Impact of boldine treatment on hypertrophy and lipid peroxidation in the right ventricle subjected to experimental adrenergic overstimulation.

Abstract

Adrenergic overstimulation is detrimental to the left ventricle. However, its effects on the right ventricle (RV) are not clear. Since adrenergic overload increases metabolic demand and oxidative stress, boldine could be a therapeutic option in the treatment of cardiovascular disease due to its antioxidant role. This study aimed to investigate the impact of adrenergic overload on RV remodelling and the cardioprotective effect of boldine. Animals were divided into four groups: control (C), boldine (25 mg/kg i. p.) (B), isoproterenol (5 mg/kg subcutaneously) (ISO), and boldine+isoproterenol (B+ISO). Echocardiography, Fulton index, histology, oxidative stress, inflammation, and β-adrenergic receptor (ADR) were analysed. The diastolic parasternal length [C 0.698 (0.623-0.724) vs ISO 0.77 (0.73-0.81)], Fulton index [C 0.268 (0.231-0.275) vs ISO 0.340 (0.280-0.353)], inflammatory infiltration (∼40%), and ADR [C 0.78 (0.71-0.84) vs ISO 1.74 (1.52-2.00)] were increased in the ISO group (P<0.05). Boldine treatment (B+ISO) reduced the Fulton index [0.240 (0.228-0.263)], lipid peroxidation [2.07 (2.01-2.61)], and ADR [0.71(0.62-0.80)]. Boldine increased total SH levels in B+ISO [C 2.4 (1.78-2.71); ISO 4.01 (2.95-4.66) vs B+ISO 6.77(5.15-8.60)] (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between lipid peroxidation and the Fulton index, and a negative correlation between total SH and the Fulton index (P<0.05). This is the first study to explore the effects of adrenergic overstimulation on RV and the protective effect of boldine. Such data pave the way for further research involving RV remodelling, such as in pulmonary hypertension, as well as a new therapeutic option.