Camphene as a Protective Agent in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of heart failure and mortality globally.
• Camphene exhibits anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties, but its cardioprotective effects against I/R injury were unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cardioprotective role of camphene against I/R injury.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of camphene's action in the heart during I/R.

Main Methods:

• Adult rats were pretreated with camphene before ex vivo I/R induction.
• Infarct size (TTC staining) and cardiomyocyte injury (LDH release) were measured.
• Oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial content (CS activity), and ferroptosis indicators were assessed.

Main Results:

• Camphene pretreatment significantly reduced myocardial infarct size and cardiomyocyte death post-I/R.
• Camphene decreased oxidative stress, enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms (Nrf2 pathway, CAT, MnSOD, GR), and increased mitochondrial content.
• Ferroptosis was attenuated, indicated by decreased GPx4 expression and lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions:

• Camphene confers significant cardioprotection against I/R injury.
• The protective effects are mediated by maintaining redox homeostasis and inhibiting ferroptosis.
• Camphene holds therapeutic promise for treating I/R-induced heart damage.