Cardioprotective effects of anisodamine against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

A comparative study between angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (thiorphan/irbesartan) with each of nitrate and carvedilol in a rat model of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury

The combined angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor is a promising cardioprotective pharmacological agent. This study investigated the beneficial effects of thiorphan (TH)/irbesartan (IRB), in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, compared to each of nitroglycerin and carvedilol. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (10 rats/group): Sham, untreated I/R, TH/IRB + IR (0.1/10 mg/kg), nitroglycerin + IR (0.2 mg/kg), and carvedilol + IR (10 mg/kg). Mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac functions and arrhythmia incidence, duration and score were assessed. Cardiac levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), oxidative stress, endothelin-1, ATP, Na⁺ /K⁺ ATPase pump activity and mitochondria complexes activities were measured. Histopathological examination, Bcl/Bax immunohistochemistry studies and electron microscopy examination of left ventricle were performed. TH/IRB preserved the cardiac functions and mitochondrial complexes activities, mitigated cardiac damage, reduced oxidative stress and arrhythmia severity, improved the histopathological changes and decreased cardiac apoptosis. TH/IRB showed a comparable effect to each of nitroglycerin and carvedilol in alleviating the IR injury consequences. TH/IRB showed significant preservation of mitochondrial complexes activity I and II compared to nitroglycerin. TH/IRB significantly increased LVdP/dtmax and decreased oxidative stress, cardiac damage and endothelin-1 along with increasing the ATP content, Na⁺ /K⁺ ATPase pump activity and mitochondrial complexes activity when compared to carvedilol. TH/IRB showed a cardioprotective effect in reducing IR injury that is comparable to each of nitroglycerin and carvedilol that could be explained in part by its ability to preserve mitochondrial function, increase ATP, decrease oxidative stress as well as endothelin 1.

The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatocellular carcinoma

Inflammasomes play an important role in innate immunity. As a signal platform, they deal with the excessive pathogenic products and cellular products related to stress and injury. So far, the best studied and most characteristic inflammasome is the NLR-family pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, which is composed of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck like protein (ASC) and pro-caspase-1. The formation of NLRP3 inflammasome complexes results in the activation of caspase-1, the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and pyroptosis. Many studies have demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome not only participates in tumorigenesis, but also plays a protective role in some cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Currently, due to the lack of effective treatment methods for HCC, the therapeutic effect of HCC has not been ideal. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to explore the pathogenesis of HCC and find its effective treatment methods. The increasing evidences indicate that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a vital role in HCC, however, the related mechanisms are not fully understood. Hence, we focused on the recent progress about the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in HCC, and analyzed the relevant mechanisms in detail to provide reference for the future in-depth researches.

Protective effect of anisodamine on bleomycin-induced acute lung injury in immature rats via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Background

Pediatric acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common causes of infant mortality. Although lung-protective strategies have developed in recent years, no ALI treatment is currently available. Anisodamine (Ani) is a common drug used to treat gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasm. The protective effects of Ani against acute kidney injury and myocardial injury have been reported. However, the efficacy of Ani on bleomycin (BLM)-induced ALI has not been examined previously. In the present study, we aimed to examine the effects of Ani on bleomycin (BLM)-induced ALI on immature rats.

Methods

The ALI rat model was established by intratracheally administration of BLM. Ani treatment was performed by an intravenous injection at different concentrations. The lung function of each rat was measured, and then lung tissue structures, apoptosis, and collagen deposition were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling assay, and Masson’s staining, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and fibrosis-related markers was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and/or Western blot analysis. Finally, the expression levels of Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were determined.

Results

Our findings indicated that lung function was remarkably decreased in BLM-induced rats, which could be reversed by Ani. Ani treatment increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, decreased the apoptotic rate and apoptosis-related proteins, and downregulated the expression of fibrosis-related markers. Additionally, Ani treatment also attenuated inflammatory response and suppressed the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that Ani had potent activity against BLM-induced ALI in immature rats through inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our findings provide supporting evidence to further investigate the therapeutic effect of Ani against ALI in children.

Protective effect of anisodamine hydrobromide on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury

Anisodamine hydrobromide (AniHBr) is a Chinese medicine used to treat septic shock. However, whether AniHBr could ameliorate septic acute kidney injury and the underlying mechanism were not investigated. In the present study, 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS+AniHBr groups. Rats were intravenously administrated with LPS or normal saline (for control). After 4 h, the rats were intravenously administrated with AniHBr (LPS+AniHBr) or normal saline at 4 h intervals. Hemodynamic parameters including blood pressure and heart rate were measured. The histopathologic evaluation of kidney tissues was performed. Lactate, creatine kinase, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators were determined. Using Seahorse analysis, the metabolic analysis of mitochondrial stress and glycolytic stress in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells treated with TNF-α in the presence of AniHBr was performed. AniHBr administration significantly reduced serum creatine kinase and lactate following LPS treatment. AniHBr significantly improved hemodynamics in sepsis rats including increase in the mean atrial pressure and reduction in the heart rate. AniHBr significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in serum, and LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β in renal tissues. The LPS-reduced SOD activity and LPS-increased MDA content were reversed by AniHBr. In vitro, TNF-α increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption and glycolysis, but inhibited the ATP generation, which was reversed by AniHBr. Thus, AniHBr protects against the LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, and thus attenuates the LPS-induced acute kidney injury, showing AniHBr is a promising therapeutic drug for septic kidney injury.

Efficacy of Alkaloids in Alleviating Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies

Background

Animal models are well established for studying the effects of alkaloids in preventing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, few studies have investigated the therapeutic effects of alkaloids in humans. This meta-analysis and systematic review assessed the efficacy of alkaloids in attenuating infarct size in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Methods

An integrated literature search including the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify studies that evaluated the therapeutic effects of alkaloids on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. The main outcome was infarct size, and SYRCLE's risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Results

22 studies were brought into the meta-analysis. Compared with the effects of vehicle, alkaloids significantly reduced infarct size (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.64 to - 0.26). In subgroup analyses, isoquinoline alkaloids (SMD = -0.43; 95%CI = -0.70 to - 0.16) significantly reduced infarct size versus the control.

Conclusion

Isoquinoline alkaloids can potentially alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. This meta-analysis and systematic review supply a reference for research programs aiming to develop alkaloid-based clinical drugs. This trial is registered with CRD42019135489.

Positive Effect of Andrographolide Induced Autophagy on Random-Pattern Skin Flaps Survival

Random-pattern skin flap replantation is generally used in the reconstruction of surgical tissues and covering a series of skin flap defects. However, ischemia often occurs at the flap distal parts, which lead to flap necrosis. Previous studies have shown that andrographolide (Andro) protects against ischemic cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about the effect of Andro on flap viability. Thus, our study aimed to building a model of random-pattern skin flap to understand the mechanism of Andro-induced effects on flap survival. In this study, fifty-four mice were randomly categorized into the control, Andro group, and the Andro+3-methyladenine group. The skin flap samples were obtained on postoperative day 7. Subsequently, the tissue samples were underwent a series of evaluations such as changes in the appearance of flap tissue, the intensity of blood flow, and neovascularization density of skin flap. In our study, the results revealed that Andro enhanced the viability of random skin flaps by enhancing angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, our results have also demonstrated that the administration of Andro caused an elevation in the autophagy, and these remarkable impact of Andro were reversed by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the most common autophagy inhibitor. Together, our data proves novel evidence that Andro is a potent modulator of autophagy capable of significantly increasing random-pattern skin flap survival.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke and heart failure, are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although specific CVDs and the associated cardiometabolic abnormalities have distinct pathophysiological and clinical manifestations, they often share common traits, including disruption of proteostasis resulting in accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER proteostasis is governed by the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signalling pathway that adjusts the protein-folding capacity of the cell to sustain the cell's secretory function. When the adaptive UPR fails to preserve ER homeostasis, a maladaptive or terminal UPR is engaged, leading to the disruption of ER integrity and to apoptosis. ER stress functions as a double-edged sword, with long-term ER stress resulting in cellular defects causing disturbed cardiovascular function. In this Review, we discuss the distinct roles of the UPR and ER stress response as both causes and consequences of CVD. We also summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the importance of the UPR and ER stress in the pathogenesis of CVD and discuss potential therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring ER proteostasis in CVDs.

Schizandrin B attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in H9c2 cells by activating the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Schizandrin B exhibits prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and plays an important role in ameliorating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the underlying protective mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to explore the cardioprotective effects of schizandrin B against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9c2 cell injury, focusing on the role of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in this process. The results showed that schizandrin B attenuated the H/R-induced decrease in cell viability and the increase in lactate dehydrogenase release, as well as the apoptosis rate in H9c2 cells. Schizandrin B also mitigated H/R-induced oxidative stress, as illustrated by the decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, malondialdehyde content and NADPH oxidase 2 expression, and the increase in antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. In addition, schizandrin B reversed the H/R-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β (IL-1β) tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6 and IL-8] and the downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor-β and IL-10) in the culture supernatant. Notably, schizandrin B increased the expression of Nrf2, NAD(P)H: Quinone oxidoreductase (NQO-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in H/R-treated H9c2 cells, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. The cardioprotection of schizandrin B against H/R injury was inhibited by Nrf2 knockdown induced byNrf-2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA; si-Nrf2) transfection. Furthermore, schizandrin B enhanced phosphorylated (p)-AMPK expression, while AMPK knockdown induced by AMPK-specific siRNA(si-AMPK) transfection remarkably eliminated schizandrin B-induced cardioprotection and reduced Nrf2 expression in H/R-treated H9c2 cells. Taken together, these results suggested that schizandrin B exerts cardioprotection on H/R injury in H9c2 cells due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities via activation of the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway.

Gastrodin Promotes the Survival of Random-Pattern Skin Flaps via Autophagy Flux Stimulation

The random-pattern flap has a significant application in full mouth restoration (reconstructive surgery) and plastic surgery owing to an easy operation with no axial vascular restriction. However, distal necrosis after flap operation is still considered the most common complication which makes it the Achilles heel in the clinical application of random-pattern flaps. A Chinese medicinal herb named gastrodin is an effective active ingredient of Gastrodia. Herein, the existing study explored the significant potential of gastrodin on flap survival and its underlying mechanism. Our obtained results show that gastrodin will significantly improve flap survival, reduce tissue edema, and increase blood flow. Furthermore, our studies reveal that gastrodin can promote angiogenesis and reduce the apoptotic process as well as oxidative stress. The results of immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting revealed that gastrodin has a role in the elevation of autophagy flux which results in induced autophagy. The use of 3MA (3-methyladenine) for the inhibition of induced autophagy significantly weakened the underlying benefits of gastrodin treatment. Taken together, our obtained results confirmed that gastrodin is an effective drug that can considerably promote the survival rate of flaps (random pattern) via enhancing autophagy. Enhanced autophagy is correlated with the elevation of angiogenesis, reduced level of oxidative stress, and inhibition of cell apoptosis.

Anisodamine Maintains the Stability of Intervertebral Disc Tissue by Inhibiting the Senescence of Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Degradation of Extracellular Matrix via Interleukin-6/Janus Kinases/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Pathway

Objectives: Anisodamine (ANI) has been used to treat a variety of diseases. However, the study of ANI in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is unclear. This study investigated the effects of ANI on degenerative nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and IVDD rats, and its possible mechanisms. Methods: Human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) were treated with IL-1β (20 ng/ml) to simulate IVDD, and an IVDD rat model was constructed. IL-1β-induced HNPCs were treated with different concentrations (10, 20, or 40 μM) of ANI, and IVDD rats were also treated with ANI (1 mg/kg). Results: ANI treatment significantly reduced the apoptosis, caspase-3 and SA-β-gal activities, and p53 and p21 proteins expression, while promoted telomerase activity and aggrecan and collagen II synthesis in IL-1β-induced HNPCs. Moreover, the introduction of ANI inhibited the expression of IL-6, phosphorylation of JAK and STAT3, and nuclear translocation of p-STAT3 in Degenerated HNPCs. Additionally, the application of ANI abolished the effects of IL-6 on apoptosis, SA-β-gal and telomerase activity, and the expression of p53, p21, aggrecan and collagen II proteins in degenerated HNPCs. Simultaneously, ANI treatment enhanced the effects of AG490 (inhibitor of JAK/STAT3 pathway) on IL-1β-induced apoptosis, senescence and ECM degradation in HNPCs. Furthermore, ANI treatment markedly inhibited the apoptosis and senescence in the nucleus pulposus of IVDD rats, while promoted the synthesis of aggrecan and collagen II. ANI treatment obviously inhibited JAK and STAT3 phosphorylation and inhibited nuclear translocation of p-STAT3 in IVDD rats. Conclusion: ANI inhibited the senescence and ECM degradation of NPCs by regulating the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway to improve the function of NPCs in IVDD, which may provide new ideas for the treatment of IVDD.

Co‑expression of tissue kallikrein 1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 improves myocardial ischemia‑reperfusion injury by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting oxidative stress

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious complication of reperfusion therapy for myocardial infarction. At present, there is not an effective treatment strategy available for myocardial I/R. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of human tissue kallikrein 1 (hTK1) and human tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (hTIMP1) gene co‑expression on myocardial I/R injury. A rat model of myocardial I/R injury and a cell model with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMVECs) were established, and treated with adenovirus (Ad)‑hTK1/hTIMP1. Following which, histological and triphenyl‑tetrazolium‑chloride staining assays were performed. Cardiac function was tested by echocardiographic measurement. The serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in rats and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in CMVECs were measured. Additionally, experiments, including immunostaining, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting, and MTT, wound healing, Transwell and tube formation assays were also performed. The results of the present study demonstrated that Ad‑hTK1/hTIMP1 alleviated myocardial injury and improved cardiac function in myocardial I/R model rats. Ad‑hTK1/hTIMP1 also significantly enhanced microvessel formation, decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 expression, and reduced oxidative stress in myocardial I/R model rats. Furthermore, Ad‑hTK1/hTIMP1 significantly enhanced proliferation, migration and tube formation in H/R‑treated CMVECs. Additionally, Ad‑hTK1/hTIMP1 significantly decreased intracellular ROS production and γ‑H2A.X variant histone expression levels in H/R‑treated CMVECs. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that co‑expression of hTK1 and hTIMP1 genes displayed significant protective effects on myocardial I/R injury by promoting angiogenesis and suppressing oxidative stress; therefore, co‑expression of hTK1 and hTIMP1 may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for myocardial I/R injury.

Anisodamine Hydrobromide Protects Glycocalyx and Against the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Increases in Microvascular Endothelial Layer Permeability and Nitric Oxide Production

PURPOSE

Anisodamine hydrobromide (Ani HBr) has been used to improve the microcirculation during cardiovascular disorders and sepsis. Glycocalyx plays an important role in preserving the endothelial cell (EC) barrier permeability and nitric oxide (NO) production. We aimed to test the hypothesis that Ani HBr could protect the EC against permeability and NO production via preventing glycocalyx shedding.

METHODS

A human cerebral microvascular EC hCMEC/D3 injury model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established. Ani HBr was administrated to ECs with the LPS challenge. Cell viability was performed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by EdU and Hoechst 33342 staining. Apoptosis and cell cycle were also assessed by flow cytometry with annexin V staining and propidium iodide staining, respectively. Then, adherens junction integrity was evaluated basing on the immunofluorescence staining of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin). The glycocalyx component heparan sulfate (HS) was stained in ECs. The cell permeability was evaluated by leakage of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran. Cellular NO production was measured by the method of nitric acid reductase.

RESULTS

Ani HBr at 20 μg/mL significantly increased the viability of ECs with LPS challenge, but significantly inhibited the cell viability at 80 μg/mL, showing a bidirectional regulation of cell viability by Ani HBr. Ani HBr had not significantly change the LPS-induced EC proliferation. Ani HBr significantly reversed the induction of LPS on EC apoptosis. Ani HBr reinstated the LPS-induced glycocalyx and VE-cadherin shedding and adherens junction disruption. Ani HBr significantly alleviated LPS-induced EC layer permeability and NO production.

CONCLUSION

Ani HBr protects ECs against LPS-induced increase in cell barrier permeability and nitric oxide production via preserving the integrity of glycocalyx. Ani HBr is a promising drug to rescue or protect the glycocalyx.

Anisodamine Suppressed the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells, Induced Apoptosis and Regulated the Levels of Inflammatory Factors by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with a 5-year incidence of over 70%. Anisodamine (ANI), an alkaloid extracted from Anisodus, has a good therapeutic effect in septic shock and morphine addiction. Our study designed to investigate the anticancer effect of anisodamine (ANI) on HCC.

Materials and Methods

HepG2 cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/C nude mice and the tumor tissue was subcutaneously inoculated to construct the transplanted tumor. Mice were randomly divided into 10 groups (n = 5): control group, ANI-10 group, ANI-50 group, ANI-200 group, ANI-200+pcDNA-NLRP3 group, ANI-200+EV group, sh-NLRP3 group, ANI-200 + sh-NLRP3 group, normal group and normal+ANI-200 group.

Results

Studies indicated that ANI inhibited the growth of HCC xenografts and reduced liver damage in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, ANI increased the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice and suppressed the expression of NLRP3 in a dose-dependent manner. It is worth noting that NLRP3 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of ANI on HCC xenografts. In addition, TUNEL analysis showed that ANI-induced apoptosis of tumor cells, and NLRP3 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of ANI on HCC. Moreover, ANI further regulated the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-27. Notably, low expression of NLRP3 enhanced the inhibitory effect of ANI on the development of HCC xenografts in mice.

Discussion

These findings indicate that ANI suppressed the growth of HCC cells, induced apoptosis and regulated the levels of inflammatory factors by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Betulinic Acid Enhances the Viability of Random-Pattern Skin Flaps by Activating Autophagy

Random-pattern skin flap replantation is commonly used to repair skin defects during plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, flap necrosis due to ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury limits clinical applications. Betulinic acid, a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpene, may facilitate flap survival. In the present study, the effects of betulinic acid on flap survival and the underlying mechanisms were assessed. Fifty-four mice with a dorsal random flap model were randomly divided into the control, betulinic acid group, and the betulinic acid + 3-methyladenine group. These groups were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide, betulinic acid, and betulinic acid plus 3-methyladenine, respectively. Flap tissues were acquired on postoperative day 7 to assess angiogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Betulinic acid promoted survival of the skin flap area, reduced tissue edema, and enhanced the number of microvessels. It also enhanced angiogenesis, attenuated apoptosis, alleviated oxidative stress, and activated autophagy. However, its effects on flap viability and angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. Our findings reveal that betulinic acid improves survival of random-pattern skin flaps by promoting angiogenesis, dampening apoptosis, and alleviating oxidative stress, which mediates activation of autophagy.

Intervention Mechanisms of Xinmailong Injection, a Periplaneta Americana Extract, on Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review of Basic Researches

BACKGROUND

At present, the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in the world are facing severe challenges. Xinmailong injection, which is derived from the animal medicine Periplaneta Americana, has certain advantages in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular disease. This study systematically evaluated the basic research reports of Xinmailong Injection on cardiovascular disease and made its pharmacological mechanisms more clear.

METHODS

Basic research reports on the intervention mechanisms of Xinmailong Injection on cardiovascular disease in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (No. 2, 2019), CNKI, Wan Fang, and VIP databases were searched. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to February 2019. The literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then the data were extracted and a descriptive analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of Xinmailong Injection on cardiovascular disease was performed.

RESULTS

Finally, twenty-two basic research reports were included. The intervention mechanisms of Xinmailong Injection on cardiovascular disease mainly includes the following: inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction; regulating autophagy; promoting Ca2+ influx by activating excitability of excitation-contraction coupling (ECC); inhibiting overexpressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to regulate the dynamic balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs); inhibiting the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), protein kinase B (AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) proteins and overexpression of the downstream transcription factor GATA4 in the nucleus; regulating vascular endothelial factors and so on.

CONCLUSIONS

Xinmailong Injection can protect cardiomyocytes and maintain the normal function of the heart in various ways, thus effectively preventing the development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, Xinmailong Injection has great potential for clinical application, and more basic researches need to be carried out to explore the medicinal value of Xinmailong Injection.

Protective effect of anisodamine in rats with glycerol-induced acute kidney injury

Background

Anisodamine is used for the treatment of reperfusion injury in various organs. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of anisodamine in promoting recovery from glycerol-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

We compared the protective effects of atropine and anisodamine in the rat model of glycerol-induced AKI. We examined signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, as well as expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Renal injury was assessed by measuring serum creatinine and urea, and by histologic analysis. Rhabdomyolysis was evaluated by measuring creatine kinase levels, and oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in kidney tissues. Inflammation was assessed by quantifying interleukin 6 (IL-6) and CD45 expression. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated by measuring caspase-3 (including cleaved caspase 3) and RIP3 levels, respectively.

Results

Glycerol administration resulted in a higher mean histologic damage score, as well as increases in serum creatinine, urea, creatine kinase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), MDA, IL-6, caspase-3 and KIM-1 levels. Furthermore, glycerol reduced kidney tissue SOD activity. All of these markers were significantly improved by anisodamine and atropine. However, the mean histologic damage score and levels of urea, serum creatinine, creatine kinase, ROS and IL-6 were lower in the anisodamine treatment group compared with the atropine treatment group.

Conclusion

Pretreatment with anisodamine ameliorates renal dysfunction in the rat model of glycerol-induced rhabdomyolytic kidney injury by reducing oxidative stress, the inflammatory response and cell death.

Emodin, A Chinese Herbal Medicine, Inhibits Reoxygenation-Induced Injury in Cultured Human Aortic Endothelial Cells by Regulating the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Signaling Pathway

Background

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with vascular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of emodin, a Chinese herbal medicine, in hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and its effects on the expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway.

Material/Methods

An in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation model used cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). A colorimetric method evaluated the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Phosphorylation of PPAR-γ and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were measured by Western blotting. Expression of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. Nitric oxide (NO) production was detected by diaminofluorescein-FM diacetate (DAF-FM DA) fluorescence. Immunoprecipitation was used to evaluate the molecular coupling of heat shock protein (HSP)90 and eNOS.

Results

Hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of HAECs reduced the activity and phosphorylation of PPAR-γ, and eNOS, NO production, and HSP90/eNOS molecular coupling in a time-dependent manner. Hypoxia-reoxygenation increased the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in a time-dependent manner. Emodin treatment recovered PPAR-γ activity and phosphorylation, eNOS phosphorylation, and HSP90/eNOS coupling in HAECS in a concentration-dependent manner, which was reversed by the PPAR-γ inhibitor GW9662, and the eNOS inhibitor, L-NAME. The recovery of HSP90/eNOS coupling by emodin was impaired by GW9662 treatment.

Conclusions

An in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation (ischemia-reperfusion injury) model of induction of endothelial cell inflammatory mediators showed that emodin recovered the PPAR-γ and eNOS pathway activity.