Resveratrol protects against triptolide-induced cardiotoxicity through SIRT3 signaling pathway

Clinical application of triptolide (TP), a main active ingredient of the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. (TWHF), is limited by a series of severe toxicities, including cardiotoxicity. In previous studies, we found the activation of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) attenuated TP-induced toxicity in cardiomyocytes. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol from the skins of grapes and red wine, is an activator of SIRT3. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of RSV against TP-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. Mice were treated with a single dose of TP (2.5 mg/kg) via the intragastric (i.g.) route. After 24 h, TP induced abnormal changes of serum biochemistry, activity decrease of antioxidant enzymes and damage of heart tissue such as myocardial fiber rupture, cell swelling and interstitial congestion. In contrast, administration with RSV (50 mg/kg i.g. 12 h before and 2 h after the administration of TP) attenuated the detrimental effects induced by TP in BALB/c mice. Moreover, the cardiomyocyte protective effects of RSV on TP-induced heart injury were associated with the activation of SIRT3 and its downstream targets. In vitro study also indicated that RSV counteracted TP-induced cardiotoxicity through SIRT3-FOXO3 signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest the potential of RSV as a promising agent in protecting heart from TP-induced damage.