Qifu Yixin Formula Improves Heart Failure by Enhancing ß-Arrestin2 Mediated the SUMOylation of SERCA2a.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the protective mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Qifu Yixin formula (QFYXF) to improve heart failure (HF) by promoting ß-arrestin2 (ß-arr2)-mediated SERCA2a SUMOylation. Materials and Methods: The transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced HF mice were treated with QFYXF or carvedilol for 8 weeks. ß-arr2-KO mice and their littermate wild-type (WT) mice were used as controls. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were used in vitro. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and serum NT-proBNP. Myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis were assessed by histological staining. ß-arr2, SERCA2a, SUMO1, PLB and p-PLB expressions were detected by Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. SERCA2a SUMOylation was detected by Co-IP. The molecular docking method was used to predict the binding ability of the main active components of QFYXF to ß-arr2, SERCA2a, and SUMO1, and the binding degree of SERCA2a to SUMO1 protein. Results: The HF model was constructed 8 weeks after TAC. QFYXF ameliorated cardiac function, inhibiting myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. QFYXF promoted SERCA2a expression and SERCA2a SUMOylation. Further investigation showed that QFYXF promoted ß-arr2 expression, whereas Barbadin (ß-arr2 inhibitor) or ß-arr2-KO reduced SERCA2a SUMOylation and attenuated the protective effect of QFYXF improved HF. Molecular docking showed that the main active components of QFYXF had good binding activities with ß-arr2, SERCA2a, and SUMO1, and SERCA2a had a high binding degree with SUMO1 protein. Conclusion: QFYXF improves HF by promoting ß-arr2 mediated SERCA2a SUMOylation and increasing SERCA2a expression.