Phillyrin attenuates norepinephrine-induced cardiac hypertrophy and inflammatory response by suppressing p38/ERK1/2 MAPK and AKT/NF-kappaB pathways

Phillyrin for sepsis-related acute lung injury: A potential strategy suppressing GSK-3β

The efficacy of clinical drugs for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) remains suboptimal. Phillyrin (PHN), a compound derived from Forsythia, is believed to alleviate sepsis-related ALI/ARDS; however, its mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we screened 8331 target genes associated with ALI/ARDS from public databases and identified six hub genes relevant to PHN treatment: AKT1, GSK-3β, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PPP2R1A, and AR. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and single-cell sequencing analysis revealed the expression of AKT1, GSK-3β, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, and PPP2R1A were markedly elevated. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated that PHN forms a structurally stable complex with glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Mendelian randomization analyses suggested that PHN, as a potent GSK-3β inhibitor, may promote M2 macrophage polarization and reduce neutrophil recruitment. We validated these findings through in vivo and in vitro experiments, demonstrating that PHN lowers iNOS levels and raises MMR levels by downregulating GSK-3β mRNA expression and protein activity during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage inflammation. Additionally, PHN inhibited GSK-3β mRNA expression and protein activity, reducing NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation in LPS-induced zebrafish inflammation and mice ALI. This inhibition decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-6, increased IL-10 levels, promoted M2 macrophage polarization, suppressed neutrophil recruitment, and ultimately ameliorated ALI/ARDS. In conclusion, our results indicate that PHN effectively alleviates LPS-induced ALI/ARDS by suppressing GSK-3β signaling.

Phillyrin counters β2 integrin-mediated neutrophil adhesion and chemotaxis to alleviate endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in neonatal rats

Acute lung injury (ALI) in neonates presents a grave threat to infant health, characterized by a heightened risk of mortality. Phillyrin, an extraordinary constituent derived from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb Forsythia suspensa, has garnered considerable attention for its pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. However, its therapeutic potential for acute inflammatory diseases in neonates remains unclear. Therefore, our current study endeavors to assess the protective effects of phillyrin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in neonates and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Phillyrin exhibited significant amelioration of lung damage in neonatal rats with LPS-induced ALI, accompanied by reductions in the total cell counts, neutrophil counts, and total protein level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Notably, phillyrin substantially attenuated proinflammatory cytokine secretion and suppressed NF-κB activation in the lungs of neonatal ALI rats; however, it demonstrated inefficacy in mitigating LPS-induced cytokine secretion and NF-κB activation in vitro. Notably, phillyrin effectively inhibited β2 integrin-mediated neutrophil adhesion, migration, and chemotaxis. Moreover, phillyrin robustly suppressed β2 integrin engagement-induced actin polymerization and the Vav1/Rac1/PAK1/LIMK1/cofilin pathway. From a mechanistic standpoint, phillyrin exhibited direct interaction with β2 integrin, effectively antagonizing its function and significantly disrupting its binding affinity to intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). This investigation unveils the promising therapeutic prospects of phillyrin as a novel compound against neonatal ALI.

Phillyrin regulates the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by inhibiting TOP2A expression to accelerate ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Despite advancements and refinements in the therapeutic approaches for hepatic malignancies, liver cancer remains a prevalent and deadly form of cancer, with its grim outlook posing as a significant clinical challenge. Phillyrin (PHN) has been reported to have anticancer effects, but the anticancer mechanism in liver cancer is ominous. By searching the potential target of PHN in the online database and liver cancer disease database, it was found that there is only one overlap gene, and DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) is abnormally expressed in liver cancer tissues. TOP2A overexpression and downregulated hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were then constructed in vitro, and it was examined whether PHN treatment induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating TOP2A's inhibition of Janus kinase 2/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway through phenotypic assay, western blot assay, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR assay and electron microscopy. The results showed that PHN could inhibit the expression of TOP2A protein and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in hepatoma cells. PHN could also downregulate glutathione peroxidase 4 by suppressing the expression of TOP2A protein. PHN impeded the activity of factor inhibiting hypoxia‑inducible factor 1 alpha, thereby augmenting the synthesis of iron‑dependent apoptosis‑related proteins including cytochrome c oxidase subunit II, long‑chain acyl‑CoA synthetase family member 4 and NADPH oxidase 1, thus facilitating an increase in Fe2+ concentration and accelerating oxidative harm within hepatocellular carcinoma cells, culminating in the induction of ferroptotic cell death in these liver malignancy cells.

ROS-responsive nanomicelles encapsulating celastrol ameliorate pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway

Celastrol (CEL) belongs to the group of non-steroidal immunosuppressants with the potential to improve cardiac hypertrophy (CH). However, the poor biocompatibility and low bioavailability of CEL limit its in vivo application. This study was aimed to develop a targeted drug delivery system that can efficiently and safely deliver CEL to target tissues, providing a research basis for the application of CEL in CH therapy. A novel ROS-sensitive drug-loaded nanomicelle, dodecanoic acid (DA)-phenylboronic acid pinacol ester-dextran polymer encapsulating CEL (DBD@CEL), was synthesized using chemical synthesis. Then, the morphology, particle size, drug-loaded content, and ROS-responsive release behavior of DBD@CEL were studied. Pharmacokinetics and biocompatibility were evaluated using healthy mice. Finally, the ability and mechanism of DBD@CEL in improving CH in vivo were investigated using a mouse CH model. DBD@CEL was successfully prepared with a drug loading of 18.9%. It exhibited excellent stability with an average particle size of 110.0 ± 1.7 nm. Within 48 h, DBD@CEL released only 19.4% in the absence of H2O2, while in the presence of 1 mM H2O2, the release rate increased to 71.5%. Biocompatibility studies indicated that DBD@CEL did not cause blood cell hemolysis, had no impact on normal organs, and did not result in abnormal blood biochemical indicators, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility. In vivo studies revealed that DBD@CEL regulated the activation of NF-κB signaling, inhibits pyroptosis and oxidative stress, and thereby ameliorates CH. The ROS-responsive DBD@CEL nanodrug delivery system enhances the therapeutic activity of CEL for CH, providing a promising drug delivery system for the clinical treatment of CH.

Neuroimmune Interactions and Their Role in Immune Cell Trafficking in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer

Sympathetic nerves innervate bone marrow and various immune organs, where norepinephrine-the primary sympathetic neurotransmitter-directly interacts with immune cells that express adrenergic receptors. This article reviewed the key molecular pathways triggered by sympathetic activation and explored how sympathetic activity influences immune cell migration. Norepinephrine serves as a chemoattractant for monocytes, macrophages, and stem cells, promoting the migration of myeloid cells while inhibiting the migration of lymphocytes at physiological concentrations. We also examined the role of immune cell infiltration in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Evidence suggests that sympathetic activation increases myeloid cell infiltration into target tissues across various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. Conversely, inhibiting sympathetic activity may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat these conditions by reducing macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, sympathetic activation promotes macrophage accumulation in cancer tissues, mirroring its effects in cardiovascular diseases, while suppressing T lymphocyte infiltration into cancerous sites. These changes contribute to increased cancer growth and metastasis. Thus, inhibiting sympathetic activation could help to protect against cancer by enhancing T cell infiltration and reducing macrophage presence in tumors.

Phillyrin ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice via modulating the gut microbiota and inhibiting the NF-κB/MLCK pathway

Phillyrin (PHY), also known as forsythin, is an active constituent isolated from the fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (Oleaceae). It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. However, the precise impact of PHY on colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and its mechanism remain elusive. The present investigation revealed that PHY (12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 mg/kg) exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy in protecting mice against DSS-induced colitis. This effect was manifested as reduced weight loss, a shortened colon, increased secretion of inflammatory factors, increased intestinal permeability, and an enhanced disease activity index in mice with ulcerative colitis (UC). Molecular investigations have determined that PHY mitigates the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B, thereby downregulating myosin light-chain kinase-driven myosin light-chain phosphorylation. This mechanism results in the preservation of the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The outcomes of 16S rRNA sequencing suggest that PHY (50 mg/kg) augmented the relative abundance of certain probiotic strains, including Lactobacillaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Additionally, PHY supplementation elevated the short-chain fatty acid contents within the intestinal contents of mice with UC. In conclusion, pre-treatment with PHY may ameliorate the DSS-induced UC in mice by lowering the expression of inflammatory factors, protecting intestinal barrier function, and enhancing the structure of the intestinal flora.IMPORTANCEThe protective effect of phillyrin on DSS-induced colitis was explained for the first time, and the anti-inflammatory effect of phillyrin was demonstrated by fecal microbiota transplantation experiments mainly through intestinal flora.

Phillyrin inhibits oxidative stress and neutrophil extracellular trap formation through the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway in gouty arthritis

Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal in joints. Phillyrin, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise in mitigating inflammatory responses. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of phillyrin in GA and explores its mechanisms of action. GA was induced in mice via intraarticular MSU injection, and joint inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and their level in serum/tissue were assessed. Key proteins in the NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways were examined using western blot analysis. The impact of phillyrin on oxidative stress, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, and neutrophil accumulation was evaluated by measuring CD11b + Ly6G + cells, MPO, CitH3, extracellular DNA ratio, and oxidative stress markers. In vitro studies assessed the effects of phillyrin on oxidative stress, cell viability, cytokine production, and NET formation in MSU-treated neutrophils. The KEAP1/NRF2 pathway's role was analyzed using ML385, an NRF2 inhibitor. Phillyrin significantly reversed MSU-induced ankle swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration in joint tissues. It suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins in the NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways. Phillyrin reduced neutrophil infiltration, evidenced by lower MPO activity and NET formation, marked by reduced CitH3 expression. In vitro, phillyrin inhibited inflammatory marker expression and NET formation without affecting cell viability. It also restored antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced ROS production, regulating the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway, enhancing NRF2 expression and stability. These effects were reversed by NRF2 inhibition with ML385. Phillyrin alleviates GA by reducing joint inflammation, inhibiting NET formation, and suppressing oxidative stress through NRF2 modulation.

Phillyrin: A potential therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis via modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the predominant cause of disability among elderly people worldwide and is characterized by cartilage degeneration and excessive bone formation. Phillyrin, derived from forsythia, is a key extract renowned for its pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Forsythia, deeply integrated into traditional Oriental medicine, has historically been utilized for its various pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hepato-protective properties. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory impact of phillyrin on the progression of osteoarthritis remains enigmatic. The objective of this research was to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties of phillyrin in mouse chondrocytes induced by IL-1β, as well as to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying the phenomenon at play. Additionally, the investigation extends to observing the impact of phillyrin by establishing a murine osteoarthritic model. The ultimate goal was to identify phillyrin as a potential antiosteoarthritic agent. This investigation employs a multifaceted approach. Initially, key action targets of phillyrin, along with its probable action pathways, were identified by molecular docking and network pharmacological techniques. These findings were subsequently confirmed through both in vivo and in vitro studies. Network pharmacological analysis revealed NFE2L2 (NRF2), NFKB1, TLR4, and SERPING1 as pivotal candidate targets for the treatment of osteoarthritis with phillyrin. Molecular docking revealed hydrogen bond interactions between phillyrin and Arg415, Arg483, Ser508, and Asn387 on the Nrf2 receptor, while electrostatic interactions occurred with residues Arg415 and Arg380. Experiments conducted in vitro indicated that phillyrin preconditioning hindered the IL-1β-induced expression of proinflammatory factors which included TNF-α, COX-2, IL-6, and iNOS. Furthermore, phillyrin counteracts the IL-1β-induced degradation of aggrecan and collagen II within the extracellular matrix (ECM). This protective action is caused by the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway by phillyrin. Additionally, the mitigation of chondrocyte aging by phillyrin was observed. Our investigation revealed that phillyrin mitigates inflammation and counteracts cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) patients by suppressing inflammation in chondrocytes and impeding aging through suppression of the NF-κB pathway.

Phillyrin prevents sepsis-induced acute lung injury through inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary disorder of sepsis with high clinical incidence and mortality. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1-gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent pyroptosis of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) has emerged as a crucial contributor to ALI during sepsis. Phillyrin (PHI), a natural lignan isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Forsythia suspensa, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. However, little is known about the protective role and potential mechanism of PHI in sepsis-induced ALI, and it is uncertain whether the protective effect of PHI in sepsis-induced ALI is connected to pyroptosis. This study aims to examine the preventive effects of PHI on sepsis-induced ALI via the inhibition of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in AECs. Our findings demonstrate that preadministration of PHI successfully reduces sepsis-induced pulmonary edema, systemic/pulmonary inflammation, and pulmonary histological damage in lung tissues, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the serum of septic mice. Intriguingly, PHI preadministration suppresses sepsis-induced protein expressions of pyroptosis-specific markers, especially their active forms. In vitro assays show that PHI pretreatment also protects type II AECs (MLE-12) from lipopolysaccharide-induced pyroptosis by preventing the activation of the pyroptosis signaling pathway. The results from molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance reveal that PHI has a significant affinity for direct binding to the GSDMD protein, suggesting that GSDMD is a potential pharmacological target for PHI. In conclusion, PHI can prevent sepsis-triggered ALI by effectively suppressing the activation of the canonical pyroptosis signaling pathway and pyroptosis of AECs.

Whole-body mass spectrometry imaging reveals the systemic metabolic disorder and catecholamines biosynthesis alteration on heart-gut axis in heart failure rat

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) is a systemic metabolic disorder disease, across multiorgan investigations advancing knowledge of progression and treatment of HF. Whole-body MSI provides spatiotemporal information of metabolites in multiorgan and is expected to be a potent tool to dig out the complex mechanism of HF.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed at exploring the systemic metabolic disorder in multiorgan and catecholamines biosynthesis alteration on heart-gut axis after HF.

METHODS

Whole-body MSI was used to characterize metabolic disorder of the whole rat body after HF. An integrated method by MSI, LC-MS/MS and ELISA was utilized to analyze key metabolites and enzymes on heart, small intestine, cecum and colon tissues of rat. Gut microbiota dysbiosis was investigated by 16S rDNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. Validation experiments and in vitro experiments were performed to verify the effect of catecholamines biosynthesis alteration on heart-gut axis after HF.

RESULTS

Whole-body MSI exhibited varieties of metabolites alteration in multiple organs. Remarkably, catecholamine biosynthesis was significantly altered in the serum, heart and intestines of rats. Furthermore, catecholamines and tyrosine hydroxylase were obviously upregulated in heart and colon tissue. Turicibacter_sanguinis was relevant to catecholamines of heart and colon. Validation experiments demonstrated excessive norepinephrine induced cardio-intestinal injury, including significantly elevating the levels of BNP, pro-BNP, LPS, DAO, and increased the abundance of Turicibacter_sanguinis. These alterations could be reversed by metoprolol treatment blocking the effect of norepinephrine. Additionally, in vitro studies demonstrated that norepinephrine promoted the growth of Turicibacter_sanguinis and Turicibacter_sanguinis could import and metabolize norepinephrine. Collectively, excessive norepinephrine exerted bidirectional effects on cardio-intestinal function to participate in the progression of HF.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a new approach to elucidate multiorgan metabolic disorder and proposes new insights into heart-gut axis in HF development.

NF-ĸB axis in diabetic neuropathy, cardiomyopathy and nephropathy: A roadmap from molecular intervention to therapeutic strategies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic illness defined by elevated blood glucose levels, mediating various tissue alterations, including the dysfunction of vital organs. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to many consequences that specifically affect the brain, heart, and kidneys. These issues are known as neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy, respectively. Inflammation is acknowledged as a pivotal biological mechanism that contributes to the development of various diabetes consequences. NF-κB modulates inflammation and the immune system at the cellular level. Its abnormal regulation has been identified in several clinical situations, including cancer, inflammatory bowel illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential impact of NF-κB on complications associated with DM. Enhanced NF-κB activity promotes inflammation, resulting in cellular harm and compromised organ performance. Phytochemicals, which are therapeutic molecules, can potentially decline the NF-κB level, therefore alleviating inflammation and the progression of problems correlated with DM. More importantly, the regulation of NF-κB can be influenced by various factors, such as TLR4 in DM. Highlighting these factors can facilitate the development of novel therapies in the future.

Development and Evaluation of a Water-Free In Situ Depot Gel Formulation for Long-Acting and Stable Delivery of Peptide Drug ACTY116

In situ depot gel is a type of polymeric long-acting injectable (pLAI) drug delivery system; compared to microsphere technology, its preparation process is simpler and more conducive to industrialization. To ensure the chemical stability of peptide ACTY116, we avoided the use of harsh conditions such as high temperatures, high shear mixing, or homogenization; maintaining a water-free and oxygen-free environment was also critical to prevent hydrolysis and oxidation. Molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations were employed to assess the stability mechanism between ACTY116 and the pLAI system. The initial structure of ACTY116 with an alpha helix conformation was constructed using SYBYL-X, and the copolymer PLGA was generated by AMBER 16; results showed that PLGA-based in situ depot gel improved conformational stability of ACTY116 through hydrogen bonds formed between peptide ACTY116 and the components of the pLAI formulation, while PLGA (Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)) also created steric hindrance and shielding effects to prevent conformational changes. As a result, the chemical and conformational stability and in vivo long-acting characteristics of ACTY116 ensure its enhanced efficacy. In summary, we successfully achieved our objective of developing a highly stable peptide-loaded long-acting injectable (LAI) in situ depot gel formulation that is stable for at least 3 months under harsh conditions (40 °C, above body temperature), elucidating the underlying stabilisation mechanism, and the high stability of the ACTY116 pLAI formulation creates favourable conditions for its in vivo pharmacological activity lasting for weeks or even months.

Norepinephrine-Activated p38 MAPK Pathway Mediates Stress-Induced Cytotoxic Edema of Basolateral Amygdala Astrocytes

The amygdala is a core region in the limbic system that is highly sensitive to stress. Astrocytes are key players in stress disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, the effects of stress on the morphology and function of amygdala astrocytes and its potential mechanisms remain largely unknown. Hence, we performed in vivo and in vitro experiments using a restraint stress (RS) rat model and stress-induced astrocyte culture, respectively. Our data show that norepinephrine (NE) content increased, cytotoxic edema occurred, and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression was up-regulated in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) obtained from RS rats. Additionally, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was also observed to be significantly activated in the BLA of rats subjected to RS. The administration of NE to in vitro astrocytes increased the AQP4 level and induced cell edema. Furthermore, p38 MAPK signaling was activated. The NE inhibitor alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) alleviated cytotoxic edema in astrocytes, inhibited AQP4 expression, and inactivated the p38 MAPK pathway in RS rats. Meanwhile, in the in vitro experiment, the p38 MAPK signaling inhibitor SB203580 reversed NE-induced cytotoxic edema and down-regulated the expression of AQP4 in astrocytes. Briefly, NE-induced activation of the p38 MAPK pathway mediated cytotoxic edema in BLA astrocytes from RS rats. Thus, our data provide novel evidence that NE-induced p38 MAPK pathway activation may be one of the mechanisms leading to cytotoxic edema in BLA under stress conditions, which also could enable the development of an effective therapeutic strategy against cytotoxic edema in BLA under stress and provide new ideas for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Salidroside attenuates myocardial remodeling in DOCA-salt-induced mice by inhibiting the endothelin 1 and PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling pathways

Myocardial remodeling, which occurs in the final stage of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, can ultimately result in heart failure. However, the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling remains incompletely understood, and there is currently a lack of safe and effective treatment options. Salidroside, which is extracted from the plant Rhodiola rosea, shows remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the cardioprotective effect of salidroside on myocardial remodeling, and clarify the associated mechanism. Salidroside effectively attenuated cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac inflammation, as well as renal injury and renal fibrosis in an animal model of deoxycortone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced myocardial remodeling. The cardioprotective effect of salidroside was mediated by inhibiting the endothelin 1 and PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling pathways. Salidroside was shown to inhibit the expression of endothelin1 in the hearts of mice treated with DOCA-salt. Additionally, it could prevent cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by endothelin-1 stimulation. Furthermore, Salidroside could effectively inhibit the excessive activation of the PI3K/AKT/NFκB pathway, which was caused by DOCA-salt treatment in mouse hearts and endothelin 1 stimulation in cardiomyocytes. Our study suggests that salidroside can be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of myocardial remodeling.

Improvement of the cardiovascular effect of methyldopa by complexation with Zn(II): Synthesis, characterization and mechanism of action

BACKGROUND

the antihypertensive drug α-methyldopa (MD) stands as one of the extensively used medications for managing hypertension during pregnancy. Zinc deprivation has been associated with many diseases. In this context, the synthesis of a Zn coordination complex [Zn(MD)(OH)(H2O)2]·H2O (ZnMD) provide a promising alternative pathway to improve the biological properties of MD.

METHODS

ZnMD was synthesized and physicochemically characterized. Fluorescence spectral studies were conducted to examine the binding of both, the ligand and the metal with bovine serum albumin (BSA). MD, ZnMD, and ZnCl2 were administered to spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) rats during 8 weeks and blood pressure and echocardiographic parameters were determined. Ex vivo assays were conducted to evaluate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO). Cross-sectional area (CSA) and collagen levels of left ventricular cardiomyocytes were also assessed. Furthermore, the expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits (gp91phox and p47phox) and Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) was quantified through western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The complex exhibited a moderate affinity for binding with BSA showing a spontaneous interaction (indicated by negative ΔG values) and moderate affinity (determined by affinity constant values). The binding process involved the formation of Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Upon treatment with MD and ZnMD, a reduction in the systolic blood pressure in SHR was observed, being ZnMD more effective than MD (122 ± 8.1 mmHg and 145 ± 5.6 mmHg, at 8th week of treatment, respectively). The ZnMD treatment prevented myocardial hypertrophy, improved the heart function and reduced the cardiac fibrosis, as evidenced by parameters such as left ventricular mass, fractional shortening, and histological studies. In contrast, MD did not show noticeable differences in these parameters. ZnMD regulates negatively the oxidative damage by reducing levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation, as well as the cardiac NAD(P)H oxidase, and increasing SOD1 expression, while MD did not show significant effect. Moreover, cardiac nitric oxide levels were greater in the ZnMD therapy compared to MD treatment.

CONCLUSION

Both MD and ZnMD have the potential to be transported by albumin. Our findings provide important evidence suggesting that this complex could be a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction.

Targeting oxidative stress as a preventive and therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to exert a significant impact on global mortality rates, encompassing conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), atherosclerosis (AS), and myocardial infarction (MI). Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and advancement of CVDs, highlighting its significance as a contributing factor. Maintaining an equilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant systems not only aids in mitigating oxidative stress but also confers protective benefits on cardiac health. Herbal monomers can inhibit OS in CVDs by activating multiple signaling pathways, such as increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant systems and decreasing the level of ROS expression. Given the actions of herbal monomers to significantly protect the normal function of the heart and reduce the damage caused by OS to the organism. Hence, it is imperative to recognize the significance of herbal monomers as prospective therapeutic interventions for mitigating oxidative damage in CVDs. This paper aims to comprehensively review the origins and mechanisms underlying OS, elucidate the intricate association between CVDs and OS, and explore the therapeutic potential of antioxidant treatment utilizing herbal monomers. Furthermore, particular emphasis will be placed on examining the cardioprotective effects of herbal monomers by evaluating their impact on cardiac signaling pathways subsequent to treatment.

Caveolin-1 alleviates acetaminophen-induced vascular oxidative stress and inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. The literature shows that excessive or long-term use of APAP can lead to increased cardiovascular dysfunction. An acute increase in angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) caused by APAP use in fatty liver disease may increase the risk and severity of vascular injury. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a broad-spectrum kinase inhibitor that significantly determines endothelial function. This study aimed to observe the effects of APAP on the vasculature in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to determine whether CAV1 could alleviate vascular oxidative stress and inflammation by targeting Ang Ⅱ or its downstream pathways. In this study, 7-week-old C57BL/6 male mice (18-20 g) were administered APAP by gavage after eight weeks of a high-fat diet. Any resulting vascular oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed. Levels of Ang Ⅱ, CAV1, and other related proteins were measured using ELISA and western blotting. In APAP-treated NAFLD mice, CAV1 expression was downregulated and Ang Ⅱ expression was upregulated compared to normal APAP-treated mice. In vitro, HUVECs were incubated with Ang Ⅱ (300 nM) for 48 h. Overexpression of CAV1 in HUVECs attenuated Ang Ⅱ-induced oxidative stress and inflammation and downregulated the expression of Protein kinase C (PKC) and p-P38/P38. After intervention with CAV1-siRNA, immunofluorescence results showed that the fluorescence intensity of PKC on mitochondria was further increased, and flow cytometry results showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential increased. PKC inhibitors alleviated Ang Ⅱ-induced endothelial injury. In conclusion, our findings confirmed that CAV1 exerts a protective effect against vascular injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation through the PKC/MAPK pathway. Therefore, restoration of CAV1 may have clinical benefits in reducing APAP-induced vascular damage in NAFLD patients.

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

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