Dendrobine promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and inhibits apoptosis and inflammation in an in vitro acute myocardial infarction model

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a serious condition caused by the sudden blockage of a coronary artery, leading to heart tissue damage. The increasing number of AMI cases, particularly in younger individuals as a result of unhealthy lifestyles, highlights the demand for innovative treatments. Dendrobine, a compound from Dendrobium, has multiple biological activities, such as suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. Methods: An in vitro AMI model was established using H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) conditions. The effects of dendrobine on cardiomyocyte proliferation were assessed using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)8 assays and EdU staining. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and Western blot. Inflammatory responses were measured through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Immunoblot, and the involvement of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling pathway was examined using Western blot. Results: Dendrobine significantly promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation under H/R conditions, inhibited apoptosis in H9C2 cells, and effectively suppressed the inflammatory response. Additionally, dendrobine enhanced the activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Conclusions: Dendrobine exerts significant cardioprotective effects in an in vitro AMI model by promoting cell proliferation, suppressing programmed cell death and inflammation and regulating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Therefore, dendrobine holds potential as a therapeutic agent for AMI intervention.

Dendrobine; Acute myocardial infarction; Hypoxia/reoxygenation; Cardioprotection; Nrf2/Keap1 signaling

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