ATP releasing channels and the ameliorative effects of high intensity interval training on diabetic heart: a multifaceted analysis.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can cause severe cardiac complications at functional, histologic and molecular levels. These pathological complications could be mediated by ATP-releasing channels such as Panx1 and ATP receptors, in particular P2X7. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on T2D-induced cardiac complications at the functional, histopathological and molecular levels, with a particular focus on ATP-releasing channels. 48 male Wistar rats at the age of 8 weeks were randomly allocated into four groups: control (Con), Diabetes (T2D), Training (TR), and Diabetes + Training (T2D + TR). T2D was induced by a high-fat diet plus a low dose (35 mg/kg) of STZ administration. Rats in the TR and T2D + TR groups underwent an 8-weeks training program involving intervals ranging from 80 to 100% of their maximum running speed (Vmax), with 4-10 intervals per session. Protein expression of Interleukin 1ß (IL1ß), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), Pannexin 1 (Panx1), P2X7R (purinergic P2X receptor 7), NLRP1 (NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 1), BAX, and Bcl2 were measured in the heart tissue. Additionally, we assessed heart function, histopathological changes, as well as insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In contrast to the T2D group, HIIT led to increased protein expression of Bcl2 and IL-10 in the heart. It also resulted in improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, ± dp/dt (maximum and minimum changes in left ventricular pressure), while reducing protein expression of IL-1ß, Panx1, P2X7R, NLRP1, and BAX levels in the heart. Furthermore, left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP) was reduced (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, heart lesion scores increased with T2D but decreased with HIIT, along with a reduction in fibrosis percentage (P ≤ 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the cardioprotective effects of HIIT on the diabetic heart may be mediated by the modulation of ATP-releasing channels. This modulation may lead to a reduction in inflammation and apoptosis, improve cardiac function, and attenuate cardiac injury and fibrosis.

Lung molecular and histological changes in type 2 diabetic rats and its improvement by high-intensity interval training.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) leads to serious respiratory problems. This study investigated the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on T2D-induced lung injuries at histopathological and molecular levels. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into control (CTL), Diabetes (Db), exercise (Ex), and Diabetes + exercise (Db + Ex) groups. T2D was induced by a high-fat diet plus (35 mg/kg) of streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Rats in Ex and Db + Ex performed HIIT for eight weeks. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), BAX, Bcl2, Lecithin, Sphingomyelin (SPM) and Surfactant protein D (SPD) levels were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were measured in lung tissue. Lung histopathological alterations were assessed by using H&E and trichrome mason staining. RESULTS: Diabetes was significantly associated with imbalance in pro/anti-inflammatory, pro/anti-apoptosis and redox systems, and reduced the SPD, lecithin sphingomyelin and alveolar number. Performing HIIT by diabetic animals increased Bcl2 (P < 0.05) and IL10 (P < 0.01) levels as well as surfactants components and TAC (P < 0.05) but decreased fasting blood glucose (P < 0.001), TNFα (P < 0.05), BAX (P < 0.05) and BAX/Bcl2 (P < 0.001) levels as well as MDA (P < 0.01) and MDA/TAC (P < 0.01) compared to the diabetic group. Furthermore, lung injury and fibrosis scores were increased by T2D and recovered in presence of HIIT. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that the attenuating effect of HIIT on diabetic lung injury mediated by reducing blood sugar, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis as well as improving pulmonary surfactants components.

Exploring mesoporous silica nanoparticles as oral insulin carriers: In-silico and in vivo evaluation.

The advancements in nanoscience have brought attention to the potential of utilizing nanoparticles as carriers for oral insulin administration. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of synthesized polymeric mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as carriers for oral insulin and their interactions with insulin and IR through in-silico docking. Diabetic rats were treated with various MSN samples, including pure MSN, Amin-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (AMPI), Al-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (AlMPI), Zinc-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (ZNPI), and Co-grafted MSN/PEG/Insulin (CMPI). The nanocomposites were synthesized using a hybrid organic-inorganic method involving MSNs, graphene oxide, and insulin. Characterization of the nanocomposites was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo tests included the examination of blood glucose levels and histopathological parameters of the liver and pancreas in type 1 diabetic rats. The MSN family demonstrated a significant reduction in blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.001). The synthesized nanocomposites exhibited safety, non-toxicity, fast operation, self-repairing pancreas, cost-effectiveness, and high efficiency in the oral insulin delivery system. In the in-silico study, Zn-grafted MSN, Co-grafted MSN, and Al-grafted MSN were selected. Docking results revealed strong interactions between MSN compounds and insulin and IR, characterized by the formation of hydrogen bonds and high binding energy. Notably, Co-grafted MSN showed the highest docking scores of -308.171 kcal/mol and -337.608 kcal/mol to insulin and IR, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of polymeric MSN as effective carriers for oral insulin, offering promising prospects for diabetes treatment.

Endurance Exercise Training Attenuates the Waterpipe Smoke Inhaling-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats: Role of Neurotrophic Factors and Apoptotic System.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) and its detrimental effects on memory function have been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of moderate-intensity endurance exercise on the detrimental effects of WTS on learning and spatial memory in rats. AIMS AND METHODS: Animals were divided into the Control group (CTL), the exercise group (Ex) which trained for 8 weeks, the WTS group (Wp) exposed to smoke inhalation (30 minutes per day, 5 days each week, and for 8 weeks), and the group that did exercise training and received waterpipe smoke together (Ex + Wp). Thereafter, learning and spatial memory were assessed by the Morris water maze test and hippocampal molecular measurements were done. RESULTS: Waterpipe smoke significantly impaired learning and spatial memory, decreased expression of neurotrophic factors IGF-1 and BDNF (p < .01 and p < .05 vs. CTL group, respectively), increased BAX to BCL-2 ratio (p < .001 vs. CTL group) in hippocampal tissue, and increased the percent of damaged neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area (p < .05 vs. CTL group). Combination of exercise training with WTS prevented learning and spatial memory disturbances and recovered expression of neurotrophic factors IGF-1 (p < .05 vs. Wp group), decreased BAX to BCL-2 ratio (p < .001 vs. Wp group), and reduced percentage of damaged neurons (p < .05 vs. Wp group). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that moderate-intensity endurance exercise training can ameliorate learning and memory impairment caused by waterpipe smoke in rats. This effect partly results from increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF and IGF-1 and correcting pro/anti-apoptotic proteins balance in the hippocampal tissue. IMPLICATIONS: The popularity of WTS especially among youth is increasing. We assessed the effect of hookah smoke with/without exercise on learning and memory. Hookah smoke leads to CA1-neural injury and impairs learning and memory in rats. A combination of exercise training with hookah smoke attenuates these complications. This positive effect of exercise is partially mediated by the balancing of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and also the BAX to BCL-2 ratio, a significant predictor of cell susceptibility to apoptosis. Extrapolation of these positive findings to humans needs complementary studies.

Beneficial effects of berberine against pulmonary complications of experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats and some relevant mechanisms.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease that leads to pulmonary vascular remodeling characterized by a rise in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure. We assessed the effects of an herbal compound, berberine (BB), and some related mechanisms on PAH in rats. Male Wistar rats were assigned to seven groups: control, monocrotaline (MCT), MCT+vehicle, and MCT+BB (with doses of 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg) groups. Three weeks after induction of PAH by MCT, treatment groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of vehicle or BB for 3 weeks. On Day 43, the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP, as an index of pulmonary arterial pressure) and the ratio of RV to LV+septum weight (as RV hypertrophy index, right ventricle hypertrophy [RHVI]) were measured. Inflammatory and oxidative stress indices and histopathology of the lungs were also assessed. RVSP (89.4 ± 8.2 vs. 23 ± 3.3), RVHI (0.63 ± 0.08 vs. 0.26 ± 0.04), and lung inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (2.03 ± 0.25 vs. 1.21 ± 0.3) and IL-6 (8.8 ± 0.59 vs. 6.3 ± 0.95) significantly increased in the MCT group compared to the control group. MCT also raised the level of Malondialdehyde (0.11 ± 0.01 vs. 0.09 ± 0.01) and diminished total antioxidant capacity (6.5 ± 0.51 vs. 8.3 ± 0.62), the activity of superoxide dismutase (1.19 ± 0.22 vs. 1.93 ± 0.2), glutathione peroxidase (0.02 ± 0.002 vs. 0.03 ± 0.005), catalase (2.1 ± 0.29 vs. 2.8 ± 0.20) and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (0.41 ± 0.07 vs. 0.61 ± 0.09) in the lungs. Treatment with BB significantly recovered all of these alterations. BB ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling by decreasing inflammation and fibrosis and increasing apoptosis and antioxidant/oxidant balance. Therefore, this herbal derivative may be considered a therapeutic goal against PAH.

Promotion of aging heart function and its redox balance following hind-limb blood flow restriction plus endurance exercise training in rats: klotho and PGC1-α as involving candidate molecules.

Mild to moderate-intensity endurance exercise training combined with hind-limb blood flow restriction (BFR) induces elderly heart rejuvenation and improves cardiac inotropy and resistance to ischemia. However, the mediators of these beneficial effects are still not well known. The present study investigated the possible role of some important molecules in the mediatory of this model of exercise training in the promotion of heart health in aged rats. Male old Wistar rats randomly were divided into control-sham (CTL), hind limbs blood flow restriction (BFR), sham-operated plus 10 weeks' treadmill exercise training (Ex), and BFR plus exercise (BFR + Ex) groups. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), contractility, and Tau indices were measured. ELISA and western blot tests were used for measuring determined cardiac biochemical factors. BFR + Ex displayed significantly lower LVEDP (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 vs. Ex, and other groups, respectively), improved heart cardiac contractility (P < 0.01), and significantly reduced Tau index in comparison with other groups. BFR + Ex significantly reduced both BAX and BAX to BCL2 ratio (P < 0.05) and as well MDA to TAC ratio (P < 0.05, compared to the CTL group). Also, BFR + Ex significantly increased the level of klotho (P < 0.05) and PGC1-α (P < 0.001) proteins compared to the CTL group but had no significant effect on P-STAT3 expression. Exercise training alone increased Apelin protein (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that mild to moderate BFR endurance training improves heart performance in the aging rat partly through ameliorating apoptosis, recovering redox balance, improving the longevity factor klotho, and increasing the key energy metabolism regulator PGC1-α.

Exercise Training Attenuates Cardiac Vulnerability and Promotes Cardiac Resistance to Isoproterenol-Induced Injury Following Hookah Smoke Inhalation in Male Rats: Role of Klotho and Sirtuins.

Hookah smoking is on the rise around the world. Present study investigated the heart resistance to harmful stress following long-term waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) and moderate-intensity exercise training intervention in male Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into a non-ischemic heart control group and four ischemic heart groups including ISO (isoproterenol-treated), Ex + ISO (subjected to exercise plus ISO), S + ISO (exposed to hookah smoke plus ISO), and Ex + S + ISO (subjected to exercise along with hookah smoke plus ISO). After eight weeks of training and WTS, heart ischemia induced by isoproterenol injections. Then, cardiac functional indices and some biochemical and histopathological parameters were assessed. WTS + ISO reduced systolic pressure, ± dP/dt max, and contractility indices (P < 0.001 vs. ISO group) and increased end diastolic pressure and Tau index (P < 0.001 vs. ISO) of the left ventricle. Also, WTS + ISO was associated with an increase in Bax protein level and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P < 0.05 and P < 001, respectively, vs. ISO group) as apoptotic markers of heart tissue. Hookah smoke significantly decreased SIRT1 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively, vs. ISO) and klotho (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively, vs. ISO) in serum and heart, and SIRT3 and pS9-GSK-3ß (P < 001 and P < 0.05, respectively, vs. ISO) in heart tissue. Combination of exercise with WTS prevented the hookah smoke-induced alterations in apoptotic markers, cardiac functional indices, and SIRT1, SIRT3, klotho, and pS9-GSK-3ß proteins. The findings demonstrated that hookah smoke inhalation intensifies ventricular dysfunction and decreases heart resistance to harmful stresses. Moderate-intensity exercise training attenuated these complications partly through recovering the klotho and sirtuins levels and apoptosis-survival balancing.

Interaction of high-intensity endurance exercise and nandrolone on cardiac remodeling: role of adipo-cardiac axis.

OBJECTIVES: Given the cardiac pathological remodeling following to anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) consumption, we examined the effect of chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate with high-intensity endurance exercise on the left ventricular hypertrophy index, levels of hydroxyproline, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin (APN) and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) expression in rats' hearts. METHODS: The male Wistar rats randomly divided to six groups included the control (CTL), exercise (Ex), nandrolone (Nan), vehicle (Arach), trained vehicle (Ex + Arach), and trained nandrolone (Ex + Nan) groups that were treated for eight weeks. RESULTS: Nandrolone consumption significantly enhanced the hypertrophy index (p<0.05) and exercise intensified this effect. It also increased the level of cardiac hydroxyproline (p<0.001), however exercise completely masked this effect. The values of TNF-α protein and AdipoR1 protein significantly increased in trained nandrolone-treated (Ex + Nan) group in comparison with CTL group (p<0.05), however, did not show significant alteration in Nan or Ex groups. High-intensity endurance exercise significantly enhanced the AdipoR2 protein (p<0.05), but, co-administration of nandrolone with exercise prevented this effect. The mRNA expression of AdipoR1 significantly reduced in the animals that received nandrolone for eight weeks and exercise recovered this effect (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite an additive effect of high-intensity endurance exercise plus nandrolone on TNF-α level, their effects on hydroxyproline and APN receptors expression is incompatible in heart of rat. It is suggests a part of beneficial regulatory role of endurance exercise against nandrolone induced heart remodeling may apply through modulation of APN system.

The Effect of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking on Bone Healing Following Femoral Fractures in Male Rats.

Background: Given the increasing use of waterpipe tobacco smoking in the world and its unknown effects on bone healing, this study investigated the repairing of femoral bone fractures in rats exposed to waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS). Main Methods: This study involved 40 male Wistar rats that were divided into two groups, including the femoral fracture (Fx) and the Fx + WTS groups. Each group was divided into two subgroups that were evaluated for bone healing 28 and 42 days after femoral fracture. After fixing the fractured femur, the healing process was evaluated by radiography, pathological indicators, and a measurement of the blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca ++, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Additionally, the density of VEGF and CD34 in fracture tissue was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Key Findings: Radiographic findings showed that factors related to the earlier stages of bone healing had higher scores in the Fx + WTS28 and 42 subgroups in comparison to the Fx groups. The density of VEGF and CD34 showed that the angiogenesis processes were different in the bone fracture area and callus tissue in the Fx +WTS subgroups. The serum levels of VEGF, TGF-ß, and IGF-1 were significantly lower in the Fx +WTS42 group, and PTH in the Fx +WTS28 group was higher than that in the other groups. Significance: The findings showed the disturbance and delay in the femoral fracture union in rats exposed to hookah smoke. This is partly due to the reduction of molecular stimuli of bone synthesis and the attenuation of quantitative angiogenesis.

A comparative review on heart ion channels, action potentials and electrocardiogram in rodents and human: extrapolation of experimental insights to clinic.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive valuable diagnostic tool that is used in clinics for investigation and monitoring of heart electrical rhythm/conduction, ischemia/injury of heart, electrolyte disturbances and agents/drugs induced cardiac toxicity. Nowadays using animal models to study heart diseases such as electrical and mechanical disturbance is common. In addition, given to ethical consideration and availability, the use of small rodents has been a top priority for cardiovascular researchers. However, extrapolation of experimental findings from the lab to the clinic needs sufficient basic knowledge of similarities and differences between heart action potential and ECG of rodents and humans in normal and disease conditions. This review compares types of human action potentials, the dominant ion currents during action potential phases, alteration in ion channels activities in channelopathies-induced arrhythmias and the ECG appearance of mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit and human. Also, it briefly discusses the responsiveness and alterations in ECG following some interventions such as cardiac injury and arrhythmia induction. Overall, it provides a roadmap for researchers in selecting the best animal model/species whose studies results can be translated into clinical practice. In addition, this study will also be useful to biologists, physiologists, pharmacologists, veterinarians and physicians working in the fields of comparative physiology, pharmacology, toxicology and diseases.

Involvement of Sirtuins and Klotho in Cardioprotective Effects of Exercise Training Against Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking-Induced Heart Dysfunction.

Despite its negative effect on the cardiovascular system, waterpipe smoking (WPS) is currently popular worldwide, especially among youth. This study investigated the effects of moderate endurance exercise on heart function of rats exposed to WPS and its possible mechanism. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CTL), the exercise group (Ex) which trained for 8 weeks, the waterpipe tobacco smoking group (S) exposed to smoke inhalation (30 min per day, 5 days each week, for 8 weeks), and the group that did exercise training and received waterpipe tobacco smoke inhalation together (Ex + S). One day after the last session of Ex and WPS, cardiac pressures and functional indices were recorded and calculated. The levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, Klotho, Bax, and Bcl-2 in the serum and heart, the expression of phosphorylated GSK3ß of heart tissue, and cardiac histopathological changes were assessed. WPS reduced systolic pressure, +dP/dt max, -dP/dt max, and heart contractility indices (P < 0.001 vs. CTL) and increased cardiac tissue lesions (P < 0.05 vs. CTL) and end diastolic pressure and Tau index (P < 0.001 vs. CTL) of the left ventricle. Exercise training normalized the left ventricular end diastolic pressure, +dP/dt max, and contractility index. Also, exercise improved the levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, Klotho, and Bcl-2 and reduced Bax level in the heart. The findings showed that WPS causes left ventricular dysfunction. Moderate exercise prevented WPS-induced heart dysfunction partly through its anti-apoptotic features and activation of the sirtuins and Klotho pathways.

Quercetin, Perillyl Alcohol, and Berberine Ameliorate Right Ventricular Disorders in Experimental Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Effects on miR-204, miR-27a, Fibrotic, Apoptotic, and Inflammatory Factors.

ABSTRACT: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pulmonary vascular disease causing right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, failure, and death. Some miRNAs are involved in the pathophysiology of PAH. As the current treatments cannot prevent the progression of the disease, we investigated whether 3 plant derivatives, namely perillyl alcohol (PA), quercetin (QS), and berberine (BBR), can improve RV function and affect the expression of miR-204, miR-27a, and biochemical factors in monocrotaline-induced PAH (MCT-PAH). Thirty-six rats were divided into control (CTL), MCT, MCT+Veh (vehicle), MCT+PA, MCT+QS, and MCT + BBR groups (n = 6 each). After inducing PAH using MCT (60 mg/kg), PA (50 mg/kg), QS (30 mg/kg), and BBR (30 mg/kg) were administrated daily for 3 weeks. miR-204 expression, total antioxidant capacity, and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 significantly declined in the RV of PAH rats, and PA, QS, and BBR treatment significantly compensated for these decreases. Proapoptotic protein Bax and p21 cell cycle inhibitor increased in the RV. All 3 herbal derivatives compensated for Bax increase, and BBR caused a decrease in p21. TNFα, IL-6, and malondialdehyde increased in the RV, and PA, QS, and BBR significantly counterbalanced these increases. miR-27a expression was not affected by MCT and plant derivatives. Overall, PA, QS, and BBR improved ventricular disorders in rats with PAH by decreasing inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis and increasing the antioxidant-to-oxidant ratio. Therefore, these herbal derivatives may be considered as target therapeutic goals for this disease either alone or in combination with current medications.

Perillyl alcohol suppresses monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats via anti-remodeling, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disastrous disease that current treatments cannot prevent its progression. The present study investigated the effects of perillyl alcohol (PA), a natural monoterpene, on the experimental PAH in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats divided into eight groups of control, Monocrotaline (MCT), MCT+vehicle, and MCT+PA with doses of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg/kg. PAH was induced by a single injection of monocrotaline (60 mg/kg) on day 0. The animals in the groups of MCT+vehicle and MCT+PA received the vehicle or PA from day 22 to 42 once a day. On day 43, under general anesthesia, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), as an index of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and the ratio of the right ventricle to the left ventricle plus septum weight, as the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), were measured. Also, some histological and biochemical indices were assessed in the lung tissue. Results: MCT significantly (p < .001) enhanced the RVSP and RVHI compared to the control group (89.4 ± 8.2 vs 23 ± 3.3 mmHg & 0.63 ± 0.08 vs 0.26 ± 0.04 respectively). It also increased oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines and reduced Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Treatment with PA significantly recovered RVSP and hypertrophy index and suppressed vascular cell proliferation, oxidant production, and inflammatory processes. Conclusion: PA exerted noticeable protective and curative effects against MCT-induced PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling through inhibiting cellular proliferation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Therefore, PA can be considered as a new therapeutic goal for the treatment of PAH.

Improvement of Cardiac Function in Rats With Myocardial Infarction by Low-Intensity to Moderate-Intensity Endurance Exercise Is Associated With Normalization of Klotho and SIRT1.

ABSTRACT: Exercise training (Ex) has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases by increasing Klotho and SIRT1. This study aimed to investigate whether the beneficial impact of Ex on myocardial infarction (MI) is mediated through Klotho and SIRT1. Fifty-six Wistar rats were divided into 4 main groups of Sham, MI, Ex, and MI + Ex. MI was induced by the closure of the left anterior descending. Animals were trained by endurance exercise for 4 weeks. In the end, hemodynamic and heart contractility indices were assessed. The levels of Klotho and SIRT1 in the serum and heart were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot, respectively. The ADAM17 level in the heart and kidneys was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The infarct size and fibrosis area were assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Masson trichrome staining, respectively. Ex recovered the reduction of dp/dt max and dp/dt min and decreased myocardial infarct size and fibrotic area in the MI group. Ex normalized the increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, and left ventricular end diastolic pressure in the MI group. Ex also normalized the reduction of the levels of Klotho and SIRT1 in serum and heart in the MI group. The changes of Klotho and SIRT1 in serum were positively correlated. Ex also restored ADAM17 levels in the MI group. Ex improved cardiac function in the MI group and is associated with reduction of the infarct size and normalization of Klotho and SIRT1 levels. Regarding unidirectional changes in Klotho and SIRT1, these proteins may play a role in beneficial effects of Ex on MI recovery.

Swimming Exercise Training Attenuates the Lung Inflammatory Response and Injury Induced by Exposing to Waterpipe Tobacco Smoke.

BACKGROUND: The use of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is on the rise throughout the world, especially among young people and even athletes. There is a belief among consumers that exercise prevents the harmful effects of hookah smoke on the body. We examined this belief by evaluation of lung injury following to concurrent WTS and swimming endurance training in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Animals were randomly divided to sedentary control (CTL) group, exercise training group (Ex group), sedentary WTS (S) group, and exercise plus WTS (S + Ex) group. FINDINGS: 8 weeks of WTS was associated with significant increase in serum level of cotinine, lung damage, reduction in alveolar number AN/SA (mm2) and increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level of lung tissue. Combination of exercise with WTS significantly decreased these negative effects; however, it could not fully protect the lung from smoking damage. Waterpipe smoking (WPS) also significantly increased the pro-inflammatory cytokines of lung tissue such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P < 0.001), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) (P < 0.010), and IL-6 (P < 0.050) in comparison with CTL group. Exercise training to some degree reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased the level of IL-10 as an anti-inflammatory IL and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in animals exposed to WTS. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that combination of mild to moderate exercise with WTS may attenuate the hookah smoking-induced lung damage. This effect partly is mediated through balancing of pro/anti-inflammatory and redox systems.

A review on plants and herbal components with antiarrhythmic activities and their interaction with current cardiac drugs.

This paper aimed to compile information on plants or their compounds which have experimentally shown antiarrhythmic effect and to scrutinize the efficacy and potency of them and their potential interaction with conventional cardiac drugs. Literature searches were accomplished by using numerous electronic databases, and the available knowledge on different parts of herbs and their ingredients with antiarrhythmic effects up to 2019 were identified and collected. The results indicate that 36 herbs or their derivatives can be effective in the treatment of arrhythmias, especially in animal and cellular models. They affect various ionic channels in different action potential phases. The alterations in ionic currents lead to changing in the amplitude and duration of the action potential, effective refractory period, maximum velocity, resting membrane potential, channel trafficking, or intracellular calcium concentration. The agents that prolong action potential duration and effective refractory period such as dauricine and sophocarpine seem to be more beneficial if more comprehensive studies confirm their efficacy and safety. It is noteworthy that the consumption of some herbal agents for cardiovascular (e.g. Hawthorn and Ginseng) or other (e.g. Ginseng and Licorice) therapeutic purposes may boost the pro-arrhythmogenic effect of current cardiovascular drugs such as cardiac glycosides. This study accentuates known plants or their derivatives with anti-arrhythmic effects, potential interaction with other cardiac drugs, and the possible mechanisms involved. It can assist clinicians and scientists in research and therapeutic approaches to the management of cardiac arrhythmias.

Perillyle alcohol and Quercetin ameliorate monocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension in rats through PARP1-mediated miR-204 down-regulation and its downstream pathway.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a vascular disease in the lung characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). Many miRNAs play a role in the pathophysiology of PAH. Perillyle alcohol (PA) and Quercetin (QS) are plant derivatives with antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties. We investigated the effect of PA and QS on PAP, expression of PARP1, miR-204, and their targets, HIF1α and NFATc2, in experimental PAH. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into control, MCT, MCT + Veh, MCT + PA and MCT + QS groups. MCT (60 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to induce PAH. PA (50 mg/kg daily) and QS (30 mg/kg daily) were administered for 3 weeks after inducing PAH. PAP, lung pathology, expression of miRNA and mRNA, and target proteins were evaluated through right ventricle cannulation, H&E staining, real-time qPCR, and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Inflammation and lung arteriole thickness in the MCT group increased compared to control group. PA and QS ameliorated inflammation and reduced arteriole thickness significantly. miR-204 expression decreased in PAH rats (p < 0.001). PA (p < 0.001) and QS (p < 0.01) significantly increased miR-204 expression. Expression of PARP1, HIF1α, NFATc2, and α-SMA mRNA increased significantly in MCT + veh rats (all p < 0.001), and these were reduced after treatment with PA and QS (both p < 0.01). PA and QS also decreased the expression of PARP1, HIF1α, and NFATc2 proteins that had increased in MCT + Veh group. CONCLUSION: PA and QS improved PAH possibly by affecting the expression of PARP1 and miR-204 and their downstream targets, HIF1a and NFATc2. PA and QS may be therapeutic goals in the treatment of PAH.

The Effects of Age and Fasting Models on Blood Pressure, Insulin/Glucose Profile, and Expression of Longevity Proteins in Male Rats.

Intermittent fasting can be effective in reducing metabolic disorders and age-related diseases. However, there remain questions about the effects of fasting with respect to the age in which fasting begins, the fasting models, and the mechanisms involved. We investigated the effects of age of beginning fasting and chronic mild and severe fasting models on blood pressure (BP), insulin/glucose profile, and expression of klotho, sirtuin1 (SIRT1), and sirtuin3 (SIRT3) in male Wistar rats. Young (3 months), middle-aged (12 months), and old (22 months) animals were randomly divided into three subgroups and fed as ad libitum (AL), AL with fasting 1 day per week (FW), and AL with fasting every other day (EOD), respectively, for 3 months. The FW reduced the weight gain in young animals (p < 0.001 vs. AL), whereas EOD induced weight loss in all three age categories (p < 0.001). Aging was associated with high BP, high glucose, and insulin levels. Both FW and EOD feedings decreased BP and blood glucose level (p < 0.001) and EOD decreased insulin level (p < 0.05 vs. AL) in old animals. Parallel to aging, the expression of SIRT1 and klotho significantly decreased in plasma and EOD feeding recovered this defect. Both FW and EOD feedings increased the expression of SIRT3 in middle-aged and old rats. Age is a determining factor for the effectiveness of fasting and old animals respond more desirably to fasting. The effect of EOD fasting is more effective than FW fasting in improving the metabolic factors, partly through the recovery of SIRT1 and klotho.

Restoration of the Renin-Angiotensin System Balance Is a Part of the Effect of Fasting on Cardiovascular Rejuvenation: Role of Age and Fasting Models.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an intervention that can be beneficial for health span and mitigate the risk of developing age-related cardiovascular diseases; however, the involved mechanisms are not well understood. The present study investigated the effects of IF regimens on the plasma level of angiotensin II (Ang II), and the expression of Ang II receptors (AT1aR and AT2R) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the heart and aorta of male, 3-, 12-, and 24-month-old Wistar rats fed ad libitum (AL), fed ad libitum and fasted 1 day per week (FW), or fasted every other day (EOD) for 3 months. Aging was associated with high circulating levels of Ang II, high level of AT1aR protein expression in the heart and aorta, and low level of AT2R protein expression in the heart and aorta. Both FW and EOD decreased Ang II levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and AT1aR protein expression in the heart (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and aorta (p < 0.001) of old rats. Both FW and EOD increased the expression of AT2R protein in the heart (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, only EOD increased the expression of AT2R protein (p < 0.05) in the aorta. In the old group, both the FW and EOD regimens induced a significant increase in the expression of ACE2 protein in the heart (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 vs. age-matched AL group, respectively). The results suggest that a part of the recovery effect of fasting on cardiovascular system in old rats is mediated through restoration of the balance of renin-angiotensin system.

Effects of Endurance Exercise Training on Cardiac Dysfunction Induced by Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing popularity of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) in youth and even in athletes worldwide. Despite the existence of evidence of the harmful effects of hookah smoke on various systems of the body, especially the cardiovascular system, its simultaneous effect with exercise training has not been well studied. We assessed the effects of WTS exposure with/without swimming exercise on blood pressure (BP), and heart histology and mechanical performance in male Wistar rats. METHODS: The animals were divided into 4 groups of sedentary control (CTL), waterpipe tobacco smoking (S), mild endurance swimming exercise training (Ex), and waterpipe smoking plus exercise (S + Ex). The duration of WTS and exercise was 8 weeks. FINDINGS: BP and heart rate (HR) did not show a significant difference among the groups. WTS increased the TNF-α level of the heart (P < 0.05 vs. CTL) and cardiac tissue lesions (P < 0.05 vs. CTL), and reduced +dP/dt max, -dp/dt max, and heart contractility indices (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively, vs. CTL and Ex groups). It also increased the Tau index (P < 0.05 vs. CTL; P < 0.01 vs. Ex groups) of the left ventricle. However, the combination of exercise and WTS reduced the TNF-α level, improved the heart activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes, and prevented the negative effects of smoking on heart function and morphology. CONCLUSION: Mild exercise prevents WTS-induced left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction partly via improvement of antioxidants and attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.