Leonurine Attenuates Obesity-Related Vascular Dysfunction and Inflammation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Metabolic Disease Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases stem from adipose tissue oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
• Obesity disrupts adipocytokine balance, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
• Leonurine (LEO), an alkaloid from Herba Leonuri, exhibits cardiovascular protective effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate LEO's efficacy in alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in an obese mouse model.
• To determine LEO's impact on obesity-induced vascular dysfunction.
• To identify the molecular target of LEO's action.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an obese mouse model to assess LEO's effects in vivo and in vitro.
• Measured inflammation and oxidative stress markers in epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT).
• Evaluated vascular function, including vascular tone and mesenteric artery fibrosis.
• Employed mass spectrometry to identify LEO's direct molecular target.

Main Results:

• Obesity induced significant inflammation and oxidative stress in EWAT, alongside vascular dysfunction.
• LEO treatment markedly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro.
• LEO administration improved vascular tone and decreased mesenteric artery fibrosis in obese mice.
• YTHDF1 was identified as a direct target of LEO.

Conclusions:

• LEO effectively mitigates obesity-related adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative stress.
• LEO improves vascular function and reduces fibrosis in obese conditions.
• LEO targets YTHDF1, suggesting its potential therapeutic role in obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndromes.