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 Effects of the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway on NLRP3 Inflammasome in Coronary Microembolization-Induced Myocardial Injury

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 1497-1508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Su ◽  
Lang Li ◽  
Yuhan Sun ◽  
Huafeng Yang ◽  
Ziliang Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Myocardial Inflammation ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Coronary Microembolization ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation

Background/Aims: Coronary microembolization (CME) is a common complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); Myocardial inflammation, caused by CME, is the main cause of cardiac injury. TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling plays an important role in the development of myocardial inflammation, but its effects on CME remain unclear. To assess the cardiac protective effects of TAK-242 (TLR4 specific inhibitor) on CME-induced myocardial injury, and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: Cardiac function, serum c-troponin I level, microinfarct were examined by cardiac ultrasound, myocardial enzyme assessment, HBFP staining. The levels of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway were detected by ELISA, qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: The results showed inflammatory responses in the myocardium after CME, with increased expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18. Meanwhile, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome were involved in the inflammatory process. TAK-242 administration before CME effectively inhibited the inflammatory response in the rat myocardium after CME and reduced myocardial injury, mainly by inhibiting TLR4/ MyD88/NF-κB signaling and reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, in vitro assays with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes further confirmed that TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling was significantly activated in the inflammatory response of LPS-induced cardiomyocytes, via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling resulted in increased survival of cardiomyocytes mainly by reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and decreasing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling participates in the inflammatory response of the myocardium after CME, activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, promoting the inflammatory cascade, and aggravating myocardial injury. Blocking TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling may help reduce myocardial injury and improve cardiac function after CME.

scholarly journals Exercise Prevents Cardiac Injury and Improves Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Advanced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy with PGC-1α and Akt Activation

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 2159-2168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Wang ◽  
Yihua Bei ◽  
Yan Lu ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
Qi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Training ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Mitochondrial Biogenesis ◽  
Cardiac Injury ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Cardioprotective Effect ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Myocardial Apoptosis ◽  
Exercise Induced

Background/Aims: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetics. Exercise has been reported to be effective to protect the heart from cardiac injury during the development of DCM. However, the potential cardioprotective effect of exercise in advanced DCM remains unclear. Methods: Seven-week old male C57BL/6 wild-type or db/db mice were either subjected to a running exercise program for 15 weeks or kept sedentary. Cardiac function, myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, and mitochondrial biogenesis were examined for evaluation of cardiac injury. Results: A reduction in ejection fraction and fractional shortening in db/db mice was significantly reversed by exercise training. DCM induced remarkable cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 at the protein level. Meanwhile, DCM caused slightly myocardial fibrosis with elevated mRNA levels of collagen I and collagen III. Also, DCM resulted in a reduction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and transcription, together with reduced mtDNA content and impaired mitochondrial ultrastructure. All of these changes could be abolished by exercise training. Furthermore, DCM-associated inhibition of PGC-1α and Akt signaling was significantly activated by exercise, indicating that exercise-induced activation of PGC-1α and Akt signaling might be responsible for mediating cardioprotective effect of exercise in DCM. Conclusion: Exercise preserves cardiac function, prevents myocardial apoptosis and fbrosis, and improves mitochondrial biogenesis in the late stage of DCM. Exercise-induced activation of PGC-1α and Akt signaling might be promising therapeutic targets for advanced DCM.

Abstract 86: Exercise Prevents Cardiac Injury and Improves Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Advanced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy With Pgc-1α and Akt Activation

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Wang ◽  
Yan Lu ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
Junjie Xiao ◽  
Xiangqing Kong
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Training ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Mitochondrial Biogenesis ◽  
Cardiac Injury ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Cardioprotective Effect ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Myocardial Apoptosis ◽  
Exercise Induced

Background/Aims: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetics. Exercise has been reported to be effective to protect the heart from cardiac injury during the development of DCM. However, the potential cardioprotective effect of exercise in advanced DCM remains unclear. Methods: Seven-week old male C57BL/6 wild-type or db/db mice were either subjected to a running exercise program for 15 weeks or kept sedentary. Cardiac function, myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, and mitochondrial biogenesis were examined for evaluation of cardiac injury. Results: A reduction in ejection fraction and fractional shortening in db/db mice was significantly reversed by exercise training. DCM induced remarkable cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 at the protein level. Meanwhile, DCM caused slightly myocardial fibrosis with elevated mRNA levels of collagen I and collagen III. Also, DCM resulted in a reduction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and transcription, together with reduced mtDNA content and impaired mitochondrial ultrastructure. All of these changes could be abolished by exercise training. Furthermore, DCM-associated inhibition of PGC-1α and Akt signaling was significantly activated by exercise, indicating that exercise-induced activation of PGC-1α and Akt signaling might be responsible for mediating cardioprotective effect of exercise in DCM. Conclusion: Exercise preserves cardiac function, prevents myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, and improves mitochondrial biogenesis in the late stage of DCM. Exercise-induced activation of PGC-1α and Akt signaling might be promising therapeutic targets for advanced DCM.

scholarly journals Total Flavones of Abelmoschus manihot Ameliorates Podocyte Pyroptosis and Injury in High Glucose Conditions by Targeting METTL3-Dependent m6A Modification-Mediated NLRP3-Inflammasome Activation and PTEN/PI3K/Akt Signaling

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bu-Hui Liu ◽  
Yue Tu ◽  
Guang-Xia Ni ◽  
Jin Yan ◽  
Liang Yue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Akt Pathway ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Podocyte Injury ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation

Background: The total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot (TFA), a compound that is extracted from Abelmoschus manihot, has been widely used in China to reduce podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of this compound have yet to be elucidated. Podocyte pyroptosis is characterized by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and plays an important role in inflammation-mediated diabetic kidneys. Regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway is an effective strategy for improving podocyte damage in DKD. Previous research has also shown that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is involved in DKD and that m6A-modified PTEN regulates the PI3K/Akt pathway. In this study, we investigated whether TFA alleviates podocyte pyroptosis and injury by targeting m6A modification-mediated NLRP3-inflammasome activation and PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling.Methods: We used MPC-5 cells under high glucose (HG) conditions to investigate the key molecules that are involved in podocyte pyroptosis and injury, including activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway. We detected alterations in the levels of three methyltransferases that are involved in m6A modification. We also investigated changes in the levels of these key molecules in podocytes with the overexpression or knockdown of methyltransferase-like (METTL)3.Results: Analysis showed that TFA and MCC950 protected podocytes against HG-induced pyroptosis and injury by reducing the protein expression levels of gasdermin D, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-18, and by increasing the protein expression levels of nephrin, ZO-1, WT1 and podocalyxin. TFA and 740Y-P inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via the PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting the protein levels of NIMA-related kinase7, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, and by increasing the protein expression levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt. TFA improved pyroptosis and injury in HG-stimulated podocytes by regulating METTL3-dependent m6A modification.Conclusion: Collectively, our data indicated that TFA could ameliorate pyroptosis and injury in podocytes under HG conditions by adjusting METTL3-dependent m6A modification and regulating NLRP3-inflammasome activation and PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling. This study provides a better understanding of how TFA can protect podocytes in DKD.

Panax notoginseng saponins attenuate neuroinflammation through TXNIP-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in aging rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyong Zhou ◽  
Menghan He ◽  
Qingqing Zhao ◽  
Dongfan Wang ◽  
Changcheng Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Panax Notoginseng ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Panax Notoginseng Saponins ◽  
Aging Rats ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Bv2 Microglia ◽  
Old Rats

Introduction:: Microglia-mediated inflammatory responses play a crucial role in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. The TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway is a key pathway leading to microglial activation. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been widely used for the treatment of stroke in China. Objective:: This study evaluates the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of PNS and investigates the mechanism via TXNIPmediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in aging rats. Materials and Methods:: Eighteen-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the aging control group and PNS treated groups (n=15 each group). For PNS-treated groups, rats were administrated food with PNS at the doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg for consecutive 6 months until they were 24-month old. Rats from the aging control group were given the same food without PNS. Two-month-old rats were purchased and given the same food until 6-month old as the adult control group (n = 15). Then, the cortex and hippocampus were rapidly harvested and deposited. H&E staining was used to assess histo-morphological changes. Western blotting was carried out to detect the protein expression. Immunofluorescence was employed to measure the co-localization of NLRP3, TXNIP and Iba-1. In vitro model was established by LPS+ATP coincubation in the BV2 microglia cell line. Results:: Aging rats exhibited increased activation of microglia, accompanied by a high level of IL-1β expression. Meanwhile, aging rats showed enhanced protein expression of TXNIP and NLRP3 related molecules, which co-localized with microglia. PNS treatment effectively reduced the number of degenerated neurons and reversed the activation of the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. In vitro results showed that PNS up to 100 μg / ml had no significant toxicity on BV2 microglia. Discussion:: PNS (25, 50 μg/ml) effectively reduced the inflammatory response induced by LPS and ATP co-stimulation, thus inhibiting the expression of TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins. Conclusion:: PNS treatment improved aging-related neuronal damage through inhibiting TXNIP mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which provided a potential target for the treatment of inflammatory-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Eff ects of hyperbaric oxygen on NLRP3 infl ammasome activation in the brain aft er carbon monoxide poisoning

2020 ◽  
pp. 607-619
Author(s):  
Ya’nan Qi ◽  
◽  
Zhibao Guo ◽  
Huijun Hu ◽  
Xiang’en Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Nadph Oxidase ◽  
Hyperbaric Oxygen ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Myelin Injury

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in brain damage after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACOP). The nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) 3 inflammasome triggers the activation of inflammatory caspases and maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and -18, and has been linked to various human autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In this study we investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation after ACOP. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham group (exposure to normobaric air – i.e., 21% O2 at 1 atmosphere absolute); HBO2-only group; CO + normobaric air group; and CO + HBO2 group. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Morris water maze; myelin injury was assessed by Fluoro-Myelin GreenTM fluorescent myelin staining and myelin basic protein (MBP) immunostaining; and mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome complex proteins were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Additionally, serum and brain levels of IL-1β and -18 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found that HBO2 improved learning and memory, and alleviated myelin injury in mice subjected to acute CO exposure. Furthermore, HBO2 decreased NLRP3, absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), caspase-1, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain mRNA and protein levels, and reduced brain and serum concentrations of IL-1β and -18 and NADPH oxidase. These results indicate that HBO2 suppresses the inflammatory response after ACOP by blocking NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby alleviating cognitive deficits.

scholarly journals Aggregated Tau-PHF6 (VQIVYK) Potentiates NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression and Autophagy in Human Microglial Cells

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1652
Author(s):  
Chinmaya Panda ◽  
Clara Voelz ◽  
Pardes Habib ◽  
Christian Mevissen ◽  
Thomas Pufe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tau Protein ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Progressive Dementia ◽  
Microglial Polarization ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Pyrin Domain

Intra-neuronal misfolding of monomeric tau protein to toxic β-sheet rich neurofibrillary tangles is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tau pathology correlates not only with progressive dementia but also with microglia-mediated inflammation in AD. Amyloid-beta (Aβ), another pathogenic peptide involved in AD, has been shown to activate NLRP3 inflammasome (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), triggering the secretion of proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL1β) and interleukin-18 (IL18). However, the effect of tau protein on microglia concerning inflammasome activation, microglial polarization, and autophagy is poorly understood. In this study, human microglial cells (HMC3) were stimulated with the unaggregated and aggregated forms of the tau-derived PHF6 peptide (VQIVYK). Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome was examined by qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot. We demonstrate that fibrillar aggregates of VQIVYK upregulated the NLRP3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner, leading to increased expression of IL1β and IL18 in HMC3 cells. Aggregated PHF6-peptide also activated other related inflammation and microglial polarization markers. Furthermore, we also report a time-dependent effect of the aggregated PHF6 on BECN1 (Beclin-1) expression and autophagy. Overall, the PHF6 model system-based study may help to better understand the complex interconnections between Alzheimer’s PHF6 peptide aggregation and microglial inflammation, polarization, and autophagy.

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.

scholarly journals Cichoric Acid Ameliorates Monosodium Urate-Induced Inflammatory Response by Reducing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Inhibition of NF-kB Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Qi Wang ◽  
Bingfeng Lin ◽  
Zhifeng Li ◽  
Jie Su ◽  
Yulin Feng
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Gouty Arthritis ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Cichoric Acid ◽  
Monosodium Urate ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Tnf Α

Gouty arthritis is characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) within synovial joints and tissues due to increased urate concentrations. Here, we elucidated the role of the natural compound cichoric acid (CA) on the MSU crystal-stimulated inflammatory response. The THP-1-derived macrophages (THP-Ms) were pretreated with CA and then stimulated with MSU suspensions. The protein levels of p65 and IκBα, the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by measuring the expression of its downstream inflammatory cytokines, and the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome were measured by western blotting and ELISA. CA treatment markedly inhibited the degradation of IκBα and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the levels of its downstream inflammatory genes such as IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, and PGE2 in the MSU-stimulated THP-M cells. Therefore, we infer that CA effectively alleviated MSU-induced inflammation by suppressing the degradation of IκBα, thereby reducing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that CA could be a novel therapeutic strategy in averting acute episodes of gout.

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.

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