Acacetin alleviates autoimmune myocarditis by regulating CD4+ T cell mitochondrial respiration.

BACKGROUND: Myocarditis refers to an autoimmune inflammatory response of the myocardium with characterization of self-reactive CD4+ T cell activation, which lacks effective treatment and has a poor prognosis. Acacetin is a natural flavonoid product that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, acacetin has not been investigated in myocarditis. METHODS: Oral acacetin treatment was administered in an experimental autoimmune myocarditis model established with myosin heavy chain-alpha peptide. Echocardiography, pathological staining, and RT-qPCR were used to detect cardiac function, myocardial injury, and inflammation levels. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect the effect of acacetin on CD4+ T cell function. RNA-seq, molecular docking, and microscale thermophoresis (MST) were employed to investigate potential mechanisms. Seahorse analysis, mitoSOX, JC-1, and mitotracker were utilized to detect the effect of acacetin on mitochondrial function. RESULTS: Acacetin attenuated cardiac injury and fibrosis as well as heart dysfunction, and reduced cardiac inflammatory cytokines and ratio of effector CD4+ T and Th17 cells. Acacetin inhibited CD4+ T cell activation, proliferation, and Th17 cell differentiation. Mechanistically, the effects of acacetin were related to reducing mitochondrial complex II activity thereby inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSION: Acacetin may be a valuable therapeutic drug in treating CD4+ T cell-mediated myocarditis.

[Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction: Progress in basic studies].

Erectile dysfunction (ED), a common and frequently occurring disease, threatens the sexual well-being of middle-aged and old men. In recent years, micro-energy therapies, represented by low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT), is proved by long-term multicenter randomized controlled studies to be safe and effective for the treatment of ED. Compared with traditional treatment, this method has the characteristics of few adverse effects, little trauma and thorough treatment. Recently, studies on its mechanisms have aroused the interest of scientists. We collected the results of representative studies at home and abroad since the birth of Li-ESWT for ED and reviewed the mechanisms of this strategy in the treatment of mild and moderate ED, hoping to contribute to the study of the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of male sexual dysfunction.