The active ingredient (DSH-20) of Salvia miltiorrhiza flower reduces oxidative damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by regulating miR-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: DSH-20, the active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza flower extract, is used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the intervention of DSH-20 in H2O2-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: H2O2 was used to induce oxidative damage and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Based on concentration gradient studies, we found that 62.5 µg/mL DSH-20 significantly reduced reactive oxygen species and lactate dehydrogenase levels and increased superoxide dismutase levels. DSH-20 also alleviated the apoptosis rate, the changes in mRNA of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, BAX, and Caspase-3) and miR-1 expression. Moreover, transfection of miR-1 mimics aggravated oxidative damage and apoptosis, whereas DSH-20 alleviated these effects. CONCLUSIONS: DSH-20 reduced H2O2-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes likely by downregulating miR-1 expression.