Protective effect of berberine on aconite‑induced myocardial injury and the associated mechanisms

Abstract

Aconitum plants, which have analgesic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, have been widely used to treat various types of disease. However, the apparent toxicity of Aconitum-derived agents, particularly in the cardiovascular system, has largely limited their clinical use. Thus, the present study investigated whether berberine (Ber), an isoquinoline alkaloid, may reduce myocardial injury induced by aconitine (AC) in rats and the underlying mechanisms. Rats (n=40) were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Chuan-wu and Chuan-wu + Ber (8 and 16 mg/kg doses). Electrocardiograms (ECG) of the rats were recorded and serum biomarkers of cardiac function [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB] were assayed. Histopathological changes were assessed using myocardial tissue sectioning and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, the effects of Ber on AC-induced arrhythmias in rats were observed. The changes in ECG following AC perfusion were observed, and the types and onset time of arrhythmias were analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of Ber and AC on papillary muscle action potentials were observed. The results suggested that Ber ameliorated myocardial injury induced by Chuan-wu, which was indicated by reduced arrhythmias and decreased LDH, CK and CK-MB levels in serum. Furthermore, histological damage, including dilation of small veins and congestion, was also markedly attenuated by Ber. In addition, the occurrence of arrhythmias was significantly delayed, and the dosage of AC required to induce arrhythmias was also increased by Ber pretreatment. Additionally, AC-induced changes in action potential amplitude, duration of 30% repolarization and duration of 90% repolarization in the papillary muscle were attenuated by Ber. All of these results indicate that Ber had a preventive effect on acute myocardial injury induced by Chuan-wu and arrhythmias caused by AC, which may be associated with the inhibition of delayed depolarization and triggered activity caused by AC. Thus, combination treatment of Ber with Aconitum plants may be a novel strategy to prevent AC-induced myocardial injury in clinical practice.

Epigenetic modification mechanism of histone demethylase KDM1A in regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

“…Besides, HL-1 cell viability was decreased, LDH, AST, and CK-MB concentrations were increased, and HL-1 cell apoptosis was promoted. Through literature review, the decreased expressions of cardiomyocyte injury markers, LDH, AST, and CK-MB indicates the improvement of injury ( Chen et al, 2018 ; Yu et al, 2020 ). And, many previous studies have proven the promotion of H/R on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and injury ( Lu, Bu & Yun, 2019 ; Wang et al, 2021 ).…”

Wenxin Keli for the Treatment of Arrhythmia—Systems Pharmacology and In Vivo Pharmacological Assessment

“…AC-induced arrhythmias are a consequence of a combination of multiple mechanisms. Studies postulate that AC increases the excitability of ectopic rhythms ( Qiu et al, 2016 ), decreases the APA of papillary muscle APs, shortens the APD90 and APD30 ( Chen et al, 2018 ), and leads to tachyarrhythmias. 1) Promote Na + Influx: AC acts as an INa agonist that opens the Na + channels during the depolarization/repolarization phases.…”

The Potential of Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in the Fight Against COVID-19

“…Berberin la ̀ một alcaloid thuộc nho ḿ isoquinolin, co ́ trong rê, thân rê, vo ̉ cu ̉a như ñg cây thuộc chi Berberis, Hydrastis candensis, Coptis. Ca ć nghiên cư ́u đa ̃ chư ́ng to ̉ berberin co ́ nhiêù hoạt tính sinh học nhu ̛ chôńg viêm, chôńg nhiêm khuân, kháng virus, chôńg tiêu chảy, chống ung thư và được sử dụng trong điều trị bệnh lý liên quan đến thoái hoá thần kinh và tim mạch [85,86]. Đặc biệt, berberin có tác dụng ức chế hoạt động của các chủng virus như virus cúm, virus viêm gan C, virus herpes, và RSV [87,88]…”