Microcalorimetric investigation of five Aconitum L. plants on the metabolic activity of mitochondria isolated from rat liver

Mitochondrial targets exploration of epigallocatechin gallate and theaflavin in regards to differences in stress protection under different temperatures

The study investigated the impacts of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and theaflavin (TF1) on temperature tolerance of nematodes and explored targets on mitochondria. Survival rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP content of nematodes at different temperatures incubated with EGCG or TF1 were quantified. Thermogenesis and function of ex-vivo mitochondria were characterized. Targeted proteins of substances were explored via drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and RT-qPCR. Results showed that EGCG and TF1 increased survival rates of nematodes under heat and cold stress, respectively. TF1 exhibited lower MMP of nematodes and more mitochondrial thermogenesis than EGCG for the cold-protection, and upregulated gpi-1, pgk-1, acox-1.2, acox-1.3 and acaa-2 to compensate the energy loss due to the uncoupling and downregulation of sdha-1 and atp-1. EGCG upregulated ctl-1, hsp-60 and enol-1 expression for the thermo-protection, as well as pgk-1, acox-1.3 and acaa-2 to compensate energy loss due to the downregulation of sdha-1.

The protective effects of compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Zingiberis Rhizoma on rats with heart failure by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis via Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata ("Fuzi" in Chinese) in combination with Zingiberis Rhizoma ("Ganjiang" in Chinese) is commonly applied for the treatment of heart failure for thousands of years in China. However, its therapeutic mechanism is still poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate whether the compatibility of Fuzi and Ganjiang can protect rats with acute heart failure by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis via Sirt1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate and left ventricular maximal rate of pressure rise and decline, were recorded in rats with acute heart failure induced by Propafenone hydrochloride. The serum levels of cardiac enzymes, including creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin T, were also determined. The gene and protein levels of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and their downstream transcription factors were measured as well. The results indicated that Fuzi-Ganjiang herbal couple provided more significant benefits by restoring the left ventricular function and cardiac enzyme activities in comparison with their single use. Moreover, this herbal couple possessed a significant cardio-protection by increasing both gene and protein levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α. In conclusion, the compatibility of Fuzi and Ganjiang had better therapeutic effect than their single use against failing heart, and the underlying mechanisms were partially through increasing mitochondrial biogenesis via Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway.