Panax Quinquefolium Saponins Attenuate Myocardial Dysfunction Induced by Chronic Ischemia

Abstract

Background/Aims: Previous studies in rat models of myocardial ischemia showed that Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) could attenuate ischemic/reperfusion injury, increase vessel density and improve cardiac function. In the current study, we examined whether PQS could attenuate myocardial dysfunction in a swine model of chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI). Methods: CMI was established in Bama mini-pigs by placing amroid constrictor on the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Starting from 2 months after the surgery, pigs randomly received PQS (30 mg/kg/day), atorvastatin (1.5 mg/kg/day), or no drug for one month (n=6). A group of pigs receiving sham surgery was included as an additional control. Glucose utilization was assessed with positron emission tomography-computer tomography (PET-CT). Cardiac function was assessed with echocardiography. Myocyte size, nuclear density, and arteriolar density were examined in tissue section obtained from the ischemia area. Potential molecular targets of PQS were identified using proteomic analysis with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTARQ) and network pharmacology. Results: In comparison to the sham controls, pigs implanted with ameroid constrictor had decreased ventricular wall motion, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and glucose utilization. PQS significantly increased cardiac function and glucose utilization. Arteriole density and myocyte nuclear density were increased. Myocyte diameter was decreased. PQS also attenuated the CMI-induced change of protein expression profile. The effects of atorvastatin were generally similar to that of PQS. However, PQS attenuated the reduction of left ventricular systolic WT induced by CMI more robustly than atorvastatin. Conclusion: The results from the current study supports the use of PQS in patients with coronary artery disease.

Effect and possible mechanisms of saponins in Chinese herbal medicine exerts for the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental animal: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In short, the pathogenesis of MIRI begins with calcium overload and oxidative stress caused by sudden changes in the environment ( 54 ). Calcium overload and oxidative stress interact with each other ( 55 , 56 ), resulting in the destruction of cell structure and function ( 57 , 58 ), leading to necrosis or apoptosis ( 1 ). The necrotic cells cause a different inflammatory response, stimulating other cells to start pyroptosis.…”

Phenomic Imaging

“…For example, PET imaging combined with proteomic analysis has been used to measure the heart's glucose uptake capacity during cardiopulmonary activity assessment. Guo et al found that panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) can significantly improve cardiac function and glucose utilization, they also showed that PQS blocks neovascularization by affecting the expression level of protein kinase C delta (PRKCD), a target of PQS (Guo et al 2018 ). In another study, an analysis was performed using the rubidium-82 PET imaging results of the cardiac function and myocardial blood flow reserve for 97 patients.…”

Efficacy and Safety of Shenqisuxin Granule for Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Based on our previous pharmaceutical studies, the major ingredients of SQSX can activate phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxykinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathyway and elevate the expression of VEGF mRNA in ischaemic myocardium of rats to promote neovascularization and angiogenesis ( 17 ). It can regulate the expression of Ang1/Tie2 and Ang2/Tie2 in hibernating myocardium and promote neovascularization and maturation to improve cardiac function ( 18 ). It's also proven that the ingredients of SQSX inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the in-stent restenosis minipig model induced by balloon injury, thereby preventing in-stent restenosis ( 19 ).…”