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Published on: June 16, 2022
Andrographolide protects against endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory response in rats with coronary heart
Jia Shu1, Ruizhen Huang2, Ying Tian3
1Functional Inspection Division, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
Insights
Andrographolide (Andro) demonstrates therapeutic potential for coronary heart disease (CHD). This study shows Andro preserves cardiac function, improves lipid profiles, and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of CHD.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Natural Products
Background:
- Andrographolide (Andro), a compound from Andrographis, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
- The role of Andro in coronary heart disease (CHD) pathogenesis and treatment remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of Andro on a mouse model of CHD.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Andro's action in CHD.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of CHD was established and treated with varying doses of Andro.
- Histological examination (HE staining), ELISA assays for serum markers, and Western blot analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- Andro treatment preserved cardiac tissue, improved lipid profiles (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C), and reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, MCP-1, hs-CRP, IL-1β).
- Andro attenuated endothelial dysfunction, reduced cardiac apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of PPARα and NF-κB signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Andrographolide shows significant therapeutic potential for treating coronary heart disease.
- Andro may offer a novel medicinal strategy for CHD management by modulating inflammation and lipid metabolism.
Background:
Andrographolide (Andro) is an active compound extracted from Andrographis, which has protective anti-inflammatory effects. But, its pathological role in coronary heart disease (CHD) is unclear, the aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of Andro in CHD and explore its potential mechanism.
Methods:
Here, we established a mouse model of CHD, and rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10): sham, Andro (50 mg/kg), CHD, CHD + Andro (10 mg/kg), and CHD + Andro (50 mg/kg). HE staining was employed to evaluate the pathological changes of myocardial injury cardiac injury. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), nitric oxide (NO), TXA2, ET-1, and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) were detected by ELISA assay. Myocardial inflammation and the interaction between Andro and PPAR-α/NF-κB axis was measured using western blot.
Results:
Compared with CHD groups, Andro preserved cardiac injury and decreased the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C while increasing the level of HDL-C. In addition, Andro also reduced the levels of TNF-α, MCP-1, hs-CRP and IL-1β by shifting the macrophage phenotype and attenuated the endothelial dysfunction by increasing the serum levels of ET-1 and TAX2 and decreasing the levels of NO and PGI2 in mice. Furthermore, Andro impeded cardiac apoptosis and inhibited the activation of PPARα and NF-κB proteins.
Conclusions:
Andro may represent a medicinal approach for assessing and treating CHD.
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