Beta-glucan protects against isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling by regulating the ACE-AT1R axis and attenuates cardiac inflammation and apoptosis

Objective:To investigate the cardioprotective effect of beta-glucan against isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats,and elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods:Rats were orally pretreated with beta-glucan(40 mg/kg body weight)for 30 d,and isoproterenol(20 mg/100 g body weight)was administered on days 31 and 32.The effects of beta-glucan on markers of cardiac injury,hemodynamic changes,production of proinflammatory cytokines,and the corresponding mRNA expressions were evaluated.In addition,histological analysis was performed.Results:Pretreatment with beta-glucan prevented isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury by preserving the structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane and attenuating the production of proinflammatory cytokines(NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,and IFN-γ)in the heart.Moreover,beta-glucan significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of ACE,AT1R,TNF-α,IL-6,NF-κB,caspase-3,TLR-4,and Bax,and upregulated Bcl-2 in the heart.At the same time,pretreatment with beta-glucan alleviated myocardial damage as reflected in a reduction in myonecrosis,edema,and erythrocyte extravasation with almost imperceptible inflammation.Conclusions:Beta-glucan can protect against isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity by attenuating cardiac inflammation and apoptosis and regulating the ACE-AT1R axis,thereby preventing cardiac remodeling.

Biochanin-A attenuates high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rats by improving antioxidant status and lipid metabolic markers

Objective:To determine how biochanin-A(BCA)affects high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced pathological changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.Methods:Diabetic rats were orally administered BCA(10 mg/kg body weight)for 30 days to investigate its effects on lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers in the liver and kidney.In addition,the mRNA expression of antioxidant and lipid metabolism enzymes in the liver was examined.Results:BCA attenuated hyperlipidemia by regulating mRNA expressions of HMG-CoA reductase,fatty acid synthase,carnitine palmitoyl transferase,and acetyl-CoA carboxylase.Additionally,BCA reduced high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation,improving superoxide dismutase,catalase,and glutathione peroxidase levels,and upregulating mRNA expressions of these enzymes.Conclusions:BCA may be a promising nutraceutical for the treatment of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress associated with diabetes.