Pro-angiogenic Role of Danqi Pill Through Activating Fatty Acids Oxidation Pathway Against Coronary Artery Disease

CircHIPK3/miR-124 affects angiogenesis in early-onset preeclampsia via CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidation

Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE), and angiogenic dysfunction is an important part of this pathogenesis. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolic process of fatty acid oxidation (FAO). FAO regulates endothelial cell (EC) proliferation during vascular germination and is also essential for ab initio deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, but its role in EOPE needs to be further elucidated. In the present study, we investigated its functional role in EOPE by targeting the circHIPK3/miR-124-3p/CPT1A axis. In our study, reduced expression of circHIPK3 and CPT1A and increased expression of miR-124-3p in placental tissues from patients with EOPE were associated with EC dysfunction. Here, we confirmed that CPT1A regulates fatty acid oxidative activity, cell proliferation, and tube formation in ECs by regulating FAO. Functionally, knockdown of circHIPK3 suppressed EC angiogenesis by inhibiting CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidative activity, which was ameliorated by CPT1A overexpression. In addition, circHIPK3 regulates CPT1A expression by sponging miR-124-3p. Hence, circHIPK3 knockdown reduced fatty acid oxidation in ECs by sponging miR-124-3p in a CPT1A-dependent manner and inhibited EC proliferation and tube formation, which may have led to aberrant angiogenesis in EOPE. Thus, strategies targeting CPT1A-driven FAO may be promising approaches for the treatment of EOPE. KEY MESSAGES: Decreased Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A) expression in preeclampsia(PE). CPT1A overexpression promotes FAO activity and tube formation in ECs. CircHIPK3 can affect CPT1A expression and impaire angiogenesis of EOPE. CircHIPK3 regulates CPT1A expression by acting as a ceRNA of miR-124-3p in HUVECs. Confirming the effect of circHIPK3/miR-124-3p/CPT1A axis on EOPE.

Traditional Chinese medicine and mitophagy: A novel approach for cardiovascular disease management

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an enormous economic burden on individuals and human society. Laboratory studies have identified several drugs that target mitophagy for the prevention and treatment of CVD. Only a few of these drugs have been successful in clinical trials, and most studies have been limited to animal and cellular models. Furthermore, conventional drugs used to treat CVD, such as antiplatelet agents, statins, and diuretics, often result in adverse effects on patients' cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory systems. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained significant attention for its unique theoretical basis and clinical efficacy in treating CVD.

PURPOSE

This paper systematically summarizes all the herbal compounds, extracts, and active monomers used to target mitophagy for the treatment of CVD in the last five years. It provides valuable information for researchers in the field of basic cardiovascular research, pharmacologists, and clinicians developing herbal medicines with fewer side effects, as well as a useful reference for future mitophagy research.

METHODS

The search terms "cardiovascular disease," "mitophagy," "herbal preparations," "active monomers," and "cardiac disease pathogenesis" in combination with "natural products" and "diseases" were used to search for studies published in the past five years until January 2024.

RESULTS

Studies have shown that mitophagy plays a significant role in the progression and development of CVD, such as atherosclerosis (AS), heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia. Herbal compound preparations, crude extracts, and active monomers have shown potential as effective treatments for these conditions. These substances protect cardiomyocytes by inducing mitophagy, scavenging damaged mitochondria, and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. They display notable efficacy in combating CVD.

CONCLUSION

TCM (including herbal compound preparations, extracts, and active monomers) can treat CVD through various pharmacological mechanisms and signaling pathways by inducing mitophagy. They represent a hotspot for future cardiovascular basic research and a promising candidate for the development of future cardiovascular drugs with fewer side effects and better therapeutic efficacy.

Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α agonists in cardiovascular health and disease

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been rising due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary patterns. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a nuclear receptor regulating multiple biological processes, such as lipid metabolism and inflammatory response critical to cardiovascular homeostasis. Healthy endothelial cells (ECs) lining the lumen of blood vessels maintains vascular homeostasis, where endothelial dysfunction associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation triggers the pathogenesis of CVD. PPARα activation decreases endothelial inflammation and senescence, contributing to improved vascular function and reduced risk of atherosclerosis. Phenotypic switch and inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) exacerbate vascular dysfunction and atherogenesis, in which PPARα activation improves VSMC homeostasis. Different immune cells participate in the progression of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. PPARα in immune cells plays a critical role in immunological events, such as monocyte/macrophage adhesion and infiltration, macrophage polarization, dendritic cell (DC) embedment, T cell activation, and B cell differentiation. Cardiomyocyte dysfunction, a major risk factor for heart failure, can also be alleviated by PPARα activation through maintaining cardiac mitochondrial stability and inhibiting cardiac lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. This review discusses the current understanding and future perspectives on the role of PPARα in the regulation of the cardiovascular system as well as the clinical application of PPARα ligands.

Fatty acid metabolism disorders and potential therapeutic traditional Chinese medicines in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the primary cause of mortality in the whole world. Growing evidence indicated that the disturbances in cardiac fatty acid metabolism are crucial contributors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The abnormal cardiac fatty acid metabolism usually leads to energy deficit, oxidative stress, excessive apoptosis, and inflammation. Targeting fatty acid metabolism has been regarded as a novel approach to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, there are currently no specific drugs that regulate fatty acid metabolism to treat cardiovascular diseases. Many traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases in clinics. And modern studies have shown that they exert a cardioprotective effect by regulating the expression of key proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1. Hence, we systematically reviewed the relationship between fatty acid metabolism disorders and four types of cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. In addition, 18 extracts and eight monomer components from traditional Chinese medicines showed cardioprotective effects by restoring cardiac fatty acid metabolism. This work aims to provide a reference for the finding of novel cardioprotective agents targeting fatty acid metabolism.

Qi-Po-Sheng-Mai granule ameliorates Ach-CaCl2 -induced atrial fibrillation by regulating calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias encountered in clinical settings. Currently, the pathophysiology of AF remains unclear, which severely limits the effectiveness and safety of medical therapies. The Chinese herbal formula Qi-Po-Sheng-Mai Granule (QPSM) has been widely used in China to treat AF. However, its pharmacological and molecular mechanisms remain unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential targets of QPSM for AF.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The AF model was induced by Ach (66 μg/ml) and CaCl2 (10 mg/kg), and the dose of 0.1 ml/100 g was injected into the tail vein for 5 weeks. QPSM was administered daily at doses of 4.42 and 8.84 g/kg, and amiodarone (0.18 g/kg) was used as the positive control. The effect of QPSM on AF was assessed by electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and histopathological analysis. Then, we employed network pharmacology with single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-Seq) to investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential targets of QPSM for AF. Furthermore, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used for component analysis of QPSM, and molecular docking was used to verify the potential targets. Using the IonOptix single cell contraction and ion synchronization test equipment, single myocyte length and calcium ion variations were observed in real time. The expression levels of calcium Transporter-related proteins were detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Based on an Ach-CaCl2-induced AF model, we found that QPSM treatment significantly reduced atrial electrical remodeling-related markers, such as AF inducibility and duration, and attenuated atrial dilation and fibrosis. Network pharmacology identified 52 active ingredients and 119 potential targets for QPSM in the treatment of AF, and 45 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were enriched, among which calcium pathway had the greatest impact. Using single nucleus sequencing (snRNA-seq), we identified cardiomyocytes as the most differentially expressed in response to drug treatment, with nine differentially expressed genes enriched in calcium signaling pathways. High performance liquid chromatography and molecular docking confirmed that the core components of QPSM strongly bind to the key factors in the calcium signaling pathway. Additional experiments have shown that QPSM increases calcium transients (CaT) and contractility in the individual cardiomyocyte. This was accomplished by increasing the expression of CACNA1C and SERCA2a and decreasing the expression of CAMK2B and NCX1.

CONCLUSION

The present study has systematically elucidated the role of QPSM in maintaining calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes through the regulation of calcium transporters, which could lead to new drug development ideas for AF.

Xinkeshu tablets promote angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos and human umbilical vein endothelial cells through multiple signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angiogenesis is particularly important in ischemic cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD). Xinkeshu tablets (XKS) are a commonly used Chinese patent medicine for CHD with a defined clinical effect. However, the proangiogenic effect of XKS remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We attempted to investigate the chemical composition and proangiogenic effect of XKS, as well as its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical composition of a XKS methanol extract was analyzed using a UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS system. The compound's proangiogenic effects were evaluated in zebrafish embryos and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were investigated using transcriptome assays and real-time quantitative PCR validation.

RESULTS

We identified 116 chemical constituents of XKS. XKS significantly stimulated subintestinal vessel plexus (SIVs) growth and rescued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PTK787)-induced intersegmental vessels (ISVs) injury in zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner. XKS significantly rescued the proliferation, migration capacity and tube formation of Recombinant VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor II (VRI)-injured HUVECs. XKS promoted angiogenesis through multiple signaling pathways, including metabolic pathways, the PPAR signaling pathway, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, the VEGF signaling pathway, and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Herein, we identified 116 chemical constituents of XKS for the first time and demonstrated that XKS may regulate angiogenesis through multiple signaling pathways to treat CHD.

Synergistic Effects of Ginsenoside Rb3 and Ferruginol in Ischemia-Induced Myocardial Infarction

Previous research shows that ginsenoside Rb3 (G-Rb3) exhibit significant protective effects on cardiomyocytes and is considered a promising treatment for myocardial infraction (MI). However, how to improve its oral bioavailability and reduce its dosage remains to be studied. Previous studies suggest that Ferruginol (FGL) may have synergistic effects with G-Rb3. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. In this study, left anterior descending branch (LAD) coronary artery ligation or oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R) were used to establish MI models in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of G-Rb3-FGL were explored by in vitro studies. The results showed that the G-Rb3-FGL co-treatment improved heart functions better than the G-Rb3 treatment alone in MI mice models. Meanwhile, the G-Rb3-FGL co-treatment can upregulate fatty acids oxidation (FAO) and suppress oxidative stress in the heart tissues of MI mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that the synergistic effect of G-Rb3-FGL on FAO, oxidation and inflammation was abolished by RXRα inhibitor HX531 in the H9C2 cell model. In summary, we revealed that G-Rb3 and FGL have a synergistic effect against MI. They protected cardiomyocytes by promoting FAO, inhibiting oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammation through the RXRα-Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Danqi soft caspule prevents atrial fibrillation by ameliorating left atrial remodeling through inhibiting cardiac fibroblasts differentiation and function

BACKGROUND

Danqi soft capsule (DQ) is a Chinese herb medicine with a remarkable protective effect on cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of DQ on left atrial (LA) remodeling and atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence in rats with post-myocardial infarction (MI) induced heart failure (HF).

METHODS

MI in rats was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. DQ was administered to the post-MI induced HF rats over a 4-week period. AF inducibility was detected using the transesophageal programmed electrical stimulation technology. Echocardiogram, histology, and western blot analysis were performed. Meanwhile, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were performed to determine the effects of DQ on CFs function by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, transwell assay and ELISA.

RESULTS

The DQ-treated rats showed lower rates of AF inducibility and shorter AF durations than the MI rats. Moreover, DQ inhibited fibrosis and increased the expression of Cx43 in the left atrium; it also inhibited the myofibroblasts differentiation by reducing the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β1 via the TGF-β1/Smad 3 pathway. In addition, DQ inhibited the proliferation, migration, and collagen secretion of CFs in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

DQ reduces the risk of AF in post-MI HF rats by ameliorating LA arrhythmogenic substrate via inhibiting the function of proliferation, migration, collagen secretion, and myofibroblasts differentiation of CFs. Together, these results indicate the therapeutic potential of DQ in AF by delaying the progression of LA remodeling in post-MI-induced HF. Targeting CFs may be a novel prospective therapeutic avenue for AF after MI.

The roles of the mitophagy inducer Danqi pill in heart failure: A new therapeutic target to preserve energy metabolism

BACKGROUND

Mitophagy can regulate mitochondrial homeostasis, preserve energy metabolism and cardiomyocytes survival effectively to restrain the development of heart failure (HF). Danqi Pill (DQP), composed of the dry roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Panax notoginseng, is included in the 2015 national pharmacopeia and effective in the clinical treatment of coronary heart diseases. Our previous studies have approved that DQP exerted remarkable cardioprotective effects on HF. However, the effect and mechanism of DQP on mitophagy have not been proved yet.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

We aim to explore whether DQP regulates mitophagy to protect against HF and to elucidate the in-depth mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN

The HF rat model for evaluating DQP's efficacy was established with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. The oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion-induced cardiomyocyte model was conducted to clarify the potential mechanism of DQP.

METHODS

The mitochondria-targeted fluorescent protein Keima (mt-Keima) was applied for detecting mitophagy flux. Co-immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to detect protein co-localization. Flow cytometry for JC-1 and Annexin-FITC/PI staining was utilized for assessing mitochondrial activity and function.

RESULTS

In vivo, medium dose of DQP (1.5 g/kg) notably improved cardiac function and inhibited cardiac apoptosis in HF rats. Co-immunofluorescent staining of LC3B and TOM20 showed that DQP restored mitophagy. Further co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that DQP increased the co-localization of FUNDC1 with either ULK1 or PGAM5. In vitro, DQP markedly protected mitochondrial membrane potential damage, reduced cardiomyocytes apoptosis, decreased the level of mitochondrial ROS, and increased the ATP level. Parallel with the in vitro results, DQP increased the interaction of FUNDC1 and LC3B, while knockdown of FUNDC1 diminished the interaction. Besides, Mt-Keima signaling detection further confirmed that DQP significantly promoted mitophagy. Intriguingly, knockdown of ULK1 or PGAM5 separately weakened rather than eliminated these effects of DQP on FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy, mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that DQP protected against HF by improving FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy to perverse energy metabolism through the coordinated regulation of ULK1 and PGAM5.

RNA-Seq Profiling to Investigate the Mechanism of Qishen Granules on Regulating Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism of Heart Failure in Rats

Background. Qishen granules (QSG) are a frequently prescribed formula with cardioprotective properties prescribed to HF for many years. RNA-seq profiling revealed that regulation on cardiac mitochondrial energy metabolism is the main therapeutic effect. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we explored the effects of QSG on regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidative stress through the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway. RNA-seq technology revealed that QSG significantly changed the differential gene expression of mitochondrial dysfunction in myocardial ischemic tissue. The mechanism was verified through the left anterior descending artery- (LAD-) induced HF rat model and oxygen glucose deprivation/recovery- (OGD/R-) established H9C2 induction model both in vivo and in vitro. Echocardiography and HE staining showed that QSG could effectively improve the cardiac function of rats with myocardial infarction in functionality and structure. Furthermore, transcriptomics revealed QSG could significantly regulate mitochondrial dysfunction-related proteins at the transcriptome level. The results of electron microscopy and immunofluorescence proved that the mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane structural integrity, and myocardial oxidative stress damage can be effectively improved after QSG treatment. Mechanism studies showed that QSG increased the expression level of mitochondrial biogenesis factor PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM protein and regulated the balance of mitochondrial fusion/fission protein expression. QSG could regulate mitochondrial dysfunction in ischemia heart tissue to protect cardiac function and structure in HF rats. The likely mechanism is the adjustment of PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM pathway to alleviate oxidative stress in myocardial cells. Therefore, PGC-1α may be a potential therapeutic target for improving mitochondrial dysfunction in HF.

In vitro investigation of protective mechanisms of triptolide against coronary heart disease by regulating miR-24-3p-BCL2L11 axis and PPARs-PGC1α pathway

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a fatal disease associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Although triptolide (TTL) has been reported to protect against CHD, the mechanism has not yet been determined. This study intended to explore its molecular regulation mechanism in CHD. It is shown in this study that TTL contributed to the proliferation and migration of in vitro cell models of CHD (endothelial cells) and the inhibition of apoptosis, and had an improvement effect on apoptosis factors and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). From its mechanisms, TTL evidently downregulates miR-24-3p which is elevated in CHD, and evidently upregulates BCL2-like 11 (BCL2L11) which is suppressed in CHD, as well as affects the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)-Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway of nuclear receptor transcription factors. In addition, miR-24-3p-BCL2L11-PPARs-PGC1α axis regulates protective effects of TTL against CHD.

Puerarin alleviates coronary heart disease via suppressing inflammation in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Puerarin shows inhibitory effects on inflammation in chronic heart failure (CHF), but its efficacy in coronary heart disease (CHD) remained vague.

METHODS

Rat CHD model was constructed, and serum parameters were determined using a blood liquid biochemical analyzer. Also, contents of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cardiac troponin (cTnT) were measured using colorimetry. Histological examination was conducted with Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining, and cardiac function was assessed by Echocardiography. Cell apoptosis was detected using Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Relative expressions were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot as needed.

RESULTS

In CHD rats, the levels of TC, LDL and TG and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), CD40 ligand (CD40L), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were increased while HDL level was decreased, accompanied with inflammatory cell infiltration and cardiac malfunction. Also, the contents of CK, CK-MB, LDH and cTnT, the percentage of apoptotic cells, the expressions of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cleaved Caspase-3, TNF-α, Interleukin-β (IL-β), IL-6 and Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) expressions and the levels of oxidized-(ox-)LDL and malondialdehyde (MDA) were upregulated, while the level of super oxidase dismutase (SOD) and the expressions of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were downregulated. However, Puerarin ameliorated the effects of CHD model construction, suppressed nuclear factor-(NF-)κB expression, and enhanced the expressions of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT) and phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3).

CONCLUSION

Puerarin alleviated CHD in rats via inhibiting inflammation, providing possible method for CHD treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine formulas, extracts, and compounds promote angiogenesis

Ischemic diseases, such as ischemic heart diseases and ischemic stroke, are the leading cause of death worldwide. Angiogenic therapy is a wide-ranging approach to fighting ischemic diseases. However, compared with anti-angiogenesis therapy for tumors, less attention has been paid to therapeutic angiogenesis. Recently, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing interest for its definite curative effect and low toxicity. A growing number of studies have reported that TCM formulas, extracts, and compounds from herbal medicines exert pro-angiogenic activity, which has been confirmed in a few clinical trials. For comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, global and local databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched using keywords such as "angiogenesis," "neovascularization," "traditional Chinese medicine," "formula," "extract," and "compound." Articles were chosen that are closely and directly related to pro-angiogenesis. This review summarizes the pro-angiogenic activity and the mechanism of TCM formulas, extracts, and compounds; it delivers an in-depth understanding of the relationship between TCM and pro-angiogenesis and will provide new ideas for clinical practice.

Modulatory Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicines on Energy Metabolism in Ischemic Heart Diseases

Ischemic heart disease (IHD), a major global public health problem, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although the very best of modern approaches have proven effective in reducing morbidity and mortality, the poor prognosis of patients with IHD remains a major clinical concern. Cardiac energy metabolism is increasingly recognized as having a role in the pathogenesis of IHD, inducing metabolic substrate alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and deprivation of cardiac energy. Factors involved in cardiac energy metabolism provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of IHD. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have a long history of use in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases with multi-component, multi-target, and multi-signaling. Increasing evidence suggests that Chinese herbal medicines may improve myocardial ischemia through modulating cardiac energy metabolism. Here, we describe the possible targets and pathways of cardiac energy metabolism for CHMs, and appraise the modulatory effects of CHMs on energy metabolism in IHD. Especially, this review focuses on summarizing the metabolic effects and the underlying mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicines (including herbs, major bioactive components, and formulas) in IHD. In addition, we also discuss the current limitations and the major challenges for research investigating the use of CHMs in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Danqi Pill Protects Against Heart Failure Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction via HIF-1α/PGC-1α Mediated Glucose Metabolism Pathway

AIM

Heart failure (HF) post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) leads to a large number of hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. Danqi pill (DQP) is included in the 2015 national pharmacopoeia and widely applied in the treatment of HF in clinics in China. We examined whether DQP acted on glucose metabolism to protect against HF post-AMI via hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α co-activator (PGC-1α) pathway.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation induced HF post-AMI rats and oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced H9C2 cell model were structured to explore the efficacy and mechanism of DQP. Here we showed that DQP protected the heart against ischemic damage as evidenced by improved cardiac functions and attenuated inflammatory infiltration. The expressions of critical proteins involved in glucose intake and transportation such as GLUT4 and PKM2 were up-regulated, while negative regulatory proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation were attenuated in the treatment of DQP. Moreover, DQP up-regulated NRF1 and TFAM, promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and increased myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level. The protection effects of DQP were significantly compromised by HIF-1α siRNA, suggesting that HIF-1α signaling pathway was the potential target of DQP on HF post-AMI.

CONCLUSIONS

DQP exhibits the efficacy to improve myocardial glucose metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and biogenesis by regulating HIF-1α/PGC-1α signaling pathway in HF post-AMI rats.

Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction and Verification of the Targets and Mechanism for Panax Notoginseng Saponins against Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the worldwide leading cause for cardiovascular death. Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS), which is the main bioactive compound of panax notoginseng, has been generally accepted to exert a remarkable effect on CHD for a long time. However, to reveal the underlying treatment target and corresponding mechanism of PNS against CHD is still a substantial challenge. In this work, the targets and mechanism of PNS against CHD were successfully achieved by pharmacology-based prediction and experimental verification. 36 common targets were screened out through integrating the gene expression profile of CHD and the chemical-protein data of PNS. Then, two key nodes were further selected for verification by experiment after analyzing GO function, KEGG pathway, coexpression, and topology analysis. Results showed that PNS has protected the human umbilical vein endothelial cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting early cell apoptosis via upregulating VEGFA mRNA expression. Therefore, our research has successfully pointed out one treatment target and apoptotic inhibition caused by PNS with method of integrating bioinformatics prediction and experimental verification, which has partially explained the pharmacological mechanism of PNS against CHD.