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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

A Flow Cytometry-based Assay for Measuring Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Cardiac Myocytes After Hypoxia/Reoxygenation
Published on: July 13, 2018
Poricoic acid a inhibits mitochondrial dysfunction in myocardial infarction by activating SIRT3
Jinzhu Yin1, Qu Jin1, Zhaozheng Liu1
1Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1478, Gongnong Road, Changchun, Jilin 130000, China.
Abstract:
Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is the most severe clinical manifestation of ischemic heart disease. Despite this, the mechanisms that disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis and contribute to cardiomyocyte loss during MI are poorly understood, emphasizing the urgent need for new therapeutic interventions. Poricoic acid A (PAA), the principal active component of pachymaria, possesses a range of pharmacological effects. However, the specific role and mechanisms by which PAA addresses mitochondrial dysfunction in MI remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the impact of PAA on MI and uncover its potential regulatory mechanisms. We developed MI cell models using mouse primary cardiomyocytes incubated in a Forma Steri-Cult chamber containing 1% oxygen, 94% nitrogen, and 5% carbon dioxide. Our results demonstrate that PAA significantly improves cardiomyocyte injury in hypoxia-induced mouse primary cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, PAA activates the AMP-activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha/Sirtuin 3 (AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3) signaling pathway in hypoxia-induced mouse primary cardiomyocytes. PAA enhances the oxidative stress response in hypoxia-induced mouse primary cardiomyocytes by activating SIRT3. Additionally, it improves mitochondrial dysfunction in these cardiomyocytes and reduces apoptosis by activating SIRT3. In summary, PAA inhibits mitochondrial dysfunction associated with MI by activating SIRT3, indicating its promise as a therapeutic agent for MI.
Insights
Poricoic acid A (PAA) protects heart cells from injury during myocardial infarction (MI) by improving mitochondrial function. PAA activates the SIRT3 pathway, reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in heart cells.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a severe ischemic heart disease causing cardiomyocyte loss.
- Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in MI are poorly understood, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Poricoic acid A (PAA), from pachymaria, has pharmacological effects, but its role in MI-related mitochondrial dysfunction is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of PAA on myocardial infarction (MI).
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PAA in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction during MI.
- To explore PAA's impact on cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Developed MI cell models using mouse primary cardiomyocytes under hypoxic conditions (1% O2, 94% N2, 5% CO2).
- Assessed the effects of PAA on cardiomyocyte injury, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis.
- Investigated the involvement of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway.
Main Results:
- PAA significantly reduced cardiomyocyte injury in hypoxia-induced models.
- PAA activated the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway.
- PAA enhanced oxidative stress response and improved mitochondrial function by activating SIRT3.
- PAA reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through SIRT3 activation.
Conclusions:
- PAA demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects against MI-induced injury.
- PAA mitigates MI-related mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by activating the SIRT3 pathway.
- PAA shows therapeutic potential for treating myocardial infarction.
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