Cardiovascular Toxicology最新文献

Inhalation of ambient particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O₃) has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the interactive effects of PM and O₃ on cardiac dysfunction and disease have not been thoroughly examined, especially at a proteomic level. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare proteome changes in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats co-exposed to concentrated ambient particulates (CAPs) and O₃, with a focus on investigating inflammatory and metabolic pathways, which are the two major ones implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction. For this, we measured and compared changes in expression status of 9 critical pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines using multiplexed ELISA and 450 metabolic proteins involved in ATP production, oxidative phosphorylation, cytoskeletal organization, and stress response using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) in cardiac tissue of SH rats exposed to CAPs alone, O₃ alone, and CAPs + O₃. Proteomic expression profiling revealed that CAPs alone, O₃ alone, and CAPs + O₃ differentially altered protein expression patterns, and utilized divergent mechanisms to affect inflammatory and metabolic pathways and responses. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) of the proteomic data demonstrated that the metabolic protein network centered by gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA 1) was interconnected with the inflammatory cytokine network centered by nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB) potentially suggesting inflammation-induced alterations in metabolic pathways, or vice versa, collectively contributing to the development of cardiac dysfunction in response to CAPs and O₃ exposure. These findings may enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction induced by air pollution and provide testable hypotheses regarding mechanisms of action.

Tanshinone, a natural compound found in the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protective effects. This article aims to review the literature on the cardiovascular protective effects of tanshinone and its underlying mechanisms. Tanshinone has been demonstrated to improve cardiac function, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit inflammation in various animal models of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it has been shown to regulate multiple signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as the PI₃K/AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. Clinical studies have also suggested that tanshinone may have therapeutic potential for treating cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, tanshinone has emerged as a promising natural compound with significant cardiovascular protective effects, and further research is warranted to explore its potential clinical applications.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) enables the assessment of tissue characteristics of the myocardium. Changes in the extracellular volume (ECV) and fibrosis volume (FV) of the myocardium are sensitive and early pathogenetic markers and have prognostic significance. The aim of the study was to assess ECV and FV of left ventricular myocardium in T1 mapping sequence in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering vaccination status against COVID-19. The study group consisted of 97 patients (52.54 ± 8.31 years, 53% women and 47% men). The participants were divided into three subgroups: A) patients with a history of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, unvaccinated against COVID-19 (n = 39), B) patients with a history of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a full vaccination schedule against COVID-19 (n = 22), and C) persons without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection constituting the control subgroup (C, n = 36). All patients underwent 1.5 T cardiac magnetic resonance. In subgroup A compared to subgroups B and C, both the ECV whole myocardium and ECV segments 2, 5-6, 8, and 10-11 were statistically significantly higher. In addition, the ECV segment 16 was statistically significantly higher in subgroup A than in subgroup C. Also, the FV whole myocardium was statistically significantly higher in subgroup A in comparison to subgroups B and C. There were no significant differences in ECV and FV between subgroups B and C. In summary, unvaccinated against COVID-19 patients with a history of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection have higher myocardial ECV and FV values in the T1 mapping sequence, compared to those without COVID-19 and those suffering from COVID-19, previously vaccinated with the full vaccination schedule.

The Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. It is known to have impact on the progression and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as in the regeneration of cardiomyocytes (CMs). However, further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms by which the Hippo-YAP pathway affects the pathological processes of CVDs in order to evaluate its potential clinical applications. In this review, we have summarized the recent findings on the role of the Hippo-YAP pathway in CVDs such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy, as well as its in CM development. This review calls attention to the potential roles of the Hippo-YAP pathway as a relevant target for the future treatment of CVDs.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a mitochondrial enzyme primarily involved in the detoxification of alcohol-derived aldehyde and endogenous toxic aldehydes. It exhibits widespread expression across various organs and exerts a broad and significant impact on diverse acute cardiovascular diseases, including acute coronary syndrome, acute aortic dissection, hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. The ALDH2 rs671 variant represents the most prevalent genetic variant in East Asian populations, with carriage rates ranging from 30 to 50% among the Chinese population. Given its widespread presence in the body, the wide range of diseases it affects, and its high rate of variation, it can serve as a crucial tool for the precise prevention and treatment of acute cardiovascular diseases, while offering individualized medication guidance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in factors affecting ALDH2 activity, encompassing post-transcriptional modifications, modulators of ALDH2, and relevant clinical drugs.

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of fasting as a method to enhance one's health and overall well-being. Fasting is a customary practice characterized by voluntary refraining from consuming food and beverages for a specified duration, ranging from a few hours to several days. The potential advantages of fasting, including enhanced insulin sensitivity, decreased inflammation, and better cellular repair mechanisms, have been well documented. However, the effects of fasting on cancer therapy have been the focus of recent scholarly investigations. Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most widely used chemotherapy medications for cancer treatment. Unfortunately, cardiotoxicity, which may lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular issues, has been linked to Dox usage. This study aims to comprehensively examine the possible advantages and disadvantages of fasting concerning Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Researchers have investigated the potential benefits of fasting in lowering the risk of Dox-induced cardiac damage to solve this problem. Nevertheless, new studies indicate that prolonged alternate-day fasting may adversely affect the heart's capacity to manage the cardiotoxic properties of Dox. Though fasting may benefit overall health, it is essential to proceed cautiously and consider the potential risks in certain circumstances.

(-)-Epicatechin (EPI) is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbe-derived food metabolite, is strongly associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of EPI on TMAO-induced cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether EPI inhibits TMAO-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Plasma levels of TMAO in control participants and patients with cardiac hypertrophy were measured and analyzed. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, TMAO group, EPI group and TMAO + EPI group. According to the groups assignments, mice received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of normal saline or i.p. injection of TMAO (150 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The EPI group was given intragastric (i.g.) administration of EPI alone (1 mg/kg/day) for 21 days, and TMAO + EPI group received i.g. administration of EPI for 7 days before starting i.p. injection of TMAO, continuing until the end of the TMAO treatment. Histological analyses of the mice's hearts was accessed by H&E and Masson staining. In vitro, H9c2 cells were induced to hypertrophy by TMAO (10 µM) for 24 h and were pre-treated with or without EPI (10 µM) for 1 h. Protein level of cardiac hypertrophy markers and Sp1/SIRT1/SUMO1 pathway were determined by western blot. The plasma level of TMAO was 2.66 ± 1.59 μmol/L in patients with cardiac hypertrophy and 0.62 ± 0.30 μmol/L in control participants. EPI attenuated TMAO-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. In vivo, TMAO induced cardiac hypertrophy and impaired the cardiac function of mice. Pathological staining showed that TMAO induced cardiac hypertrophy and collagen deposition in mice. EPI treatment improved the cardiac function, inhibited the myocardial hypertrophy induced by TMAO. EPI significantly attenuated the TMAO-induced upregulation of ANP and BNP and the downregulation of SP1, SIRT1 and SUMO1 in vivo and in vitro. EPI may suppress TMAO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by activating the Sp1/SIRT1/SUMO1 signaling pathway.

Previous observational studies have explored the association between serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and adverse ventricular/aortic structure and function. However, whether a causal link exists is uncertain. This study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), colocalization, reverse, and multivariable MR (MVMR) approach to examine the causal associations among five serum lipids, two apolipoproteins, and 32 cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) traits. Utilizing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to serum lipids and apolipoproteins as instrumental variables. CMR traits from seven independent genome-wide association studies served as preclinical endophenotypes, offering insights into aortic and cardiac structure/function. The primary analysis utilized a random-effects inverse variance method (IVW), followed by sensitivity and validation analyses. In the primary IVW MR analyses, genetically predicted low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were positively correlated with increased descending aorta strain (DAo strain) (β = 0.098; P = 2.69E-07) and ascending aorta strain (AAo strain) (β = 0.079; P = 5.19E-05). Genetically predicted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were positively correlated with left ventricular radial peak diastolic strain rate (LV-PDSRll) (β = 0.176; P = 2.89E-05) and the left ventricular longitudinal peak diastolic strain rate (LV-PDSRrr) (β = 0.059; P = 2.44E-06), and negatively correlated with left ventricular regional wall thickness (LVRWT). While apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels were positively correlated with AAo strain (β = 0.076; P = 1.16E-05), DAo strain (β = 0.065; P = 2.77E-05). A shared causal variant was identified to demonstrate the associations of ApoB with AAo strain and DAo strain using colocalization analysis. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these associations. Targeting lipid and apolipoprotein levels through interventions may provide novel strategies for the primary prevention of CVDs.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a lethal cardiovascular disease worldwide. Emerging evidence has revealed the critical role of gut dysbiosis and impaired gut-brain axis in the pathological progression of MI. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to exert therapeutic effects for MI. However, the effects of Tan IIA on gut-brain communication and its potential mechanisms post-MI are still unclear. In this study, we initially found that Tan IIA significantly reduced myocardial inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis, therefore alleviating hypertrophy and improving cardiac function following MI, suggesting the cardioprotective effect of Tan IIA against MI. Additionally, we observed that Tan IIA improved the gut microbiota as evidenced by changing the α-diversity and β-diversity, and reduced histopathological impairments by decreasing inflammation and permeability in the intestinal tissues, indicating the substantial improvement of Tan IIA in gut function post-MI. Lastly, Tan IIA notably reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS) level in serum, inflammation responses in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and sympathetic hyperexcitability following MI, suggesting that restoration of Tan IIA on MI-induced brain alterations. Collectively, these results indicated that the cardioprotective effects of Tan IIA against MI might be associated with improvement in gut-brain axis, and LPS might be the critical factor linking gut and brain. Mechanically, Tan IIA-induced decreased intestinal damage reduced LPS release into serum, and reduced serum LPS contributes to decreased neuroinflammation with PVN and sympathetic inactivation, therefore protecting the myocardium against MI-induced injury.

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium caused by cardioviral infection, especially coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), and is a major contributor to acute heart failure and sudden cardiac death in children and adolescents. LncRNA MALAT1 knockdown reportedly inhibits the differentiation of Th17 cells to attenuate CVB3-induced VMC in mice. Moreover, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) interact with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to regulate UPF1-mediated mRNA decay. However, it remains unclear whether MALAT1 can bind to UPF1 to mediate the mRNA decay of its target genes in VMC. Herein, we aimed to explore the effect of lncRNA MALAT1 on UPF1-mediated SIRT6 mRNA decay in VMC using in vivo and in vitro experiments. CVB3-infected BABL/C mice were used as VMC models, and MALAT1 interfering adenovirus was injected to achieve MALAT1 knockdown. The heart function of the VMC mice was assessed using echocardiography. Pathological changes in myocardial tissues were assessed after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Myocardial injury and inflammation were evaluated by measuring creatine kinase isoenzyme B, cardiac troponin T, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18. TUNEL staining was performed to assess apoptosis in myocardial tissues. In vitro experiments were performed using H9c2 cells after transfection and CVB3 infection. The lactic dehydrogenase release, caspase-1 activity, and IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the cellular supernatant were detected. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD-N, NLRP3, ASC, and Cleaved-Caspase-1) and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway-related proteins (Wnt1, β-catenin, and p-GSK-3β). RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA stability assays assessed the relationship between MALAT1, UPF1, and SIRT6. CVB3-infected mice and H9c2 cells exhibited elevated MALAT1 and reduced SIRT6 expression. MALAT1 knockdown or SIRT6 overexpression suppressed inflammation and pyroptosis and inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in myocardial tissues and cells. MALAT1 enhanced the enrichment of SIRT6 mRNA by UPF1 and disturbed the stability of SIRT6 mRNA to promote the development of VMC. MALAT1 can bind UPF1 to mediate SIRT6 mRNA decay and activate the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in VMC.