The Effects of Carvedilol on Cardiac Function and the AKT/XIAP Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Rats

Cardiology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wencheng Zheng ◽  
Xiaoming Shang ◽  
Chunlai Zhang ◽  
Xiang Gao ◽  
Barry Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Interstitial Fibrosis ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Myocardial Inflammation ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

Objectives: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by cardiac dysfunction, myocardial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocytes apoptosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of carvedilol on cardiac function and the AKT/XIAP signaling pathway in DCM rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group, diabetic mellitus (DM) group and DM with carvedilol treatment group. DM rats were induced by streptozotocin accompanied by high energy intake. Carvedilol was orally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. After 16 weeks, the interrelated blood data were detected by biochemical analysis. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and the serum NT-proBNP level. The changes of myocardium ultrastructural and fibrosis were determined by electron microscopy and Masson's staining. Apoptotic cells were examined by TUNEL staining and interrelated proteins were measured by immunohistochemical and Western blots. Results: Rats in the DM group showed significant serum elevation of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, NT-proBNP, IL-1β and TNF-α, along with decreased cardiac function. Moreover, in the DM group, the levels of myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis were all increased accompanied by upregulation of caspase-3 and downregulation of phos-AKT and phos-XIAP, whereas carvedilol treatment prevented or reversed all the changes without influencing plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride. Conclusions: The AKT/XIAP signaling pathway may be involved in DCM. Carvedilol can improve cardiac function, possibly not only by upregulating the AKT/XIAP antiapoptotic signaling pathway and subsequently attenuating myocardial fibrosis, but also through suppressing the myocardial inflammation response.

The Effect of Gypenosides on Cardiac Function and Expression of Cytoskeletal Genes of Myocardium in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Rats

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (06) ◽  
pp. 1059-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Ge ◽  
Shanfeng Ma ◽  
Liang Tao ◽  
Sudong Guan
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Pure Water ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Ventricular Systolic Pressure

The relationship between changes of cardiac function and the gene expressions of two major myocardial skeleton proteins, titin and nebulin, and the effect of gypenosides on these gene expressions in diabetic cardiomyopathy rat were explored in the present study. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, diabetic cardiomyopathy group and gypenosides-treated diabetic cardiomyopathy group. The diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Seven weeks after the rats suffered from diabetes, the rats were treated with gypenosides 100 mg/kg per day orally for six weeks in gypenosides-treated group. In the meanwhile, the pure water was given to diabetic cardiomyopathy and the control groups. Subsequently, the cardiac functions, including left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), ± dP/dtmax and t–dP/dmaxt, as well as the mRNA content and proteins of titin and nebulin in myocardium were determined. The results indicated that (1) the diabetic cardiomyopathy rats had decreased LVSP and ± dP/dtmax, increased LVEDP, and prolonged t–dP/dtmax than normal rats; (2) LVSP and ± dP/dtmax in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats treated with gypenosides were significantly higher and LVEDP and t–dP/dtmax were significantly lower than those without giving gypenosides; (3) the mRNA contents and proteins of titin and nebulin in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats were remarkably lower than those in the control rats and gypenosides had no effect on mRNA and protein expression levels of titin and nebulin in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. We conclude that (1) the cardiac function as well as the mRNA expressions of titin and nebulin decreased in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats; (2) gypenosides secure cardiac muscles and their function from diabetic impairment and these beneficial effects of gypenosides are not by changing the expressions of titin and nebulin.

Kir6.1 improves cardiac dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy via the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinxin Wang ◽  
Jing Bai ◽  
Peng Duan ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Hematoxylin And Eosin ◽  
And Function

Abstract Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) severely impairs the health of diabetic patients. Previous studies have shown that the expression of inwardly rectifying potassium channel 6.1 (Kir6.1) in heart mitochondria is significantly reduced in type 1 diabetes. However, whether its expression and function are changed and what role it plays in type 2 DCM have not been reported. This study investigated the role and mechanism of Kir6.1 in DCM.Methods: The cardiac function in mice was analyzed by echocardiography, ELISA, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL and transmission electron microscopy. The mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes was measured by the oxygen consumption rate and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Kir6.1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting (WB), respectively. The protein expression of t-AKT, p-AKT, t-Foxo1, and p-Foxo1 was analyzed by WB.Results: We found that the cardiac function and the Kir6.1 expression in DCM mice were decreased. Kir6.1 overexpression improved cardiac dysfunction and upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in the DCM mouse model. Furthermore, Kir6.1 overexpression also improved cardiomyocyte dysfunction and upregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in cardiomyocytes with insulin resistance. In contrast, cardiac-specific Kir6.1 knockout aggravated the cardiac dysfunction and downregulated the phosphorylation of AKT and Foxo1 in DCM mice. Furthermore, Foxo1 activation downregulated the expression of Kir6.1 and decreased the ΔΨm in cardiomyocytes. In contrast, Foxo1 inactivation upregulated the expression of Kir6.1 and increased the ΔΨm in cardiomyocytes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the Kir6.1 promoter region contains a functional Foxo1-binding site .Conclusions: Kir6.1 improves cardiac dysfunction in DCM, probably through the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the crosstalk between Kir6.1 and the AKT-Foxo1 signaling pathway may provide new strategies for reversing the defective signaling in DCM.

scholarly journals Matrine pretreatment improves cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy via suppressing ROS/TLR-4 signaling pathway

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong-wei Liu ◽  
Jun-kui Wang ◽  
Chuan Qiu ◽  
Gong-chang Guan ◽  
Xin-hong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

scholarly journals Cardiac Function is not Susceptible to Moderate Disassembly of Mitochondrial Respiratory Supercomplexes

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier R. Chapa-Dubocq ◽  
Keishla M. Rodríguez-Graciani ◽  
Roberto A. Guzmán-Hernández ◽  
Sehwan Jang ◽  
Paul S. Brookes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transport ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Secondary Alcohol ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Mitochondrial Respiratory

Mitochondrial respiratory chain supercomplexes (RCS), particularly, the respirasome, which contains complexes I, III, and IV, have been suggested to participate in facilitating electron transport, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and maintaining the structural integrity of individual electron transport chain (ETC) complexes. Disassembly of the RCS has been observed in Barth syndrome, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and aging. However, the physiological role of RCS in high energy-demanding tissues such as the heart remains unknown. This study elucidates the relationship between RCS assembly and cardiac function. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats underwent Langendorff retrograde perfusion in the presence and absence of ethanol, isopropanol, or rotenone (an ETC complex I inhibitor). We found that ethanol had no effects on cardiac function, whereas rotenone reduced heart contractility, which was not recovered when rotenone was excluded from the perfusion medium. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed significant reductions of respirasome levels in ethanol- or rotenone-treated groups compared to the control group. In addition, rotenone significantly increased while ethanol had no effect on mitochondrial ROS production. In isolated intact mitochondria in vitro, ethanol did not affect respirasome assembly; however, acetaldehyde, a byproduct of ethanol metabolism, induced dissociation of respirasome. Isopropanol, a secondary alcohol which was used as an alternative compound, had effects similar to ethanol on heart function, respirasome levels, and ROS production. In conclusion, ethanol and isopropanol reduced respirasome levels without any noticeable effect on cardiac parameters, and cardiac function is not susceptible to moderate reductions of RCS.

scholarly journals H3 Relaxin Protects Against Myocardial Injury in Experimental Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Inhibiting Myocardial Apoptosis, Fibrosis and Inflammation

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 1311-1324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhang ◽  
Liya Pan ◽  
Kelaier Yang ◽  
Yu Fu ◽  
Yue Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Cardiac Injury ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Myocardial Apoptosis

Background/Aims: Apoptosis, fibrosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are involved in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Human recombinant relaxin-3 (H3 relaxin) is a novel bioactive peptide that inhibits cardiac injury; however, whether H3 relaxin prevents cardiac injury in rats with DCM and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Methods: To investigate the effect of H3 relaxin on DCM, we performed a study using H3 relaxin treatment in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes (DM). We measured apoptosis, fibrosis and NLRP3 inflammasome markers in the rat hearts four and eight weeks after the rats were injected with STZ (65 mg/kg) by western blot analysis. Subsequently, 2 or 6 weeks after the STZ treatment, the rats were treated with H3 relaxin [2 µg/kg/d (A group) or 0.2 µg/kg/d (B group)] for 2 weeks. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography to determine the extent of myocardial injury in the DM rats. The protein levels of apoptosis, fibrosis and NLRP3 inflammasome markers were used to assess myocardial injury. In addition, we determined the plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-18 using a Milliplex MAP Rat Cytokine/Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel kit. Results: The protein expression of cleaved caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 as well as fibrosis markers increased at 4 and 8 weeks in the STZ-induced diabetic hearts compared with the levels in the control group. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome was substantially activated in STZ-induced diabetic hearts, leading to increased IL-1β and IL-18 levels. Compared with the DM group, the A group exhibited substantially better cardiac function. The protein levels of apoptosis markers were attenuated by H3 relaxin, indicating that H3 relaxin inhibited myocardial apoptosis in the hearts of diabetic rats. The protein expression of fibrosis markers was inhibited by H3 relaxin. Additionally, the protein expression and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome were also effectively attenuated by H3 relaxin. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that H3 relaxin plays an anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory role in DCM.

scholarly journals Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviated Left Ventricular Fibrosis Via Enhancing Cardiac Autophagy and Decreasing Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in StreptozotocinInduced Diabetic Rats: From Network Pharmacology to Experimental Pharmacology

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Shumin Liu ◽  
Cheng Fang ◽  
Feixue Dong ◽  
Liangyou Zhao ◽  
Yongwu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Associated Proteins

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) model shows the signal of cardiac dysfunction, which is manifested as myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy. This study was designed to predict targets of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) for diabetic cardiomyopathy and its corresponding triggered pathways by network pharmacology analysis and test the effects of NaHS as well as its mechanism as possible modulators of left ventricular remodeling in diabetic rats. The drug-target networks were constructed via approaches of network pharmacology, and the predicted targets and pathways were validated by in vivo experiments. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6/group): STZ-induced DM group (STZDM); STZ-induced DM treated with H2S group (STZ-NaHS); control group. The control group was treated with daily saline (i.p.); the diabetic model was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 40 mg/kg/day STZ. After 12 weeks, the rat cardiac function was determined, and the pathological morphology of the heart was analysed by Masson trichrome staining in each group. The expression level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (AGEs), CSE, CBS and several autophagy associated proteins were detected by the ELISA analysis. Results from the PPI network implied that 27 targets were key regulators. The AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and the apoptotic signaling pathway was discovered to be the key to anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy of NaHS upon the GO enrichment analyses and KEGG pathway. In the in vivo experiment, compared with the control group, cardiac fibrosis and attenuated left ventricular function were observed. Furthermore, compared with the control group, the expression level of CSE, CBS and autophagy associated proteins Atg5 was significantly decreased, while that of AGEs, autophagy associated proteins p62 and p-ERK1/2 was significantly increased in the STZDM group (P<0.05). In the STZ-NaHS group, cardiac fibrosis and ventricular dysfunction were ameliorated, the expression level of CSE, CBS and autophagy associated proteins Atg5 was increased, and the expression level of AGEs, autophagy associated proteins p62 and p-ERK1/2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, H2S may alleviate cardiac fibrosis of the STZ-induced DM rat model by enhancing cardiac autophagy, inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and downregulating p-ERK1/2.

scholarly journals Neuregulin-1 Promotes Myocardial Angiogenesis in the Rat Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 2325-2334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Gui ◽  
Zhi-yu  Zeng ◽  
Qi Chen ◽  
Ya-wei Luo ◽  
Lang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Left Ventricular Function ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Capillary Density ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neuregulin 1

Background/Aims: Microvascular insufficiency takes a critical role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). So this study was designed to investigate the effects of Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) treatment on myocardial angiogenesis and the changes of VEGF/Flk1 and Ang-1/Tie-2 signaling in the rat model of DCM. Methods: Diabetic rats were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin. 12 weeks after the diabetes induction, the rats with NRG-1 treatment were treated with tail vein injection of NRG-1 at the dose of 10µg/kg/d for consecutive 10 days. Cardiac function was assessed using catheter MPA cardiac function analysis system. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was assessed with stable-isotope labeled microspheres. Capillary density was measured by CD31 immunohistochemistry. The protein expression and receptors phosphorylation were assessed using western blot. Results: Left ventricular function, capillary density and MBF were significantly reduced in DCM group when compared with those in the control group (P< 0.01, P< 0.01 and P< 0.05 respectively). Left ventricular function and capillary density were significantly increased in NRG-1 treatment group when compared with those in the DCM group (P< 0.05 and P< 0.05 respectively). The expression of VEGF and Ang-1 and the phosphorylation of Flk1 and Tie-1 were significantly decreased in DCM group as compared with those in the control group. However, those in the NRG-1 treatment group were significantly increased as compared with those in the DCM group. In vitro, NRG-1 treatment increased significantly the expression of VEGF and Ang-1 in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Conclusions: NRG-1 can increase the myocardial angiogenesis of DCM, probably via the direct effects of NRG-1 and via the increasing expression of VEGF and Ang-1. These findings may contribute to developing a novel approach to reverse the impaired angiogenic responses in diabetes or coronary artery disease.

scholarly journals Erteng-Sanjie Capsule Enhances Chemosensitivity of 5-Fluorouracil in Tumor-Bearing Nude Mice with Gastric Cancer by Inhibiting Notch1/Hes1 Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jing Zhou ◽  
Shulan Hao ◽  
Hao Guo ◽  
Han Yu ◽  
Zhi Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Microvessel Density ◽  
Dose Group ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Effects

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. This study investigated the chemosensitivity-enhancing effects of Erteng-Sanjie capsule (ETSJC) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on gastric cancer and its possible underlying mechanisms. The study established a subcutaneous xenograft model of human gastric cancer. The animals were divided into five groups: the control group, the 5-FU group, the 5-FU + ETSJC low-dose group, the 5-FU + ETSJC medium-dose group, and the 5-FU + ETSJC high-dose group. The tumor volume and tumor weight were calculated. TUNEL staining was used to evaluate cell apoptosis. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression of Ki67+ cells and the CD31+ microvessel density in tumors. Simultaneously, western blot analysis was applied to detect the expression of caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, Notch1, and Hes1 proteins. Compared with the control group, tumor volume and weight in the 5-FU and 5-FU + ETSJC groups were inhibited. Moreover, compared with the 5-FU group, tumor volume and weight were significantly inhibited in the 5-FU + ETSJC groups. The numbers of Ki67+ cells, CD31+ microvessel density, and the expression of Bcl-2, Notch1, and Hes1 proteins were markedly decreased in the combination group when compared with the chemotherapy alone group. The numbers of TUNEL+ cells and the expression of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were significantly increased in the 5-FU + ETSJC groups when compared with the 5-FU group. The therapeutic effects were demonstrated to be dose dependent. In conclusion, the findings of the study showed that ETSJC improved the chemosensitivity of 5-FU by blocking Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway in gastric cancer-bearing mice.

scholarly journals Resveratrol improves cardiac function and left ventricular fibrosis after myocardial infarction in rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activity and the TGF-β1/SMAD2 signaling pathway

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11501
Author(s):  
Jinjin Jiang ◽  
Xiuping Gu ◽  
Huifeng Wang ◽  
Shibin Ding
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Interstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Sham Operation ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Inflammasome Activity

Background Several studies have shown that resveratrol (RES), a naturally occurring polyphenol found in many plants, is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying the RES-mediated protection against myocardial infarction has not yet been revealed entirely. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of RES on cardiac function in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the related underlying mechanisms. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham (sham operation), Sham-RES, AMI (AMI induction), and AMI-RES. The rat AMI model was established by the permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery method. The rats in the RES-treated groups were gavaged with RES (50 mg/kg/day) daily for 45 days after the Sham operation or AMI induction; rats in the Sham and AMI groups were gavaged with deionized water. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Atrial interstitial fibrosis was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin or Masson’s trichrome staining. Real-time PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to examine the levels of signaling pathway components. Results RES supplementation decreased the inflammatory cytokine levels, improved the cardiac function, and ameliorated atrial interstitial fibrosis in the rats with AMI. Furthermore, RES supplementation inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activity, decreased the TGF-β1 production, and downregulated the p-SMAD2/SMAD2 expression in the heart. Conclusion RES shows notable cardioprotective effects in a rat model of AMI; the possible mechanisms underlying these effects may involve the improvement of cardiac function and atrial interstitial fibrosis via the RES-mediated suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity and inhibition of the TGF-β1/SMAD2 signaling pathway in the heart.

Pinocembrin reduces cardiac arrhythmia and infarct size in rats subjected to acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1031-1037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anusorn Lungkaphin ◽  
Anchalee Pongchaidecha ◽  
Siripong Palee ◽  
Phatchawan Arjinajarn ◽  
Wilart Pompimon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Connexin 43 ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stress Effects ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Cardioprotective Effects ◽  
Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by cardiac dysfunction. Pinocembrin (5,7-dihydroxyflavanone) is a flavonoid found in propolis and in rhizomes of fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata) that is reported to have pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The cardioprotective effects of pinocembrin in an I/R model were investigated in this study. Male Wistar rats (n = 20) were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either pinocembrin (30 mg/kg body weight) or the vehicle intravenously. Thirty minutes later, the left anterior descending coronary artery of each rat was ligated for 30 min, and then reperfusion was allowed for 120 min. Cardiac function improved in the pinocembrin-treated group: the time to first ventricular fibrillation (VF) was significantly longer in the treated group (550 ± 54 s) than in the vehicle-only control group (330 ± 27 s) (p < 0.05). VF incidence and arrhythmia score were lower and infarcts were 49% smaller in the pinocembrin-treated group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the pinocembrin-treated group, malondialdehyde levels and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios decreased, and the ratio of phosphorylated connexin 43 (phospho-Cx43) to total Cx43 increased in infarcted tissues compared with the non-infarcted area (p < 0.05). Pinocembrin exhibited cardioprotective effects during I/R, evidenced by improved cardiac function, fewer arrhythmias, and smaller infarcts in treated hearts than in controls. These benefits may be due to pinocembrin’s antiapoptotic and anti-oxidative stress effects and its ability to increase the phosphorylation of Cx43 in ischemic myocardium.

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