Resveratrol Reduces Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Induced by I-R Injury Through Upregulating DJ-1

Abstract

The NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) involves in anti-oxidative stress. DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein widely distributed in various tissues that plays a role in enhancing Nrf2 stability and promoting Nrf2 protein expression. Resveratrol (Res) is an important polyphenolic substance with various pharmacological effects, such as anti-oxidation and protection of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular. Our study intends to assess Resveratrol?s role in regulating DJ-1/Nrf2 pathway activity and alleviating rat cardiomyocyte I-R injury. Rat cardiomyocyte I-R injury model was established to detect DJ-1 and Nrf2 expressions, caspase-3 activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The I-R rats were assigned into I-R group, I-R+Res 20 (20 mg/Kg) group, and I-R+Res 40 (20 mg/Kg) group. Rat H9C2 cells were assigned into control group, I-R group, and I-R+Res group followed by analysis of cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by flow cytometry. The MDA content and caspase-3 activity were significantly elevated, while the SOD activity was obviously reduced in the cardiomyocyte of the I-R model rats. DJ-1 and Nrf2 expressions were apparently upregulated in I-R model. MDA content and caspase-3 activity were significantly decreased, whereas SOD activity, DJ-1, and Nrf2 expression levels were obviously elevated in Res treatment group with dose dependence. I-R treatment induced H9C2 cell apoptosis and intracellular ROS production, and upregulated DJ-1 and Nrf2 expressions. Res treatment further enhanced DJ-1 and Nrf2 levels, attenuated ROS production, and reduced apoptotic rate in H9C2 cells under I-R treatment. Res attenuates brain cell apoptosis and neuronal damage after I-R by increasing DJ-1 level, enhancing DJ-1/Nrf2 pathway, and elevating the anti-oxidation level.