scholarly journals LuQi Formula Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome to Relieve Myocardial-Infarction-Induced Cardiac Remodeling in Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Xiaoqing Zhang ◽  
Dandan Zhao ◽  
Jiling Feng ◽  
Xiaoli Yang ◽  
Zhenzhen Lan ◽  
...  

Background. Excessive activation of the nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasome plays a significant role in the progression of cardiac injury. In China, it has been well recognized that Chinese herbal medicine is markedly effective in treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). LuQi Formula (LQF) has been used clinically for more than 10 years and confirmed to be effective in improving cardiac function and inhibiting apoptosis. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its efficacy are mostly unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether LQF could alleviate cardiac injury and apoptosis by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and the caspase-3/Bax pathway. Purpose. In this study, we investigated the effects of LQF on cardiac remodeling in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI) in vivo. Methods. Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: the sham group, the model group, the LQF group, and the perindopril group, with a sample size (n) of 10 mice in each group. Except the sham group, the other groups received left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation to induce MI and then treated with LQF, perindopril, or saline. Six weeks after MI, echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac structure and function. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and heart samples were stained with Masson’s trichrome to analyse myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial hypertrophy was observed by fluorescent wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. The expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Cle-caspase-1, IL-1β, TXNIP, Cle-caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax in heart tissues were assessed by western blot analysis. mRNA expressions of ANP and BNP in heart tissues were measured by RT-PCR. The expression of reactive oxygen species in myocardial tissue was detected by using a DCFH-DA probe. Results. Echocardiographic analysis showed that compared with the model group, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) in the LQF and perindopril group were increased ( P < 0.05 ), left ventricular internal diameter end diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal diameter end-systole (LVIDs) were reduced ( P < 0.05 ), and H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining of cardiac tissues showed that LQF and perindopril could partially reverse ventricular remodeling and alleviate myocardial fibrosis ( P < 0.05 ). WGA fluorescence results showed that compared with the model group, myocardial hypertrophy was significantly reduced in the LQF and perindopril group. We also found that LQF and perindopril reduce the oxidative stress response in the heart of MI mice. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, Cle-caspase-1, IL-1β, TXNIP, Cle-caspase-3, and Bax was downregulated in the LHF and perindopril treatment group, and Bcl-2 expression was upregulated. Conclusion. LQF and perindopril significantly attenuated cardiac injury and apoptosis in the MI model. In addition, we found that LQF effectively inhibited the activation of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1/IL-1β cascade, decreased inflammatory infiltration, delayed ventricular remodeling, and downregulated caspase-3/Bax signaling, which can effectively reduce the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Perindopril showed the same mechanism.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Wang ◽  
Chun Li ◽  
Yuli Ouyang ◽  
Tianjiao Shi ◽  
Xiaomin Yang ◽  
...  

We aim to investigate the therapeutic effects of QSYQ, a drug of heart failure (HF) in clinical practice in China, on a rat heart failure (HF) model. 3 groups were divided: HF model group (LAD ligation), QSYQ group (LAD ligation and treated with QSYQ), and sham-operated group. After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed for cardiac injury measurements. Rats with HF showed obvious histological changes including necrosis and inflammation foci, elevated ventricular remodeling markers levels(matrix metalloproteinases-2, MMP-2), deregulated ejection fraction (EF) value, increased formation of oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde, MDA), and up-regulated levels of apoptotic cells (caspase-3, p53 and tunnel) in myocardial tissue. Treatment of QSYQ improved cardiac remodeling through counter-acting those events. The improvement of QSYQ was accompanied with a restoration of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) pathways in different patterns. Administration of QSYQ could attenuate LAD-induced HF, and AngII-NOX2-ROS-MMPs pathway seemed to be the critical potential targets for QSYQ to reduce the remodeling. Moreover, NOX4 was another key targets to inhibit the p53 and Caspase3, thus to reduce the hypertrophy and apoptosis, and eventually provide a synergetic cardiac protective effect.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Qian Liu ◽  
Hui-Yan Qu ◽  
Hua Zhou ◽  
Jing-Feng Rong ◽  
Tian-Shu Yang ◽  
...  

Background. Luhong formula (LHF)—a traditional Chinese medicine containing Cervus nippon Temminck, Carthamus tinctorius L., Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Cinnamomum cassia Presl, and Lepidium apetalum Willd—is used in the treatment of heart failure, but little is known about its mechanism of action. We have investigated the effects of LHF on antifibrosis. Methods. Forty-eight SD male rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 8), model group, sham-operation group, perindopril group (0.036 mg/ml), LHF high doses (LHF-H, 1.44 g/mL), LHF middle doses (LHF-M, 0.72 g/mL), and LHF low doses (LHF-L, 0.36 g/mL). Except the sham-operation group, the other groups were received an abdominal aorta constriction to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. The HW and LVW were measured to calculate the LVW/BW and HW/BW. ELISA was used to detect the serum concentration of BNP. The expressions of eNOS, TGF-β1, caspase-3, VEGF, and VEGFR2 in heart tissues were assessed by western blot analysis. mRNA expressions of eNOS, Col1a1, Col3a1, TGF-β1, VEGF, and VEGFR2 in heart tissues were measured by RT-PCR. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and picrosirius red staining for observing the morphological characteristics and collagen fibers I and III of the myocardium under a light microscope. Results. LHF significantly lowered the rat’s HW/BW and LVM/BW, and the level of BNP in the LHF-treated group compared with the model group. Histopathological and pathomorphological changes of collagen fibers I and III showed that LHF inhibited myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats. Treatment with LHF upregulated eNOS expression in heart tissue and downregulated Col1a1, Col3a1, TGF-β1, caspase-3, VEGF, and VEGFR2 expression. Conclusion. LHF can improve left ventricular remodeling in a pressure-overloaded heart failure rat model; this cardiac protective ability may be due to cardiac fibrosis and attenuated apoptosis. Upregulated eNOS expression and downregulated Col1a1, Col3a1, TGF-β1, caspase-3, VEGF, and VEGFR2 expression may play a role in the observed LHF cardioprotective effect.


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suresh Varma Penumathsa ◽  
Srikanth Koneru ◽  
Gautam Maulik ◽  
Nilanjana Maulik

Hypercholesterolemia (HC) related decrease in eNOS phosphorylation & endothelial dysfunction may account for impaired angiogenesis and subsequent increased ventricular remodeling. Over expression of Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1) has been demonstrated during HC but the mechanism needs to be elucidated. To investigate this we randomized the rats into control (normal diet) and HC (5% high cholesterol diet for 8 weeks). The cholesterol, triglycerides & LDL levels were increased & the HDL levels decreased in HC compared to control. After the experimental diet period the rats were subjected to Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) ligation. We evaluated the expression of Cav-1, LOX-1, Heme Oxygenase (HO-1), HSP-90, phospho(p)-Akt & p-eNOS in HC and control. Significant increase in Cav-1, LOX-1 (2, 1.8 fold) & decrease in HO-1, HSP-90, p-Akt, p-eNOS & VEGF (0.5, 0.6, 0.4, 0.5 & 0.6 fold) was observed in HC compared to control. The LV functional reserve was evaluated by measuring the ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS) & LV internal diameter (LVID) after 30 days of LAD ligation. Significant increase in LVID ( 8.6 vs 7) and decrease in EF (39 vs 53%), FS (20 vs 28%), LVID (2 vs 2.7mm) as well as capillary (1888 vs 2424) & arteriolar density (1.5 vs 2.5) counts/mm2 was observed in HC compared to control. Earlier we have reported that over expression of HO-1 mediates eNOS activation & cardioprotection in MI model. To investigate the mechanism involved in HO-1 mediated cardioprotection we generated cardiac specific HO-1 over expressed transgenic (Tg) mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of HO-1 Tg mice has clearly demonstrated decreased Cav-1-eNOS interaction. Immunoblot analysis has shown to decrease Cav-1 (0.6 fold) & increased HSP-90, p-Akt, p-eNOS & VEGF expression (1.5, 1.6, 1.4 & 1.5 fold) as compared to control. These findings demonstrated that HO-1 over expression regulates HSP-90 & Cav-1 for eNOS activation. In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel mechanism of HO-1/HSP-90 mediated Cav-1-eNOS regulation leading to increased neovascularization & reduced ventricular remodeling during HC for the regression of clinical complications which would be crucial for cardiovascular drug therapy.


Author(s):  
Zi-Long Wang ◽  
Xiao-Chen Sun ◽  
Rong Luo ◽  
Dong-Ye Li ◽  
Hao-Chen Xuan

IntroductionTo explore serum norepinephrine (NE) concentration and β3-adrenoceptor (β3AR) protein expression at different times during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and examine the role of β3AR in I/R.Material and methods28 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into one sham group and six I/R groups. The rats in the I/R groups were subjected to ischemia for 45 minutes. After reperfusion, the serum NE concentration and the β3AR protein expression in the myocardial tissue of the left ventricular injury region were detected. Another 18 SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, I/R groups, and I/R + BRL37344 group.ResultsCompared with the sham group, the serum NE concentration of rats in the I/R groups significantly increased at 6 hours (P < 0.001). The serum NE concentration and myocardial β3AR protein expression were both highest at 72 hours. Compared with the sham group, the expressions of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 after I/R were significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively), and the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with I/R groups, the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the I/R + BRL37344 group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionsWith the prolongation of myocardial I/R in rats, serum NE concentration and β3AR protein expression showed a significant increase trend and reached a peak at 72 hours. Specific β3AR agonist BRL37344 can reduce myocardial I/R injury in vivo in rats, alleviate apoptosis, reduce infarct size, and improve cardiac function.


Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung Q Ly ◽  
Yoshiaki Kawase ◽  
Fabrice A Prunier ◽  
Djamel Lebeche ◽  
Yafen Shi ◽  
...  

Background: Reduced activity and expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) is known to occur in HF. Method: Our 4-month study examined the effects of SERCA2a gene transfer in a swine volume-overload HF (VO-HF) model. Using Yorkshire-Landrace swine, HF was created by severing mitral apparatus chordae to induce mitral regurgitation. Results: At 2 months (M), a compensated state of VO-HF was found: prolongation of the rate of isovolumic relaxation (Tau), increased left ventricular internal diameter diastolic and systolic diameters (LVIDd, LVIDs). At 2M, intracoronary injection of adeno-associated virus serotype 1 vector carrying SERCA2a under a cytomegalovirus promoter (AAV1.SERCA2a) (n = 10) vs. saline (n = 6) was performed. At 4M, gene transfer resulted in (A) positive LV inotropic effects: (dP/dt)/P, 15.5 ± 3.0 sec − 1 SERCA2a-group vs. 21.2 ± 3.2 sec − 1 controls; p < 0.01; (B) a favorable trend in LV lusitropic effects: Tau, 0.037 ± 0.019 vs. 0.051 ± 0.01 msec, p = 0.09; (C) improvement in LV geometry: % change in LVIDs, +15 ± 11% controls vs. −3.0 ± 10% SERCA2a-group, p < 0.01. At 4M, BNP levels remained stable in post- SERCA2a gene transfer, in contrast to the progressive rising levels among controls. Further, cardiac SERCA2a expression was significantly decreased in controls whereas it was restored to normal levels in the SERCA2a group (Figure ). Lastly, there was no histopathological evidence of myocardial inflammatory reaction or necrosis. Conclusion: Overexpression of SERCA2a by in vivo AAV1-mediated intracoronary gene transfer preserved systolic function, potentially prevented diastolic dysfunction and improved ventricular remodeling.


2005 ◽  
Vol 288 (1) ◽  
pp. H221-H226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meijing Wang ◽  
Ben M. Tsai ◽  
Ajay Kher ◽  
Lauren B. Baker ◽  
G. Mathenge Wairiuko ◽  
...  

Myocardial ischemia is the leading cause of death in both men and women; however, very little information exists regarding the effect of testosterone on the response of myocardium to acute ischemic injury. We hypothesized that testosterone may exert deleterious effects on myocardial inflammatory cytokine production, p38 MAPK activation, apoptotic signaling, and myocardial functional recovery after acute ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). To study this, isolated, perfused rat hearts (Langendorff) from adult males, castrated males, and males treated with a testosterone receptor blocker (flutamide) were subjected to 25 min of ischemia followed by 40 min of reperfusion. Myocardial contractile function (left ventricular developed pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, positive and negative first derivative of pressure) was continuously recorded. After reperfusion, hearts were analyzed for expression of tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (ELISA) and activation of p38 MAPK, caspase-1, caspase-3, caspase-11, and Bcl-2 (Western blot). All indices of postischemic myocardial functional recovery were significantly higher in castrated males or flutamide-treated males compared with untreated males. After I/R, castrated male and flutamide-treated male hearts had decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6; decreased activated p38 MAPK; decreased caspase-1, caspase-3, and caspase-11; and increased Bcl-2 expression compared with untreated males. These results show that blocking the testosterone receptor (flutamide) or depleting testosterone (castration) in normal males improves myocardial function after I/R. These effects may be attributed to the proinflammatory and/or the proapoptotic properties of endogenous testosterone. Further understanding may allow therapeutic manipulation of sex hormone signaling mechanisms in the treatment of acute I/R.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yandong Liu ◽  
Jiawei Cai ◽  
Lefeng Qu

Background: Carotid atherosclerotic disease is associated with aortic stenosis and reduced cardiac function. The causality between carotid and cardiac pathologies is unknown. We aim to explore the effects of carotid stenosis or occlusion on cardiac pathology and function.Methods and Results: We produced carotid obstruction or stenosis in 36 atherogenic mice with 150- or 300-μm tandem surgery or sham surgery. The structure and function of the heart were assessed by histology and animal ultrasound. The 150-μm group had larger plaque burden and thicker valve leaflets in the aortic root than did the control group. Also, the two surgery groups had a thicker left ventricular posterior wall and smaller internal diameter compared with controls. Increased myocardial fibrosis was also found in the 150-μm group compared with controls, although the surgery groups had preserved systolic function compared with that of controls.Conclusions: In a mouse model, carotid occlusion accentuated the formation of aortic stenosis and promoted ventricular remodeling without impairing systolic function. Carotid atherosclerotic plaque may be a pathogenic factor for aortic stenosis and ventricular remodeling.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahmineh Mokhtari ◽  
AymanEl-Meghawry El-Kenawy ◽  
Li Hu

Abstract In this study, the effects of triiodothyronine (T3) were evaluated on the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex formation in the rat's hippocampus with restraint stress-induced depressive-like behaviors.Thirty-six Wistar male rats were randomly allocated to following groups: Control, Model, and Model + T3. In the Model or Model+T3 group, a single dose of PBS or T3 was administered into the lateral ventricle. Depressive-like behaviors were induced by chronic restraint stress. The forced swimming (FST), tail suspension (TST), and open field (OFT) tests were used to investigate the depression. The rats were sacrificed, and brain tissues were stored for molecular and pathological evaluations. Chronic stress increased the immobility of rats in the Model group according to FST, TST, and OFT (P < 0.05). T3 significantly improved depressive-like behaviors (P < 0.05). The gene expression and protein level of hippocampal nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and Caspase-1 significantly increased in the Model group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The reduced hippocampal levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 were observed in the T3 group compared to the Model group (P < 0.05). The Nissl staining of the CA1 region showed an increased number of dark neurons (P < 0.05) and reduced pyramidal layer thickness (P < 0.05) in the Model group. These histopathological alterations were changed by T3 administration compared to the Model group (P < 0.05). The findings confirmed the therapeutic effects of intraventricularly T3 on depressive-like behaviors induced by restraint stress via surviving pyramidal neurons of the CA1 region and inhibition of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 1635-1644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhu-lin Luo ◽  
Jian-dong Ren ◽  
Zhu Huang ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
Ke Xiang ◽  
...  

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can protect the RAW264.7 macrophages against the inflammation induced by free fatty acids (FFA) by blunting NLRP3 inflammasome activation via a specific TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Methods: RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to increasing concentrations of FFA for up to 3 days to induce FFA-induced inflammation. The cells were pretreated with NaHS (a donor of H2S) before exposure to FFA. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β, IL-18 and cleaved caspase-3 expression were measured by a combination of MTT assay, ELISA, and immunoblotting. Results: H2S attenuated FFA-induced cell apoptosis, and reduced the expression of NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, IL- 1β, IL-18 and caspase-3. In addition, H2S inhibited the FFA-induced activation of TLR4 and NF-κB. Furthermore, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was regulated by the TLR4 and NF-κB pathway. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated for the first time that H2S appears to suppress FFA-induced macrophage inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting the TLR4/ NF-κB pathway and its downstream NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus H2S might possess potential in the treatment of diseases resulting from FFA overload like insulin resistance and type diabetes.


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