Decoding the heart-saving power of Sanweidoukou decoction: Mitochondrial and molecular insights

Inhibition of cardiac hypertrophy and improving cardiac function are the main aims for treating heart failure. Sanweidoukou decoction (SD-3) is a traditional Chinese remedy known for its heart-protective properties and effectiveness in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. However, the mechanisms of action of SD-3 have not been clearly established. We investigated the protective effects of water extraction of SD-3 against heart failure and elucidated on its potential molecular mechanisms.

Cardiac failure models were established in rats and H9c2 cells using isoproterenol (ISO). Cardiac function and fibrosis were evaluated via echocardiography and histological staining. The underlying mechanisms were analyzed through RNA-Seq, while ROS levels, mitochondrial function, and AMPK/PPARα pathway-related indicators were measured. Molecular docking was employed to validate the binding between active components and target proteins.

Findings indicated that SD-3 reduced cardiac hypertrophy, improved cardiac function, and inhibited the expression of genes associated with hypertrophy in both laboratory settings and living organisms. Bioinformatic analyses identified a number of genes enriched in metabolic pathway, especially for AMPK and PPARα pathway. Mechanistically, it could entail the suppression of the AMPK/PPARα pathway, reduction in ROS levels, prevention of mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, all of which contribute to a decreased apoptotic response in heart failure. AMPK-Pisatin and PPARα-sesamin had the lowest free binding energy values, showing good binding capacity and therapeutic potential.

SD-3 exerts protective effects against heart failure by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and the AMPK /PPARα pathway.