Embelin inhibits abdominal aortic aneurysm through decreasing IL‑6‑induced STAT3 and NF‑κB inactivation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition characterized by aortic wall degradation.
• Current treatments for AAA are limited, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of embelin in a mouse model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Main Methods:

• AAA was induced in mice via chronic Angiotensin II infusion.
• Mice were treated with varying doses of embelin (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) for 28 days.
• Key inflammatory markers, oxidative stress indicators, and signaling pathways were assessed.

Main Results:

• Embelin significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
• Embelin increased antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, GSH, GSH peroxidase).
• Embelin suppressed matrix metalloproteinase-9, monocyte chemoattractant protein-2, and epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide expression.
• Embelin inhibited key signaling pathways including phosphorylated-STAT3, phosphorylated-p38 MAPK, and NF-κB.

Conclusions:

• Embelin demonstrates significant efficacy in inhibiting AAA progression in a mouse model.
• The therapeutic effects of embelin are mediated by the suppression of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
• Embelin's mechanism involves the inactivation of IL-6-induced STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.