Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 20737

Special Issue Editors

Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Interests: developing novel organelle-targeting strategies for precise delivery of bioimaging and therapeutic agents
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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacotherapy, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
Interests: Professor Gibson’s research focus includes understanding the pathophysiology of selected disorders and developing novel pre-clinical treatment approaches with translational relevance.

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA
Interests: diabetes; insulin; pancreatic beta cell; artificial pancreas system; glucose-insulin homeostasis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular oxidative damage occurs when endogenous antioxidant levels are too insufficient to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated free radicals. ROS is associated with the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders, including cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, ventricular remodeling, and myocardial infarction. Due to its high energetic demand, the heart has the highest rate of production of ROS, yet in comparison to other mammalian organs, the heart has a significantly lower level of antioxidants and total antioxidant enzyme activities. It is widely agreed that ROS and oxidative damage are pathological components of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Historically, free radicals were merely considered toxins that induce oxidative stress and concomitant cellular damage, and for decades, considerable research has focused on approaches to eliminate excess free radicals generated in the body. Yet, experimental and clinical studies focused on the use of antioxidant therapy to mitigate myocardial damage have yielded mixed results. Moreover, decreasing the systemic level of ROS by using antioxidant therapy may in fact be detrimental in certain instances. Homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the balance between ROS generation and antioxidant production and consumption in CVD require fine tuning for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Our objectives in this Special Issue of Antioxidants are twofold: 1) to re-evaluate the utility and value of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of CVD; 2) to highlight the expanding efficacy of naturally occurring antioxidants and synthetic antioxidants toward improvement of the functional and structural changes of CVD. 

As Guest Editors, we invite you to contribute to the Special Issue on “Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases”. Original research reports and reviews will be published online in Antioxidants.

Dr. Lanrong Bi
Prof. Dr. K. Michael Gibson
Prof. Dr. Guim Kwon
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Oxidative stress
  • Free radicals
  • Antioxidant
  • Cardiovascular diseases

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 188 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial Commentary on the Special Issue “Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases”—Cutting-Edge Insights into Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapy in Cardiovascular Health
by Guim Kwon, K. Michael Gibson and Lanrong Bi
Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091034 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Recent advances in cardiovascular research have increasingly emphasized oxidative stress as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)

Research

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24 pages, 10297 KiB  
Article
Induction of Neuroinflammation and Brain Oxidative Stress by Brain-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Hypertensive Rats
by Xinqian Chen, Xin Yan, Leah Gingerich, Qing-Hui Chen, Lanrong Bi and Zhiying Shan
Antioxidants 2024, 13(3), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13030328 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2076
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and brain oxidative stress are recognized as significant contributors to hypertension including salt sensitive hypertension. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in intercellular communication in various situations, including physiological and pathological ones. Based on this evidence, we hypothesized that EVs derived [...] Read more.
Neuroinflammation and brain oxidative stress are recognized as significant contributors to hypertension including salt sensitive hypertension. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in intercellular communication in various situations, including physiological and pathological ones. Based on this evidence, we hypothesized that EVs derived from the brains of hypertensive rats with salt sensitivity could trigger neuroinflammation and oxidative stress during hypertension development. To test this hypothesis, we compared the impact of EVs isolated from the brains of hypertensive Dahl Salt-Sensitive rats (DSS) and normotensive Sprague Dawley (SD) rats on inflammatory factors and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production in primary neuronal cultures and brain cardiovascular relevant regions, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and lamina terminalis (LT). We found that brain-derived DSS-EVs significantly increased the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs) and chemokines, including TNFα, IL1β, CCL2, CCL5, and CCL12, as well as the transcriptional factor NF-κB in neuronal cultures. DSS-EVs also induced oxidative stress in neuronal cultures, as evidenced by elevated NADPH oxidase subunit CYBA coding gene mRNA levels and persistent mtROS elevation. When DSS-EVs were injected into the brains of normal SD rats, the mRNA levels of PICs, chemokines, and the chronic neuronal activity marker FOSL1 were significantly increased in the PVN and LT. Furthermore, DSS-EVs caused mtROS elevation in brain PVN and LT, particularly in neurons. Our study reveals a novel role for brain-derived EVs from hypertensive rats in triggering neuroinflammation, upregulating chemokine expression, and inducing excessive ROS production. These findings provide insight into the complex interactions between EVs and hypertension-associated processes, offering potential therapeutic targets for hypertension-linked neurological complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)
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16 pages, 1468 KiB  
Article
A Sex-Specific Comparative Analysis of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Predicting the Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality in the General Population: A Prospective Cohort Study
by Martin F. Bourgonje, Amaal E. Abdulle, Lyanne M. Kieneker, Sacha la Bastide-van Gemert, Stephan J. L. Bakker, Ron T. Gansevoort, Sanne J. Gordijn, Harry van Goor and Arno R. Bourgonje
Antioxidants 2023, 12(3), 690; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030690 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3410
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular (CV) disease, but current biomarkers used to predict CV events are still insufficient. In this study, we comparatively assessed the utility of redox-related biomarkers in predicting the risk of CV events and all-cause mortality in [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular (CV) disease, but current biomarkers used to predict CV events are still insufficient. In this study, we comparatively assessed the utility of redox-related biomarkers in predicting the risk of CV events and all-cause mortality in male and female subjects from the general population. Subjects (n = 5955) of the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) population-based cohort study were included. Blood homocysteine, gamma-GT, HDL cholesterol, bilirubin and protein-adjusted free thiol (R-SH, sulfhydryl groups) levels were quantified at baseline and were prospectively analyzed in association with the risk of CV events and all-cause mortality. After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, protein-adjusted R-SH and homocysteine levels were significantly associated with the risk of CV events in men (HR 0.63 [0.40–0.99], p = 0.045 and HR 1.58 [1.20–2.08], p = 0.001, respectively). Protein-adjusted R-SH and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in men (HR 0.52 [0.32–0.85], p = 0.009 and HR 0.90 [0.85–0.94], p < 0.001, respectively), while the same was observed for bilirubin and homocysteine levels in women (HR 0.68 [0.48–0.98], p = 0.040 and HR 2.30 [1.14–3.76], p < 0.001, respectively). Lower levels of protein-adjusted R-SH were robustly associated with an increased risk of CV events and all-cause mortality in men. Our results highlight the value of R-SH levels in cardiovascular risk assessment and their potential significance as being amenable to therapeutic intervention, while reaffirming the importance of other oxidative stress-related biomarkers, such as homocysteine, HDL cholesterol and bilirubin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)
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16 pages, 8566 KiB  
Article
Dihydromyricetin Attenuates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Necroptosis via Sirtuin 3 Activation
by Yun Chen, Yangyang Zheng, Ruixiang Chen, Jieru Shen, Shuping Zhang, Yunhui Gu, Jiahai Shi and Guoliang Meng
Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010200 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2789
Abstract
Dihydromyricetin (DHY), the main flavonoid component in Ampelopsis grossedentata, has important benefits for health. The present study aimed to investigate the exact effects and possible mechanisms of DHY on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Male C57BL/6 mice and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) knockout (SIRT3-KO) mice [...] Read more.
Dihydromyricetin (DHY), the main flavonoid component in Ampelopsis grossedentata, has important benefits for health. The present study aimed to investigate the exact effects and possible mechanisms of DHY on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Male C57BL/6 mice and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) knockout (SIRT3-KO) mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce a diabetic model. Two weeks later, DHY (250 mg/kg) or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were administrated once daily by gavage for twelve weeks. We found that DHY alleviated fasting blood glucose (FBG) and triglyceride (TG) as well as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels; increased fasting insulin (FINS); improved cardiac dysfunction; ameliorated myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and injury; suppressed oxidative stress, inflammasome and necroptosis; but improved SIRT3 expression in STZ-induced mice. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were pre-treated with DHY (80 μM) with or without high glucose (HG) stimulation. The results showed that DHY attenuated cell damage but improved SIRT3 expression and inhibited oxidative stress, inflammasome and necroptosis in cardiomyocytes with high glucose stimulation. Moreover, the above protective effects of DHY on DCM were unavailable in SIRT3-KO mice, implying a promising medical potential of DHY for DCM treatment. In sum, DHY improved cardiac dysfunction; ameliorated myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and injury; and suppressed oxidative stress, inflammation and necroptosis via SIRT3 activation in STZ-induced diabetic mice, suggesting DHY may serve as a candidate for an agent to attenuate diabetic cardiomyopathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)
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16 pages, 4093 KiB  
Article
Lotus Bee Pollen Extract Inhibits Isoproterenol-Induced Hypertrophy via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Rat H9c2 Cells
by Shuo Han, Lifu Chen, Yi Zhang, Shihui Xie, Jiali Yang, Songkun Su, Hong Yao and Peiying Shi
Antioxidants 2023, 12(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12010088 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2149
Abstract
Bee pollen possesses an anti-cardiomyocyte injury effect by reducing oxidative stress levels and inhibiting inflammatory response and apoptosis, but the possible effect mechanism has rarely been reported. This paper explores the effect of the extract of lotus bee pollen (LBPE) on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [...] Read more.
Bee pollen possesses an anti-cardiomyocyte injury effect by reducing oxidative stress levels and inhibiting inflammatory response and apoptosis, but the possible effect mechanism has rarely been reported. This paper explores the effect of the extract of lotus bee pollen (LBPE) on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (CH) and its mechanism. The main components of LBPE were identified via UPLC-QTOF MS. An isoproterenol-induced rat H9c2 CH model was subsequently used to evaluate the protection of LBPE on cells. LBPE (100, 250 and 500 μg∙mL−1) reduced the surface area, total protein content and MDA content, and increased SOD activity and GSH content in CH model in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, quantitative real-time PCR trials confirmed that LBPE reduced the gene expression levels of CH markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptosis factors, and increased the Bcl-2 mRNA expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, target fishing, bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking suggested JAK2 could be a pivotal target protein for the main active ingredients in the LBPE against CH. Ultimately, Western blot (WB) trials confirmed that LBPE can dose-dependently inhibit the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. The results show that LBPE can protect against ISO-induced CH, possibly via targeting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, also suggesting that LBPE may be a promising candidate against CH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)
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13 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
The Interplay of Sirtuin-1, LDL-Cholesterol, and HDL Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Energy Restriction and Atorvastatin on Women with Premature Coronary Artery Disease
by Dalila Pinheiro Leal, Gustavo Henrique Ferreira Gonçalinho, Thauany Martins Tavoni, Karen Lika Kuwabara, Ana Paula Paccanaro, Fatima Rodrigues Freitas, Célia Maria Cassaro Strunz, Luiz Antonio Machado César, Raul Cavalcante Maranhão and Antonio de Padua Mansur
Antioxidants 2022, 11(12), 2363; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11122363 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2007
Abstract
Introduction: HDL function has gained prominence in the literature as there is a greater predictive capacity for risk in early coronary artery disease when compared to the traditional parameters. However, it is unclear how dietary energy restriction and atorvastatin influence HDL function. Methods: [...] Read more.
Introduction: HDL function has gained prominence in the literature as there is a greater predictive capacity for risk in early coronary artery disease when compared to the traditional parameters. However, it is unclear how dietary energy restriction and atorvastatin influence HDL function. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with 39 women with early CAD divided into three groups (n = 13): energy restriction (30% of VET), atorvastatin (80 mg), and control. Analyses of traditional biochemical markers (lipid and glucose profile), circulating Sirt-1, and HDL function (lipid composition, lipid transfer, and antioxidant capacity). Results: Participants’ mean age was 50.5 ± 3.8 years. Energy restriction increased Sirt-1 by 63.6 pg/mL (95%CI: 1.5–125.7; p = 0.045) and reduced BMI by 0.8 kg/m2 (95%CI: −1.349–−0.273; p = 0.004) in a manner independent of other cardiometabolic factors. Atorvastatin reduced LDL-c by 40.0 mg/dL (95%CI: −69.910–−10.1; p = 0.010). Increased Sirt-1 and reduced BMI were independently associated with reduced phospholipid composition of HDL (respectively, β = −0.071; CI95%:−0.136–−0.006; p = 0.033; β = 7.486; CI95%:0.350–14.622; p = 0.040). Reduction in BMI was associated with lower HDL-free cholesterol (β = 0.818; CI95%:0.044–1.593; p = 0.039). LDL-c reduction by statins was associated with reduced maximal lipid peroxide production rate of HDL (β = 0.002; CI95%:0.000–0.003; p = 0.022) and total conjugated diene generation (β = 0.001; CI95%:0.000–0.001; p = 0.029). Conclusion: This study showed that energy restriction and atorvastatin administration were associated with changes in lipid profile, serum Sirt-1 concentrations, and HDL function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)

Review

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20 pages, 1265 KiB  
Review
Selenium as a Modulator of Redox Reactions in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
by Klaudia Leszto, Laura Biskup, Klaudia Korona, Weronika Marcinkowska, Maria Możdżan, Andrzej Węgiel, Ewelina Młynarska, Jacek Rysz and Beata Franczyk
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060688 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1355
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases stand as the predominant global cause of mortality, exerting a profound impact on both life expectancy and its quality. Given their immense public health burden, extensive efforts have been dedicated to comprehending the underlying mechanisms and developing strategies for prevention and [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases stand as the predominant global cause of mortality, exerting a profound impact on both life expectancy and its quality. Given their immense public health burden, extensive efforts have been dedicated to comprehending the underlying mechanisms and developing strategies for prevention and treatment. Selenium, a crucial participant in redox reactions, emerges as a notable factor in maintaining myocardial cell homeostasis and influencing the progression of cardiovascular disorders. Some disorders, such as Keshan disease, are directly linked with its environmental deficiency. Nevertheless, the precise extent of its impact on the cardiovascular system remains unclear, marked by contradictory findings in the existing literature. High selenium levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension, while lower concentrations have been linked to heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Although some trials have shown its potential effectiveness in specific groups of patients, large cohort supplementation attempts have generally yielded unsatisfactory outcomes. Consequently, there persists a significant need for further research aimed at delineating specific patient cohorts and groups of diseases that would benefit from selenium supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)
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20 pages, 12041 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress Related to Plasmalemmal and Mitochondrial Phosphate Transporters in Vascular Calcification
by Nhung Thi Nguyen, Tuyet Thi Nguyen and Kyu-Sang Park
Antioxidants 2022, 11(3), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11030494 - 2 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4064
Abstract
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is essential for maintaining cellular function but excess of Pi leads to serious complications, including vascular calcification. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenic progression of calcific changes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Pi-induced reactive oxygen species [...] Read more.
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is essential for maintaining cellular function but excess of Pi leads to serious complications, including vascular calcification. Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenic progression of calcific changes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Pi-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and its detrimental consequences remain unclear. Type III Na+-dependent Pi cotransporter, PiT-1/-2, play a significant role in Pi uptake of vascular smooth muscle cells. Pi influx via PiT-1/-2 increases the abundance of PiT-1/-2 and depolarization-activated Ca2+ entry due to its electrogenic properties, which may lead to Ca2+ and Pi overload and oxidative stress. At least four mitochondrial Pi transporters are suggested, among which the phosphate carrier (PiC) is known to be mainly involved in mitochondrial Pi uptake. Pi transport via PiC may induce hyperpolarization and superoxide generation, which may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, together with generation of cytosolic ROS. Increase in net influx of Ca2+ and Pi and their accumulation in the cytosol and mitochondrial matrix synergistically increases oxidative stress and osteogenic differentiation, which could be prevented by suppressing either Ca2+ or Pi overload. Therapeutic strategies targeting plasmalemmal and mitochondrial Pi transports can protect against Pi-induced oxidative stress and vascular calcification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases)
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