NADPH oxidase contributes to the left ventricular dysfunction induced by sinoaortic denervation in rats

L Zhang1, F Li, G Zhi

  • 1First Geriatric Cardiology Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital , Beijing , P. R. China.

Free Radical Research
|October 31, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Sinoaortic denervation in rats increases NADPH oxidase activity, leading to cardiac dysfunction. Inhibiting NADPH oxidase with apocynin reduces oxidative stress and cardiac remodeling, suggesting a therapeutic target for heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Sinoaortic denervation (SAD) disrupts baroreflex control, leading to altered blood pressure variability (BPV).
  • NADPH oxidase (NOX) is implicated in oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of NADPH oxidase in left ventricular dysfunction following sinoaortic denervation in rats.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, in mitigating SAD-induced cardiac changes.

Main Methods:

  • Rats underwent sinoaortic denervation (SAD) or sham surgery.
  • NADPH oxidase activity, Nox2/Nox4 expression, and Rac1 activity were assessed.
  • Apocynin treatment was administered to SAD rats.
  • Cardiac hypertrophy, oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and fibrosis markers were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • SAD increased Nox2, Nox4 expression, and Rac1 activity in the left ventricle.
  • Apocynin treatment attenuated left ventricular hypertrophy, oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, and cardiac fibrosis without altering blood pressure or baroreflex function.
  • Apocynin reduced malondialdehyde, NFκB activation, MCP-1, MPO activity, and markers of ER stress and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • Exaggerated blood pressure variability post-SAD induces chronic myocardial oxidative stress, aggravating cardiac remodeling.
  • NADPH oxidase plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction induced by exaggerated BPV.