Quercetin protects against inflammation, MMP-2 activation and apoptosis induction in rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation through modulating Bmi-1 expression

Abstract

With extensive pharmacological actions, quercetin has anti-oxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity. Quercetin also reduces blood glucose and reduces high blood pressure, and has immunoregulation and cardiovascular protection functions. Additionally, it has been reported that it can reduce depression. The current study evaluated whether quercetin protects against inflammation, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activation and apoptosis induction in a rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and whether Bmi-1 expression was involved in the effects. In CPR model rats, treatment with quercetin significantly recovered left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, ejection fraction (%), and left ventricle weight/body weight. Treatment with quercetin significantly inhibited ROS generation, inflammation and MMP-2 protein expression in the rat model CPR. Finally, quercetin significantly suppressed caspase-3 activity and activated Bmi-1 protein expression in the rat model of CPR. The results demonstrated that quercetin protects against inflammation, MMP-2 activation and apoptosis induction in a rat model of CPR, and that this may be mediated by modulating Bmi-1 expression.