Mangiferin ameliorates cardiac fibrosis in D-galactose-induced aging rats by inhibiting TGF-β/p38/MK2 signaling pathway

Qing-Xin-Jie-Yu Granule attenuates myocardial infarction-induced inflammatory response by regulating the MK2/TTP pathway

CONTEXT

Qing-Xin-Jie-Yu Granule (QXJYG) has shown promise in the treatment of myocardial infarction. However, the mechanism of action of QXJYG underlying its anti-inflammation remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanism of QXJYG in a mouse model of myocardial infarction and hypoxia-induced H9C2 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Myocardial infarction was induced in mice via left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, and hypoxia-induced H9C2 cells was served as the in vitro model. The cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, while myocardial tissue pathology was examined using HE and Masson's trichrome staining. Changes in serum markers of cardiac injury were measured using ELISA kits. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in both the serum and cardiac tissue were quantified using the Bio-Plex Pro Mouse Chemokine assay, and hypoxia-induced inflammatory factors in H9C2 cells were assessed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of proteins related to the MK2/TTP signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

QXJYG significantly enhanced cardiac function in mice with myocardial infarction, as evidenced by improved myocardial tissue structure, reduced collagen fiber deposition, and lowered serum levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), cardiac Troponin T (cTnT), and brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP). QXJYG may reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in both the heart and serum of myocardial infarction-induced mice and attenuate hypoxia-induced levels of inflammatory factors in cardiomyocytes by decreasing the ratio of p-MK2/MK2 and increasing the protein expression of TTP.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

QXJYG improved cardiac function and reduced injury, fibrosis, and inflammation after myocardial infarction, likely through modulation of the MK2/TTP signaling pathway.

Protective Effects of SIRT2 Inhibition on Cardiac Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

A primary factor in the pathogenesis of aging is oxidative stress, with cardiac inflammation and fibrosis being contributed to by increased oxidative stress as organisms age. Oxidative stress enhances the cardiac fibrotic signaling pathway, with reactive oxygen species inducing cardiac fibrosis through increased expression of the profibrotic factor transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is implicated in interstitial fibrosis, which is associated with TGF-β. Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is expressed in heart tissue, with protective effects in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis in D-Galactose (D-Gal)-induced accelerated aging, focusing on TGF-β1, β-catenin, and SIRT2.

METHODS

A total of 30 young male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, D-Gal group, D-Gal + 4% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, and D-Gal + the SIRT2 inhibitor (AGK2) group. After 10 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and their hearts were removed. SIRT2 expression levels were measured by western blot and gene expression levels of TGF-β1 and β-catenin by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) mRNA expression in heart tissue was higher in the D-Gal group compared to all other groups. β-catenin mRNA expression was higher in the D-Gal group than in the D-Gal + AGK2 group. SIRT2 protein expression was higher in the D-Gal + DMSO group compared to the control group. Sirtuin 2 expression was lower in the D-Gal + AGK2 group compared to the D-Gal and D-Gal + DMSO groups.

CONCLUSION

Sirtuin 2 inhibition attenuates fibrosis, as evidenced by the downregulation of TGF-β1 and β-catenin. Thus, targeting SIRT2 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases characterized by cardiac fibrosis in the future.

Quercetin preserves mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites improving mitochondrial dynamics in aged myocardial cells

Cardiomyocyte senescence plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of age-related cardiovascular disease. Senescent cells with impaired contractility, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypertrophic growth accumulate in the heart during aging, contributing to cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. Mitochondrial dynamics is altered in aging cells, leading to changes in their function and morphology. Such rearrangements can affect the spatially restricted region of the mitochondrial membrane that interacts with reticulum membrane fragments, termed mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (MERCs). Besides, oxidative stress associated with inefficient organelle turnover can drive cellular senescence. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the possible association between the senolytic effect of the antioxidant quercetin (Q) and MERCs preservation in a D-galactose-induced cellular senescence model. We found that Q ameliorates the senescent phenotype of H9c2 cells in association with increased mitochondria-ER colocalization, reduced distance between both organelles, and lower ROS production. Moreover, regulation of fusion and fission processes was related with increased mitochondrial ATP production and enhanced transmembrane potential. Overall, our data provide evidence that the inhibitory effect of Q on cellular senescence is associated with preserved MERCs and improved mitochondrial function and morphology, which might contribute to the attenuation of cardiac dysfunction.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Norathyriol Prolongs the Lifespan via Regulating Metabolism in C. elegans

BACKGROUND

Aging and age-related diseases are closely linked to an imbalance in energy supply and demand, a condition that can potentially be mitigated through various interventions, including the use of naturally occurring molecules. Norathyriol (NL), a tetrahydroxyxanthone compound, is prevalent in mango fruit and medicinal plants. While studies have indicated that NL may influence metabolism, its effects on aging have not been extensively explored.

METHODS

We conducted lifespan analysis and measured lipofuscin accumulation in C. elegans model to evaluate the effects of NL on aging. Additionally, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through comprehensive RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis and performed gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGGs) pathway analyses to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NL's effects.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrated that NL at 50 μM extends the lifespan by 15.9% and reduces lipofuscin accumulation in C. elegans without impacting their feeding capabilities. A total of 928 DEGs were identified in NL-treated worms. The analysis of DEGs indicated that NL's longevity-promoting effects might be due to its regulation of gene expression in lipid metabolism and immune response pathways. Furthermore, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathways were implicated in the lifespan-extending effect of NL.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings broaden the bioactivity profile of polyphenols and highlight the need for further investigation into the therapeutic potential of NL in combating age-related diseases.

SUMOylation of TP53INP1 is involved in miR-30a-5p-regulated heart senescence

Heart senescence is critical for cardiac function. This study aimed to characterize the role and mechanism of action of miR-30a-5p in cardiac senescence. miR-30a-5p was downregulated in aged mouse hearts and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). In vivo, using a combination of echocardiography and different molecular biological approaches, we investigated the role of miR-30a-5p knockout or overexpression in natural- or D-galactose-induced heart aging in mice. In vitro, using RNA sequencing and a series of molecular biology methods, the mechanism by which miR-30a-5p regulates cardiac senescence was explored in cardiomyocytes. miR-30a-5p knockout mice showed aggravated natural- or D-galactose-induced heart aging compared to wild-type littermate mice, with significantly decreased heart function, an increased number of γH2AX-positive cells, reduced telomere length, and upregulated p21 and p53 expression. Cardiac-specific knockdown of miR-30a-5p using adeno-associated virus 9 in D-galactose-induced senescent wild-type mice resulted in effects similar to those observed in knockout mice. Notably, the overexpression of miR-30a-5p in wild-type murine hearts alleviated D-galactose-induced heart senescence by improving heart function, increasing telomere length, decreasing the number of γH2AX-positive cells, and downregulating p53 and p21 expression. This was confirmed in D-galactose-treated or naturally aged NRCMs. Mechanistically, TP53INP1 was identified as a target of miR-30a-5p by mediating the SUMOylation of TP53INP1 and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus to interact with p53. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that cardiac-specific TP53INP1 deficiency ameliorates miR-30a-5p knockout-aggravated cardiac dysfunction and heart senescence. This study identified miR-30a-5p as a crucial modulator of heart senescence and revealed that the miR-30a-5p-TP53INP1-p53 axis is essential for heart and cardiomyocyte aging.

Mangiferin: An effective agent against human malignancies

Mangiferin is a bioactive substance present in high concentration in mangoes and also in some other fruits. Owing to its potential as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent against several types of cancer, this unique, significant, and well-researched polyphenol has received a lot of attention recently. It possesses the ability to treat cancers, including rectal cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, gastric cancer, liver cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and lung cancer. It can control/regulate multiple key signaling pathways, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases/direct inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP)-binding protein with low propidium iodide (pl) (Smac/DIABLO) nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein 3 kinase (PI3K/Akt), transforming growth factor beta/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/SMAD), c-jun N-terminal kinase/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (JNK/p38-MAPK), and phosphor-I kappa B kinase (p-IκB), which are crucial to the development of cancers. By triggering apoptotic signals and halting the advancement of the cell cycle, it can also prevent some cancer cell types from proliferating and developing. It has been revealed that mangiferin targets a variety of adhesion molecules, cytokines, pro-inflammatory transcription factors, kinases, chemokines, growth factors, and cell-cycle proteins. By means of preventing the onset, advancement, and metastasis of cancer, these targets may mediate the chemopreventive and therapeutic effects of mangiferin. Mangiferin has confirmed potential benefits in lung, cervical, breast, brain, and prostate cancers as well as leukemia whether administered alone or in combination with recognized anticancer compounds. More clinical trials and research investigations are required to completely unleash the potential of mangiferin, which may lower the risk of cancer onset and act as a preventive and therapeutic alternative for a number of cancers.

Role of mitochondrial homeostasis in D-galactose-induced cardiovascular ageing from bench to bedside

Ageing is an inevitable phenomenon which affects the cellular to the organism level in the progression of the time. Oxidative stress and inflammation are now widely regarded as the key processes involved in the aging process, which may then cause significant harm to mitochondrial DNA, leading to apoptosis. Normal circulatory function is a significant predictor of disease-free life expectancy. Indeed, disorders affecting the cardiovascular system, which are becoming more common, are the primary cause of worldwide morbidity, disability, and mortality. Cardiovascular aging may precede or possibly underpin overall, age-related health decline. Numerous studies have foundmitochondrial mechanistc approachplays a vital role in the in the onset and development of aging. The D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging model is well recognized and commonly used in the aging study. In this review we redeposit the association of the previous and current studies on mitochondrial homeostasis and its underlying mechanisms in D-galactose cardiovascular ageing. Further we focus the novel and the treatment strategies to combat the major complication leading to the cardiovascular ageing.

Mangiferin, a Potential Supplement to Improve Metabolic Syndrome: Current Status and Future Opportunities

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a considerable clinical and public health burden worldwide. Mangiferin (MF), a flavonoid compound present in diverse species such as mango (Mangifera indica L.), papaya (Pseudocydonia sinensis (Thouin) C. K. Schneid.), zhimu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge), and honeybush tea (Cyclopia genistoides), boasts a broad array of pharmacological effects. It holds promising uses in nutritionally and functionally targeted foods, particularly concerning MetS treatment. It is therefore pivotal to systematically investigate MF's therapeutic mechanism for MetS and its applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors. This review, with the aid of a network pharmacology approach complemented by this experimental studies, unravels possible mechanisms underlying MF's MetS treatment. Network pharmacology results suggest that MF treats MetS effectively through promoting insulin secretion, targeting obesity and inflammation, alleviating insulin resistance (IR), and mainly operating via the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-[Formula: see text]B), microtubule-associated protein kinase (MAPK), and oxidative stress signaling pathways while repairing damaged insulin signaling. These insights provide a comprehensive framework to understand MF's potential mechanisms in treating MetS. These, however, warrant further experimental validation. Moreover, molecular docking techniques confirmed the plausibility of the predicted outcomes. Hereafter, these findings might form the theoretical bedrock for prospective research into MF's therapeutic potential in MetS therapy.

Cardioprotective effect of naringin against the ischemia/reperfusion injury of aged rats

Aging is known as a main risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Naringin (NRG) is a flavonoid compound derived from citrus fruits. It possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective. This investigation aimed to assess the cardioprotective effect of NRG against the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in aged rats. In this study, D-galactose (D-GAL) at the dose of 150 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks was used to induce aging in rats. Rats were orally gavaged with NRG (40 or 100 mg/kg/day), in co-treatment with D-GAL, for 8 weeks. The Langendorff isolated heart was used to evaluate the effect of NRG on I/R injury in aged rats. NRG treatment diminished myocardial hypertrophy and maximum contracture level in aged animals. During the pre-ischemic phase, reduced heart rate was normalized by NRG. The effects of D-GAL on the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVDP), the rate pressure product (RPP), and the minimum and maximum rate of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dt) improved by NRG treatment in the perfusion period. NRG also enhanced post-ischemic recovery of cardiac functional parameters (± dp/dt, and RPP) in isolated hearts. An increase in serum levels of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were reversed by NRG in aged rats. It also normalized the D-GAL-decreased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the heart tissue. NRG treatment alleviated cardiac injury in aged hearts under conditions of I/R. NRG may improve aging-induced cardiac dysfunction through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

TGF-β as A Master Regulator of Aging-Associated Tissue Fibrosis

Fibrosis is the abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. Aging, injury, infections, and inflammation can cause different types of tissue fibrosis. Numerous clinical investigations have shown a correlation between the degree of liver and pulmonary fibrosis in patients and telomere length and mitochondrial DNA content, both of which are signs of aging. Aging involves the gradual loss of tissue function over time, which results in the loss of homeostasis and, ultimately, an organism's fitness. A major feature of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells. Senescent cells abnormally and continuously accumulate in the late stages of life, contributing to age-related fibrosis and tissue deterioration, among other aging characteristics. Furthermore, aging generates chronic inflammation, which results in fibrosis and decreases organ function. This finding suggests that fibrosis and aging are closely related. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily plays a crucial role in the physiological and pathological processes of aging, immune regulation, atherosclerosis, and tissue fibrosis. In this review, the functions of TGF-β in normal organs, aging, and fibrotic tissues is discussed: TGF-β signalling is altered with age and is an indicator of pathology associated with tissue fibrosis. In addition, this review discusses the potential targeting of noncoding.

A Mango Leaf Extract (Zynamite®) Combined with Quercetin Has Exercise-Mimetic Properties in Human Skeletal Muscle

Zynamite PX^®, a mango leaf extract combined with quercetin, enhances exercise performance by unknown molecular mechanisms. Twenty-five volunteers were assigned to a control (17 males) or supplementation group (8 males, receiving 140 mg of Zynamite^® + 140 mg quercetin/8 h for 2 days). Then, they performed incremental exercise to exhaustion (IE) followed by occlusion of the circulation in one leg for 60 s. Afterwards, the cuff was released, and a 30 s sprint was performed, followed by 90 s circulatory occlusion (same leg). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at baseline, 20 s after IE (occluded leg) and 10 s after Wingate (occluded leg), and bilaterally at 90 s and 30 min post exercise. Compared to the controls, the Zynamite PX^® group showed increased basal protein expression of Thr²⁸⁷-CaMKIIδ_D (2-fold, p = 0.007) and Ser⁹-GSK3β (1.3-fold, p = 0.005) and a non-significant increase of total NRF2 (1.7-fold, p = 0.099) and Ser⁴⁰-NRF2 (1.2-fold, p = 0.061). In the controls, there was upregulation with exercise and recovery of total NRF2, catalase, glutathione reductase, and Thr²⁸⁷-CaMKIIδ_D (1.2-2.9-fold, all p < 0.05), which was not observed in the Zynamite PX^® group. In conclusion, Zynamite PX^® elicits muscle signaling changes in resting skeletal muscle resembling those described for exercise training and partly abrogates the stress kinases responses to exercise as observed in trained muscles.

ER stress in cardiac aging, a current view on the D-galactose model

Longitudinal studies are mandatory to study aging, however, they have certain drawbacks, for example, they require strict maintenance that is expensive given the breeding time (approximately 2 years) and with a low survival rate, having some animals to study very limitedly. In vitro studies provide useful and invaluable information on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that help understand the aging process to overcome these aspects. In particular, the model of premature aging induced by chronic exposure to D-galactose (D-Gal) offers a very similar picture to that which occurs in natural aging. This model mimics most of the old animals' cellular processes, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased advanced glycation end products (AGEs), inflammation, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). However, the information related to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and, subsequently, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is not fully elucidated. Therefore, this review brings together the most current information on this response in the D-Gal-induced aging model and its effect on cardiac structure and function.

D-galactose-induced cardiac ageing: A review of model establishment and potential interventions

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in an ageing society. The increased incidence and mortality rates of CVD are global issues endangering human health. There is an urgent requirement for understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of CVD and developing possible interventions for preventing CVD in ageing hearts. It is necessary to select appropriate models and treatment methods. The D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing model possesses the advantages of low mortality, short time and low cost and has been increasingly used in the study of cardiovascular diseases in recent years. Therefore, understanding the latest progress in D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing is valuable. This review highlights the recent progress and potential therapeutic interventions used in D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing in recent years by providing a comprehensive summary of D‐galactose‐induced cardiac ageing in vivo and in vitro. This review may serve as reference literature for future research on age‐related heart diseases.

Antioxidant Effect of Soymilk Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum HFY01 on D-Galactose-Induced Premature Aging Mouse Model

The antioxidant effect of soymilk fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum HFY01 (screened from yak yogurt) was investigated on mice with premature aging induced by D-galactose. In vitro antioxidant results showed that L. plantarum HFY01-fermented soymilk (LP-HFY01-DR) had better ability to scavenge the free radicals 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) than unfermented soymilk and Lactobacillus bulgaricus-fermented soymilk. Histopathological observation showed that LP-HFY01-DR could protect the skin, spleen and liver, reduce oxidative damage and inflammation. Biochemical results showed that LP-HFY01-DR could effectively upregulate glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver, brain, and serum. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction further showed that LP-HFY01-DR could promote the relative expression levels of the genes encoding for cuprozinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD, SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD, SOD2), CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px in the liver, spleen, and skin. High-performance liquid chromatography results revealed daidzin, glycitin, genistin, daidzein, glycitein, and genistein in LP-HFY01-DR. In conclusion, LP-HFY01-DR could improve the antioxidant capacity in mice with premature aging induced by D-galactose.