Skip to main content
Download PDF

Coenzyme Q10 prevents oxidative stress and fibrosis in isoprenaline induced cardiac remodeling in aged rats

BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology volume 18, Article number: 29 (2017) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The objective of the present study aimed to investigate the effect of CoQ10 treatment on isoprenaline (ISO)-induced cardiac remodeling in rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into three groups namely Control group, ISO treated group and CoQ10 + ISO treated group, each consisting of 6 rats. The cardiac specific CK-MB, AST, ALT activity and other oxidative stress parameters were estimated in heart and kidneys. Additionally histological examination was also performed to visualize the inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis in both tissues.

Results

Administration of ISO resulted in an increase in the heart-to-body weight (HW/BW) ratio and an also increased the serum CK-MB, AST and ALT enzyme activity. Serum levels of lipid peroxidation products, and oxidative stress markers showed significant increase in ISO-treated rats. Histopathological examination of heart tissue revealed focal areas of endocardium degeneration, mononuclear cells infiltration, fibrous tissue deposition, and increased thickness of the myocardium of left ventricle. Similar degeneration was also found in kidneys. Treatment with CoQ10 (100 mg/kg) significantly improved the oxidative stresses in ISO treated rats. Moreover, CoQ10 treatment prevented inflammatory cells infiltration and reduced fibrosis in ISO administered rats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study provides evidence that CoQ10 may prevent the development of cardiac remodeling, and fibrosis in ISO administered rats.

Peer Review reports

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) became epidemic currently and responsible for the increased mortality and morbidity. At the beginning of the 21st centuries one in every three persons of the world population dies from heart attack, and strokes. Despite all hype about the new drug development, the global cardiovascular epidemic continues relentlessly. WHO information predicted that nearly 23.6 million people will die from CVD each year by 2030 [1]. Cardiac remodeling is usually characterized by expression of genome, changes of molecular, cellular and interstitial state, which ultimately results in changes in size, shape and function of the heart. This is one of the common events that occurred in many cardiovascular disease including myocardial infarction (MI), aortic stenosis, hypertension, myocarditis, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac hypertrophy is a typical type of cardiac remodeling [2], where not only the crucial cardiac cell myocyte, but also other components like fibroblasts, collagens, coronary vasculature, interstitium are involved in remodeling process which finally causes ischemia, apoptosis and cell necrosis [3]. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is commonly found in aging heart and contributes to the development of congestive heart failure [4]. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system is a common attribute in cardiovascular disease [5] and age-related changes in autonomic nervous system function may cause heart-rate variability and increase in resting heart rate. Prolong overstimulation of the β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) by different stressors causes cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, strokes, heart failure, coronary artery disease in response to catecholamine and are also responsible for oxidative stress in heart and coronary artery [6]. Auto oxidation of catecholamine generate catecholamine-o-quinones, aminochromes, adrenochrome are thought to be responsible for catecholamine related cardio toxicity [7]. Even previous study have supported that patients with chronic heart failure showed poor survival rate when treated with β-adrenergic agonists [8]. Subcutaneous administration of isoprenaline (ISO), which mimics the β-adrenergic receptor activity, can produce myocardial necrosis [9]. Cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline is a dependable, consistent and well characterized prototype correlated with arrhythmias, myocyte loss and fibrosis with advancement to heart failure [10].

Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are one of the underlying mechanisms of myocardial remodeling in aged heart [11]. Excess production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines may cause a change in extracellular matrix by activating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) ultimately results in collagen synthesis and myocardial fibrosis in aged heart [12, 13]. Cardiac apoptosis is another crucial factor to hypertrophic remodeling and cell dysfunction where, ROS stimulate cellular apoptosis signaling kinase-1 and over expression of kinase-1 activates nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) to stimulate hypertrophy [14]. Increasing evidences have suggested that ISO treatment at high doses increases myocardial oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis, and stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinases [6, 15]. Functional hypoxia and ischemia, metabolism alterations, coronary insufficiency, energy depletion, calcium overload are some other possible mechanism by which ISO induced cardiotoxicity [16].

Many natural products and dietary supplements containing antioxidant properties demonstrated ROS scavenge in the ISO treated rats [17]. Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10), the only synthesized antioxidant in human body is the first drug to improve heart mortality by decreasing all cases of mortality by half [18]. Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone is a naturally occurring lipid soluble benzoquinone can be obtained from consumption of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruits [19], a key element for adenosine triphosphate synthesis of the mitochondrial respiratory chain [20]. Co-Q10 can provide protection for membrane phospholipids, mitochondrial membrane protein, and low-density lipoprotein against oxidative damage [21]. Co-Q10 treatment is helpful for lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines and blood viscosity in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease. It can also improve ischemia and reperfusion injury of coronary revascularization [22]. In addition to its antioxidant activity, Co-Q10 is also responsible for intracellular energy production, responsible for improvement of endothelial dysfunction as well as important for activating mitochondrial uncoupling proteins [23]. Considering the cardioprotective effect of antioxidants, the following investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 against isoprenaline induced cardiac remodeling in rats.

Methods

Chemicals

Co-Q10 was obtained from Medicines Pvt. Ltd. (Dhaka, Bangladesh) and the isoproterenol (ISO) was purchased from Samarth Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (Mumbai, India). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and 5, 5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Ellman’s reagent) was purchased from Sigma Chemical Company (USA). Reduced glutathione (GSH) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) were purchased from J.I. Baker (USA). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid (UA), Creatinin and CK-MB assay kits were obtained from DCI diagnostics (Budapest, Hungary). Sodium hydroxide was collected from Merck (Germany). All other chemicals and reagents used were of analytical grade.

Animals

Ten to twelve months old, Eighteen Long Evans male rats (235–250 g) were obtained from Animal breeding unit of Animal House at Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University and were kept in individual cages at room temperature of 22 ± 3 °C and 55% relative humidity with a 12 h dark/light cycles. The animals were provided with standard laboratory chow diet and drinking water ad libitum. The whole study protocol to carry out this experiment was approved by Ethical Committee, North South University, Bangladesh for animal care and experimentation.

Experiment

Eighteen Long Evans aged male rats were evenly divided into 3 groups:

  1. a)

    Group I (n = 6)- received olive oil (less than 0.5 ml) and saline (less than 0.5 ml) with normal chow food and water for 14 days.

  2. b)

    Group II (n = 6)- Received isoprenaline (ISO) at a dose of 50 mg/kg S.C twice a week for 14 days with olive oil (less than 0.5 ml) and normal chow food and water for 14 days.

  3. c)

    Group III (n = 6) – Received CoQ10 100 mg/kg orally in olive oil (less than 0.5 ml) for 14 days daily and ISO 50 mg/kg S.C twice a week for 14 days.

The body weights of all animals were checked and recorded on a daily basis for 14 days. After 14 days of treatment, all the rats were kept at fasting stage for 13–15 h having free access to water only. At the end of the study, all rats were euthanized using high dose pentobarbital sodium (75 mg/kg) and sacrificed. The blood sample was collected from each rat in separate blood collecting tubes pre-coated with anticoagulant citrate buffer. These tubes were then centrifuged at 8000 rpm and separated the plasma. The plasma was stored at −20 °C for further biochemical assays.

Moreover, all organs such as heart, kidney, spleen and liver were also collected immediately after the sacrifice. The collected organs were weighed in an electronic balance and stored both in neutral buffer formalin and at −20 °C for further studies.

Assessment of cardiotoxicity and kidney function

Several enzymes such as ALT, AST, and ALP activities were determined in plasma by using Diatec diagnostic kits (Hungary) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The kits for assessing the creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB), uric acid and creatinin in plasma were also purchased from Diatec diagnostic kits (Hungary) and followed the manufacturer’s standard protocol.

Preparation of tissue sample for the assessment of oxidative stress markers

To determine the oxidative stress markers, the tissues of heart and kidney were homogenized in 10 volumes of phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 15 min at 4 °C. The upper layer of homogenate (supernatant) was collected and used for the determination of protein and enzymatic studies as mentioned below.

Estimation of lipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and advanced oxidation protein products

The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma is an index of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation in heart and kidney was estimated colorimetrically measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) followed by previously described method [24].

NO was determined according to the method described by Tracy et al. as nitrate [25]. NO level was measured by using a standard curve and expressed as nmol/gm of tissue.

A modified method of Witko-Sarsat [26] and Tiwari [27] was performed to determine the AOPP level in plasma and tissue samples. The chloramine-T absorbance at 340 nm being linear within the range of 0 to 100 mmol/mL, AOPP concentrations were expressed as nmol · mL−1 chloramine-T equivalents.

Estimation of catalase activity assay (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) assay

Catalase activity was assayed using a previously described methods by Chance and Maehly [28, 29] with little modifications. One unit of CAT activity was defined as an absorbance change of 0.01 as units/min.

Reduced glutathione was estimated by the method of Jollow et al [30] and expressed as ng/mg protein.

Histopathological determination

The heart tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed using analytical grade ethanol and xylene treatment. The processed tissues were then embedded in paraffin blocks and sectioned to about 5 μm thickness. They were cut by employing a rotary microtome. These sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin using routine procedures. Sirius red staining for fibrosis and Prussian blue staining for iron deposition were also done in heart and kidney sections. Sections were then studied and photographed under light microscope (Zeiss Axio Scope) at 40× magnifications. The slides were examined for morphological changes. Percentage of fibrosis in heart and kidney sections was also analyzed by using Image J free software from National Institute of Health (NIH).

Statistical analysis

The values are expressed as mean ± standard error mean (SEM). The results were evaluated by using the one way ANOVA followed by Newman Keul’s test using Graph Pad Prism Software. Statistical significance was considered p < 0.05 in all cases.

Results

Effect of coenzyme Q10 treatment on body weight and organ wet weight in ISO induced rats

On comparing the body weights of three groups, it was observed that the body weight of ISO group and ISO + CoQ10 group did not change significantly compared to control group (Table 1). Furthermore, the ISO treated rats showed significantly increased wet weights of heart, left ventricle and kidney compared to control rats which were ameliorated by CoQ10 treatment. Moreover, ISO treatment did not change the wet weight of spleen among the groups tested in this study.

Table 1 Effect of Co-Q10 on body weight, and organ wet weight of ISO treated rats
Full size table

Effect of coenzyme Q10 on AST, ALT and ALP activity

ISO administration in rats considerably increased the AST, ALT and ALP enzymes activities compared to the control rats (Table 2). CoQ10 administration significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the AST and ALP activities but no such change was seen for ALT activity (Table 2).

Table 2 Effect of Co-Q10 on biochemical parameters in ISO induced aged rats
Full size table

Effect of coenzyme Q10 treatment on CK-MB, uric acid and creatinin activities in ISO induced rats

ISO administered rats showed significant (p < 0.05) higher activity of CK-MB in plasma compared to control rats. CoQ10 administration significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the CK-MB activity in ISO administered rats (Table 2).

ISO administered rats also showed significant (p < 0.05) higher level of uric acid and creatinin level in plasma compared to the control rats. Similar result was also found for uric acid and creatinin on analyzing the urine sample. Interestingly, the CoQ10 treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the level of uric acid and creatinin concentration in urine sample but not in plasma sample in ISO administered rats.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 treatment on oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant enzymes on ISO induced rats

To study the oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in plasma and tissue samples were analyzed. ISO treatment in rats showed an increased level of lipid peroxidation product MDA in plasma and tissues compared to the control rats (Table 2). ISO treatment also raised the nitric oxide and advanced protein oxidation product in plasma and tissues compared to control rats. However, antioxidant enzymes CAT activity and GSH concentration were decreased in plasma and tissues of ISO treated rats compared to control rats. Coenzyme Q10 treatment prevented the rise of lipid peroxidation product MDA, NO, and APOP concentration significantly in both plasma and tissues (Table 2). Moreover, CoQ10 treatment effectively restored the GSH level in ISO administered rats (except in kidney tissue homogenates) but the catalase activity was not restored significantly by CoQ10 treatment.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 treatment on histological assessments in heart and kidney structure in ISO induced rats

Mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltration in heart was observed in ISO treated group compared to control group (Fig. 1). CoQ10 treatment averted the inflammatory cells infiltration in heart of ISO administered rats. Besides that, ISO administered rats showed hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and massive fibrosis along with inflammation (Fig. 1). Treatment with CoQ10 was also helpful for ameliorating fibrosis in ISO administered rats (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Effect of Co-Q10 treatment on cardiac inflammation (Upper Panel, arrow head- inflammatory cells infiltration) and fibrosis (Lower panel, arrow head- collagen deposition) in ISO administered rats. a, d- Control; b, e- ISO; c, f- ISO + CO-Q10. g, % of fibrosis among groups. Magnification 40 X. Asterisk mark is significantly different at p < 0.05. Control vs ISO or ISO vs ISO + CoQ10. Others are not significant

Full size image

Histopathological analysis of kidney sections obtained from control rats showed normal architecture of the kidney. It was devoid of congestion, necrosis, fibrosis and inflammatory infiltration (Fig. 2). Basement membrane of the glomerulus was remained intact. ISO treatment in rats also changes the function and structure of kidneys. Kidney form ISO treated rats showed renal damage evident by glomerular structural disruption and fibrosis. It also showed the presence of intraluminal cell debris, edema and inflammatory cells infiltration (Fig. 2). Moreover, ISO treated rats showed iron deposition in kidney sections which may be due to oxidative stress (Fig. 3). Co-Q10 treatment in ISO administered rats improves the kidney structure (Fig. 2) by lowering inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis. Co-Q10 treatment in ISO administered rats also prevented the deposition of free iron in kidney sections (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Effect of Co-Q10 treatment on glomerular structure (Upper Panel, arrow head- podycyte damage, shrinkage of glomerulus) and fibrosis (Lower panel, arrow head- collagen deposition) in kidneys of ISO administered rats. a, d- Control; b, e- ISO; c, f- ISO + CO-Q10. g, % of fibrosis among groups. Magnification 40 X. Asterisk mark is significantly different at p < 0.05. Control vs ISO or ISO vs ISO + CoQ10. Others are not significant

Full size image
Fig. 3
figure 3

Effect of Co-Q10 treatment on iron deposition (Arrow head) in kidneys of ISO administered rats. a- Control; b- ISO; c- ISO + CO-Q10. Magnification 40 X

Full size image

Discussion

Aging is a retrogressive process that is kindred with ongoing accumulation of detrimental changes with time, results in reduction of physiological such as cardiovascular, renal, neurological, endocrine function with the increase of chances of disease and death. With advancing age one of the most debilitating is loss of myocardial function. Decreased cardiac elasticity and inability to respond of changes in pressure to the arterial system mainly influence the heart function associated with aging [31]. Cardiac tissue is mainly postmiotic and oxidative damage is most pervasive because of its high dependency on oxidative phosphorylation to derive energy [32]. Altered inflammatory mediator expression and inability to respond of senescent cells to growth factors are important mechanism of age related adverse cardiac remodeling [33]. Besides, in aging and ischemic disease, ROS are responsible for peroxidation of mitochondrial phospholipids. Mitochondrial respiratory chain is mainly responsible for production of these ROS free radicals [34]. In this study, cardiac remodeling in rats was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline. At low doses, catecholamine exerts positive inotropic effect that is beneficial for heart function. But high doses of isoprenaline causes energy depletion of heart resulting in biochemical and structural changes of cardiomyocyte [16]. This study showed that isoprenaline induced cardiac hypertrophy by increasing left ventricular wet weight. Isoprenaline administration also raised the level of different oxidative stress markers and lowered the level of antioxidant from plasma and heart. Colossal amount of infiltrating cell and fibrosis was found on infract area induced by isoprenaline. In mitochondria, 80% oxygen consumption is occurred and this very compartment is mainly responsible for production of O2 .- and H2O2 [23]. The mitochondrial element coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) or ubiquinone has been used as a dietary supplement for improving health condition by eradicating free radicals [32]. Several previous studies have revealed the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in aging [35–37]. Previous studies showed that CoQ10 level was found low in patients with cardiovascular disease [18, 19]. Generally, CoQ10 or ubiquinone in its reduced form acts as an antioxidant and lowers different inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6 [38]. This research suggests that treatment with CoQ10 helps to minimize oxidative stress, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in heart in isoprenaline treated rats.

Damage to cardiac tissue induced by different β-adrenergic receptor agonist like isoprenaline increases the level of ALT, AST, and ALP enzymes [39]. Myocardial necrosis induced by ISO treatment increases ALT, AST and ALP activities are observed in plasma. In our study, CoQ10 significantly inhibit the increase of AST and ALP. Previous study also supported that treatment with CoQ10 can reduce these enzyme activities from plasma [40]. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is a superior and special marker, serves as an indicator of myocardial necrosis [41]. Elevation of CK-MB activity because of ISO treatment is observed in plasma of aged rats [42]. In this study, treatment with CoQ10 inhibited the elevation of CK-MB activity in plasma. This study is also supported by previous finding which also showed CoQ10 can reduce CK-MB activity in isoprenaline induced cardiotoxicity and cardiac hypertrophy in rats [43].

Oxidative stress emanating from subcutaneously isoprenaline injection is mediated mainly through β-adrenergic receptor stimulation which rapidly generates ROS by spontaneous oxidation of catecholamine. Isoprenaline administration results in increase calcium overload and myocardial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes [44]. Increased lipid peroxidation is an important biomarker indicative of elevated oxidative stress. Alterations of balance between prooxidant and antioxidant defense is thought to be the main mechanism behind lipid peroxidation where, ATP is converted to hypoxanthine and uric acid respectively [45]. Myocardial phospholipids membrane peroxidation causes permeability change and intracellular calcium overload results in cardiomyocytes damage in the heart [46]. Catecholamine induced increase in MDA level in myocardial tissue was reported in previous study [47]. Increased malondialdehyde (MDA, product of lipid peroxidation) content was increased in ISO treated rats that were attenuated by CoQ10 in our study. Besides, another novel oxidative stress marker AOPP (Advanced Oxidation Protein Products) level was high in ISO treated group which was lowered significantly by CoQ10 treatment. Nitric oxide is an another reactive molecule that can control cardiovascular homeostasis, myocyte growth, function and remodeling [14]. Uncoupled NO-synthase is the main contributor of ROS generation which ultimately results in endothelial dysfunction [48]. In cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline, increased iNOS expression in left ventricle and increased level of NO production in heart was reported associated with increased apoptosis [10]. Mainly, activation of β-adrenergic receptor is the main mechanism of up regulation of iNOS [49]. This excess nitric oxide concentration can react with superoxide radical and can form peroxynitrite (˙ONOO-) a highly toxic reactive species capable of activating cytotoxic process including, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and nitration ultimately results in myocardial injury [14]. In this study, nitric oxide level was also found to be elevated in ISO treated rats whereas, mitochondrial component CoQ10 successfully normalized the elevation of nitric oxide level. Increased heart wet weight was observed in ISO treatment which was normalized by CoQ10 treatment. Indeed, Akt signaling induces physiological hypertrophic responses important for controlling cardiac structure and function. Previous study proved that cardioprotective effect of CoQ10 lies on preservation of Akt signaling where coenzymeQ10 can protect mice from pathological cardiac hypertrophy [50]. CoQ10 can efficaciously reduce alpha-tocopheroxyl radical to alpha-tocopherol. Thus, having the property of terminating pro-oxidant radical, CoQ10 can regenerate the active form of vitamin E [34].

Antioxidant contrives the defense mechanism capable of decelerating or averting the unstable free radicals from initiating toxic effects that simultaneously causes tissue damage. The prime endogenous antioxidants such as SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), GSH (reduced glutathione) are responsible for trapping free radicals where, SOD catalyses the conversion of O2 .- to H2O2 and H2O; CAT converts H2O2 to H2O and O2; glutathione reduces H2O2 to H2O. Myocardial injury induced by ISO treatment increases lipid per oxidation which in turn reduces these enzyme levels [51, 52]. This study also showed significant reduction of CAT activity and GSH level in ISO treated rat both in plasma and heart compared to control group. CoQ10 treatment restored the GSH level significantly.

ISO is considered as a model compound that causes cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. It has been postulate that this beta adrenergic agonist results in hypoxic condition in cardiac tissue as a result of uncontrolled oxidative metabolism in myocyte. The imbalance of energy, in addition with a number of complex biochemical (altered calcium flux, stimulation of the adenyl cyclase system, aggregation of platelets, and formation of reactive oxygen species) [53] and structural changes (alterations in membrane permeability) [54] & [55], appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of the myocyte damage [56]. The area of the heart most susceptible to hypoxia caused by tachycardia appears to be the left ventricular subendocardium [53]. Recently, changes in iNOS expression have also been associated with ISO-induced cardiotoxicity [57]. Myocyte damage observed following exposure to ISO includes both apoptosis and necrosis [58]. Cardiac inflammation by ISO was observed by histological evaluation which demonstrated significant endomyocardial eosinophilic infiltration and areas of myocyte necrosis [59]. On the other hand myocardial fibrosis was identified by the appearance of thick, coarse groups of interstitial collagen fibrils associated with a few necrotic myocytes [60]. This study showed that administering ISO resulted in the massive mono nuclear cells infiltration as well as deposition of interstitial collagen fibrils on histological analysis of cardiac and kidney tissues which strongly supported by previous findings [61]. Both scenarios were reversed after the treatment with CoQ10.

Kidney dysfunction may also contribute to the development of cardio-vascular complications [61, 62]. Isoprenaline induced renal complications and fibrosis was also reported in animal studies. Recent evidence also suggests that ISO administration increase cardio-renal fibrosis which was ameliorated by sympathetic nerve system (SNS) inhibition by denervation procedure [62]. This study suggests that Co-Q10 administration prevents inflammation and fibrosis in kidney of ISO treated rats. Improved cardiac and kidney tissues structure due to Co-Q10 administration could be relied on the improvement of oxidative stress and restoration of antioxidant defence in tissues which is also observed in other studies as well [63, 64].

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the coenzyme Q10 treatment provides significant cardiac and renoprotective effect against ISO administered rats. Coenzyme Q10 inhibits cardio-renal fibrogenesis through reducing oxidative stress and preventing inflammatory cells infiltration in tissues of ISO treated rats. Thus targeting mitochondrial function would be a possible way of preventing oxidative stress related disorders in future.

Abbreviations

ALP:

Alkaline phosphatase

ALT:

Alanine aminotransferase

APOP:

Advanced protein oxidation product

AST:

Aspartate aminotransferase

CAT:

Catalase

CK-MB:

Creatinin kinase muscle-brain

Co-Q10:

Coenzyme Q10

CVD:

Cardiovascular disease

DTNB:

5, 5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)

GSH:

Reduced glutathione

H2O2 :

Hydrogen per Oxide

iNOS:

Inducible nitric oxide synthase

ISO:

Isoprenaline

MI:

Myocardial infarction

MMP:

Matrix metalloproteinase

NF-κB:

Nuclear factor Kappa B

NO:

Nitric oxide

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

SOD:

Super oxide dismutase

TBA:

Thiobarbituric acid

TBARS:

Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances

TCA:

Trichloroacetic acid, ˙ONOO, Peroxynitrite

UA:

Uric acid

References

  1. Cui Z, Dewey S, Gomes AV. Cardioproteomics: advancing the discovery of signaling mechanisms involved in cardiovascular diseases. Am J cardiovasc Dis. 2011;1(3):274.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. Kehat I, Molkentin JD. Molecular pathways underlying cardiac remodeling during pathophysiological stimulation. Circulation. 2010;122(25):2727–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Cohn JN, Ferrari R, Sharpe N. Cardiac remodeling—concepts and clinical implications: a consensus paper from an international forum on cardiac remodeling. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000;35(3):569–82.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Strait JB, Lakatta EG. Aging-associated cardiovascular changes and their relationship to heart failure. Heart Fail Clin. 2012;8(1):143–64. doi:10.1016/j.hfc.2011.08.011.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Parati G, Esler M. The human sympathetic nervous system: its relevance in hypertension and heart failure. Eur Heart J. 2012;33(9):1058–66.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Shin E, Ko KS, Rhee BD, Han J, Kim N. Different effects of prolonged β-adrenergic stimulation on heart and cerebral artery. Integrative Med Res. 2014;3(4):204–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Dhalla NS, Adameova A, Kaur M. Role of catecholamine oxidation in sudden cardiac death. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2010;24(5):539–46.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Lefkowitz RJ, Rockman HA, Koch WJ. Catecholamines, cardiac β-adrenergic receptors, and heart failure. Circulation. 2000;101(14):1634–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Gauthaman KK, Saleem MT, Thanislas PT, Prabhu VV, Krishnamoorthy KK, Devaraj NS, et al. Cardioprotective effect of the Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers in an oxidative stress model of myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury in rat. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006;6(1):32.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Krenek P, Kmecova J, Kucerova D, Bajuszova Z, Musil P, Gazova A, et al. Isoproterenol‐induced heart failure in the rat is associated with nitric oxide‐dependent functional alterations of cardiac function. Eur J Heart Fail. 2009;11(2):140–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. Wu J, Xia S, Kalionis B, Wan W, Sun T. The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular aging. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:13. doi:10.1155/2014/615312.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Hori M, Nishida K. Oxidative stress and left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Res. 2008;81(3):457-64.

  13. Horn MA, Trafford AW. Aging and the cardiac collagen matrix: novel mediators of fibrotic remodelling. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2016;93:175–85. doi:10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.11.005.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Takimoto E, Kass DA. Role of oxidative stress in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. Hypertension. 2007;49(2):241–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Davel AP, Brum PC, Rossoni LV. Isoproterenol induces vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction via a Giα-coupled β2-adrenoceptor signaling pathway. PLoS One. 2014;9(3):e91877.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Upaganlawar A, Gandhi H, Balaraman R. Isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction: protective role of natural products. J Pharmacol Toxicol. 2011;6:1–17.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Upaganlawar A, Balaraman R. Cardioprotective effects of lagenaria siceraria fruit juice on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in wistar rats: a biochemical and histoarchitecture study. J Young Pharm. 2011;3(4):297–303.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Rogers S, The ESC. Brussels office takes shape. Eur Heart J. 2013;34:2491–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Lee B-J, Huang Y-C, Chen S-J, Lin P-T. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery disease. Nutrition. 2012;28(3):250–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Bliznakov EG. Cardiovascular diseases, oxidative stress and antioxidants: the decisive role of coenzyme Q10. Cardiovasc Res. 1999;43(1):248–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Lee B-J, Tseng Y-F, Yen C-H, Lin P-T. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation (300 mg/day) on antioxidation and anti-inflammation in coronary artery disease patients during statins therapy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutr J. 2013;12(1):142.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Kumar A, Kaur H, Devi P, Mohan V. Role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in cardiac disease, hypertension and Meniere-like syndrome. Pharmacol Ther. 2009;124(3):259–68.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Turunen M, Olsson J, Dallner G. Metabolism and function of coenzyme Q. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Biomembr. 2004;1660(1):171–99.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Niehaus W, Samuelsson B. Formation of malonaldehyde from phospholipid arachidonate during microsomal lipid peroxidation. Eur J Biochem. 1968;6(1):126–30.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Tracey WR, Tse J, Carter G. Lipopolysaccharide-induced changes in plasma nitrite and nitrate concentrations in rats and mice: pharmacological evaluation of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1995;272(3):1011–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Witko-Sarsat V, Friedlander M, Capeillere-Blandin C, Nguyen-Khoa T, Nguyen AT, Zingraff J, et al. Advanced oxidation protein products as a novel marker of oxidative stress in uremia. Kidney Int. 1996;49(5):1304–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Tiwari BK, Kumar D, Abidi A, Rizvi SI. Efficacy of composite extract from leaves and fruits of medicinal plants used in traditional diabetic therapy against oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. ISRN Pharmacol. 2014;2014:608590.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  28. Chance B, Maehly A. Assay of catalase and peroxidases. Method s Enzymol, 2: 764-775. Anfidesma ghaesembilla Careya arborea Dillenia pentagyna Morinda finctoria. 1955.

  29. Khan RA. Protective effects of Sonchus asper (L.) Hill,(Asteraceae) against CCl4-induced oxidative stress in the thyroid tissue of rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12(1):181.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Jollow D, Mitchell J, Zampaglione N, Gillette J. Bromobenzene-induced liver necrosis. Protective role of glutathione and evidence for 3, 4-bromobenzene oxide as the hepatotoxic metabolite. Pharmacol. 1974;11(3):151–69.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Fleg JL, Aronow WS, Frishman WH. Cardiovascular drug therapy in the elderly: benefits and challenges. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2011;8(1):13–28.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Ochoa JJ, Quiles JL, Huertas JR, Mataix J. Coenzyme Q10 protects from aging-related oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function in heart of rats fed a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich diet. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005;60(8):970–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Bujak M, Kweon HJ, Chatila K, Li N, Taffet G, Frangogiannis NG. Aging-related defects are associated with adverse cardiac remodeling in a mouse model of reperfused myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;51(14):1384–92.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Littarru GP, Tiano L. Bioenergetic and antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10: recent developments. Mol Biotechnol. 2007;37(1):31–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Lee C-K, Pugh TD, Klopp RG, Edwards J, Allison DB, Weindruch R, et al. The impact of α-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q 10 and caloric restriction on life span and gene expression patterns in mice. Free Radic Biol Med. 2004;36(8):1043–57.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Dallner G, Sindelar PJ. Regulation of ubiquinone metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000;29(3):285–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Linnane AW, Zhang C, Yarovaya N, Kopsidas G, Kovalenko S, Papakostopoulos P, et al. Human aging and global function of coenzyme Q10. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002;959(1):396–411.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Díaz-Castro J, Guisado R, Kajarabille N, García C, Guisado IM, de Teresa C, et al. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation ameliorates inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise. Eur J Nutr. 2012;51(7):791–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Adaramoye OA, Lawal SO. Kolaviron, a biflavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola, protects against isoproterenol-induced injury by mitigating cardiac dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2015;26(1):65–72.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Ahmadvand H, Ghasemi-Dehnoo M. Antiatherogenic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic effects of coenzyme Q10 in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats. ARYA atherosclerosis. 2014;10(4):192.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Maynard S, Menown I, Adgey A. Troponin T or troponin I as cardiac markers in ischaemic heart disease. Heart. 2000;83(4):371–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  42. Priscilla DH, Prince PSM. Cardioprotective effect of gallic acid on cardiac troponin-T, cardiac marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation products and antioxidants in experimentally induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats. Chem Biol Interact. 2009;179(2):118–24.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Ghule AE, Kulkarni CP, Bodhankar SL, Pandit VA. Effect of pretreatment with coenzyme Q 10 on isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity and cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Curr Ther Res. 2009;70(6):460–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Liaudet L, Calderari B, Pacher P. Pathophysiological mechanisms of catecholamine and cocaine-mediated cardiotoxicity. Heart Fail Rev. 2014;19(6):815–24.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Rodrigo R, Libuy M, Feliú F, Hasson D. Oxidative stress-related biomarkers in essential hypertension and ischemia-reperfusion myocardial damage. Dis Markers. 2013;35(6):773–90.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Mladenka P, Zatloukalova L, Filipsky T, Vavrova J, Holeckova M, Palicka V, et al. Common biomarkers of oxidative stress do not reflect cardiovascular dys/function in rats. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2013;157(2):146–52.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Geng B, Chang L, Pan C, Qi Y, Zhao J, Pang Y, et al. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide regulation of myocardial injury induced by isoproterenol. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;318(3):756–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Elahi MM, Kong YX, Matata BM. Oxidative stress as a mediator of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):259–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Li D, Qu Y, Tao L, Liu H, Hu A, Gao F, et al. Inhibition of iNOS protects the aging heart against β-adrenergic receptor stimulation-induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardial ischemic injury. J Surg Res. 2006;131(1):64–72.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Huynh K, Kiriazis H, Du X-J, Love J, Jandeleit-Dahm K, Forbes J, et al. Coenzyme Q10 attenuates diastolic dysfunction, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia. 2012;55(5):1544–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Hamid A, Aiyelaagbe O, Usman L, Ameen O, Lawal A. Antioxidants: Its medicinal and pharmacological applications. Afr J Pure Appl Chem. 2010;4(8):142–51.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Karthikeyan K, Bai BS, Devaraj SN. Cardioprotective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins on isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats. Int J Cardiol. 2007;115(3):326–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Van Vleet JF, Ferrans VJ, Herman E. 35 - Cardiovascular and Skeletal Muscle Systems A2 - Wallig, Wanda M. HaschekColin G. RousseauxMatthew A. Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology (Second Edition). San Diego: Academic Press; 2002. p. 363-455.

  54. Boutet M, Huttner I, Rona G. Permeability alteration of sarcolemmal membrane in catecholamine-induced cardiac muscle cell injury. In vivo studies with fine structural diffusion tracer horse radish peroxidase. Lab Invest. 1976;34(5):482–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Todd GL, Cullan GE, Cullan GM. Isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis and membrane permeability alterations in the isolated perfused rabbit heart. Exp Mol Pathol. 1980;33(1):43–54.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Rona G. Catecholamine cardiotoxicity. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 1985;17(4):291–306.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Sun Y, Carretero OA, Xu J, Rhaleb N-E, Wang F, Lin C, et al. Lack of inducible NO synthase reduces oxidative stress and enhances cardiac response to isoproterenol in mice with deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt hypertension. Hypertension. 2005;46(6):1355–61. doi:10.1161/01.HYP.0000192651.06674.3f.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  58. Goldspink DF, Burniston JG, Ellison GM, Clark WA, Tan LB. Catecholamine-induced apoptosis and necrosis in cardiac and skeletal myocytes of the rat in vivo: the same or separate death pathways? Exp Physiol. 2004;89(4):407–16. doi:10.1113/expphysiol.2004.027482.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Debl K, Djavidani B, Buchner S, Poschenrieder F, Heinicke N, Feuerbach S, et al. Time course of eosinophilic myocarditis visualized by CMR. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson. 2008;10(1):1–2. doi:10.1186/1532-429x-10-21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Zhang J, Knapton A, Lipshultz SE, Weaver JL, Herman EH. Isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in sprague-dawley rats: correlation of reversible and irreversible myocardial injury with release of cardiac troponin T and roles of iNOS in myocardial injury. Toxicol Pathol. 2008;36(2):277–8. doi:10.1177/0192623307313010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Lobo Filho HG, Ferreira NL, Sousa RB, Carvalho ER, Lobo PLD, Lobo Filho JG. Experimental model of myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats. Braz J Cardiovasc Surg. 2011;26:469–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Liu Q, Zhang Q, Wang K, Wang S, Lu D, Li Z, et al. Renal denervation findings on cardiac and renal fibrosis in rats with isoproterenol induced cardiomyopathy. Sci Rep. 2015;5:18582. doi:10.1038/srep18582.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  63. Maheshwari R, Balaraman R, Sen AK, Shukla D, Seth A. Effect of concomitant administration of coenzyme Q10 with sitagliptin on experimentally induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. Renal Failure. 2016:1-10. doi:10.1080/0886022X.2016.1254659.

  64. El-Sheikh AAK, Morsy MA, Mahmoud MM, Rifaai RA, Abdelrahman AM. Effect of coenzyme-Q10 on doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2012;2012:8. doi:10.1155/2012/981461.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the logistical and laboratory supports provided by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Bangladesh.

Funding

The present study was not supported through any grant either from the Public, Government or Private organization.

Availability of data and materials

The whole set of data generated in this study can be found upon request through proper channel. All data is safe guarded in the electronic data storage in our laboratory.

Authors’ contribution

MAA and GSR generated the ideas and experimental design and supervised and directed the project, carried out the data analysis and interpretations and finally prepared the manuscript. AU, FAS, and MKM carried out the animals grouping and handled the biochemical experiments. AFMTR FAS, and BS carried out the histological staining and helped in preparing the manuscript also. MAA, AU, MH and HMR also contributed in histopathological works and in the interpretations of data and helped in streamlining the preparation of manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Competing interests

All the authors declared that there is no conflict of interest associated with this study and corresponding manuscript.

Consent for publication

Not Applicable

Ethics approval

The whole study protocol to carry out the experiments on animals was approved by Ethical Committee, North South University, Bangladesh.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh

    Anayt Ulla, Mustafe Khalid Mohamed, Biswajit Sikder, AFM Towheedur Rahman, Farzana Akther Sumi, Murad Hossain, Hasan Mahmud Reza, G. M. Sayedur Rahman & Md Ashraful Alam

Authors
  1. Anayt Ulla
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mustafe Khalid Mohamed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Biswajit Sikder
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. AFM Towheedur Rahman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Farzana Akther Sumi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Murad Hossain
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Hasan Mahmud Reza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. G. M. Sayedur Rahman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Md Ashraful Alam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Hasan Mahmud Reza or Md Ashraful Alam.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ulla, A., Mohamed, M.K., Sikder, B. et al. Coenzyme Q10 prevents oxidative stress and fibrosis in isoprenaline induced cardiac remodeling in aged rats. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 18, 29 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-017-0136-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-017-0136-7

Keywords

  • Co-enzyme Q10
  • Mitochondria
  • Fibrosis
  • Heart
  • Oxidative stress

BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology

ISSN: 2050-6511

Contact us