigated. The mice cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was successfully established by treating cells with PE in vitro. The results showed that phospho-(p-)ERK1/2 interacted with PCAF and modified the pattern of histone H3K9ac acetylation. An ERK inhibitor (U0126) and/or a histone acetylase inhibitor (anacardic acid; AA) attenuated the overexpression of phospho-ERK1/2 and H3K9ac hyperacetylation by inhibiting the expression of PCAF in PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, U0126 and/or AA could attenuate the overexpression of several biomarker genes related to cardiac hypertrophy (myocyte enhancer factor 2C, atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain) and prevented cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These results revealed a novel mechanism in that AA protects against PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in mice via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and by modifying the acetylation of H3K9ac. These findings may assist in the development of novel methods for preventing and treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Angiotensin II upregulates RANKL/NFATC1 expression in synovial cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis through the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways

Background

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development. The present study investigated the impact of Ang II on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), as well as of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATC1) in RA synovial cells, and explored the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The expression levels of RANKL, NFATC1, and Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) were analyzed by RT PCR, western-blot, and/or immunohistochemistry. Western blot was also used to analyze the p38MAPK, JNK, and ERK1/2 pathways.

Results

The expressions of RANKL and NFATC1 increased in synovial tissues of RA compared to osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissues. The expression of RANKL was upregulated by Ang II, and this effect was mitigated by an AT1R blocker but not by an AT2R blocker. Furthermore, Ang II activated the ERK1/2, JNK, and p38MAPK pathways, and this effect was blocked by the AT1R blocker. However, ERK1/2 and JNK inhibitors, but not a p38MAPK inhibitor, blocked Ang II-induced RANKL expression. Ang II also increased the level of NFATC1, and this upregulation was attenuated by AT1R blockade, ERK1/2 and JNK inhibition, and siRNA-mediated RANKL silencing, but not by AT2R blockade or p38MAPK inhibition.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that Ang II activated the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways via AT1R, thus upregulating RANKL and NFATC1 expressions in RA synovial cells.

Rivaroxaban Attenuates Right Ventricular Remodeling in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive condition that frequently results in right ventricular (RV) remodeling. The objectives of this study are to investigate effects of rivaroxaban on RV remodeling in a rat model of PAH, created with Sugen5416 and chronic hypoxia, and the in vitro effects of rivaroxaban on human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs). To create the PAH model, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with Sugen5416 (20 mg/kg) and exposed to 2 weeks of hypoxia (10% O2), followed by 2 weeks of exposure to normoxia. The animals were then divided into 2 groups with or without administration of rivaroxaban (12 mg/kg/d) for a further 4 weeks. HCMECs were cultured under hypoxic conditions (37 °C, 1% O2, 5% CO2) with Sugen5416 and with or without rivaroxaban. In the model rats, RV systolic pressure and Fulton index increased by hypoxia with Sugen5416 were significantly decreased when treated with rivaroxaban. In HCMECs, hypoxia with Sugen5416 increased the expression of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), while treatment with rivaroxaban significantly suppressed the expression of these proteins. Rivaroxaban attenuated RV remodeling in a rat model of PAH by reducing ERK, JNK and NF-κB activation. Rivaroxaban has the possibility of providing additive effects on RV remodeling in patients with PAH.

Loss of ten-eleven translocation 2 induces cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis through modulating ERK signaling pathway

The ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family of dioxygenases convert 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Previous studies have shown that 5hmC-mediated epigenetic modifications play essential roles in diverse biological processes and diseases. Here, we show that Tet proteins and 5hmC display dynamic features during postnatal cardiac development and that Tet2 is the predominant dioxygenase present in heart. Tet2 knockout results in abnormal cardiac function, progressive cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Mechanistically, Tet2 deficiency leads to reduced hydroxymethylation in the cardiac genome and alters the cardiac transcriptome. Mechanistically, Tet2 loss leads to a decrease of Hspa1b expression, a regulator of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (Erk) signaling pathway, which leads to over-activation of Erk signaling. Acute Hspa1b knock down (KD) increased the phosphorylation of Erk and induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, which could be blocked by Erk signaling inhibitor. Consistently, ectopic expression of Hspa1b was able to rescue the deficits of cardiomyocytes induced by Tet2 depletion. Taken together, our study's results reveal the important roles of Tet2-mediated DNA hydroxymethylation in cardiac development and function.

Influence of sodium ferulate on miR-133a and left ventricle remodeling in rats with myocardial infarction

To explore the influence of sodium ferulate (SF) on miR-133a and left ventricle remodeling (LVR) in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). The left coronary artery was ligated to create 36 ischemia-reperfusion (IR) rat models that were randomly divided into mock surgical group (MSG) (not ligated), model group (MG), and sodium ferulate group (SFG). After the successful modeling, SFG was intravenously injected with SF at the dose of 10 mg/kg, and the other two groups were injected with the same volume of normal saline. After 28 days, cardiac hemodynamic indices of all groups were measured; the myocardial infarction size (MIS), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and collagen volume fraction (CVF) were calculated, the content of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione catalase (GSH-px) were detected by ELISA, and miR-133a expression in myocardial tissues of the left ventricle (LV) was detected by RT-qPCR. SF improved the cardiac hemodynamic indices of rat model and reduced the MIS, LVMI and CVF. SF decreased the serum MDA level and increased the serum CAT, SOD and GSH-px levels in rat model. SF increased the expression of miR-133a in myocardial tissue of rat model. Therefore, SF could effectively reduce the myocardial injury of IR rats and improve the LVR. Its mechanism may be related to the antioxygenation and upregulation of miR-133a.

[Proteinase-activated Receptor 1 and 2 under Hypoxic Stress]

Patients with sleep-disordered breathing exhibit intermittent hypoxia that causes increased oxidative stress, accelerates atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension, resulting in life-threatening arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. Hypoxic stress caused by intermittent hypoxia might be involved in the pathophysiology of many cardiovascular diseases, especially those involving atrial fibrillation, for which anti-coagulant therapy may be recommended. In this study, the inhibition of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR) 1/2 significantly reduced oxidative stress and fibrosis while suppressing the activation of MAPK or Smad pathways and the gene expression of molecules responsible for the pathways in the myocardium, consequently attenuating hypoxia-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These findings suggest that the inhibition of PAR 1/2 could be a novel potential treatment option to prevent cardiac remodeling in patients with sleep apnea syndrome and atrial fibrillation or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

POU4F1 confers trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer through regulating ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Over-expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is related to aggressive tumors and poor prognosis in breast cancer. Trastuzumab (TRA) resistance leads to tumor recurrence and metastasis, resulting in poor prognosis in HER2-positive breast cancer. POU Class 4 Homeobox 1 (POU4F1) is a member of the POU domain family transcription factors, and has a key role in regulating cancers. However, its effects on TRA-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer are still vague. In the present study, we found that POU4F1 expression was dramatically increased in clinical breast cancer specimens with TRA resistance. Higher POU4F1 was also detected in HER2-positive breast cancer cells with TRA resistance than that of the parental ones. Poor prognosis was detected in breast cancer patients with high POU4F1 expression. Under TRA treatment, POU4F1 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferative capacity of HER2-positive breast cancer cells with TRA resistance. POU4F1 silence also sensitized resistant HER-positive breast cancer cells to TRA treatment in vivo using a xenograft mouse model, along with the markedly reduced tumor growth rate and tumor weight. Moreover, we found that POU4F1 deletion greatly decreased the activation of mitogen-activated or extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) and extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways in breast cancer cells with TRA resistance. Migration and invasion were also effectively hindered by POU4F1 knockdown in TRA-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Notably, we found that POU4F1 deletion-improved chemosensitivity of HER2-positive breast cancer cells with drug-resistance to TRA treatment was closely associated with the blockage of ERK1/2 signaling. Collectively, our findings reported a critical role of POU4F1 in regulating TRA resistance, and demonstrated the underlying molecular mechanisms in HER2-positive breast cancer. Thus, POU4F1 may be a promising prognostic and therapeutic target to develop effective treatment for overcoming TRA resistance.

A versatile genetic control system in mammalian cells and mice responsive to clinically licensed sodium ferulate

Dynamically adjustable gene- and cell-based therapies are recognized as next-generation medicine. However, the translation of precision therapies into clinics is limited by lack of specific switches controlled by inducers that are safe and ready for clinical use. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phytochemical with a wide range of therapeutic effects, and its salt sodium ferulate (SF) is used as an antithrombotic drug in clinics. Here, we describe an FA/SF-adjustable transcriptional switch controlled by the clinically licensed drug SF. We demonstrated that SF-responsive switches can be engineered to control CRISPR-Cas9 systems for on-command genome/epigenome engineering. In addition, we integrated FA-controlled switches into programmable biocomputers to process logic operations. We further demonstrated the dose-dependent SF-inducible transgene expression in mice by oral administration of SF tablets. Engineered switches responsive to small-molecule clinically licensed drugs to achieve adjustable transgene expression profiles provide new opportunities for dynamic interventions in gene- and cell-based precision medicine.

Demethoxycurcumin analogue DMC-BH inhibits orthotopic growth of glioma stem cells by targeting JNK/ERK signaling

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) play an important role in glioblastoma resistance to conventional therapies and disease recurrence. Here, we assessed the therapeutic effect of a demethoxycurcumin analogue, DMC-BH, on GSCs, and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Our in vitro data demonstrate that DMC-BH inhibits GSC proliferation, and induces apoptosis and autophagy in GSCs. In addition, our results show that DMC-BH effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier to inhibit the growth of intracranial GSC tumors in vivo. DMC-BH significantly increased phosphorylation levels of JNK, ERK and c-Jun in GSCs. Inhibition of JNK and ERK activities reversed the pro-apoptotic effect of DMC-BH in GSCs, indicating that the DMC-BH-induced apoptosis in GSCs is mediated via the JNK/ERK signaling pathway. These results suggest that DMC-BH could potentially serve as a effective therapy against GSCs that acts by targeting the JNK/ERK signaling pathway.

Inhibition of p90RSK is critical to abolish Angiotensin II-induced rat aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration

Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been reported to induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, which are major events that are highly linked to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), a potential downstream effector of ERK1/2, has been demonstrated to be activated by Ang II in VSMCs. However, the role of p90RSK on Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation and migration and its underlying signaling pathways remain unknown. In this study, we found that the inhibition of p90RSK, using a p90RSK specific inhibitor FMK or transfected cells with a plasmid encoding dominant negative RSK1, inactivated p90RSK kinase action completely and suppressed Ang II-induced rat aortic smooth muscle cell (RASMC) proliferation and migration. Interestingly, inhibition of p90RSK kinase activity abolished the phosphorylation of Akt as well as the protein expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-2, and NF-κB p65 in Ang II-treated RASMCs. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter assay revealed the inhibitory effect of FMK on NF-κB promoter activity induced by Ang II. Notably, using the partial carotid ligation model in mice, FMK was found to attenuate the medial thickness of carotid arteries increased by Ang II. Taken together, these results suggest that p90RSK plays a critical role in Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation and migration by increasing Akt phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 promoter activity associated with up-regulation of adhesion molecules and MMP-2 expression.

Sodium ferulate inhibits myocardial hypertrophy induced by abdominal coarctation in rats: Involvement of cardiac PKC and MAPK signaling pathways

Sodium ferulate (SF) is the sodium salt of ferulic acid which is an active ingredient of Radix Angelica Sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong hort. Here, we investigated SF inhibition in a rat model of myocardial hypertrophy induced by coarctation of the abdominal aorta. Following coarctation, rats were given SF (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day) for 25 consecutive days. We characterized myocardial hypertrophy using myocardial hypertrophic parameters, histopathology, and gene expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) -a gene related to myocardial hypertrophy. We detected the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), protein kinase C beta (PKC-β), Raf-1, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in myocardium. Notably, coarctation of the abdominal aorta increases myocardial hypertrophic parameters, cardiac myocyte diameter, the concentration of Ang II and ET-1 in myocardium, and gene expression of ANF. SF significantly ameliorates myocardial hypertrophy caused by coarctation of the abdominal aorta; reduces concentrations of Ang II and ET-1; suppresses the overexpression of ANF, PKC-β, Raf-1, and ERK1/2; and increases the expression of MKP-1. These results indicate that SF alleviates myocardial hypertrophy induced by coarctation of the abdominal aorta, and these protective effects could be related to the inhibition of PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways.

Down-regulation of miR-200c attenuates AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy via targeting the MLCK-mediated pathway

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to commonly contribute to cardiac hypertrophy (CH). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that miR‐200c plays an important role in the progression of CH by targeting myosin light chain kinase (MLCK/MYLK).

Methods and results

Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by aortic banding (AB) in rats. Cellular hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NCMs) was induced by AngII treatment. Echocardiography, histology and molecular measurements were used to assess the results of the experiments. The levels of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also measured. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein levels respectively. The present results showed that miR‐200c expression was increased in response to CH both in vivo and in vitro. The down‐regulation of miRNA‐200c by a specific inhibitor markedly ameliorated CH resulting from AngII treatment, and the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide and β‐myosin heavy chain were simultaneously decreased. Notably, minimal apoptosis and ROS accumulation were identified in AngII‐induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Conversely, the up‐regulation of miR‐200c using specific mimics reversed these effects. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that the MLCK gene is a direct target of miR‐200c; an increase in miR‐200c levels led to a decrease in the expression of MLCK and its downstream effector, p‐MLC2, while miR‐200c inhibition increased the expression of these proteins. Furthermore, inhibiting MLCK impaired the anti‐hypertrophic effects contributions produced by the knockdown of miR‐200c.

Conclusion

Our studies suggest that miR‐200c may serve as a potential therapeutic target that could delay hypertrophy. We have also uncovered a relationship between miR‐200c and MLCK, identifying MLCK as a direct mediator of miR‐200c.

Lithium interacts with cardiac remodeling: the fundamental value in the pharmacotherapy of bipolar disorder

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality during the course of their illness. For over half a century, lithium has been the gold-standard medication used to treat the mood burdens of BD. In addition, lithium possesses several biological effects that may modulate cardiovascular risk in patients with BD. In this review, we update the current knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the possible cardiac actions of lithium. The mechanistic insights suggest that lithium at therapeutic levels potentially exerts cardioprotective effects on ischemic hearts by modulating structural and electrical remodeling. The possible cardioprotective actions of lithium may involve an extensive range of signaling pathways, including the Wnt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B, phosphoinositide/protein kinase C, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascades. Accordingly, understanding the cardioprotective effects of lithium may lead to the development of a potential strategy for reducing cardiovascular morbidity in patients with BD.

Oolong tea prevents cardiomyocyte loss against hypoxia by attenuating p-JNK mediated hypertrophy and enhancing P-IGF1R, p-akt, and p-Badser136 activity and by fortifying NRF2 antioxidation system

Tea, the most widely consumed natural beverage has been associated with reduced mortality risk from cardiovascular disease. Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea containing high levels of catechins, their degree of oxidation varies between 20%-80% causing differences in their active metabolites. In this study we examined the effect of oolong tea extract (OTE) obtained by oxidation at low-temperature for short-time against hypoxic injury and found that oolong tea provides cyto-protective effects by suppressing the JNK mediated hypertrophic effects and by enhancing the innate antioxidant mechanisms in neonatal cardiomyocytes and in H9c2 cells. OTE effectively attenuates 24 h hypoxia-triggered cardiomyocyte loss by suppressing caspase-3-cleavage and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. OTE also enhances the IGFIR/p-Akt associated survival-mechanism involving the elevation of p-Bad^ser136 in a dose-dependent manner to aid cellular adaptations against hypoxic challenge. The results show the effects and mechanism of Oolong tea to provide cardio-protective benefits during hypoxic conditions.

Protective effects of resveratrol improve cardiovascular function in rats with diabetes

Resveratrol is a flavonoid with a stilbene structure that is able to suppress acute pulmonary thromboembolism-induced pulmonary artery hypertension. Furthermore, it possesses anti-cancer and antioxidant properties, is able to regulate blood lipids and increase life expectancy. In the present study, it was evaluated whether the protective effect of resveratrol was able to improve cardiovascular function in rats with diabetes. The effects of resveratrol on blood glucose, body weight, heart/body weight ratio, plasma triglyceride levels, heart rate, aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT) ratio and total plasma insulin were evaluated. Levels of inflammation and oxidative stress were also evaluated using ELISA kits, and the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and phosphorylated (p)-p38 protein were evaluated via western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that administration of resveratrol in rats with diabetes-related myocardial infarction (DRMI) significantly reduced blood glucose, body weight, plasma triglyceride levels, heart rate and AST/ALT ratio (all P<0.01) and significantly increased total plasma insulin (P<0.01). Furthermore, resveratrol significantly reduced levels of inflammation factors (P<0.01) and malondialdehyde, a marker for oxidative stress, in rats with DRMI (P<0.01). Resveratrol significantly increased the expression of eNOS (P<0.01) and suppressed the expression of VEGF and p-p38 (both P<0.01) in rats with DRMI. These results suggest that treatment with resveratrol is able to improve cardiovascular function via inhibition of eNOS and VEGF, and suppression of p38 phosphorylation in rats with DRMI.

Exacerbation of diabetic cardiac hypertrophy in OVE26 mice by angiotensin II is associated with JNK/c-Jun/miR-221-mediated autophagy inhibition

Both diabetes and angiotensin II (Ang II) excess trigger cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that cardiac hypertrophy associated with the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy is worsened by increased Ang II. Male type 1 diabetic OVE26 and wild-type mice were given Ang II (sc., 1.15 mg/kg, twice a day) for 14 days. Diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy was exacerbated by Ang II treatment as determined by echocardiography, wheat germ agglutinin staining and atrial natriuretic peptide. Ang II treatment dramatically exacerbated diabetes-caused decreased LC3-II, a marker of autophagy, and increased p62, an indicator of cytosolic protein clearance. Ang II treatment also augmented diabetes-associated increased phosphorylated levels of c-Jun, JNK, mTOR, and miR-221, and decreased of p27 expression, a direct target of miR-221. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that Ang II elevated c-Jun binding to the promoter of miR-221 in diabetic mice. These results suggest that Ang II accelerates cardiac hypertrophy in the early stage of murine diabetes, probably through activation of the JKN/c-Jun/miR-221 axis and inhibition of downstream autophagy. Therefore, inhibition of Ang II or miR-221 in diabetic individuals may be a potential approach for delaying the onset and/or reducing the severity of diabetic cardiomyopathy.