RP105 protects against apoptosis in ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage in rats by suppressing TLR4-mediated signaling pathways

Abstract

Background: Myocardial apoptosis is heavily implicated in the myocardial damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a potent inducer of these apoptotic cascades. In contrast, the radioprotective 105 kDa protein (RP105) is a specific negative regulator of TLR4 signaling pathways. However, the precise mechanisms by which RP105 inhibits myocardium apoptosis via TLR4-associated pathways during I/R is not fully understood. Methods: We utilized a rat model of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury (MIRI). Animals were pre-treated with Ad-EGFP adenovirus, Ad-EGFP-RP105 adenovirus, saline, or nothing (sham). After three days, rats underwent a 30min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and a 4h reperfusion. Mycardial tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry, TUNEL-staining, Western blot, quantitative RT-PCR, and a morphometric assay. Results: RP105 overexpression resulted in a reduction in infarct size, fewer TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes, and a reduction in mitochondrial-associated apoptosis cascade activity. Further, RP105 overexpression repressed I/R-induced myocardial injury by attenuating myocardial apoptosis. This was mediated by inhibiting TLR4 activation and the phosphorylation of P38MAPK and the downstream transcription factor AP-1. Conclusion: RP105 overexpression leads to the de-activation of TLR4, P38MAPK, and AP-1 signaling pathways, and subsequently represses apoptotic cascades and ensuing damage of myocardial ischemic reperfusion. These findings may become the basis of a novel therapeutic approach for reducing of cardiac damage caused by MIRI.