Astragaloside IV alleviates heart failure by regulating SUMO-specific protease 1.

The present study investigated whether the protective effect and mechanism of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on heart failure (HF) involves small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific protease 1 (Senp1). Mouse HF was established by aortic constriction, inducing pressure overload. The model was confirmed by echocardiography 6 weeks after surgery. Mice were randomly divided into control, HF, HF+AS-IV, and AS-IV groups. Ventricular function was examined by echocardiography. Morphological changes of myocardial tissues were examined by HEd) and end-systolic diameter (LVID;s) increased (P<0.05). Finally, mitochondrial ROS and H2O2 increased (P<0.05), while the ΔΨm decreased (P<0.05). However, AS-IV improved the cardiac function of HF mice, decreased the level of ROS and H2O2 in the myocardium, suppressed the decrease in ΔΨm, and decreased the apoptosis of myocardial cells (P<0.05). AS-IV also decreased the Senp1-overexpression. Furthermore, in HL-1 cells, Senp1-overexpression significantly inhibited the protective effects of AS-IV. AS-IV decreased oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes, decreased mitochondrial damage, inhibited ventricular remodeling, and ultimately improved cardiac function by inhibiting HF-induced Senp1-overexpression. This mechanism provides a novel theoretical basis and clinical treatment for HF.