Protective effect of huperzine A against isoproterenolinduced myocardial damage in rats via regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the cardioprotective effect of huperzine A (Hup A) against isoproterenol (ISO)- induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Methods: Forty healthy male rats were divided into 4 groups. Control rats received only saline. Rats in Hup A group were injected with Hup A (0.5 mg/kg) only; ISO-treated MI rats were injected with ISO, while ISO + Hup A rats were pre-treated with Hup A prior to ISO exposure and again treated with Hup A. Lipid levels, antioxidant status, cardiac markers, as well as the proteins associated with the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway were determined. Results: Pre- and post-treatment with Hup A resulted in marked reductions in cardiac markers, heart weight, lipid peroxidation product (MDA), and lipid levels, along with improved antioxidant enzyme activities (p < 0.01). Rats treated with Hup A displayed normal cardiac fibrillar structure, relative to ISOtreated rats. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of Akt and PI3k (pAkt/Akt and pPI3k/PI3k ratios) were significantly upregulated (p < 0.01) in Hup A treated rats. Conclusion: Pre- and post-treatment of rats with Hup A exerted potent cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced cardiac failure in rats. Thus, Hup A can potentially be developed as adjuvant therapy in clinical practice for alleviating MI-related problems.