Hapln1 promotes dedifferentiation and proliferation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes by promoting versican-based GDF11 trapping

Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1(Hapln1)supports active cardiomyogenesis in zebrafish hearts,but its regulation in mammal cardiomyocytes is unclear.This study aimed to explore the potential regulation of Hapln1 in the dedifferentiation and proliferation of cardiomyocytes and its therapeutic value in myocardial infarction with human induced pluripotent stem cell(hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes(CMs)and an adult mouse model of myocardial infarction.HiPSC-CMs and adult mice with myocardial infarction were used as in vitro and in vivo models,respectively.Previous single-cell RNA sequencing data were retrieved for bioinformatic exploration.The results showed that recombinant human Hapln1(rhHapln1)promotes the proliferation of hiPSC-CMs in a dose-dependent manner.As a physical binding protein of Hapln1,versican interacted with Nodal growth differentiation factor(NODAL)and growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11).GDF11,but not NODAL,was expressed by hiPSC-CMs.GDF11 expression was unaffected by rhHapln1 treatment.However,this molecule was required for rhHapln1-mediated activation of the transforming growth factor(TGF)-β/Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein(SMAD)2/3 signaling in hiPSC-CMs,which stimulates cell dedifferentiation and proliferation.Recombinant mouse Hapln1(rmHapln1)could induce cardiac regeneration in the adult mouse model of myocardial infarction.In addition,rmHapln1 induced hiPSC-CM proliferation.In conclusion,Hapln1 can stimulate the dedifferentiation and proliferation of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes by promoting versican-based GDF11 trapping and subsequent activation of the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.Hapln1 might be an effective hiPSC-CM dedifferentiation and proliferation agent and a potential reagent for repairing damaged hearts.

Protective effect of camellia oil on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative stress injury in H9C2 cardiomyocytes of rats

Objective: To explore the protective effect of camellia oil against H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury in rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Methods: CCK8 method was used to detect the cell survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes treated with different concentrations of H2O2. Normal cultured cells were used as the blank control group, and the cells were treated with 200 μmol/L H2O2 for 24 h. An oxidative stress injury model was constructed as the model group. The cells were pretreated with 1%, 0.1% and 0.01% camellia oil for 24 h, and then H2O2 was added for 24 h as the experimental group. The β-galactosidase senescence staining assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, EdU cell proliferation staining assay and scratch assay were used to observe the changes of cell senescence, mitochondrial membrane potential, proliferation, apoptosis and migration in each group. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the cells in each group were detected by using the kit. Results: The cell viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes treated with different concentrations of H2O2 was inhibited and positively correlated with the concentration of H2O2 (P<0.01). Compared with the blank control group, the positive rate of cell senescence, MDA content and LDH activity increased in the H2O2 model group (P<0.01);mitochondrial membrane potential, cellular value-added rate, migration rate and SOD activity decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the H2O2 model group, the positive rate of cellular senescence (P<0.01 or P<0.05), MDA content and LDH activity decreased (P< 0.01 or P<0.05);mitochondrial membrane potential increased, cell proliferation rate and migration rate increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05) in the experimental group. Conclusion: Camellia oil can significantly inhibit oxidative stress injury in H9C2 cells and exert cardiomyocyte protective effects.

C反应蛋白/白蛋白比值对2型糖尿病合并急性心肌梗死患者远期不良心脑血管事件的预测价值研究

背景急性心肌梗死(AMI)是威胁全球公众健康的主要原因之一。虽然已有相应的再灌注治疗策略,但AMI相关的主要不良心脑血管事件(MACCEs)仍然是全世界人口死亡的原因之一。尤其合并糖尿病的AMI患者,因冠状动脉病变复杂,病变程度严重,尽早发现和判断该部分患者远期预后相对困难,因此寻找相对简便、易获得的实验室指标,有利于为2型糖尿病(T2DM)合并AMI患者经皮冠状动脉介入(PCI)术后MACCEs的预测提供依据。目的探讨血清C反应蛋白(CRP)/白蛋白(Alb)比值(CAR)对T2DM合并AMI患者PCI术后远期MACCEs的预测价值。方法纳入2014—2019年就诊于宁夏医科大学总医院心血管内科1683例T2DM合并AMI患者为研究对象,收集患者的一般临床资料与检查结果。对所有患者进行电话或门诊随访,以全因死亡、非致死性心肌梗死、再发不稳定型心绞痛、非致死性脑卒中、新发心力衰竭或心力衰竭加重再入院、再次血运重建作为MACCEs。根据患者随访期间是否发生MACCEs分为MACCEs组(508例)和非MACCEs组(1175例)。采用单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析探讨T2DM合并AMI患者MACCEs事件的影响因素。采用Kaplan-Meier法绘制患者的生存曲线,生存曲线的比较采用Log-rank检验。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析CAR对T2DM合并AMI患者远期发生MACCEs的预测效能,使用净重分类改善指标(NRI)和综合判别指数(IDI)评价CAR对T2DM合并AMI患者预后评估的改善效果。结果1683例患者中508例(30.18%)患者发生MACCEs。多因素Logistic回归分析显示高血压病[OR(95%CI)=1.994(1.142~3.483)]、冠状动脉植入支架长度[OR(95%CI)=1.031(1.002~1.062)]、CRP[OR(95%CI)=0.950(0.915~0.986)]、Alb[OR(95%CI)=0.933(0.880~0.989)]及CAR[OR(95%CI)=5.582(1.705~18.277)]是T2DM合并AMI患者PCI术后发生MACCEs的影响因素(P<0.05)。根据CAR中位表达水平(0.86),将患者分为CAR<0.86组和CAR≥0.86组,Log-rank检验结果显示,CAR≥0.86组MACCEs发生率高于CAR<0.86组(52.68%与22.92%;χ^(2)=65.65,P<0.001)。ROC曲线显示CAR预测T2DM合并AMI患者发生MACCEs的ROC曲线下面积为0.728(95%CI=0.702~0.754),最佳截断值为0.576,灵敏度为0.617,特异度为0.747。在基线模型基础上,与CRP、Alb相比,CAR能明显改善对患者发生MACCEs的预测效果(NRI=0.377,IDI=0.166,C指数=0.690;P<0.05)。结论CAR是T2DM合并AMI患者PCI术后远期MACCEs发生风险的有效预测指标。

Effect of emulsified isoflurane on apoptosis of anoxia-reoxygenation neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

Objective:To explore the effect of emulsified isoflurane(EI)on apoptosis of anoxia-reoxygenation neonatal rat cardiomyocytea and relevant protein expression.Methods:Cardiac muscle anoxiareoxygenation damage model was established with culture in vitro neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.The cardiomyocytes were divided into control group,model group,fat emulsion group and EI group.The cardiomyocytes apoptosis rates and lactic dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)index standardization were detected after relevant treatment The expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bel-2,Bax and Caspase-3 were detected with Western blot approach.Results:After hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)model was treated by EI,the cells apoptosis rate decreased and was dramatically below the fat emulsion group(P<0.05),Cardiomyocytes biochemical index detection presented that,compared with the control group that the LDH activity and MDA content dramatically increased(P<0.05),while the SOD activity notably decreased(P<0.05);compared with the H/R group,the SOD activity of the fat emulsion group and EI group increased(P<0.05);while the LDH activity and MDA content decreased(P<0.05).And the change of the EI group was more remarkable than the fat emulsion group(P<0.05).The Western blot analysis presented that,compared with the control group,the Bcl-2 protein expression of the other groups significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of Bax protein and Caspase-3protein increased significantly(P<0.05);compared with H/R group,cardiomyocytes Bc1-2protein expression of EI group increased significantly(P<0.05),the expressions of Bax protein and Caspase-3 protein decreased significantly(P<0.05),and the change of EI group was more remarkable than the fat emulsion group(P<0.05).Conclusions:EI can inhabit the apoptosis of anoxia-reoxygenation damage model cardiomyocytes,and may he related to the up-regulation of expression of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of expression of Caspase-3 protein.

Real-time Microwave Exposure Induces Calcium Efflux in Primary Hippocampal Neurons and Primary Cardiomyocytes

Objective To detect the effects of microwave on calcium levels in primary hippocampal neurons and primary cardiomyocytes by the real-time microwave exposure combined with laser scanning confocal microscopy. Methods The primary hippocampal neurons and primary cardiomyocytes were cultured and labeled with probes, including Fluo-4 AM, Mag-Fluo-AM, and Rhod-2, to reflect the levels of whole calcium [Ca], endoplasmic reticulum calcium [Ca]ER, and mitochondrial calcium [Ca]MIT, respectively. Then, the cells were exposed to a pulsed microwave of 2.856 GHz with specific absorption rate(SAR) values of 0, 4, and 40 W/kg for 6 min to observe the changes in calcium levels. Results The results showed that the 4 and 40 W/kg microwave radiation caused a significant decrease in the levels of [Ca], [Ca]ER, and [Ca]MIT in primary hippocampal neurons. In the primary cardiomyocytes, only the 40 W/kg microwave radiation caused the decrease in the levels of [Ca], [Ca]ER, and [Ca]MIT. Primary hippocampal neurons were more sensitive to microwave exposure than primary cardiomyocytes. The mitochondria were more sensitive to microwave exposure than the endoplasmic reticulum. Conclusion The calcium efflux was occurred during microwave exposure in primary hippocampal neurons and primary cardiomyocytes. Additionally, neurons and mitochondria were sensitive cells and organelle respectively.

Current methods for the maturation of induced pluripotent stem cellderived cardiomyocytes

Induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs) were first generated by Yamanaka and colleagues over a decade ago. Since then, iPSCs have been successfully differentiated into many distinct cell types, enabling tissue-, disease-, and patientspecific in vitro modelling. Cardiovascular disease is the greatest cause of mortality worldwide but encompasses rarer disorders of conduction and myocardial function for which a cellular model of study is ideal. Although methods to differentiate iPSCs into beating cardiomyocytes(iPSC-CMs) have recently been adequately optimized and commercialized, the resulting cells remain largely immature with regards to their structure and function,demonstrating fetal gene expression, disorganized morphology, reliance on predominantly glycolytic metabolism and contractile characteristics that differ from those of adult cardiomyocytes. As such, disease modelling using iPSC-CMs may be inaccurate and of limited utility. However, this limitation is widely recognized, and numerous groups have made substantial progress in addressing this problem. This review highlights successful methods that have been developed for the maturation of human iPSC-CMs using small molecules,environmental manipulation and 3-dimensional(3 D) growth approaches.

Effect of microRNA-208a on mitochondrial apoptosis of cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of microRNA-208a(mi R-208a) in the mitochondrial apoptosis of cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats. Methods: The primary cultured cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats were added into the hypoxia incubator for the hypoxia induction. The overexpression system for mi R-208 a of cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats was built. The l ow cytometry assay was employed to detect the incidence of apoptosis in the overexpressed mi R-208 a. The mitochondrial staining technique was used to detect the change in the mitochondrial morphology of over-expressed mi R-208 a. The bioinformatic analysis was chosen to analyze and predict the target gene of mi R-208 a. Results: Firstly, the primary culture system of cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats was successfully built. The mi R-208 a was over-expressed in cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats by mi R-208 a Mimics. Results of flow cytometry assay showed that the over-expressed mi R-208 a could signii cantly reduce the incidence of apoptosis; while results of mitochondrial staining indicated the change in the mitochondrial morphology of over-expressed mi R-208 a and the mitochondrialfission process was inhibited. In conclusion, it was supposed that mi R-208 a could inhibit the activation of mitochondrialfission process to keep the cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. Conclusions: The over-expressed mi R-208 a can reduce the incidence of apoptosis in the cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats, signii cantly change the mitochondrial morphology and inhibit the mitochondrial fission process.

Overexpression of angiopoietin-1 reduces doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes

Doxorubicin （Dox） is a major anticancer chemotherapeutic agent. However, it causes cardiomyopathy due to the side effect of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We have previously reported that angiopoietin-1 significantly reduced myocardial infarction after ischemic injury and protected cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. It is hypothesized that angiopoietin-1 may protect cardiomyocytes from Dox-induced apoptosis. Cardiomyocytes H9C2 were transfected with adenovirus expressing angiopoietin-1 （Ad5-Ang-1） 24 h before the cells were chal- lenged with Dox at a concentration of 2 ~tmol/L. Ad5-GFP served as the vector control. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V-FITC staining and caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity was determined by Western blotting. The results showed that Dox treatment significantly induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis as evidenced by the greater number of Annexin V-FITC stained cells and increases in caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity. In contrast, overexpression of angiopoietin-1 significantly prevented Dox-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. To elucidate the mechanisms by which angiopoietin-1 protected cells from Dox-induced apoptosis, we analyzed both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways. We observed that angiopoietin-1 prevented Dox-induced activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways. Specifically, angiopoietin-1 prevented DOX-induced in- creases in FasL and Bax levels and cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8 levels in H9C2 cells. In addition, overexpres- sion of angiopoietin-1 also activated the pro-survival phosphoinositide-3 kinase （PI3K）/Akt signaling pathway and decreased Dox-induced nuclear factor-kappaB （NF-~：B） activation. Our data suggest that promoting the expression of angiopoietin-1 could be a potential approach for reducing Dox-induced cardiomyocyte cytoxicity.

Activation of calcium-sensing receptors is associated with apoptosis in a model of simulated cardiomyocytes ischemia/reperfusion

Objective： Calcium-sensing receptors （CaSRs） are G-protein coupled receptors which maintain systemic calcium homeostasis and participate in hormone secretion, activation of ion channels, cell apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation. Previous studies have shown that CaSRs induce apoptosis in isolated adult rat heart and in normal neonatal rat cardiomyocytes by G-protein-PLC-IP3 signaling transduction. However, little knowledge is presently available concerning the role of CaSRs in the apoptosis induced by ischemia and reperfusion in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Methods： Primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were incubated in ischemiamimetic solution for 2 h, and then re-incubated in normal culture medium for 24 h to establish a model of simu- lated ischemia/reperfusion （I/R）. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase- mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）. The expression of CaSRs mRNA was detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. In addition, the expressions of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were analyzed by western blot. Results： The simulated I/R enhanced the expression of CaSRs and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. GdCl3, a specific activator of CaSRs, further increased the expression of CaSRs and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, along with up-regulation of caspase-3 and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Conclusion： CaSRs are associated with UR injury and apoptosis in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes via suppressing Bcl-2 and promoting caspase-3 expression.

MiR-301a promotes embryonic stem cell differentiation to cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.Tissue repair after pathological injury in the heart remains a major challenge due to the limited regenerative ability of cardiomyocytes in adults.Stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes provide a promising source for the cell transplantation-based treatment of injured hearts.AIM To explore the function and mechanisms of miR-301a in regulating cardiomyocyte differentiation of mouse embryonic stem(mES)cells,and provide experimental evidence for applying miR-301a to the cardiomyocyte differentiation induction from stem cells.METHODS mES cells with or without overexpression of miR-301a were applied for all functional assays.The hanging drop technique was applied to form embryoid bodies from mES cells.Cardiac markers including GATA-4,TBX5,MEF2C,andα-actinin were used to determine cardiomyocyte differentiation from mES cells.RESULTS High expression of miR-301a was detected in the heart from late embryonic to neonatal mice.Overexpression of miR-301a in mES cells significantly induced the expression of cardiac transcription factors,thereby promoting cardiomyocyte differentiation and beating cardiomyocyte clone formation.PTEN is a target gene of miR-301a in cardiomyocytes.PTEN-regulated PI3K-AKT-mTOR-Stat3 signaling showed involvement in regulating miR-301a-promoted cardiomyocyte differentiation from mES cells.CONCLUSION MiR-301a is capable of promoting embryonic stem cell differentiation to cardiomyocytes.

Protective role of retinoid X receptor in H9c2 cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in rats

BACKGROUND: Retinoid X receptor(RXR) plays a central role in the regulation of intracellular receptor signaling pathways. The activation of RXR has protective effect on H2O2-induced apoptosis of H9c2 ventricular cells in rats. But the protective effect and mechanism of activating RXR in cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-induced oxidative iniury are still unclear.METHODS: The model of H/R injury was established through hypoxia for 2 hours and reoxygenation for 4 hours in H9c2 cardiomyocytes of rats. 9-cis-retinoic acid(9-cis RA) was obtained as an RXR agonist, and HX531 as an RXR antagonist. Cultured cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, H/R group, H/R+9-cis RA-pretreated group(100 nmol/L 9-cis RA), and H/R+9-cis RA+HX531-pretreated group(2.5 μmol/L HX531). The cell viability was measured by MTT, apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes by flow cytometry analysis, and mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨm) by JC-1 fluorescent probe, and protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-9 with Western blotting. All measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation, and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Dunnett test. Differences were considered signif icant when P was <0.05.RESULTS: Pretreatment with RXR agonist enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis ratio, and stabled ΔΨm. Dot blotting experiments showed that under H/R stress conditions, Bcl-2 protein level decreased, while Bax and cleaved caspase-9 were increased. 9-cis RA administration before H/R stress prevented these effects, but the protective effects of activating RXR on cardiomyocytes against H/R induced oxidative injury were abolished when pretreated with RXR pan-antagonist HX531.CONCLUSION: The activation of RXR has protective effects against H/R injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes of rats through attenuating signaling pathway of mitochondria apoptosis.

Antiapoptotic Mechanism of Insulin in Reoxygenation-induced Injury in Cultured Cardiomyocytes of Neonatal Rats

To examine the protective effect of insulin on reoxygenation-induced injury and explore the underlying mechanisms, the model of anoxia/reoxygenation （A/R） injury was established by inducing anoxia for 2 h and reoxygenation for 4 h in cultured cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats. The rats were randomized to four groups receiving vehicle, insulin, LY294002, insulin plus LY294002 at the onset of reoxygenation after 2 h of anoxia. At the end of reoxygenation of 4 h, activity of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and content of malondialdehyde （MDA） were spectrophotometrically determined, apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were detected by using TUNEL and DNA Ladder, and Western blotting was employed to examine the expression of phosphorylated Akt in all groups. Our results showed that compared with vehicle-treated group, activities of LDH, contents of MDA, apoptosis index （AI） were significantly decreased, and expression of phosphorylated Akt was increased significantly in insulin-treated group. However, changes in LDH, MDA, AI and phosphorylated Akt resulting from insulin were attenuated or abolished by LY294002 （PI3K inhibitor）. These data strongly suggest that early administration of insulin at reoxygenation protects cardiomyocytes from reoxygenation-induced apoptosis through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Effects of Hypoxia on Oxidative Stress, Autophagy and Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a hypoxia related disease. However, the relationship of the hypoxia-induced oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis in cardiomyocyte remains unclear. In this study, we used CoCl2 to mimic hypoxic conditions in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and study the effects of CoCl2-induced hypoxia on oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy, as well as the relationships among these processes. Cell viability and levels of ROS, LC3-II, p62, caspase-3 and PARP were assessed. The viability and morphology of cardiomyocytes were affected by hypoxia, and hypoxia enhanced levels of ROS and the levels of the LC3-II, p62, caspase-3 and PARP proteins in H9c2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. ROS levels rise gradually in the presence of hypoxia;however, it shrinks when hypoxia reaches a certain level. Caspase-3 and PARP levels were raised with the increasing of hypoxia level. Enhanced level of LC3 and decreased levels of p62 in hypoxic cells indicate that autophagy levels are in accord with hypoxia. Based on these results, hypoxia induces oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy in cardiomyocytes. Autophagy is a double-edged sword. At a low level, autophagy can resist oxidative stress and protect cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress, while high level autophagy can promote apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.

Liraglutide directly protects cardiomyocytes against reperfusion injury possibly via modulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis

Background Liraglutide is glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our previous studies have demonstrated that liraglutide protects cardiac function through improving endothelial function in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The present study will investigate whether liraglntide can perform direct protective effects on cardiomyocytes against reperfusion injury. Methods In vitro experiments were performed using H9C2 cells and neonatal rat ventricular cadiomyocytes undergoing simulative hypoxia/reoxygenation （H/R） induction. Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was detected by fluorescence TUNEL. Mitochondrial membrane potential （AWm） and intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） was assessed by JC-1 and DHE, respectively. Fura-2/AM was used to measure intracellular Ca2＋ concentration and calcium transient. Immtmofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression level of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2＋-ATPase （SERCA2a）. In vivo experiments, myocardial apoptosis and expression of SERCA2a were detected by colorimetric TUNEL and by immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Results In vitro liraglutide inhibited cardiomyotes apoptosis against H/R. △mψ of cardiomyocytes was higher in liraglntide group than H/R group. H/R increased ROS production in H9C2 cells which was attenuated by liraglutide. Liraglutide significantly lowered Ca2＋ overload and improved calcium transient compared with H/R group, lmmunofluorescence staining results showed liraglutide promoted SERCA2a expression which was decreased in H/R group. In ischemia/reperfusion rat hearts, apoptosis was significantly attenuated and SERCA2a expression was increased by liraglutide compared with H/R group. Conclusions Liraglutide can directly protect cardiomyocytes against reperfusion injury which is possibly through modulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis.

Effects of fructose-1,6-diphosphate on concentration of calcium and activities of sarcoplosnic Ca^(2+)-ATPase in cardiomyocytes of Adriamycin-treated rats

Objective: To observe the effects of fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) on serum levels of cardiac troponin 1 (cTnl) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), as well as the concentration of calcium in cardiomyocytes (Myo[Ca2+]) and activity of sarcoplosnic Ca2+-ATPase (SRCa2+-ATPase) in Adriamycin (ADR)-treated rats. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with ADR (2.5 mg/kg every other day for 6 times) and then with different dosages of FDP (every other day for twenty-one times). Bi-antibodies sandwich Enzyme linked immune absorption assay (ELISA) was performed to detect serum level of cTnl. CK-MB was detected by monoclonal antibody, Myo[Ca2+] was detected by fluorescent spectrophotometry and the activity of SRCa2+-ATPase was detected by inorganic phosphate method. Results: FDP (300, 600, 1200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the serum levels of cTnl and CK-MB, while at the same time decreased calcium concentration and increased SRCa2+-ATPase activity in cardiomyocytes of ADR-treated rats (P<0.01). Conclusions: FDP might alleviate the cardiotoxic effects induced by ADR through decreasing calcium level as well as increasing SRCa2+-ATPase activity in cardiomyocytes.

Chlorogenic acid ameliorates heart failure by attenuating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis

Objective:To elucidate the effects of chlorogenic acid(CGA),a bioactive polyphenol compound prevalent in traditional Chinese medicine and various foods,including Lonicera japonica Thunb.(Jin Yin Hua),Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.(Du Zhong Ye),tea,and coffee,on cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and heart failure.Methods: We assessed the effect of CGA on cardiac function using a mouse model of heart failure induced by transverse aortic constriction(TAC).These indicators included the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),fractional shortening(LVFS),end-systolic volume(LVESV),end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),end-systolic diameter(LVESD),and end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD).An isoprenaline hydrochloride(ISO)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte cell model was also established,and the cells were treated with various concentrations of CGA.To assess the effect of CGA on ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes,we measured cell viability and evaluated the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),ferrous ions(Fe^(2+)),and lipid peroxidation using fluorescent staining.To clarify the ferroptosis signaling pathway regulated by CGA,western blotting was used to examine the expression of ferroptosis biomarkers,specifically solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and mouse myocardial tissues.Results: CGA significantly enhanced cardiac performance indices such as LVEF,LVFS,LVESV,LVEDV,LVESD,and LVEDD.H9c2 cardiomyocytes exposed to ISO showed decreased cell viability and increased ROS levels,Fe^(2+)content,and lipid peroxidation levels.However,CGA treatment significantly ameliorated these changes.Additionally,in both H9c2 cardiomyocytes and myocardial tissue obtained from mice with TAC,CGA increased the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins,including SLC7A11 and GPX4.Conclusion: CGA has the potential to enhance cardiac function and diminish lipid peroxidation and ROS levels in cardiomyocytes via the SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.This process alleviates ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes.These results provide new insights into the clinical use of CGA and the management of heart failure.

Mechanical stretch induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and G_(2)/M accumulation in cardiac fibroblasts

Heart remodeling is associated with the loss of cardiomyocytes and increase of fibrous tissue owing to abnormal mechanical load in a number of heart disease conditions. In present study, a well-described in vitro sustained stretch model was employed to study mechanical stretch-induced responses in both neonatal cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Cardiomyocytes, but not cardiac fibroblasts, underwent mitochondria-dependent apoptosis as evidenced by cytochrome c (cyto c) and Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria into cytosol accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψ_m) reduction, indicative of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) opening. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of PTP, inhibited stretch-induced cyto c release, △ψ_m reduction and apoptosis, suggesting an important role of mitochondrial PTP in stretch-induced apoptosis. The stretch also resulted in increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, including Bax and Bad, in cardiomyocytes, but not in fibroblasts. Bax was accumulated in mitochondria following stretch. Cell permeable Bid-BH3 peptide could induce and facilitate stretch-induced apoptosis and △ψ_m reduction in cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that Bcl-2 family proteins play an important role in coupling stretch signaling to mitochondrial death machinery, probably by targeting to PTP. Interestingly, the levels of p53 were increased at 12 h after stretch although we observed that Bax upregulation and apoptosis occurred as early as 1 h. Adenovirus delivered dominant negative p53 blocked Bax upregulation in cardiomyocytes but showed partial effect on preventing stretch-induced apoptosis, suggesting that p53 was only partially involved in mediating stretch-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that p21 was upregulated and cyclin B1 was downregulated only in cardiac fibroblasts, which may be associated with G_2/M accumulation in response to mechanical stretch.

Cardiac disease modeling using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human cardiomyocytes

Causative mutations and variants associated with cardiac diseases have been found in genes encoding cardiac ion channels, accessory proteins, cytoskeletal components, junctional proteins, and signaling molecules. In most cases the functional evaluation of the genetic alterationhas been carried out by expressing the mutated proteins in in-vitro heterologous systems. While these studies have provided a wealth of functional details that have greatly enhanced the understanding of the pathological mechanisms, it has always been clear that heterologous expression of the mutant protein bears the intrinsic limitation of the lack of a proper intracellular environment and the lack of pathological remodeling. The results obtained from the application of the next generation sequencing technique to patients suffering from cardiac diseases have identified several loci, mostly in non-coding DNA regions, which still await functional analysis. The isolation and culture of human embryonic stem cells has initially provided a constant source of cells from which cardiomyocytes(CMs) can be obtained by differentiation. Furthermore, the possibility to reprogram cellular fate to a pluripotent state, has opened this process to the study of genetic diseases. Thus induced pluripotent stem cells(i PSCs) represent a completely new cellular model that overcomes the limitations of heterologous studies. Importantly, due to the possibility to keep spontaneously beating CMs in culture for several months, during which they show a certain degree of maturation/aging, this approach will also provide a system in which to address the effect of long-term expression of the mutated proteins or any other DNA mutation, in terms of electrophysiological remodeling. Moreover, since i PSC preserve the entire patients' genetic context, the system will help the physicians in identifying the most appropriate pharmacological intervention to correct the functional alteration. This article summarizes the current knowledge of cardiac genetic diseases modelled with i PSC.

Nonhematopoietic erythropoietin derivative protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis

Objective：Carbamylated EPO（CEPO） is a derivative of erythropoietin（EPO） by subjecting it to carbamylation. It does not stimulate erythropoiesis, but effectively protects tissue from injury. The present study was to investigate the effect of CEPO treatment using in vitro models of hypoxia/reoxygenation（H/R）. Methods：Cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxia（95% N2 and 5% CO2） for 1 hour followed by 4 hours of reoxygenation（95% O2 and 5% CO2）. CEPO was administered after hypoxia, just before reoxygenation. The apoptotic cardiomyocytes were determined by flow cytometry. The level of protein was assessed by western blot analysis. Results： CEPO treatment significantly decreased the apoptotic cardiomyocytes by 54.20% compared with H/R group. Western blot analysis showed that CEPO administration increased the level of Bcl-2（an antiapoptotic protein） by 62.22% compared with H/R group. Conclusion： Acute administration of CEPO protected cardiomyocytes from H/R-induced apoptosis. CEPO protected cardiomyocytes with a concomitant upregulation of Bcl-2 after H/R injury.

‘Yang-Invigorating’ Chinese Tonic Herbs Enhance Mitochondrial ATP Generation in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes

‘Yang-invigorating’ Chinese tonic herbs have been shown to enhance the myocardial mitochondrial ATP generation capacity in mice ex vivo. In the present study, we examined the effect of treatment with the methanol extract of ‘Yang-invigorating’ herbs on mitochondrial ATP generation capacity in H9c2 cardio-myocytes. The effect of ‘Yin-nourishing’ herbs was also investigated for comparison. The results indicated that all ‘Yang-invigorating’ Chinese tonic herbs dose-dependently enhanced the mitochondrial ATP genera-tion capacity in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Three out of nine ‘Yin-nourishing’ herbs produced a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on ATP generation, but to lesser extents than those of Yang herbs. Results obtained from activity-directed fractionation of the three most potent ‘Yang-invigorating’ herbs suggested that the ATP-stimulating ingredients were rather water insoluble and largely resided in the butanol fraction. In con-clusion, ‘Yang-invigorating’ herbs invariably stimulated mitochondrial ATP generation capacity in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. The cell-based assay of ATP generation capacity may be used as pharmacological test for ‘Yang-invigorating’ Chinese tonic herbs.