Abstract
The objective of the present investigation was to assess the protective impact of gentiopicroside (GPS) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) through the modulation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling. H9c2 cells were subjected to varying concentrations of GPS, and subsequently, the cells and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were segregated into control, model, GPS, t-BHQ (an Nrf2 activator), and GPS + ML385 (an Nrf2 inhibitor) groups. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis were assessed, while Nrf2 and the expression of the NLRP3 inflammatory body signal pathway were evaluated using western blot and immunofluorescence techniques. The infarct area and pathological changes were also examined. Treatment with varying doses of GPS resulted in increased viability of H9c2 cells. Notably, the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of cell apoptosis, MDA, and ROS compared to the control group, while SOD and Nrf2 levels were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 were found to be augmented. Following the implementation of GPS in cells and animals, there was a notable reduction in MDA and ROS levels, a decrease in the rate of cellular apoptosis, and a mitigation of inflammation scores. In addition, there was an increase in the expression of SOD and Nrf2. However, the protective effects of GPS were negated when co-administered with ML385. GPS exhibits therapeutic properties in AMI rats by activating Nrf2 expression, thereby reducing the NLRP3 inflammatory body and alleviating the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of myocardial cells. GPS may hold promise as a potential drug for the treatment of AMI.