Protective effect of Xin-Ji-Er-Kang on cardiovascular remodeling in high salt-induced hypertensive mice

Xin-Ji-Er-Kang Alleviates Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Hypertrophy in Mice through the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Xin-Ji-Er-Kang (XJEK) inhibited cardiovascular remodeling in hypertensive mice in our previous studies. We hypothesized that XJEK may prevent isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial hypertrophy (MH) in mice by ameliorating oxidative stress (OS) through a mechanism that may be related to the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) pathways. Forty SPF male Kunming mice were randomized into 5 groups (n = 8 mice per group): control group, MH group, MH + different doses of XJEK (7.5 g/kg/day and 10 g/kg/day), and MH + metoprolol (60 mg/kg/day). On the eighth day after drug treatment, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography were performed, the mice were sacrificed, and blood and heart tissues were collected for further analysis. XJEK administration markedly ameliorated cardiovascular remodeling (CR), as manifested by a decreased HW/BW ratio and CSA and less collagen deposition after MH. XJEK administration also improved MH, as evidenced by decreased atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) levels. XJEK also suppressed the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum of mice with MH. XJEK-induced oxidative stress may be related to potentiating Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 expression compared with the MH groups. XJEK ameliorates MH by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, suggesting that XJEK is a potential treatment for MH.

Protective Effects of Irbesartan, an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker with PPARγ Agonistic Activity, against Estradiol Benzoate-Induced Endometrial Hyperplasia and Atypia in Female Rats via Modulation of TNFα/Survivin Pathway

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a common gynecological problem and may progress to carcinoma. Early detection and management of EH are mandatory for the prevention of endometrial cancer. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system and angiotensin II signaling are involved in the progression of precancerous and cancerous lesions. However, no studies have evaluated the role of this system in estradiol benzoate (EB)-induced EH and atypia. Irbesartan (IRB), an angiotensin II receptor blocker with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonistic activity was administered (30 mg/kg/d) in EB-treated (60 µg/100 g bodyweight, intramuscularly, three times per week) or untreated rats for 4 weeks. Uterine weight changes, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), survivin, cleaved caspase 3, interleukin-10 (IL10), and PPARγ were measured in addition to undergoing histopathological examination. Results showed that EB-induced EH and atypia significantly increased the uterine body weight, malondialdehyde, TNFα, and survivin, accompanied with significantly decreased SOD, cleaved caspase 3, IL10, and PPARγ, with typical histopathological changes of EH and atypia. Coadministration of IRB significantly prevented EB-induced biochemical and histopathological changes. The protective effects of IRB may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reduction of survivin, and increased levels of cleaved caspase 3.

Biochemical and toxicological effect of diazepam in stress-induced cardiac dysfunctions

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Evaluation of diazepam in stress-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats.

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Alteration of cardiac biomarkers and ionic concentrations by stress.

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Restoration of altered cardiac biomarkers and ionic concentrations by diazepam.

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Restoration of architectures of cardiomyocytes by diazepam.

Diazepam is a medicine of the family benzodiazepine, used to treat various CNS disorders. To date, no study is available for biochemical analysis of diazepam in cardiac dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the effect of diazepam in stress-induced cardiac dysfunctions in rats. Male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups with six animals in each group for 90 days of the experimental protocol. Group1 served as a Normal Control (NC), Groups 2, as a Disease Control (DC), Group 3 as a Diazepam Control (DIC), and Group 4 as a Disease + Diazepam Treatment (DDT). Disease Control and Disease + Diazepam Treatment animals exposed to regular stress by forced swimming exercise method for 3 months. Diazepam Control and Disease + Diazepam Treatment received 5 mg/kg/p.o the daily dose of diazepam. At the end of the protocol, animals were sacrificed, heart preserved, blood collected, and utilized for biochemical estimations. Heart weight was increased in DC as compared to NC. Serum levels of cardiac biomarkers, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase-MB (CPK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and troponin I (TnI) were significantly increased in DC as compared to NC. Heart tissue examined for histological changes. The altered serum levels of CPK, CPK-MB, LDH, hs-CRP, and TnI were significantly restored by the treatment of diazepam. Serum levels of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium was increased in DC animals as compared to NC. The altered ionic level was also restored by the treatment of diazepam. Level of various cardiac markers and ions in the plasma were also slightly elevated in DIC. Histopathological studies are also in agreement with serological examinations and bonafide cardioprotective influences of diazepam in cardiac dysfunction. Conclusively research findings endorse the cardioprotective effect of diazepam in stress-induced cardiac dysfunction in rats.

Potential Protective Effects of the Water-Soluble Chinese Propolis on Hypertension Induced by High-Salt Intake

High‐salt (HS) intake is closely associated with the ignition and progression of hypertension. The mechanisms might be involved in endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide deficiency, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokines. Propolis is widely used as a natural antioxidant and is a well‐known functional food for its biological activities, which includes anti‐inflammation, antimicrobial, and liver detoxification. In this study, we successfully replicated a HS diet‐induced hypertensive rat model. We found that in the long‐term HS diet group, the myocardial function of the rats was altered and led to a significant decrease (around 49%) in heart function. However, doses of Chinese water‐soluble propolis (WSP) were found directly proportional (11%, 60%, 91%, respectively) to the myocardial function improvement in hypertensive rats. The results from the blood circulation test and hematoxylin‐eosin stains showed that propolis had protective effects on myocardial functions and blood vessels in hypertensive rats. Also, based on the results of western blot and polymerase chain reaction, WSP effectively regulated Nox2 and Nox4 levels and was responsible for a decrease in reactive oxygen species synthesis. Our findings demonstrate that Chinese WSP has a significant effect on the blood pressure of hypertensive rats and their cardiovascular functions that improved significantly. The improvement in the cardiovascular functions might be related to the process of anti‐oxidation, anti‐inflammation, and the improvements of the endothelial function in hypertensive rats.