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Updated: May 10, 2025
Herbal Munziq Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation
Published on: January 10, 2025
Safflower Extract Mitigates MIRI in Rats by Modulating TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway, Demonstrating Protective
Mingling Deng1, Jing Yang1, Aimaiti Julaiti1
1Second Department of Cadre Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 116, Huanghe Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China.
Background:
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) exacerbates tissue damage following the restoration of coronary blood flow after ischemia. The TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MIRI. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of safflower extract in mitigating MIRI and its modulation of TLR-4/NF-κB signaling in rats.
Methods:
Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 minutes of myocardial ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Safflower extract was administered intravenously at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg 15 minutes before ischemia and 1 minute before reperfusion. Infarct size was assessed using TTC staining. Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were quantified using ELISA. TLR-4 and NF-κB mRNA and protein expression were evaluated using qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Histopathological changes were assessed using H&E staining.
Results:
Safflower extract effectively reduced myocardial infarct size in a dose-dependent manner, with the highest dose providing the greatest benefit. Treatment with safflower extract significantly lowered the elevated levels of serum CK and LDH caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, bringing these biochemical markers closer to normal values. In addition, safflower extract decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in myocardial tissue, showing a clear dose-response relationship. Analysis through qRT-PCR and western blot confirmed that safflower extract downregulated the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB at both the transcriptional and protein levels. Histological studies further supported these findings, demonstrating that safflower extract improved myocardial tissue architecture, maintained cardiomyocyte structure, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
Safflower extract provides significant cardioprotection against MIRI by modulating the TLR-4/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response. These findings suggest that safflower extract may be a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating the effects of myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury.
Insights
Safflower extract protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing inflammation. This study shows safflower extract effectively lowers infarct size and inflammatory markers by modulating the TLR-4/NF-κB pathway.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a significant clinical challenge.
- The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway is a key mediator of MIRI pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardioprotective effects of safflower extract against MIRI in a rat model.
- To elucidate the impact of safflower extract on the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent 30 minutes of myocardial ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion.
- Safflower extract was administered intravenously at varying doses.
- Infarct size, cardiac enzyme levels (CK, LDH), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and TLR-4/NF-κB expression were assessed.
Main Results:
- Safflower extract significantly reduced infarct size and cardiac enzyme levels in a dose-dependent manner.
- Treatment decreased levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and downregulated TLR-4 and NF-κB expression.
- Histological analysis revealed improved myocardial tissue structure and reduced inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Safflower extract demonstrates significant cardioprotection against MIRI.
- The cardioprotective effects are mediated through the modulation of the TLR-4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.
- Safflower extract holds potential as a therapeutic agent for MIRI.
