Salidroside alleviates cardiomyocyte senescence by activating the AMPK-mediated signaling pathway

Lan Zhang1, Yawei Liu1, Zhijuan Hua2

  • 1Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China.

PubMed

Insights

Salidroside, a compound from Rhodiola rosea, effectively reduces aging in heart cells (cardiomyocytes) by repairing DNA damage. This natural compound shows promise for preventing age-related cardiovascular diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular aging significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of mortality in older adults.
  • There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies and bioactive molecules to mitigate cardiovascular aging and associated pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-aging effects of salidroside, a bioactive compound found in Rhodiola rosea extract, on cardiomyocytes.
  • To evaluate salidroside's potential in preventing and treating age-related cardiovascular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • An in vitro model of cardiomyocyte senescence was established using D-galactose and hydrogen peroxide induction.
  • Techniques including Western blot, indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA, and flow cytometry were utilized to assess senescence markers and cellular damage.
  • Sa-β-gal staining was performed to quantify senescent cells.

Main Results:

  • Salidroside significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte senescence, as evidenced by reduced Sa-β-gal activity and lower expression of senescence markers (p16, p21, p53).
  • The treatment decreased levels of senescence-associated inflammation and oxidative stress within the cardiomyocytes.
  • Mechanistic studies revealed that salidroside promotes anti-aging effects through the repair of DNA damage.

Conclusions:

  • Salidroside exhibits potent anti-aging properties against cardiomyocyte senescence.
  • This compound demonstrates potential as a functional food ingredient for combating cardiovascular aging.
  • Salidroside offers a promising therapeutic avenue for preventing age-related cardiovascular diseases.