Proteomics Revealed That Mitochondrial Function Contributed to the Protective Effect of Herba Siegesbeckiae Against

Xiaohong Wei1,2, Yuzhuo Wu1, Haie Pan1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.

Insights

Herba Siegesbeckiae aqueous extract effectively treats myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This traditional herb protects the heart by restoring mitochondrial function and regulating key protein expressions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly during percutaneous coronary intervention, with limited therapeutic options.
  • Herba Siegesbeckiae (HS), a traditional herb, exhibits known cardiovascular protective effects, yet its specific role in cardiac I/R injury remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic effects of Herba Siegesbeckiae aqueous extract on cardiac I/R injury.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which HS mitigates I/R-induced damage.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation and chemical analysis (UHPLC-MS/MS) of Herba Siegesbeckiae aqueous extract.
  • Induction of I/R injury in Sprague-Dawley rats via coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion.
  • Comprehensive evaluation of cardiac function, histology, biochemistry, proteomics, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress markers, and inflammasome activity.

Main Results:

  • HS extract significantly reduced infarct size, apoptosis, and cardiac enzyme levels, improving ECG and hemodynamic parameters.
  • Proteomic analysis revealed HS modulated the expression of key proteins including Adgb, Cbr1, and COX7A.
  • HS preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure and electron transport chain function, suppressed oxidative stress (ROS, RNS), and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Herba Siegesbeckiae aqueous extract demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects against I/R injury.
  • The protective mechanisms involve mitigating oxidative stress, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome, and restoring mitochondrial function.
  • HS regulates specific protein expressions, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiac I/R injury.
Abstract