Favorable effects of resveratrol on sympathetic neural remodeling in rats following myocardial infarction

Gabapentin attenuates cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ pathway

OBJECTIVES

Inflammation regulates ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), and gabapentin exerts anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the anti-inflammatory role and mechanism of gabapentin after MI.

METHODS

Rats were divided into the sham group (n = 12), MI group (n = 20), and MI + gabapentin group (n = 16). MI was induced by left coronary artery ligation. The effects of gabapentin on THP-1-derived macrophages were examined in vitro.

RESULTS

In vivo, 1 week after MI, gabapentin significantly reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; M1 macrophage marker) expression and decreased pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β). Gabapentin upregulated the M2 macrophage marker arginase-1, as well as CD163 expression, and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, including chitinase-like 3, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β. Four weeks after MI, cardiac function, infarct size, and cardiac fibrosis improved after gabapentin treatment. Gabapentin inhibited sympathetic nerve activity and decreased ventricular electrical instability in rats after MI. Tyrosine hydroxylase and growth-associated protein 43 were suppressed after gabapentin treatment. Gabapentin downregulated nerve growth factor (NGF) and reduced pro-inflammatory factors (iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β). In vitro, gabapentin reduced NGF, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Mechanistic studies revealed that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ antagonist GW9662 attenuated the effects of gabapentin. Moreover, gabapentin reduced α2δ1 expression in the macrophage plasma membrane and reduced the calcium content of macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Gabapentin attenuates cardiac remodeling by inhibiting inflammation via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activation and preventing calcium overload.

Cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation after myocardial infarction: a systematic review and qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation after myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with arrhythmogenesis and sudden cardiac death. The characteristics of cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation remain underexposed.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a systematic review on cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation after MI, taking into account: (1) definition, experimental model and quantification method and (2) location, amount and timing, in order to obtain an overview of current knowledge and to expose gaps in literature.

METHODS

References on cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation were screened for inclusion. The included studies received a full-text review and quality appraisal. Relevant data on hyperinnervation were collected and qualitatively analysed.

RESULTS

Our literature search identified 60 eligible studies performed between 2000 and 2022. Cardiac hyperinnervation is generally defined as an increased sympathetic nerve density or increased number of nerves compared to another control group (100%). Studies were performed in a multitude of experimental models, but most commonly in male rats with permanent left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation (male: 63%, rat: 68%, permanent ligation: 93%, LAD: 97%). Hyperinnervation seems to occur mainly in the borderzone. Quantification after MI was performed in regions of interest in µm2/mm2 (41%) or in percentage of nerve fibres (46%) and the reported amount showed a great variation ranging from 439 to 126,718 µm2/mm2. Hyperinnervation seems to start from three days onwards to >3 months without an evident peak, although studies on structural evaluation over time and in the chronic phase were scarce.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation after MI occurs mainly in the borderzone from three days onwards and remains present at later timepoints, for at least 3 months. It is most commonly studied in male rats with permanent LAD ligation. The amount of hyperinnervation differs greatly between studies, possibly due to differential quantification methods. Further studies are required that evaluate cardiac sympathetic hyperinnervation over time and in the chronic phase, in transmural sections, in the female sex, and in MI with reperfusion.

Sinapic Acid Attenuated Cardiac Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction by Promoting Macrophage M2 Polarization Through the PPARγ Pathway

Background

Macrophage polarization is an important regulatory mechanism of ventricular remodeling. Studies have shown that sinapic acid (SA) exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the effect of SA on macrophages is still unclear.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of SA in macrophage polarization and ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

An MI model was established by ligating the left coronary artery. The rats with MI were treated with SA for 1 or 4 weeks after MI. The effect of SA on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was also observed in vitro.

Results

Cardiac systolic dysfunction was significantly improved after SA treatment. SA reduced MCP-1 and CCR2 expression and macrophage infiltration. SA decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, and iNOS and increased the levels of the M2 macrophage markers CD206, Arg-1, IL-10, Ym-1, Fizz-1, and TGF-β at 1 week after MI. SA significantly increased CD68⁺/CD206⁺ macrophage infiltration. Myocardial interstitial fibrosis and MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were decreased, and the sympathetic nerve marker TH and nerve sprouting marker GAP43 were suppressed after SA treatment at 4 weeks after MI. The PPARγ level was notably upregulated after SA treatment. In vitro, SA also increased the expression of PPARγ mRNA in BMDMs and IL-4-treated BMDMs in a concentration-dependent manner. SA enhanced Arg1 and IL-10 expression in BMDMs, and the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 attenuated M2 macrophage marker expression.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that SA attenuated structural and neural remodeling by promoting macrophage M2 polarization via PPARγ activation after MI.

Impact of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction on the Relationship between Remodeling of Cardiac Nerves and Macrophages after Myocardial Infarction in Rats

Sympathetic nerve remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) has an indispensable role in cardiac remodeling. Numerous works have shown that sympathetic nerve remodeling can be delayed by inhibition of inflammatory response. Earlier studies have shown improvement in ventricular remodeling and inhibited chronic stage neural remodeling by Yiqi Huoxue decoction (YQHX). Therefore, the current study looked at the inhibitory effect of YQHX prescription on proinflammatory mediators and macrophages and the effect on neural remodeling at 3 and 7 days after MI. YQHX inhibited the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) proteins and macrophage infiltration within 7 days after myocardial infarction. YQHX could decrease Th-positive nerve fiber density in the area around infarction and reduce the expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), nerve growth factor (NGF), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) proteins, which was associated with the remodeling of sympathetic nerves. Thus, the nerve remodeling inhibition after MI due to YQHX may be through its anti-inflammatory action. These data provide direct evidence for the potential application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the remodeling of sympathetic nerves after MI.

Potential of natural products in the treatment of myocardial infarction: focus on molecular mechanisms

Although conventional drugs are widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are being used less frequently due to concerns about possible side effects over the long term. There has been a renewed research interest in medicinal plant products, and their role in protecting the cardiovascular system and treating CVD, which are now being considered as potential alternatives to modern drugs. The most important mechanism causing damage to the myocardium after heart attack and reperfusion, is increased levels of free radicals and oxidative stress. Therefore, treatment approaches often focus on reducing free radicals or enhancing antioxidant defense mechanism. It has been previously reported that bioactive natural products can protect the heart muscle in myocardial infarction (MI). Since these compounds are readily available in fruits and vegetables, they could prevent the risk of MI if they are consumed daily. Although the benefits of a healthy diet are well known, many scientific studies have focused on whether pure natural compounds can prevent and treat MI. In this review we summarize the effects of curcumin, resveratrol, quercitin, berberine, and tanshinone on MI and CVD, and focus on their proposed molecular mechanisms of action.

Activation of Neural Modeling-Related Genes in the Heart of Mice after Gamma Irradiation

OBJECTIVE

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a common sequela of thoracic irradiation. At the same time, nerve remodeling is involved in the progression of heart disease. However, the activation of the nerve remodeling related genes in radiation-induced heart disease is still lacking.

METHODS

In this study, C57BL/J mice was anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection with pentobarbital sodium (2%, 40 mg/kg), and radiation was delivered using a cobalt-60 (60Co) teletherapy unit (Cirus). When the mice were anesthetized, none of them showed the signs of peritonitis, pain, or discomfort. The mice hearts were exposed to a γ-radiation field of 5 mm × 5 mm. The total dose of γ-radiation was 3 Gy/day for each animal for 5 consecutive days. The mice were executed by severed neck, and its limbs were weak. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to explore the possible mechanism of arrhythmia in patients with RIHD.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that Growth-Associated Protein 43 (GAP43) was increased significantly after radioactive heart injury compared with the control group. Moreover, the protein expression of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Choline acetyl-transferase (CHAT) was significantly decreased compared with the control group and gradually increased with time rend. The nerve growth factor (NGF) was remarkably increased after radiation-induced heart injury compared with the control group. Immunohistochemistry results indicated that the nerve growth factors GAP43 and NGF were significantly increased after radiation-induced heart injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Chest radiotherapy could activate the neural modeling related genes in RIHD. This may provide a new treatment plan for the future treatment of heart problems caused by chest radiotherapy.

Comparison of Resveratrol Supplementation and Energy Restriction Effects on Sympathetic Nervous System Activity and Vascular Reactivity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Chronic sympathetic nervous system activation is associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiometabolic disease, which may be modulated by resveratrol (RSV) and energy restriction (ER). This study aimed to examine the effects of RSV and ER on plasma noradrenaline (NA), flow-mediated vasodilation (ed-FMD), and endothelium-independent nitrate-mediated vasodilation (ei-NMD). Methods: The study included 48 healthy adults randomized to 30-days intervention of RSV or ER. Results: Waist circumference, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, apoA-I, and plasma NA decreased in the ER group, whilst RSV increased apoB and total cholesterol, without changing plasma NA. No effects on vascular reactivity were observed in both groups. Plasma NA change was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.443; p = 0.002), triglycerides (r = 0.438; p = 0.002), apoA-I (r = 0.467; p = 0.001), apoB (r = 0.318; p = 0.032) changes, and ei-NMD (OR = 1.294; 95%CI: 1.021–1.640). Conclusions: RSV does not improve cardiometabolic risk factors, sympathetic activity, and endothelial function. ER decreases plasma NA and waist circumference as well as improves blood lipids, but does not modify endothelial function. Finally, plasma NA was associated with ei-NMD, which could be attributed to a higher response to nitrate in patients with greater resting sympathetic vasoconstriction.

Taurine Alleviates Sympathetic Innervation by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome in Postinfarcted Rats

ABSTRACT

The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by myocardial infarction and then induces the activation of inflammatory caspase-1 activation and maturation of IL-1β, a regulator of synthesis of the nerve growth factor (NGF). Here, we studied whether taurine, 2-aminoethanesulphonic acid, can attenuate cardiac sympathetic reinnervation by modulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated NGF in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Male Wistar rats were subjected to coronary ligation and then randomized to either saline or taurine for 3 days or 4 weeks. Postinfarction was associated with activation of NF-κB (p65) and NLRP3 inflammasome component and increased the protein and expression of IL-1β. Macrophages at the border zone were shown to be positive for IL-1β 3 days postinfarction. Compared with vehicle, infarcted rats treated with taurine significantly attenuated myocardial messenger RNA and protein levels of NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, mature caspase-1, and IL-1β. Immunofluorescent analysis, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting of NGF showed that sympathetic hyperinnervation was blunted after administering taurine. Arrhythmia vulnerability in the taurine-treated infarcted rats was significantly improved than those in vehicle. Ex vivo studies showed that taurine infusion reduced myocardial IL-1β level at the extent similar to either pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or CP-456,773, inhibitors of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome, implying the key axis of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome in mediating taurine-related anti-inflammation. Furthermore, administration of anti-IL-1β antibody reduced NGF levels. Taurine attenuated sympathetic innervation mainly by NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β-dependent pathway, which downregulated expression of NGF in infarcted rats. These findings may provide a new insight into the anti-inflammation effect of taurine.

Resveratrol protects against myocardial ischemic injury via the inhibition of NF‑κB‑dependent inflammation and the enhancement of antioxidant defenses

Resveratrol (RES) is a natural phenol which possesses multiple pharmacological actions. The present study aimed to determine whether RES protects against myocardial ischemic injury in association with the inhibition of NF‑κB‑dependent inflammation and the enhancement of antioxidant defenses in mice following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Male C57/BL mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups as follows: The sham‑operated (sham) group, AMI + vehicle group and AMI + RES group. Rat H9C2 cells were also used to examine the effects of RES on hypoxia‑induced oxidative injury in vitro. Redox homeostasis in the mouse myocardium and rat H9C2 cells was determined post‑treatment. The mRNA and protein levels of phosphorylated (p‑)IκB kinase (p‑IKK), p‑nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65, interleukin (IL)‑1β, IL‑6, nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1) were measured by RT‑qPCR and western blot analysis. It was found that RES slightly protected the myocardium against ischemic injury in mice, while it prevented the hypoxia‑induced apoptosis of H9C2 cells. RES decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). RES also downregulated the protein and/or mRNA levels of p‑IKK, p‑NF‑κB p65, IL‑1β, IL‑6, NGF and IGF‑1 at 7 and 28 days after infarction. On the whole, these data indicate that RES protects the myocardium against ischemic injury in association with the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Thus, RES has the potential to be used as an adjunctive therapeutic drug for heart diseases.

Coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation: a vicious cycle

The population suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD) complicated by atrial fibrillation (AF) is rising rapidly. A strong correlation between the two diseases has been reported, and the many common risk factors they share may play prominent roles in their development. In addition, CHD can directly promote the progression of AF by affecting reentry formation, focal ectopic activity, and neural remodeling. At the same time, AF also affects CHD through three aspects: 1) atherosclerosis, 2) the mismatch of blood supply and oxygen consumption, and 3) thrombosis. In conclusion, CHD and AF can aggravate each other and seem to form a vicious cycle. For patients with CHD complicated by AF, principal studies and guidelines have focused on antithrombotic treatment and rhythm control, which are paramount for these patients. Of note, our review sheds light on the strategies to break the cycle of the two diseases, which may be fundamental to treat these patients and optimize the benefit.

Neural Remodeling of the Left Atrium in Rats by Rosuvastatin Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin on sympathetic neural remodeling of the left atrium (LA) in rats after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into a three groups: sham group, statin group, and MI group. The mRNA expression levels of the growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution and density of GAP43- and NGF-positive nerves. The expression levels of these proteins were quantified by Western blot.

Results

Compared with the sham group, the average optical density (AOD) values of GAP43 and nerve growth factor (NGF)-positive substances in the LA in the statin and MI groups were significantly higher (P<0.01), but the AOD values in the statin group were lower than of those in the MI group (P<0.01). Furthermore, the AOD values of GAP43 and NGF positive nerves in the left stellate ganglion in the statin and MI groups were significantly higher (P<0.01), but the AOD values in the statin group were lower, when compared with the MI group (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Rosuvastatin could effectively improve the sympathetic neural remodeling of LA in MI rats.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Cardiomyocytes during the Aging Process in Rats Treated with Resveratrol

The substantial increase in the number of elderly people in our societies represents a challenge for biology and medicine. The societies of the industrialized countries are subject to a progressive aging process that translates into an increase in the cardiovascular risk of the population. In the present work, the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was evaluated, as well as markers of oxidative stress (concentration of nitric oxide and total lipoperoxidation in its main components: malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkene) in cardiomyocytes during the aging process in rats treated with resveratrol. Rats were divided into 4 groups according to the following categories: control (without treatment), negative control group (administered with physiological solution with 10% ethanol), positive control group (administered with vitamin E, 2 mg/kg/day), and group administered with resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day); these groups in turn were divided into 2, 4, 6, and 8 months of treatment. The analysis of nitric oxide showed a decreased level in the cardiac tissue in the groups treated with resveratrol; the same occurs when total lipoperoxidation is analyzed. The enzymatic activity studied (catalase and superoxide dismutase) did not present significant changes with respect to the controls. It is concluded that the cardioprotective effect of resveratrol is due to the antioxidant effect and other antiaging effects and not to the activation of the enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase.

In vitro Effects of Nerve Growth Factor on Cardiac Fibroblasts Proliferation, Cell Cycle, Migration, and Myofibroblast Transformation

Background:

Recent research indicates that nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes cardiac repair following myocardial infarction by promoting angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of NGF on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and myofibroblast transformation in vitro.

Methods:

CFs were obtained from ventricles of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats and incubated with various concentrations of NGF (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/ml; 0 ng/ml was designated as the control group). Cell proliferation and cell cycle of the CFs were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry (FCM), respectively. A cell scratch wound model and transwell were carried out to observe effects of NGF on migration of CFs after 24 h of culture. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to measure α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) at mRNA and protein levels after CFs were incubated with various concentrations of NGF.

Results:

Expression of α-SMA measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting significantly increased in the 1 and 10 ng/ml NGF groups (P < 0.05). Absorbance values of CFs showed that NGF did not influence the proliferation of CFs (The A₄₉₀ values were 0.178 ± 0.038, 0.182 ± 0.011, 0.189 ± 0.005, 0.178 ± 0.010, 0.185 ± 0.025, and 0.177 ± 0.033, respectively, in the 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/ml NGF groups [P = 0.800, 0.428, 0.981, 0.596, and 0.913, respectively, compared with control group]), and FCM analysis showed that the percentage of CFs in G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases was not changed (P > 0.05). The cell scratch wound model and transwell showed that CFs migration was not significantly different (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

NGF induces myofibroblast transformation but does not influence proliferation, cell cycle, or migration of CFs in vitro.

Insulin upregulates GRIM-19 and protects cardiac mitochondrial morphology in type 1 diabetic rats partly through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Insulin is involved in the development of diabetic heart disease and is important in the activities of mitochondrial complex I. However, the effect of insulin on cardiac mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 subunit of retinoic-interferon-induced mortality 19 (GRIM-19) has not been characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insulin on the mitochondrial GRIM-19 in the hearts of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes. Protein changes of GRIM-19 were evaluated by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the effects of insulin on mitochondrial complex I were detected in HeLa cells and H9C2 cardiac myocytes. During the development of diabetic heart disease, the cardiac function did not change within the 8 weeks, but the mitochondrial morphology was altered. The hearts from the rats with STZ-induced diabetes exhibited reduced expression of GRIM-19. Prior to the overt cardiac dilatation, mitochondrial alterations were already present. Following subcutaneous insulin injection, it was demonstrated that GRIM-19 protein was altered, as well as the mitochondrial morphology. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 had an effect on insulin signaling in H9C2 cardiacmyocytes, and decreased the level of GRIM-19 by half compared with that in the insulin group. The results indicate that insulin is essential for the control of cardiac mitochondrial morphology and the GRIM-19 expression partly via PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Intermedin improves cardiac function and sympathetic neural remodeling in a rat model of post myocardial infarction heart failure

Emerging evidence has suggested that intermedin (IMD), a novel member of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) family, has a wide range of cardioprotective effects. The present study investigated the effects of long-term administration of IMD on cardiac function and sympathetic neural remodeling in heart failure (HF) rats, and studied potential underlying mechanism. HF was induced in rats by myocardial infarction (MI). Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either saline or IMD (0.6 µg/kg/h) treatment groups for 4 weeks post-MI. Another group of sham-operated rats served as controls. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and plasma level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Cardiac sympathetic neural remodeling was assessed by immunohistochemistical study of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) immunoreactive nerve fibers. The protein expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), TH and GAP43 in the ventricular myocardium were studied by western blotting. Ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) was determined to evaluate the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia. Oxidative stress was assessed by detecting the activity of superoxide dismutase and the level of malondialdehyde. Compared with rats administrated with saline, IMD significantly improved cardiac function, decreased the plasma BNP level, attenuated sympathetic neural remodeling, increased VFT and suppressed oxidative stress. In conclusion, these results indicated that IMD prevents ventricle remodeling and improves the performance of a failing heart. In addition, IMD attenuated sympathetic neural remodeling and reduced the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia, which may contribute to its anti-oxidative property. These results implicate IMD as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HF.

Resveratrol enhances the inotropic effect but inhibits the proarrhythmic effect of sympathomimetic agents in rat myocardium

Background

Resveratrol is a cardioprotective agent with known antiarrhythmic effects that has recently been shown to inhibit phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme activity. Thus, it is possible that resveratrol increases the inotropic effect of sympathomimetic agents, as PDE inhibitors do but, unlike other PDE inhibitors, its effect may not be accompanied by proarrhythmia due to its antiarrhythmic action. This work is aimed to test this hypothesis.

Methods

This is an “in vitro” concentration-response relationship study. The effects of noradrenaline, tyramine and isoproterenol, alone or in combination with either resveratrol or with the typical PDE inhibitor 3-isobutylmethylxantine (IBMX), were studied in electrically driven strips of right ventricle or in the spontaneously beating free wall of the right ventricle of rat heart in order to investigate inotropic or proarrhythmic effects respectively. Also, the effects of resveratrol or IBMX on the sinoatrial node rate were examined in the isolated right atria of rat heart.

Results

Resveratrol (10 µM and 100 µM) produces a leftward shift in the concentration-response curves for the contractile effects of noradrenaline, tyramine or isoproterenol and reduces the –log EC₅₀ values of these three agents. IBMX produces similar effects. The spontaneous ventricular beating rate was increased by all three compounds, an effect that was further enhanced by the addition of IBMX. In contrast, resveratrol (100 µM) abolished the effects of these sympathomimetic agents on the ventricular rate. Resveratrol (1–100 µM) had no effect on the sinoatrial node rate, while IBMX produce a concentration dependent sinoatrial tachycardia.

Discussion

Taken together, the finding, indicate that resveratrol, like the PDE inhibitor IBMX enhances the contractile effects of sympathomimetic agents but, in contrast to IBMX, it does not enhance their proarrhythmic effect or produce sinoatrial tachycardia. This is most probably consequence of the antiarrhythmic effect of resveratrol which protect against the proarrhythmic effects resulting from PDE inhibition.

Resveratrol improves exercise performance and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in heart failure

We investigated whether treatment of mice with established pressure overload-induced heart failure (HF) with the naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol could improve functional symptoms of clinical HF such as fatigue and exercise intolerance. C57Bl/6N mice were subjected to either sham or transverse aortic constriction surgery to induce HF. Three weeks postsurgery, a cohort of mice with established HF (%ejection fraction <45) was administered resveratrol (~450 mg·kg^-1·day^-1) or vehicle for 2 wk. Although the percent ejection fraction was similar between both groups of HF mice, those mice treated with resveratrol had increased total physical activity levels and exercise capacity. Resveratrol treatment was associated with altered gut microbiota composition, increased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, a switch toward greater whole body glucose utilization, and increased basal metabolic rates. Although muscle mass and strength were not different between groups, mice with HF had significant declines in basal and ADP-stimulated O₂ consumption in isolated skeletal muscle fibers compared with sham mice, which was completely normalized by resveratrol treatment. Overall, resveratrol treatment of mice with established HF enhances exercise performance, which is associated with alterations in whole body and skeletal muscle energy metabolism. Thus, our preclinical data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may effectively improve fatigue and exercise intolerance in HF patients.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Resveratrol treatment of mice with heart failure leads to enhanced exercise performance that is associated with altered gut microbiota composition, increased whole body glucose utilization, and enhanced skeletal muscle metabolism and function. Together, these preclinical data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may effectively improve fatigue and exercise intolerance in heart failure via these mechanisms.

Resveratrol Reverses Functional Chagas Heart Disease in Mice

Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) develops years after acute infection by Trypanosoma cruzi and does not improve after trypanocidal therapy, despite reduction of parasite burden. During disease, the heart undergoes oxidative stress, a potential causative factor for arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction. Here we tested whether antioxidants/ cardioprotective drugs could improve cardiac function in established Chagas heart disease. We chose a model that resembles B1-B2 stage of human CCC, treated mice with resveratrol and performed electrocardiography and echocardiography studies. Resveratrol reduced the prolonged PR and QTc intervals, increased heart rates and reversed sinus arrhythmia, atrial and atrioventricular conduction disorders; restored a normal left ventricular ejection fraction, improved stroke volume and cardiac output. Resveratrol activated the AMPK-pathway and reduced both ROS production and heart parasite burden, without interfering with vascularization or myocarditis intensity. Resveratrol was even capable of improving heart function of infected mice when treatment was started late after infection, while trypanocidal drug benznidazole failed. We attempted to mimic resveratrol's actions using metformin (AMPK-activator) or tempol (SOD-mimetic). Metformin and tempol mimicked the beneficial effects of resveratrol on heart function and decreased lipid peroxidation, but did not alter parasite burden. These results indicate that AMPK activation and ROS neutralization are key strategies to induce tolerance to Chagas heart disease. Despite all tissue damage observed in established Chagas heart disease, we found that a physiological dysfunction can still be reversed by treatment with resveratrol, metformin and tempol, resulting in improved heart function and representing a starting point to develop innovative therapies in CCC.

The changes in biochemical parameters due to wine consumption depending on gender

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of red wine consumption on the lipid profile and glucose in the group of male (13 men aged 34 - 64 years) and the group of female (11 women aged 28 - 57 years). Research consisted of moderate red wine consumption for 6 weeks. The dose of alcohol ranged from 200 to 300 mL per day of red wine Lemberger (Winery Masaryk, Slovakia). The blood samples were obtained after overnight fasting and were collected at baseline and after three days, three weeks and six weeks of wine consumption. Differences between male and female subjects were reflected in the results of different biochemical parameters in the dynamics of wine consumption. We found out that while in females the total cholesterol level did not change significantly and had a predominantly downward trend, for male subjects we observed at the beginning the slight increase of the levels, which, however, after 6 weeks of consumption significantly decreased from an initial value of 5.75 ±1.32 mmol.L-1 to 5.35 ±1.25 mmol.L-1 (p <0.05). The blood concentration of triglycerides in the dynamics of the experiment did not change significantly in either one gender, although small differences were observed, because while the female subjects had triglyceride development over consumption upward trend in male subjects it was vice versa. LDL-cholesterol changed significantly only in the group of female. Level of this lipid parameter decreased significantly during the six weeks of consumption of Lemberger from an initial value 3.37 ±0.68 mmol.L-1 to the lowest 2.99 ±0.61 mmol.L-1, which was recorded in the third week of consumption (p <0.0001), but statistically significant differences versus baseline we monitored after three days and six weeks of consumption (p <0.01). In the group of male, we did not observe such significant changes, but it should be noted, that the men had changes in LDL-cholesterol downward direction and all the values were in the range of benchmarks. In the group of female, HDL-cholesterol increased to 2.05 ±0.6 mmol.L-1 after six weeks of consumption from baseline of 1.7 ±0.69 mmol.L-1, and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05), in the group of male, its level changed first significantly after three days of consumption of steep increase (1.46 ±0.61 mmol.L-1, p <0.05), and for the next six weeks, it was the significantly increase (1.59 ±0.5 mmol.L-1, p <0.01). The glucose concentration did not change significantly in the dynamics of wine consumption among men and women, and all the values were between the limits of the standard.

Resveratrol is equipotent to perindopril in attenuating post-infarct cardiac remodeling and contractile dysfunction in rats

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors improve prognosis in patients with post-myocardial infarction (MI) related cardiac dysfunction. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has been reported to be beneficial in hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cardiotoxicity in preclinical studies. Accordingly, we investigated the comparative and combinatorial efficacy of resveratrol and perindopril (ACE inhibitor) treatment on MI-related cardiac remodeling and contractile dysfunction.

METHODS

Left anterior descending artery-ligated and sham-operated male Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with vehicle, resveratrol, perindopril, and combination of resveratrol+perindopril (2.5 mg/kg bodyweight/day) for 8 weeks (starting immediately after acute MI). Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac structure and function at baseline and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

At 8 weeks, vehicle-MI rats had a significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and increased LV dilatation compared to vehicle-sham rats. MI rats treated with resveratrol, perindopril and a combination of both had significantly improved LVEF and reduced LV dilatation. Vehicle-treated MI rats also had increased level of lipid peroxidation product- malondialdehyde (MDA), proinflammatory protein- tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cardiac fibrosis marker- collagen and decreased enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase compared to vehicle-sham rats. Resveratrol, perindopril and combination of both significantly prevented the /ed to determine systolic functional parameter increase in MDA, TNF-α and collagen and improved the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in MI rats compared to vehicle-MI rats.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with resveratrol or perindopril was equivalent in significantly improving remodeling and attenuation of contractile dysfunction in MI rats. Combination treatment also attenuated the cardiac abnormalities. The improvement in cardiac abnormalities may partly be through reducing oxidative stress by preventing the decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decreasing cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.

An overview of the efficacy of resveratrol in the management of ischemic heart disease

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of cardiac dysfunction and subsequent morbidity and mortality around the world. New therapies are required to complement or enhance the existing treatment regimen for the management of ischemic heart disease-related clinical complications. In this regard, compounds derived from natural sources have recently gained attention for their cardioprotective properties. In particular, the potential of food-derived compounds that exhibit medicinal properties (termed nutraceuticals) appears promising, an example being the plant polyphenol resveratrol. In the past two decades, many preclinical and a few pilot clinical studies have shown that resveratrol is beneficial in protecting against cardiovascular disease. In this short review, we will discuss current evidence on the efficacy of resveratrol in preventing or reversing deleterious effects on the heart in the setting of ischemic heart disease.

Dietary patterns and lifestyle of patients with myocardial infarction

Civilization diseases, including cardiovascular, are major health problems in current modern society. Numerous studies provided sufficient evidence that variety of risk factors are involved in cardiovascular diseases formation. Of the most important is the lifestyle that largely contributes to our health, up to 50 - 60%. Lifestyle includes all modifiable risk factors that together affect the development of these diseases. In our study we searched and evaluated the nutritional parameters and lifestyle of patients hospitalized in Cardiocentre Nitra. In order to obtain the necessary information we chose the questionnaire method. In our survey 194 patients were included, of which 155 were men (79.89%) and 39 (20.11%) women. These patients were hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction diagnosis. The vast majority of patients had overweight and obesity caused by improper eating habits. The high prevalence of overweight, BMI in the range 25 - 30 kg/m2, was also confirmed as statistically significant, p <0.05 (P=0.02). BMI over 25 kg/m2 was present in 85% of men and 80% of women. The consumption of selected food commodities with evidence of a positive or negative impact on the emergence of acute myocardial infarction was not statistically significant (p >0.05) when evaluating dietary habits. But we can confirm too frequent consumption of chicken at the expense of other types of meat and relatively frequent consumption of fish (once a week). We recorded the preference of semi-skimmed dairy products, but also high and inappropriate consumption of full-fat dairy products in men and women (37% and 17.8%, respectively). Daily intake of fruits and vegetables was in 85.9% of women and 64.7% of men. Everyday intake of bread and pastries was confirmed by 100% of respondents. Lifestyle was evaluated according to the presence of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Up to 60.5% of men and 26.4% of women admitted smoking, while 34.6% of men and 7.5% women ended up with the habit after myocardial infarction. The excessive alcohol consumption was not detected in the study group. Approximately 67% of men and 56% of women carry out an easier walking and moderate physical activity while taking into account their health status.

Phytochemicals that regulate neurodegenerative disease by targeting neurotrophins: a comprehensive review

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by progressive dementia and deterioration of cognitive function, is an unsolved social and medical problem. Age, nutrition, and toxins are the most common causes of AD. However, currently no credible treatment is available for AD. Traditional herbs and phytochemicals may delay its onset and slow its progression and also allow recovery by targeting multiple pathological causes by antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiamyloidogenic properties. They also regulate mitochondrial stress, apoptotic factors, free radical scavenging system, and neurotrophic factors. Neurotrophins such as BDNF, NGF, NT3, and NT4/5 play a vital role in neuronal and nonneuronal responses to AD. Neurotrophins depletion accelerates the progression of AD and therefore, replacing such neurotrophins may be a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disease. Here, we review the phytochemicals that mediate the signaling pathways involved in neuroprotection specifically neurotrophin-mediated activation of Trk receptors and members of p75(NTR) superfamily. We focus on representative phenolic derivatives, iridoid glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, and steroidal saponins as regulators of neurotrophin-mediated neuroprotection. Although these phytochemicals have attracted attention owing to their in vitro neurotrophin potentiating activity, their in vivo and clinical efficacy trials has yet to be established. Therefore, further research is necessary to prove the neuroprotective effects in preclinical models and in humans.

Myocardial infarction accelerates glomerular injury and microalbuminuria in diabetic rats via local hemodynamics and immunity

BACKGROUND

Clinically, approximately one-third of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) exhibit some degree of renal dysfunction. This renal dysfunction is referred to as cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and plays an important role in the poor prognosis of CHF. Mounting evidence suggests that diabetes is the most common underlying risk factor for CRS. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood.

METHODS

We performed the following comparisons in two separate protocols: 1) surgically induced myocardial infarction rats (MI, n=10), sham operation rats (Ctr, n=10) and MI rats treated with Fasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor (MI+Fas, n=9); and 2) STZ-induced type 1 diabetic rats (DB, n=10), DB+MI rats (n=10) and DB+MI rats treated with Fasudil (DB+MI+Fas, n=9). Renal hemodynamics and vasoconstrictor reactivity were evaluated using the DMT myograph system. Renal immunity was evaluated by flow cytometry, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, etc.

RESULTS

Twelve weeks after the operation, compared with DB or MI rats, DB+MI rats exhibited the following characteristics: 1) significantly increased glomerular enlargement, fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, podocyte injury and microalbuminuria; 2) significantly increased vasoconstrictor reactivity of the renal interlobular arteries and renal venous pressure; 3) significantly increased infiltration of CD₃+ and CD₄+ T cells and decreased Treg/Th17 ratios; and 4) significantly increased glomerular deposition of IgG and C₄. In contrast, rats with MI only showed mildly accelerated glomerular remodeling and microalbuminuria, with little change in renal hemodynamics and immunity. Fasudil treatment significantly improved the renal lesions in DB+MI rats but not MI rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-MI cardiac dysfunction significantly accelerated glomerular remodeling, podocyte injury and microalbuminuria in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These changes were accompanied by altered local hemodynamics and immunity.

The effect of the left stellate ganglion on sympathetic neural remodeling of the left atrium in rats following myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The neural remodeling of the atrium plays an important role in the initiation of atrial fibrillation after myocardial infarction (MI); however, the effects of the left stellate ganglion (LSG) on the neural remodeling of the atrium remain incompletely understood. Thus, this study investigated the mechanism by which the LSG mediates sympathetic neural remodeling of the left atrium (LA) in rats after MI.

METHODS

Sixty rats were randomly divided into a Sham group and an MI group. The expression levels of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43) and nerve growth factor (NGF) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution and density of GAP43- and NGF-positive nerves. The expression levels of the proteins were quantified by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Compared with the Sham group, GAP43 mRNA expression in the LSG was increased in the MI group (P < 0.01), but not significantly increased in the LA. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that in both the LSG and the LA, the mean densities of GAP43- and NGF-positive nerves in the MI group were increased (P < 0.01). In both the LSG and the LA, the protein levels of GAP43 and NGF in the MI group were increased relative to the Sham group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The increased levels of NGF and GAP43 proteins can induce sympathetic nerve hyperinnervation in the LSG and the LA after MI. The increased GAP43 proteins in the LA, which may have been transported from the LSG, accelerated LA sympathetic neural remodeling in rats.

Myocardial infarction worsens glomerular injury and microalbuminuria in rats with pre-existing renal impairment accompanied by the activation of ER stress and inflammation

Deterioration of renal function occurs after chronic heart failure in approximately one-third of patients, particularly in those with pre-existing renal impairment such as diabetic nephropathy. Impaired renal function in these patients is always associated with a worse prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying such deterioration of renal function are still largely unknown. In three separate protocols, we compared 1) sham operation (Ctr, n = 10) with surgically induced myocardial infarction (MI, n = 10); 2) unilateral nephrectomy (UNX, n = 10) with UNX + MI (n = 10); and 3) STZ-induced type 1 diabetes (DB, n = 10) with DB + MI (n = 10). The differences between combined injury models (UNX + MI, DB + MI) and simple MI were also examined. Renal remodeling, function, ER stress (CHOP and GRP78) and inflammation (infiltration of inflammatory cells, NF-κB p65) were evaluated 12 weeks after MI. In common SD rats, MI activated less glomerular ER stress and inflammation, resulting in a minor change of glomerular remodeling and microalbuminuria. However, MI significantly increased the glomerular expression of GRP78 and CHOP in UNX and DB rats. In addition, it also promoted the infiltration of CD4+ T cells, particularly inflammatory cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4)-producing CD4+ T cells, and the expression of NF-κB p65 in the glomeruli. By contrast, significant glomerular fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, podocyte injury and microalbuminuria were found in rats with UNX + MI and DB + MI. MI significantly increased chronic glomerular injury and microalbuminuria at 12 weeks in rats with pre-existing renal impairment, i.e., UNX and DB, but not common SD rats. These changes were accompanied by increased glomerular ER stress and immune-associated inflammation.

Resveratrol and arsenic trioxide act synergistically to kill tumor cells in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3), which used as an effective agent in the treatment of leukaemia and other solid tumors, is largely limited by its toxicity. QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and sudden heart death have been implicated in the cardiotoxicity of As2O3. The present study was designed to explore whether the combination of As2O3 and resveratrol could generate a more powerful anti-cancer effect both in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assay was performed to assess the proliferation of Hela, MCF-7 and NB4 cells. Isobolographic analysis was used to evaluate combination index values from cell viability data. The apoptosis and the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were assessed by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry separately in vitro. The effect of As2O3, alone and in combination with resveratrol on Hela tumor growth in an orthotopic nude mouse model was also investigated. The tumor volume and the immunohistochemical analysis of CD31, CD34 and VEGF were determined.

RESULTS

Resveratrol dramatically enhanced the anti-cancer effect induced by As2O3 in vitro. In addition, isobolographic analysis further demonstrated that As2O3 and resveratrol generated a synergistic action. More apoptosis and ROS generation were observed in the combination treatment group. Similar synergistic effects were found in nude mice in vivo. The combination of As2O3 and resveratrol dramatically suppressed both tumor growth and angiogenesis in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining As2O3 with resveratrol would be a novel strategy to treat cancer in clinical practice.

Targeted NGF siRNA delivery attenuates sympathetic nerve sprouting and deteriorates cardiac dysfunction in rats with myocardial infarction

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is involved in nerve sprouting, hyper-innervation, angiogenesis, anti-apoptosis, and preservation of cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI). Positively modulating NGF expression may represent a novel pharmacological strategy to improve post-infarction prognosis. In this study, lentivirus encoding NGF short interfering RNA (siRNA) was prepared, and MI was modeled in the rat using left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Rats were randomly grouped to receive intramyocardial injection of lentiviral solution containing NGF-siRNA (n = 19, MI-SiNGF group), lentiviral solution containing empty vector (n = 18, MI-GFP group) or 0.9% NaCl solution (n = 18, MI-control group), or to receive thoracotomy and pericardiotomy (n = 17, sham-operated group). At 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk after transduction, rats in the MI-control group had higher levels of NGF mRNA and protein than those in the sham-operated group, rats in the MI-GFP group showed similar levels as the MI-control group, and rats in the MI-SiNGF group had lower levels compared to the MI-GFP group, indicating that MI model was successfully established and NGF siRNA effectively inhibited the expression of NGF. At 8 wk, echocardiographic and hemodynamic studies revealed a more severe cardiac dysfunction in the MI-siRNA group compared to the MI-GFP group. Moreover, rats in the MI-siRNA group had lower mRNA and protein expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and growth-associated protein 43-positive nerve fibers (GAP-43) at both the infarcted border and within the non-infarcted left ventricles (LV). NGF silencing also reduced the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and decreased the arteriolar and capillary densities at the infarcted border compared to the MI-GFP group. Histological analysis indicated a large infarcted size in the MI-SiNGF group. These findings suggested that endogenous NGF silencing attenuated sympathetic nerve sprouting and angiogenesis, enlarged the infarct size, aggravated cardiac dysfunction, and potentially contributed to an unfavorable prognosis after MI.

Resveratrol protects rabbit ventricular myocytes against oxidative stress-induced arrhythmogenic activity and Ca2+ overload

AIM

To investigate whether resveratrol suppressed oxidative stress-induced arrhythmogenic activity and Ca(2+) overload in ventricular myocytes and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 200 μmol/L)) was used to induce oxidative stress in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Cell shortening and calcium transients were simultaneously recorded to detect arrhythmogenic activity and to measure intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i). Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II (CaMKII) activity was measured using a CaMKII kit or Western blotting analysis. Voltage-activated Na(+) and Ca(2+) currents were examined using whole-cell recording in myocytes.

RESULTS

H2O2 markedly prolonged Ca(2+) transient duration (CaTD), and induced early afterdepolarization (EAD)-like and delayed afterdepolarization (DAD)-like arrhythmogenic activity in myocytes paced at 0.16 Hz or 0.5 Hz. Application of resveratrol (30 or 50 μmol/L) dose-dependently suppressed H2O2-induced EAD-like arrhythmogenic activity and attenuated CaTD prolongation. Co-treatment with resveratrol (50 μmol/L) effectively prevented both EAD-like and DAD-like arrhythmogenic activity induced by H2O2. In addition, resveratrol markedly blunted H2O2-induced diastolic [Ca(2+)]i accumulation and prevented the myocytes from developing hypercontracture. In whole-cell recording studies, H2O2 significantly enhanced the late Na(+) current (I(Na,L)) and L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)) in myocytes, which were dramatically suppressed or prevented by resveratrol. Furthermore, H2O2-induced ROS production and CaMKII activation were significantly prevented by resveratrol.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol protects ventricular myocytes against oxidative stress-induced arrhythmogenic activity and Ca(2+) overload through inhibition of I(Na,L)/I(Ca,L), reduction of ROS generation, and prevention of CaMKII activation.

The protective effects of resveratrol on Schwann cells with toxicity induced by ethanol in vitro

Schwann cells (SCs) are the myelin forming cells in the peripheral nervous system, they play a key role in the pathology of various polyneuropathies and provide trophic support to axons via expression of various neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Ethanol (EtOH) adversely affected both SCs proliferation and myelin formation in culture. Resveratrol (Res) has been shown to regulate many cellular processes and to display multiple protective and therapeutic effects. Whether Res has protective effects on SCs with EtOH-induced toxicity is still unclear. The protective efficacy of Res on EtOH-treated SCs in vitro was investigated in the present study. Res improved cell viability of the EtOH-treated SCs. Hoechst 33342 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling analysis showed that the EtOH-induced apoptosis was inhibited by Res. The effects of Res were blocked by the 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor Compound C and the silencing information regulator T1 inhibitor nicotinamide. Res could increase the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and GDNF in the EtOH-treated SCs. However, the EtOH-induced increase of NGF in the SCs is inhibited by Res. The data from the present study indicate that Res protects SCs from EtOH-induced cell death and regulates the expression of neurotrophicfactors. Res and its derivative may be effective for the treatment of neuropathic diseases induced by EtOH.

Salutary effect of resveratrol on sepsis-induced myocardial depression

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that resveratrol administration would reverse sepsis-dependent downregulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α, preserve mitochondrial integrity, and rescue animals from sepsis-induced myocardial failure.

SETTING

Teaching hospital research laboratory.

INTERVENTIONS

Cecal ligation and puncture in mice was performed to induce sepsis. Mice that underwent cecal ligation and puncture were randomly assigned to receive resveratrol (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg) or vehicle 1 mL sodium chloride 0.9% subcutaneously in the scruff of the neck directly after surgery and at 16, 24, and 40 hrs, respectively.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Forty-eight hrs after cecal ligation and puncture, cardiac performance was established using echocardiography. Mitochondrial integrity was evaluated with electron microscopy, and changes in gene expression were evaluated with microarray analysis. Survival at 48 hrs was just under 50% and comparable between groups. Myocardial contractile function significantly improved after resveratrol treatment. Resveratrol-treated mice developed focal areas of edema, whereas vehicle-treated mice developed significant, diffuse myocardial edema. Electron microscopy revealed widespread swollen mitochondria with ruptured outer membranes, autophagosomes, and vacuolation of the internal compartment, which were significantly attenuated in resveratrol-treated animals. Resveratrol treatment significantly increased cardiac expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1a. Microarray analysis revealed that resveratrol treatment resulted in upregulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator gene set containing genes known to be regulated by this transcriptional coactivator. Our data strongly suggest that administration of resveratrol modulates bioenergy metabolism, substrate utilization, oxidative stress, and detoxification pathways associated with both mitochondrial and cardiac pathological conditions, but does not alter mortality from sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

The salutary effects of resveratrol on cecal ligation and puncture-induced myocardial dysfunction are associated with increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1a abundance and function. Preservation of myocardial energy production capacity, prevention of secondary injury, mitigation of inflammation, and reversal of sepsis-induced myocardial remodeling are likely to underlie its beneficial effects. This however, does not result in improved survival.

Resveratrol in cardiovascular disease: what is known from current research?

Resveratrol is a well-known antioxidant that exists in grape skin/seed, red wine, and the root of Polygonum cuspidatum, a traditional Chinese and Japanese medicinal material. Studies have found that resveratrol has many interesting properties, including anti-carcinogenic properties, anti-microbial and antiviral effects, the ability to reverse dyslipidemia and obesity, the ability to attenuate hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, and the ability to protect endothelial function. Heart failure is the final consequence of the majority of cardiovascular diseases, and resveratrol has been shown to directly attenuate heart contraction. The cardiovascular protective capacities of resveratrol are associated with multiple molecular targets and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion, metabolic syndrome, and heart failure. This article will mainly review recently published basic researches about the protective cardiovascular effects of resveratrol because these results may lead to the development of new clinical therapeutics in patients.