Sodium tanshinone IIA silate inhibits oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via suppression of the NF-κB/TNF-α pathway

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate alleviates fetal growth restriction by mediating aquaporin-3 expression in placental trophoblast cells

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is characterized by the inability of the fetus to achieve its growth potential due to pathological factors, most commonly impaired placental trophoblast cell function. Currently, effective prevention and treatment methods of FGR are limited. We aimed to explore the pathogenesis of FGR and provide potential strategies for mitigating its occurrence. The case-control study compared AQP3 expression in placental trophoblast cells of pregnant women with FGR and those with normal pregnancies. Then mouse FGR models were induced via cadmium exposure, and placental trophoblast cells (JEG-3) were similarly treated. The study assessed the effects of Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) and the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in improving AQP3 expression and trophoblast cell function. Placental trophoblast cells in FGR cases exhibited significantly reduced AQP3 expression. AQP3-knockdown cells displayed dysfunction. Cadmium exposure in mice and JEG-3 cells led to decreased AQP3 expression and trophoblast cell dysfunction, both of which were ameliorated by STS. Fetal mouse weight increased with STS treatment. STS upregulated AQP3 expression and improved trophoblast cell function in AQP3-knockdown cells. Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway diminished STS's beneficial effects. ThereforeSTS may enhance AQP3 expression in placental trophoblast cells affected by FGR through the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, ultimately bolstering placental trophoblast cell function and alleviating FGR. As above, STS appears to be a potential therapeutic agent for alleviating FGR.

PCSK9 inhibitor protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via inhibiting LRP8/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is accompanied by ferroptosis mediated by reactive oxygen species and iron ions, which aggravates myocardial tissue damage. The present study aims to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the mitigating effects f PCSK9 on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. MI/R rat model and OGD/R induced H9c2 model were established. The interaction between PCSK9 inhibitor and LRP8 was predicted by STRING database and verified by Immunoprecipitation assay experiment. CCK-8 kit results confirmed that PCSK9 inhibitor effectively protected against cardiomyocyte damage induced by OGD/R. TTC and histological examination via H&E staining revealed a significant alleviation of myocardial infarction and pathological alterations upon treatment with the PCSK9 inhibitor. Besides, DCFH-DA staining and biochemical kit results showed that PCSK9 inhibitor could regulate the changes of ferroptosis related indicators [ROS, iron level, MDA, SOD] and inhibit ferroptosis. Rescue experiments showed that PCSK9 inhibitors targeted LRP8 expression and inhibited GPX4/ROS-mediated ferroptosis in I/R-induced rats. Our study suggested that PCSK9 inhibitors could attenuate myocardial I/R injury, with the underlying mechanism intimately tied to the targeted modulation of LRP8/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis.

Ecliptasaponin A protects heart against acute ischemia-induced myocardial injury by inhibition of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eclipta prostrata (Linn.) is a traditional medicinal Chinese herb that displays multiple biological activities, such as encompassing immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, liver-protective, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects. Ecliptasaponin A (ESA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin isolated from Eclipta prostrata (Linn.), has been demonstrated to exert superior anti-inflammatory activity against many inflammatory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Inflammation plays a critical role in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aims to explore the treatment effects of ESA in AMI, as well as the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

An AMI mouse model was established in mice via left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. After surgery, ESA was injected at doses of 0.5, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. Myocardial infarction size, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac echocardiography were studied. The potential mechanism of action of ESA was investigated by RNA-seq, Western blot, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), molecular docking, and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

ESA treatment not only significantly reduced myocardial infarct size, decreased myocardial cell apoptosis, and inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, but also facilitated to improve cardiac function. RNA-seq and Western blot analysis proved that ESA treatment-induced differential expression genes mainly enriched in HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Consistently, ESA treatment resulted into the down-regulation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels after AMI. Furthermore, SPR and molecular docking results showed that ESA could bind directly to HMGB1, thereby impeding the activation of the downstream TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The immunofluorescence staining and Western blot results at the cellular level also demonstrated that ESA inhibited the activation of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in H9C2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study was the first to demonstrate a cardiac protective role of ESA in AMI. Mechanism study indicated that the treatment effects of ESA are mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory activity that was mediated by the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Unveiling the Mechanism of Protective Effects of Tanshinone as a New Fighter Against Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Tanshinone, a natural compound found in the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protective effects. This article aims to review the literature on the cardiovascular protective effects of tanshinone and its underlying mechanisms. Tanshinone has been demonstrated to improve cardiac function, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit inflammation in various animal models of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it has been shown to regulate multiple signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. Clinical studies have also suggested that tanshinone may have therapeutic potential for treating cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, tanshinone has emerged as a promising natural compound with significant cardiovascular protective effects, and further research is warranted to explore its potential clinical applications.

Tanshinone IIA Protects Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Inhibiting the HAS2/FGF9 Axis

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in coronary heart disease (CHD), and to determine whether Tan IIA regulates myocardial cell injury induced by I/R through the Hyaluronan Synthase 2/fibroblast growth factor 9 (HAS2/FGF9) axis.

Methods

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of the GSE23561 microarray dataset determined gene modules linked to CHD. The key genes were further explored through differential expression and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. Human AC16 cardiomyocytes were treated with Tan IIA, HAS2 knockdown, and FGF9 overexpression and they were exposed to normoxic, hypoxic, and I/R environments. Cell viability, apoptosis, gene/protein expression, and markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in vitro.

Results

The turquoise module was significantly correlated with CHD and HAS2 was identified as a hub gene. Under hypoxic conditions, Tan IIA exhibited a dose-dependent cardioprotective effect. Tan IIA ameliorated I/R-induced cellular injury, as evidenced by increased cell viability, decreased apoptosis, and regulation of key proteins (PCNA, Bax). After I/R conditions, knockdown of HAS2 increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of FGF9 reversed these effects. Notably, HAS2 knockdown also ameliorated I/R-induced increases in inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and synergistic protection was provided by combined treatment with FGF9 and Tan IIA.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings confirm that Tan IIA protects cardiomyocytes from I/R-induced injury by controlling the HAS2/FGF9 axis. These findings reveal the potential therapeutic significance of Tan IIA in alleviating CHD-related myocardial dysfunction.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers Are Potential Candidate Drugs for Cancer-Induced Cardiac Cachexia

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are now the second leading cause of death among cancer patients. Heart injury in patients with terminal cancer can lead to significant deterioration of left ventricular morphology and function. This specific heart condition is known as cancer-induced cardiac cachexia (CICC) and is characterized by cardiac dysfunction and wasting. However, an effective pharmacological treatment for CICC remains elusive.

SUMMARY

The development and progression of CICC are closely related to pathophysiological processes, such as protein degradation, oxidative responses, and inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers offer unique advantages in reversing heart injury, which is the end-stage manifestation of CICC except the regular treatment. This review outlines significant findings related to the impact of eleven TCM monomers, namely Astragaloside IV, Ginsenosides Rb1, Notoginsenoside R1, Salidroside, Tanshinone II A, Astragalus polysaccharides, Salvianolate, Salvianolic acids A and B, and Ginkgolide A and B, on improving heart injury. These TCM monomers are potential therapeutic agents for CICC, each with specific mechanisms that could potentially reverse the pathological processes associated with CICC. Advanced drug delivery strategies, such as nano-delivery systems and exosome-delivery systems, are discussed as targeted administration options for the therapy of CICC.

KEY MESSAGE

This review summarizes the pathological mechanisms of CICC and explores the pharmacological treatment of TCM monomers that promote anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and pro-survival. It also considers pharmaceutical strategies for administering TCM monomers, highlighting their potential as therapies for CICC.

PPARG is a potential target of Tanshinone IIA in prostate cancer treatment: a combination study of molecular docking and dynamic simulation based on transcriptomic bioinformatics

Tanshinone IIA is a lipophilic organic compound from the root of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and is one of the most well-known Tanshinone molecules by pharmacologists. In recent years, in addition to effects of anti-cardiovascular and neurological diseases, Tanshinone IIA has also shown some degrees of anti-prostate cancer potential. Although they do have some studies focusing on the molecular mechanism of Tanshinone IIA's anti-prostate cancer effects, a further understanding on the transcriptomic and structural level is still lacking. In this study, transcriptomic sequencing technology and computer technology were employed to illustrate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on prostate cancer through bioinformatic analysis and molecular dynamics simulation, and PPARG was considered to be one of the targets for Tanshinone IIA according to docking scoring and dynamic calculation. Our study provides a novel direction to further understand the mechanism of the effects of Tanshinone IIA on prostate cancer, and further molecular biological studies need to be carried on to further investigate the molecular mechanism of Tanshinone IIA's anti-prostate cancer effect through PPARG.

Ring-finger protein 5 attenuates oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the S100A8/MYD88/NF-κB axis

Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely intertwined with the progression of heart failure (HF). Ring-finger protein 5 (RNF5) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, whose deletion induces the enhanced S100A8 expression. S100A8 regulates the mitochondrial dysfunction and S100A8/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway promotes an inflammatory response; however, whether RNF5 modulated mitochondrial dysregulation and inflammation through the S100A8/MYD88/NF-κB axis remains unknown. Here, H9c2 cells were stimulated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to build a HF model in vitro. RNF5 level was assessed in gene expression omnibus database and in OGD/R-induced H9c2 cells with reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The RNF5 level was overexpressed via transfecting RNF5 overexpression plasmids into H9c2 cells. The role and mechanism of RNF5 in OGD/R-elicited H9c2 cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, spectrophotometry, flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) measurement, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot assays. The RNF5 expression was downregulated both in silico and in OGD/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. OGD/R treatment caused a decrease in the cell viability, the MMP level, and the translational expression of mito-cyt-c and NF-κB-cyto, and an elevation in the concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase myocardial band, the apoptosis rate, the inflammatory factor release, and the relative protein expression of cyto-cyt-c, S100A8, MYD88 and NF-κB-nuc in H9c2 cells. Upregulation of RNF5 reversed these indicators in OGD/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. Altogether, based on these outcomes, we concluded that RNF5 impeded mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation through attenuating the S100A8/MYD88/NF-κB axis in OGD/R-stimulated H9c2 cells.

Blocking RIPK2 Function Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Regulating the AKT and NF-κB Pathways

OBJECTIVE

Inflammation and oxidation brought on by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury lead to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and necrosis. The receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (RIPK2) plays significant roles in oxidative stress and excessive inflammation. The purpose of this research is to examine the roles of RIPK2 in MI/R injury.

METHODS

The in vivo animal model was constructed by acute coronary I/R, and the in vitro cell model was established by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-stimulated cardiomyocyte injury. RIPK2 expression was examined using qRT-PCR and Western blot. CCK-8 was proposed as a method for detecting cell proliferation. ELISA was utilized to measure inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and myocardial injury indicators (CK-MB, Mb, cTnI, and LDH). The levels of MDA and ROS were determined by the kit and fluorescent probe. H&E was conducted to assess MI/R injury after silencing of RIPK2.

RESULTS

In MI/R rats and OGD/R-treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes, RIPK2 was overexpressed at both the mRNA and protein levels. RIPK2 inhibition promoted cell proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis, as evidenced by decreased TUNEL-positive cells and cleaved caspase-3. RIPK2 inhibition reduced MDA and ROS levels, as well as the contents of inflammatory factors. RIPK2 silencing reduced CK-MB, Mb, cTnI, and LDH levels in rat serum and alleviated MI/R injury. Furthermore, RIPK2 inhibition increased p-AKT while decreasing NF-B p-p65 expression.

CONCLUSION

Silencing of RIPK2 reduced apoptosis, proinflammatory factors, and oxidative stress in MI/R by activating AKT and suppressing NF-κB signals, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for MI/R injury.

3,4-benzopyrene aggravates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced pyroptosis through inhibition of autophagy-dependent NLRP3 degradation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced during combustion of organic matter, such as during cigarette smoking, and they exist widely in the environment. Exposure to 3,4-benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), as the most widely studied PAHs, relates to many cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of its involvement remains largely unclear. In this study, we developed a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury mouse model and an oxygen and glucose deprivation-reoxygenation H9C2 cell model to evaluate the effect of BaP in I/R injury. After BaP exposure, the expression of autophagy-related proteins, the abundance of NLRP3 inflammasomes, and the degree of pyroptosis were measured. Our results show that BaP aggravates myocardial pyroptosis in a autophagy-dependent manner. In addition, we found that BaP activates the p53-BNIP3 pathway via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor to decrease autophagosome clearance. Our findings present new insights into the mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity and reveal that the p53-BNIP3 pathway, which is involved in autophagy regulation, is a potential therapeutic target for BaP-induced myocardial I/R injury. Because PAHs are omnipresent in daily life, the toxic effects of these harmful substances should not be underestimated.

Activation of CNR1/PI3K/AKT Pathway by Tanshinone IIA Protects Hippocampal Neurons and Ameliorates Sleep Deprivation-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats

Sleep deprivation is commonplace in modern society, Short periods of continuous sleep deprivation (SD) may negatively affect brain and behavioral function and may lead to vehicle accidents and medical errors. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is an important lipid-soluble component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which could exert neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of neuroprotective effect of Tan IIA on acute sleep deprivation-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. Tan IIA ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in sleep deprived rats, enhanced behavioral performance in WMW and NOR experiments, increased hippocampal dendritic spine density, and attenuated atrophic loss of hippocampal neurons. Tan IIA enhanced the expression of CB1, PI3K, AKT, STAT3 in rat hippocampus and down-regulated the expression ratio of Bax to Bcl-2. These effects were inhibited by cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist (AM251). In conclusion, Tan IIA can play a neuroprotective role by activating the CNR1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to antagonize apoptosis in the hippocampus and improve sleep deprivation-induced spatial recognition and learning memory dysfunction in rats. Our study suggests that Tan IIA may be a candidate for the prevention of sleep deprivation-induced dysfunction in spatial recognition and learning memory.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Rescue Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-induced Injury in Endothelial Cells

OBJECTIVE

The effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes on brain microvascular endothelial cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), which mimic cells in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in vitro, are yet to be studied.

METHODS

MSCs were co-cultured with primary rat brain endothelial cells, which were then exposed to OGD. Cell viability, apoptosis, the inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and the activation of inflammation-associated TLR4-mediated pyroptosis and the NF-κB signaling pathway were determined. Furthermore, exosomes derived from MSCs were isolated and incubated with endothelial cells to investigate whether the effect of MSCs is associated with MSCderived exosomes. Apoptosis, cell viability, and the inflammatory response were also analyzed in OGD-induced endothelial cells incubated with MSC-derived exosomes.

RESULTS

OGD treatment promoted endothelial cell apoptosis, induced the release of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and inhibited cell viability. Western blot analysis showed that OGD treatment-induced TLR4, and NF-κB p65 subunit phosphorylation and caspase-1 upregulation, while co-culture with MSCs could reduce the effect of OGD treatment on endothelial cells. As expected, the effect of MSC-derived exosomes on OGD-treated endothelial cells was similar to that of MSCs. MSC-derived exosomes alleviated the OGD-induced decrease in the viability of endothelial cells, and increased levels of apoptosis, inflammatory factors, and the activation of inflammatory and inflammatory focal pathways.

CONCLUSION

Both MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes attenuated OGD-induced rat primary brain endothelial cell injury. These findings suggest that MSC-derived exosomes mediate at least some of the protective effects of MSCs on endothelial cells.

Baicalin Prevents Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through Inhibiting ACSL4 Mediated Ferroptosis

Baicalin is a natural flavonoid glycoside that confers protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, its mechanism has not been fully understood. This study focused on elucidating the role of ferroptosis in baicalin-generated protective effects on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by using the myocardial I/R rat model and oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) H9c2 cells. Our results show that baicalin improved myocardial I/R challenge–induced ST segment elevation, coronary flow (CF), left ventricular systolic pressure , infarct area, and pathological changes and prevented OGD/R-triggered cell viability loss. In addition, enhanced lipid peroxidation and significant iron accumulation along with activated transferrin receptor protein 1 (TfR1) signal and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-medicated ferritinophagy were observed in in vivo and in vitro models, which were reversed by baicalin treatment. Furthermore, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) overexpression compromised baicalin-generated protective effect in H9c2 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that baicalin prevents against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via suppressing ACSL4-controlled ferroptosis. This study provides a novel target for the prevention of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Bioactive compound from the Tibetan turnip (Brassica rapa L.) elicited anti-hypoxia effects in OGD/R-injured HT22 cells by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway

Cerebral stroke, a common clinical problem, is the predominant cause of disability and death worldwide. Its prevalence increases and infarctions exacerbate with age. A Tibetan plant, Brassica rapa L., possesses multiple medicinal effects, such as anti-altitude sickness, anti-hyperlipidemia and anti-fatigue, as mentioned in the noted ancient Tibet pharmacopeia "The Four Medical Tantras". Our preliminary studies also showed the anti-hypoxia protection mechanism of B. rapa L., implying its possible relationship with anti-ischemic neuroprotection. However, the potential molecular mechanism of the active constituent of turnip against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion remains unclear. In our study, oxidative stress markers, including LDH, ROS, SOD, GPx and CAT were assayed. In controlled in vitro assays, we found that the turnip's active constituent had remarkable anti-hypoxia capability. We further showed the profound effects of the active constituent of turnip on the levels of apoptosis-related proteins, including Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3, which contributed to its anti-inflammatory activity. Western blot analysis results also implied that active-constituent pretreatment reversed the diminished expression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway mediated by oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R); further experimental evidence showed that the protective role was limited in the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) treatment group. Our results demonstrated that the functional monomer of B. rapa L. exerted a neuroprotective effect against OGD/R-induced HT22 cell injury, and its potential mechanism provides a scientific basis for future clinical applications and its use as a functional food.

Activated PKB/GSK-3β synergizes with PKC-δ signaling in attenuating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via potentiation of NRF2 activity: Therapeutic efficacy of dihydrotanshinone-I

Disrupted redox status primarily contributes to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). NRF2, the endogenous antioxidant regulator, might provide therapeutic benefits. Dihydrotanshinone-I (DT) is an active component in Salvia miltiorrhiza with NRF2 induction potency. This study seeks to validate functional links between NRF2 and cardioprotection of DT and to investigate the molecular mechanism particularly emphasizing on NRF2 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation. DT potently induced NRF2 nuclear accumulation, ameliorating post-reperfusion injuries via redox alterations. Abrogated cardioprotection in NRF2-deficient mice and cardiomyocytes strongly supports NRF2-dependent cardioprotection of DT. Mechanistically, DT phosphorylated NRF2 at Ser40, rendering its nuclear-import by dissociating from KEAP1 and inhibiting degradation. Importantly, we identified PKC-δ-(Thr505) phosphorylation as primary upstream event triggering NRF2-(Ser40) phosphorylation. Knockdown of PKC-δ dramatically retained NRF2 in cytoplasm, convincing its pivotal role in mediating NRF2 nuclear-import. NRF2 activity was further enhanced by activated PKB/GSK-3β signaling via nuclear-export signal blockage independent of PKC-δ activation. By demonstrating independent modulation of PKC-δ and PKB/GSK-3β/Fyn signaling, we highlight the ability of DT to exploit both nuclear import and export regulation of NRF2 in treating reperfusion injury harboring redox homeostasis alterations. Coactivation of PKC and PKB phenocopied cardioprotection of DT in vitro and in vivo, further supporting the potential applicability of this rationale.

Apelin protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic myocardium via inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress through PI3K and p38-MAPK signaling pathways

Among all diabetes mellitus-associated cardiovascular diseases, morbidity of diabetic myocardium with ischemia reperfusion injury (D-IRI) is increasing year by year. We aimed to discover a therapeutic biomarker and investigate its mechanism in D-IRI. High-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats were operated with IRI or sham. Recombined lentiviral vector encoding Apelin was injected into D-IRI rat via tail vein. Cardiac function, infarct size, cellular death and oxidative stress were major outcome measures. Cardiomyocyte ischemia reperfusion injury was more serious in D-IRI rats than in non-diabetes ischemia reperfusion injury (ND-IRI) rats. The secretion of NTproBNP was increased in D-IRI compared with ND-IRI. Bcl-2 expression was decreased, and Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression was increased in D-IRI rats compared with ND-IRI rats, which were reversed after treatment with Apelin. Apelin-upregulation improved cardiomyocyte ischemia reperfusion injury and decreased NT-proBNP levels in D-IRI rats. Apelin overexpression enhanced PI3K and eNOS levels while reduced those of p38-MAPK and iNOS in D-IRI rats. Apelin overexpression protected against D-IRI through inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress via PI3K and p38MAPK signaling pathways in D-IRI rats. These findings provide critical new insight into understanding of Apelin's cardio-protective effects, which may become a novel therapeutic target for the diabetic IRI patients.

Sodium Tanshinone IIA Silate Exerts Microcirculation Protective Effects against Spinal Cord Injury In Vitro and In Vivo

Spinal cord microcirculation involves functioning endothelial cells at the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) and maintains normal functioning of spinal cord neurons, axons, and glial cells. Protection of both the function and integrity of endothelial cells as well as the prevention of BSCB disruption may be a strong strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) cases. Sodium Tanshinone IIA silate (STS) is used for the treatment of coronary heart disease and improves microcirculation. Whether STS exhibits protective effects for SCI microcirculation is not yet clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of STS on oxygen-glucose deprivation- (OGD-) induced injury of spinal cord endothelial cells (SCMECs) in vitro and to explore effects on BSCB and neurovascular protection in vivo. SCMECs were treated with various concentrations of STS (1 μM, 3 μM, and 10 μM) for 24 h with or without OGD-induction. Cell viability, tube formation, migration, and expression of Notch signaling pathway components were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation (H&E), Nissl staining, BSCB permeability, and the expression levels of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), CD31, NeuN, and Notch signaling pathway components were analyzed. STS was found to improve SCMEC functions and reduce inflammatory mediators after OGD. STS also relieved histopathological damage, increased zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), inhibited BSCB permeability, rescued microvessels, protected motor neuromas, and improved functional recovery in a SCI model. Moreover, we uncovered that the Notch signaling pathway plays an important role during these processes. These results indicated that STS protects microcirculation in SCI, which may be used as a therapeutic strategy for SCI in the future.

Pharmacological basis of tanshinone and new insights into tanshinone as a multitarget natural product for multifaceted diseases

Drug development has long included the systematic exploration of various resources. Among these, natural products are one of the most important resources from which novel agents are developed due to the multiple pharmacologic effects of these natural products on diseases. Tanshinone, a representative natural product, is the main compound extracted from the dried root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Research on tanshinone began in the early 1930s. With the in-depth investigation of an increasing number of identified analogs, tanshinone has demonstrated a wide variety of bioactivities and contradicted the saying, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks'. This review is focused on the pharmacological action of tanshinone and status of research on tanshinone in recent years. The mechanism of tanshinone has also drawn much attention, with the findings of representative targets and pathways of tanshinone. The most recent studies have comprehensively shown that tanshinone can be used to treat leukemia and solid carcinoma, protect against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and alleviate liver- and kidney-related diseases, among its other effects. Multiple signaling pathways, including antiproliferative, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative stress pathways, are involved in its actions.

An injectable liposome for sustained release of tanshinone IIA to the treatment of acute blunt muscle injury by augmenting autophagy and alleviating oxidative stress

Acute blunt skeletal muscle injury occurs frequently in sports and traffic accidents, and even leads to muscle necrosis and impaired functionality. Current treatment options for muscle injuries remain suboptimal and often result in delayed/incomplete recovery of damaged muscles. Tanshinone IIA is extracted from Salvia Miltiorrhizae, which is effective in the treatment of injury repair. But the clinical application of tanshinone IIA is limited due to its low water solubility, low permeability to biofilm and low bioavailability. In this study, tanshinone IIA liposomes were prepared to improve the bioavailability and sustained release of tanshinone IIA. The particle size, dispersion coefficient, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) of tanshinone IIA liposomes were 150.67 ± 27.23 nm, 0.20 ± 0.015, -8.73 ± 2.28 mV, 70.32 ± 4.04% and 15.63%, respectively. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) showed that tanshinone IIA liposome significantly promoted the expression of vimentin and reduce MHCIIB expression compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Western blotting showed that tanshinone IIA liposome could effectively promote the expression of autophagy-related proteins (VPS34, Beclin 1 and CTSD) and decrease p62 expression levels to treat injured muscle. Through HE, immunohistochemistry, ELISA and serological tests, we found that tanshinone IIA liposome not only effectively promoted the expression of desmin, but also reduced the expression of collagen-I and inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05). In addition, tanshinone IIA liposome therapy significantly reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) after muscle injury compared with other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, tanshinone IIA liposome possesses an effective therapeutic effect on acute blunt muscle injury in rats by augmenting autophagy and alleviating oxidative stress. The continuous release of tanshinone IIA encapsulated by liposomes for disease treatment provide a new idea for the efficient and safe use of drugs with low lipid solubility and bioavailability for the treatment of acute blunt muscle injury and repair of other injuries.

Noscapine protects the H9c2 cardiomyocytes of rats against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury

Noscapine is an antitumor alkaloid derived from Papaver somniferum plants. Our previous study has demonstrated that exposure of noscapine on primary murine fetal cortical neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) has neuroprotective effects. In current study, the effects of noscapine on cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) damage caused by 120 minutes (min) of OGD/R were evaluated and we determined whether the addition of BD1047, sigma-one receptor antagonist, prevents the protective effects of noscapine in H9c2 cells through the production of nitric oxide (NO) and apoptosis. To initiate OGD, H9c2 cells was transferred to glucose-free DMEM, and placed in a humidified incubation chamber. Cell viability was assessed with noscapine (1-5 μM) in the presence or absence of BD1047, 24 hours (h) after OGD/R. Cell viability, NO production and apoptosis ratio were evaluated by the MTT assay, the Griess method and the quantitative real-time PCR. Noscapine considerably improved the survival of H9c2 cells compared to OGD/R. Also, noscapine was extremely capable of reducing the concentrations of NO and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio expression. While the BD1047 administration alone diminished cell viability and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and NO levels. The addition of noscapine in the presence of BD1047 did not increase the cell viability relative to noscapine alone. Noscapine exerted cardioprotective effects exposed to OGD/R-induced injury in H9c2 cells, at least partly via attenuation of NO production and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which indicates that the sigma-one receptor activation is involved in the protection by noscapine of H9c2 cells injured by OGD/R.

Melatonin elicits protective effects on OGD/R‑insulted H9c2 cells by activating PGC‑1α/Nrf2 signaling

Melatonin (Mel) elicits beneficial effects on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the underlying mechanism of Mel against oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biological roles and the potential mechanisms of Mel in OGD/R-exposed H9c2 cardiomyocytes. The results of the present study demonstrated that Mel significantly elevated the viability and reduced the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase myocardial band in a doseand time-dependent manner in OGD/R-insulted H9c2 cells. In addition, Mel suppressed OGD/R-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells, as demonstrated by the decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, as well as the increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Mel exerted an antioxidant effect by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Mel reduced the expression of OGD/R-enhanced pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Mel also abolished the OGD/R-induced increase in H9c2 apoptosis, as evidenced by mitochondrial membrane potential restoration and caspase-3 and caspase-9 inactivation, as well as the upregulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. The Mel-induced antiapoptotic effects were dependent on PGC-1α/TNF-α signaling. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrated that Mel alleviated OGD/R-induced H9c2 cell injury via the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating the PGC-1α/Nrf2 and PGC-1α/TNF-α signaling pathways, suggesting a promising role for Mel in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Cardio-protective effects of salvianolic acid B on oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated H9c2 cells

The morphological feature of apoptosis is induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in cardiomyocytes H9c2 cells. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) has been studied in several pathological progresses, whereas it is still unclear whether maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is an intermediate regulator during this progress. After pre-incubation with Sal-B and stimulation with OGD, viability and apoptosis of were examined in MEG3-overexpressed H9c2 cells. Cyclin D1, apoptosis-correlated proteins and regulators of signalling pathways were quantified with Western blot assay. MEG3 was detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Sal-B was implicated in the enhancement of cell viability and suppression of apoptosis in OGD-treated H9c2 cells by repressing MEG3. In addition, MEG3 overexpression exerted an inhibitory effect on murine double minute 2 (MDM2) expression while aggrandized p53 expression in OGD-treated H9c2 cells which were pre-incubated with Sal-B. Furthermore, MEG3 overexpression abolished the up-regulative effect of Sal-B on phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in OGD-treated H9c2 cells. These results indicated that cardio-protective function of Sal-B might be ascribed to its down-regulatory property on MEG3 expression which hence blocks p53 and triggers AMPK activation in OGD-treated cells.

AFC1 Compound Attenuated MI/R-Induced Ventricular Remodeling via Inhibiting PDGFR and STAT Pathway

Background: Effective interventions to improve the outcome of patients subjected to myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MI/R) are urgent in clinical settings. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is reported to attenuate myocardial injury and improve ventricular remodeling post MI/R. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of AFC1 compound that is similar to TSA structure in murine MI/R models. We found that AFC1 had a comparable effect of improving murine cardiac function after MI/R while it was superior to TSA in safety profile. Administration of AFC1 reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory cells infiltration, and the expression of platelet derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) in infarcted myocardium. Treatment with AFC1 also attenuated MI/R-induced cardiac remodeling and contributed to the recovery of cardiac function. Additionally, AFC1 reversed the elevation of PDGFR expression induced by PDGF-AB in both neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NCMs) and neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NCFs) and suppressed PDGF-AB induced NCM hypertrophy via STAT3 pathway and NCF collagen synthesis through p38-MAPK signaling in vitro. Similarly, AFC1 may contribute to the recovery of cardiac function in mice post MI/R via suppressing STAT signaling. Our results confirmed that AFC1 exerts anti-hypertrophic and anti-fibrotic effects against MI/R-induced cardiac remodeling, and suggest that AFC1 may have a promising potential in improving the outcome of patients who suffered from MI/R.

Exploration of Multiple Signaling Pathways Through Which Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate Attenuates Pathologic Remodeling Experimental Infarction

The level of maladaptive myocardial remodeling consistently contributes to the poor prognosis of patients following a myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we investigated whether and how sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) would attenuate the post-infarct cardiac remodeling in mice model of MI developing after surgical ligation of the left coronary artery. All mice subjected to experimental MI or to the sham procedure were then treated for the following 4 weeks, either with STS or with a vehicle alone. Results of our studies indicated that STS treatment of MI mice prevented the left ventricular dilatation and improved their cardiac function. Results of further tests, aimed at mechanistic explanation of the beneficial effects of STS, indicated that treatment with this compound enhanced the autophagy and, at the same time, inhibited apoptosis of the cardiomyocytes. Meaningfully, we have also established that myocardium of STS-treated mice displayed significantly higher levels of adenosine monophosphate kinase than their untreated counterparts and that this effect additionally associated with the significantly diminished activities of apoptotic promoters: mammalian target of rapamycin and P70S6 kinase. Moreover, we also found that additional administration of the adenosine monophosphate kinase inhibitor (compound C) or autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) practically eliminated the observed beneficial effects of STS. In conclusion, we suggest that the described multistage mechanism triggered by STS treatment enhanced autophagy, thereby attenuating pathologic remodeling of the post-infarct hearts.

Qishen Yiqi Drop Pill, a novel compound Chinese traditional medicine protects against high glucose-induced injury in cardiomyocytes

OBJECTIVE

Qishen Yiqi Drop Pill (QSYQ) has been recognized as a potential protective agent for various cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of QSYQ in cardiac complications associated with diabetes is not clear currently. In this study, we investigate whether QSYQ could exert cardiac protective effects against high glucose-induced injuries in cardiac H9c2 cells.

METHODS

H9c2 cells were exposed to 24 hours of high glucose in presence or absence of QSYQ and LY294002. Cell cytotoxicity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening were determined. Levels of bax, bcl-2, p53, cleaved caspase-3, PI3K and Akt were evaluated by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that QSYQ significantly increased the cell viability and decreased cytotoxicity. By analysing the apoptotic rate as well as the expression levels of cytoapoptosis-related factors including cleaved caspase-3, bax, bcl-2, and p53, we found that QSYQ could remarkably suppress apoptosis of cardiomyoblasts caused by high glucose. In addition, it also showed that QSYQ reduced the generation of ROS. We further found that QSYQ treatment could inhibit the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and mPTP opening. Moreover, Western blot analysis showed enhanced phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt. The specific inhibitor of PI3K, LY294002 not only inhibited QSYQ induced PI3K/Akt signalling pathway activation, but alleviated its protective effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these findings demonstrated that QSYQ effectively protected H9c2 cells against the series injuries due to high glucose at least partially by activating the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.

Protective effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate on cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), a water-soluble derivative of tanshinone IIA, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. Many experiments have demonstrated that STS has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis and angiogenesis effects. However, it is unclear whether STS has the same beneficial effects on myocardial infarction in vivo. The aim of our experiments was to investigate whether STS could improve cardiac function and prevent myocardial remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. The MI model was established by surgical ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Then the mice were randomly divided into STS and untreated groups. The results of treatment for 3 weeks showed that STS could increase the survival rate, reduce the release of some inflammatory cytokines, inhibit cell apoptosis and promote angiogenesis. The study presents a new potential treatment method for ischemic heart disease.

Sodium tanshinone IIA silate increases melanin synthesis by activating the MAPK and PKA pathways and protects melanocytes from H2O2-induced oxidative stress

Vitiligo is an intriguing depigmentation disorder that affects about 0.5–2% of the world population. In the past decade, first-line treatments of vitiligo have involved the use of calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) has been widely applied in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. In the present study, the effect of STS on melanogenesis was confirmed in the B16F10 cells and zebrafish by direct observation. The prevention of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress has been proven to be beneficial to vitiligo patients, and STS that can protect the B16F10 cells against oxidative stress has been investigated in the present reversed study. Moreover, we found that pre-treatment with STS led to a concentration-dependent mitochondrial impairment and decreased cell apoptosis of the B16F10 cells in response to H₂O₂. In addition, we demonstrated that STS increased melanin synthesis in the B16F10 cells by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase A (PKA) pathways. STS also increased the Cdc42 and KIF5b expression to stimulate the translocation of melanin. These results suggest that STS protects the B16F10 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and exerts melanin synthesis activity in the B16F10 cells by activating the MAPK and PKA pathways; thus, it shows therapeutic potential for vitiligo.

Vitiligo is an intriguing depigmentation disorder that affects about 0.5–2% of the world population.

The protective effects of total paeony glycoside on ischemia/reperfusion injury in H9C2 cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

At present, cardiovascular disease is the global leading cause of mortality. Total paeony glycoside (TPG) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which serves a pivotal role in the cardiovascular system. In the present study, the effects and underlying mechanisms of TPG on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were investigated in vitro. Cell Counting kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to assess the viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and apoptosis of H9C2 cells. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were analyzed by commercial detection kits. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were conducted to evaluate the expression levels of various factors. The results demonstrated that the viability of H9C2 cells was not significantly altered in response to various concentrations of TPG. However, following I/R injury, TPG markedly enhanced cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, TPG decreased the rate of apoptosis and ROS levels, and reduced the activities of MDA and LDH. Conversely, TPG increased SOD and GPX activities. In addition, TPG upregulated the expression levels of pro-caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma2 (Bcl-2), whereas it downregulated cleaved-caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, Bcl-2-associated X protein, phosphorylated (p)-phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and p-protein kinase B (Akt) expression. Treatment with insulin-like growth factor-1 increased the apoptosis of H9C2 cells, thus suggesting that activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway reversed the protective effects of TPG. Taken together, TPG may suppress I/R-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress of H9C2 cells possibly by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway; such a phenomenon may have a therapeutic effect on cardiovascular disease.

Tanshinone IIA Pretreatment Protects H9c2 Cells against Anoxia/Reoxygenation Injury: Involvement of the Translocation of Bcl-2 to Mitochondria Mediated by 14-3-3η

Tanshinone IIA is an important component that is isolated from danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), which is known to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. In this study, we determined the effects of Tanshinone IIA and its underlying mechanisms of action in an anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) cell line model. Prior to inducing A/R injury, rat cardiomyocyte-derived cell line H9c2 was stimulated with 8 μM of Tanshinone IIA for 48 hours. When compared with the A/R group, the Tanshinone IIA treatment significantly increased cell viability and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity. Tanshinone IIA upregulated 14-3-3η expression and facilitated Bcl-2 translocation to the mitochondrial outer membrane, which bound with voltage-dependent anion channel 1. In addition, pretreatment with Tanshinone IIA reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species and cytochrome c release, inactivated caspase-3, prevented mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells. Moreover, treatment with Tanshinone IIA reduced the level of malondialdehyde, thereby increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Silencing the expression of 14-3-3η by adenovirus blocked the above-mentioned results. These novel findings showed that pretreatment with Tanshinone IIA alleviated H9c2 cell damage against A/R injury and was associated with upregulation of 14-3-3η, thereby facilitating Bcl-2 translocation to the mitochondrial outer membrane and preventing mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, decreasing cytochrome c release, preventing caspase-3 activation, and restraining apoptosis.

Salvia miltiorrhizaBurge (Danshen): a golden herbal medicine in cardiovascular therapeutics

Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen) is an eminent medicinal herb that possesses broad cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective actions and has been used in Asian countries for many centuries. Accumulating evidence suggests that Danshen and its components prevent vascular diseases, in particular, atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. The published literature indicates that lipophilic constituents (tanshinone I, tanshinone IIa, tanshinone IIb, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, etc) as well as hydrophilic constituents (danshensu, salvianolic acid A and B, protocatechuic aldehyde, etc) contribute to the cardiovascular protective actions of Danshen, suggesting a potential synergism among these constituents. Herein, we provide a systematic up-to-date review on the cardiovascular actions and therapeutic potential of major pharmacologically active constituents of Danshen. These bioactive compounds will serve as excellent drug candidates in small-molecule cardiovascular drug discovery. This article also provides a scientific rationale for understanding the traditional use of Danshen in cardiovascular therapeutics.

Overexpression of microRNA-146 protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway

MicroRNA (miR) has been reported to be associated with ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) and cell apoptosis. Suppression of cell apoptosis may reduce the irreversible damage induced by reperfusion. The aims of the current study were to explore the cytoprotective effects of miR-146 against oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery (OGD/R)-induced injury in H9c2 rat myocardial cells, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Following stimulation with OGD/R, the cells were transfected with miR-146 mimics or negative controls. The levels of miR-146 were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Thereafter, cell viability and cell apoptosis were analyzed by MTT assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay, respectively. In addition, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined by ELISA and the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2 and phosphorylated (p)-nuclear factor (NF)-κB were measured by western blotting. The results demonstrated that overexpression of miR-146 significantly increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis (P<0.05). It was observed that overexpression of miR-146 statistically reduced the levels of Bax, TNF-α and p-NF-κB but markedly upregulated the levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05). These results indicate that overexpression of miR-146 may protect against OGD/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-146 may alleviate the irreversible injury associated with reperfusion and the effects may be achieved by inhibiting the NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway.

Osmotin Protects H9c2 Cells from Simulated Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury through AdipoR1/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of osmotin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:In vitro I/R injury model was established on rat cardiac myoblast H9c2 cells by oxygen and glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion (OGD/R). Cells were administrated with osmotin, and transfected with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) which specifically target adiponectin receptor 1 or 2 (AdipoR1/2). Besides, the cells were incubated with or without LY294002 as inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) under OGD/R condition. Cell viability, apoptosis, expressions of apoptosis-related proteins and inflammatory factors were analyzed.

Results: The results showed that osmotin significantly increased H9c2 cells viability compared with the cells treated with vehicle (P < 0.05), and decreased H9c2 cells apoptosis by regulating expressions of apoptosis-related proteins. Moreover, we observed that osmotin statistically reduced the release of proinflammatory factors and increased the release of anti-inflammatory factors in H9c2 cells (P < 0.05). However, these effects were markedly reversed by AdipoR1 silence but not AdipoR2. Furthermore, osmotin dramatically upregulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, ERK, and downregulated the phosphorylation level of NF-κB (P < 0.05). While administration of LY294002 reduced cell viability, increased cell apoptosis, and aggravated inflammatory response (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our results suggested that the protective effect of osmotin on the simulated OGD/R injured H9c2 cells might be associated with AdipoR1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Dual character of flavonoids in attenuating and aggravating ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial injury

The concept that flavonoids exert cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has been acknowledged by a large body of evidence. However, recent studies reported cardiotoxic effects of certain flavonoids, while the underlying mechanisms have remained largely elusive. Flavonoids have been demonstrated to activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), which is implicated in an array of cell signaling processes. The present study examined the cardioprotective roles of quercetin (Qu) and β-naphthoflavone (β-NF) against I/R injury and explored whether the underlying mechanism proceeds via molecular signaling downstream of Ahr. An oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model of I/R was established in myocardial H9c2 cells in the absence or presence of Qu or β-NF. Qu as well as β-NF reversed OGD/R-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species by increasing the anti-oxidative capacity of the cells and protected them from lethal injury, as demonstrated by a decreased cell death rate, lactate hydrogenase leakage and caspase-3 activity as determined by flow cytometry, colorimetric assay and western blot analysis, respectively. Immunocytochemistry, co-immunoprecipitation and western blot assays collectively revealed that Qu and β-NF engendered the translocation of Ahr from the cytoplasm into the cell nucleus, where binding of Ahr with the Ahr nuclear translocator (ARNT) blocked its binding to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, which inhibited the cardioprotection of HIF-1α, including the induction of nitric oxide (NO) and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. Ahr knockdown recovered the binding of ARNT to HIF-1α and the generation of NO and VEGF. The results of the present study suggested a dual character of Qu and β-NF in the process of myocardial I/R.

Compatibility of Tanshinone IIA and Astragaloside IV in attenuating hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal medicines including Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA) and Astragaloside IV (AsIV) are widely used in Asia as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases, due to their complementary roles and shared properties based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacological researches. However, the underlying pathological mechanisms for their efficacy are still unclear. In addition, the compatibility or incompatibility of the herbal medicines when administered with other herbal remedies or with prescription drugs is unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the compatibility of TanIIA and AsIV in protecting cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-induced injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cultured cardiomyocytes were stimulated in hypoxia condition, in the absence or presence of the two herbal compounds, TanIIA and AsIV. Indicators were determined by cytotoxicity assay, quantitative PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry assay, immunofluorescence staining and western blot.

RESULTS

Either TanIIA alone or the combined herbal compounds inhibited hypoxia-triggered chemokines production including CCL2/5/19, CXCL2 and Transwell assay-indicated monocyte/macrophage recruitment, cytokines production including TNF-α and IL-6. While AsIV alone or the combined herbal compounds attenuated hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis indicated by decreased Annexin V⁺ cells and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, but no significant effect of the herbal compounds was observed in modulating cell apoptosis following both hypoxia and TNF-α stimulation. As an anti-apoptotic factor, stress granule formation was further enhanced by AsIV alone or the combined herbal compounds in hypoxia or heat shock stress. Moreover, immunoblotting analysis indicated that stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways including the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK were inhibited while the phosphorylation of Akt in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) -Akt pathway for cell survival was restored by the herbal compounds. Among these results, the combination of TanIIA and AsIV comprised most of the beneficial properties tested, although their combination did not improve the maximal effects achieved by any of the compounds alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these data suggest a compatibility of TanIIA and AsIV in protecting cardiomyocyte against hypoxia-induced injury.

miR-17-3p Contributes to Exercise-Induced Cardiac Growth and Protects against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Limited microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) have been reported to be necessary for exercise-induced cardiac growth and essential for protection against pathological cardiac remodeling. Here we determined members of the miR-17-92 cluster and their passenger miRNAs expressions in two distinct murine exercise models and found that miR-17-3p was increased in both. miR-17-3p promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, proliferation, and survival. TIMP-3 was identified as a direct target gene of miR-17-3p whereas PTEN was indirectly inhibited by miR-17-3p. Inhibition of miR-17-3p in vivo attenuated exercise-induced cardiac growth including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and expression of markers of myocyte proliferation. Importantly, mice injected with miR-17-3p agomir were protected from adverse remodeling after cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. Collectively, these data suggest that miR-17-3p contributes to exercise-induced cardiac growth and protects against adverse ventricular remodeling. miR-17-3p may represent a novel therapeutic target to promote functional recovery after cardiac ischemia/reperfusion.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress

The fat-soluble diterpenoids tanshinone IIA (TSA) is the major active element of Danshen, which has widespread cardioprotective effect. However, the mechanism of its beneficial effect on cardiomyocytes has not been fully investigated. Here, we aim to demonstrate that TSA ameliorates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes activated by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes are used, in which ERS-mediated apoptosis is induced by tunicamycin (Tm). Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes are detected by Hoechst staining and caspase 3 activity analysis. Protein expression of ERS markers are detected by Western blot, and level of miroRNA-133 (miR-133) is detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Tm treatment significantly triggers the apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes. TSA dramatically ameliorates apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes induced by Tm. Interestingly, level of miR-133 is reduced by Tm treatment, which is reversed by TSA. The cardioprotective effect of TSA on apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes is blocked by anti-miR-133. These results suggest that TSA protects cardiomyocytes through ameliorated ERS-mediated apoptosis, which may be resulted from upregulation of miR-133.

Quality standardization of herbal medicines using effective compounds combination as labeled constituents

Selection of suitable labeled constituents is vital for the quality standardization of herbal medicines (HMs). However, discovery of labeled constituents that can account for the whole efficacy of original HMs is a challenging issue. Taking tanshinones extract (TE) as an example, a strategy to establish reasonable quality control method using effective compounds combination (ECC) as labeled constituents was proposed. The strategy consists of three core steps, including chemical profiling of TE, discovery and in vivo process research of ECC, and quality standardization based on ECC. Using this strategy, a combination of four tanshinones (tanshinones IIA, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I and dihydrotanshinone I), which was as effective as TE in cell models and in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, was identified as ECC in TE. Furthermore, quality standardization of TE was established based on proposed ECC using single standard for determination of multiple components (SSDMC) method. In conclusion, the presently developed ECC-based approach not only offers new insight into the understanding of the holistic effects of HMs, but also provides efficacy-associated labeled constituents for quality control of botanicals.

Tanshinone IIA protects H9c2 cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death via microRNA-133 upregulation and Akt activation

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of tanshinone IIA and the underlying molecular mechanisms. An in vitro model of oxidative stress injury was established in cardiac H9c2 cells, and the effects of tanshinone IIa were investigated using cell viability, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays. The results demonstrated that tanshinone IIA protects H9c2 cells from H₂O₂-induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, via a mechanism involving microRNA-133 (miR-133), and that treatment with TIIA alone exerted no cytotoxic effects on H9c2. In order to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the actions of TIIA, reverse transcription-quantitative polymease chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed. Reductions in miR-133 expression levels induced by increasing concentrations of H₂O₂ were reversed by treatment with tanshinone IIA. In addition, the inhibition of miR-133 by transfection with an miR-133 inhibitor abolished the cardioprotective effects of tanshinone IIA against H₂O₂-induced cell death. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated that tanshinone IIA activated Akt kinase via the phosphorylation of serine 473. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway by pretreatment with the PI3K specific inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 also eliminated the cardioprotective effects of tanshinone IIA against H₂O₂-induced cell death. Western blot analysis demonstrated that H₂O₂-induced reductions in B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression levels were reversed by tanshinone IIA. In addition, the effect of tanshinone IIA on Bcl-2 protein expression level in an oxidative environment was suppressed by a PI3K inhibitor, wortmannin, indicating that tanshinone IIA exerts cardioprotective effects against H₂O₂-induced cell death via the activation of the PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway and the consequent upregulation of Bcl-2. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that TIIA is able to protcet H9c2 cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death through signalling pathways involving miR-133 and Akt, and that tanshinone IIA is a promising natural cardioprotective agent.

Kavain Involvement in LPS-Induced Signaling Pathways

Kavain, a compound extracted from the Kava plant, Piper methysticum, is found to be involved in TNF-α expression in human and mouse cells via regulation of transcriptional factors such as NF-kB and LITAF. LITAF is known to activate the transcription of more than 20 cytokines that are involved in a variety of cellular processes and is associated with many inflammatory diseases, including angiogenesis, cancer, arthritis, and more. The modulation of LITAF is expected to positively affect cytokine-mediated diseases. Thus, intensive efforts have been deployed in search of LITAF inhibitors. In this work, we found that, in vitro, Kavain reduced LPS- induced TNF-α secretion in mouse macrophages, mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMM), and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (HPBMC). We also found that Kavain treatment in RAW264.7 cells deactivated MyD88 and Akt, inhibited LITAF, and reduced the production of TNF-α, IL-27, and MIG in response to LPS. Similarly, it had a significant in vivo anti-inflammatory effect on wild-type (WT) mice that developed Collagen Antibody Induced Arthritis (CAIA). Overall, MyD88 was found to be an important mediator of the LPS-induced inflammatory response that can be distinguished from the NF-κB pathway. We also found that MyD88 is involved in the pathway linking LPS/LITAF to TNF-α. Therefore, given that Kavain modulates LPS-induced signaling pathways leading to cytokine expression, therapeutic interventions involving Kavain in inflammatory diseases are warranted. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2272-2280, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Plant Natural Product Formononetin Protects Rat Cardiomyocyte H9c2 Cells against Oxygen Glucose Deprivation and Reoxygenation via Inhibiting ROS Formation and Promoting GSK-3β Phosphorylation

The opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is a major cause of cell death in ischemia reperfusion injury. Based on our pilot experiments, plant natural product formononetin enhanced the survival of rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells during oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation. For mechanistic studies, we focused on two major cellular factors, namely, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), in the regulation of mPTP opening. We found that formononetin suppressed the formation of ROS and superoxide in a concentration-dependent manner. Formononetin also rescued OGD/reoxygenation-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity. Further studies suggested that formononetin induced Akt activation and GSK-3β (Ser9) phosphorylation, thereby reducing GSK-3β activity towards mPTP opening. PI3K and PKC inhibitors abolished the effects of formononetin on mPTP opening and GSK-3β phosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation experiments further revealed that formononetin increased the binding of phosphor-GSK-3β to adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) while it disrupted the complex of ANT with cyclophilin D. Moreover, immunofluorescence revealed that phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) was mainly deposited in the space between mitochondria and cell nucleus. Collectively, these results indicated that formononetin protected cardiomyocytes from OGD/reoxygenation injury via inhibiting ROS formation and promoting GSK-3β phosphorylation.

Molecular Mechanisms of Cardioprotective Actions of Tanshinones

Tanshinones are lipophilic compounds derived fromSalvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen) that has been widely used to treat coronary heart diseases in China. The cardioprotective actions of tanshinones have been extensively studied in various models of myocardial infarction, cardiac ischemia reperfusion injury, cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, hypoxia, and cardiomyopathy. This review outlines the recent development in understanding the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the cardioprotective actions of tanshinones, in particular on mitochondrial apoptosis, calcium, nitric oxide, ROS, TNF-α, PKC, PI3K/Akt, IKK/NF-κB, and TGF-β1/Smad mechanisms, which highlights the potential of these compounds as therapeutic agents for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate ameliorates experimental coronary no-reflow phenomenon through down-regulation of FGL2

AIMS

The effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) on coronary no-reflow (CNR) relevant to microvascular obstruction (MVO) remain unknown. Studies had shown that fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) expressed in microvascular endothelial cells (MECs) is a key mediator in MVO. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the roles of STS in CNR and relations between STS and FGL2.

MAIN METHODS

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion was selected to represent CNR model. The no-reflow zone and infarct area were assessed using Thioflavin S and TTC staining, and cardiac functional parameters were detected using echocardiography. Western blot was used to detected FGL2 level, fibrin level, protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) activation and inflammation cells infiltration. FGL2 and inflammation cells were also identified by IHC. Microthrombus was detected by Carstairs' and MSB staining. We also detected the roles of STS on FGL2 expression, thrombin generation, phospho-Akt and NF-κB levels in MECs.

KEY FINDINGS

Upon treatment with STS in CNR model, the no-reflow and infarct areas decreased significantly and cardiac function improved. The FGL2 expression was inhibited by STS in vivo as well as in vitro with thrombin generation inhibition. In addition, STS up-regulates Akt phosphorylation and suppressed NF-κB expression in activated MECs. Furthermore, fibrin deposition, PAR-1 activation and inflammatory response were inhibited with STS administration in CNR model.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results displayed a novel pharmacological action of STS on CNR. STS is able to ameliorate CNR through inhibition of FGL2 expression mediated by Akt and NF-κB pathways as well as prevention of MVO by suppressing fibrin deposition and inflammation.

A strategy for the identification of combinatorial bioactive compounds contributing to the holistic effect of herbal medicines

It has been well claimed that herbal medicines (HMs) elicit effects via a multi-compounds and multi-targets synergistic mode. However, it lacks appropriate strategies to uncover the combinatory compounds that take effect together and contribute to a certain pharmacological effect of an herb as a whole, which represents a major bottleneck in providing sound evidence in supporting the clinic benefits of HMs. Here, we proposed a strategy to the identification of combinatory compounds contributing to the anti-inflammatory activity of Cardiotonic Pill (CP). The strategy proposed herein contains four core steps, including the identification of bioequivalent combinatorial compounds, chemical family classification-based combinatorial screen, interactive mode evaluation, and activity contribution index assay. Using this strategy, we have successfully identified six compounds in combination responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of CP, whose anti-inflammatory activities were found comparable to that of the whole CP. Additionally, these six compounds take effect via an additive mode but little synergism. This study, together with our recent work in the identification of bioactive equivalent compounds combination, provides a widely applicable strategy to the identification of combinatory compounds responsible for a certain pharmacological activity of HMs.

Sodium tanshinone IIA silate as an add-on therapy in patients with unstable angina pectoris

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether sodium tanshinone IIA silate (STS) as an add-on therapy to conventional treatment may provide additional benefits for patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and is associated with changes in profiles of serum inflammatory factors.

METHODS

Eighty patients diagnosed with UAP were randomly divided into two groups for the 2-week treatment. The control group received conventional therapy, while the treatment group was given intravenous STS (0.06 mg in 250 mL, once daily) as an add-on therapy to the conventional medications. The therapeutic efficacy and changes in serum levels of several inflammatory cytokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) from baseline were determined and compared between the two group.

RESULTS

The clinical symptoms of all patients in both groups were improved after treatment. The overall rate of effectiveness was 97.5% in the treatment group vs. 80.0% in the control group. Serum levels of MCP-1, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.01), whereas the reduction was greater in patients receiving additional STS (P<0.05). PPAR-γ was significantly elevated in both groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

STS in combination with conventional treatment may be associated with better outcomes in patients with UAP.

Individual and combined cytotoxic effects of aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B1 on BRL 3A rat liver cells

This study was performed to determine the individual and combined cytotoxic effects of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) on BRL 3A rat liver cells. After the mycotoxins treated the BRL 3A cells for 12, 24 and 48 h, cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. The cytotoxicity of individual mycotoxins on BRL 3A cell viability in decreasing order were DON > AFB1 > ZEA > FB1. The central composite design (CCD) was used to assess the toxicity of binary and ternary mixtures of these mycotoxins. The mixtures of AFB1+ZEA and AFB1+DON showed the synergetic toxic effects on BRL 3A cells. These toxins decreased the viability of cells by inducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and promoting apoptosis in the BRL 3A cells. This effect was mediated by an upregulation of the stress and apoptotic genes Hsp70, p53, Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-8, along with a downregulation of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2. In conclusion, our results suggested that the coexistence of AFB1 and ZEA or DON in agricultural products could be more hepatotoxic than individually, suggests that the toxicological interactions of these toxins need to be better understood to assess health risks.