Effects of Adiponectin (APN) on Apoptosis and PGC-1α / TFAM Signaling Pathway in Myocardial Infarction Reperfusion: An Animal Model Based Study

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of adiponectin (APN) on myocardial apoptosis and proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha/mitochondrial transcription factor A
(PGC-1 α/TFAM) signaling pathway in rats with myocardial infarction and reperfusion. Rats used in this
study were divided into three groups: sham group, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) group, and
APN group. The model of myocardial infarction and reperfusion was established after grouping. The
hemodynamics of the rats were measured first, then the pathological changes, infarct area and apoptosis
of myocardial cells were observed. Finally, the expression of PGC-1α and TFAM protein were observed
by Western blot; 5% p values considered statistically significant. The blood flow of MI/R group was significantly better than sham group, but low than APN group. Comparing to sham group, In MI/R group, the
arrangement of myocardial bundles was disordered and irregular, a large number of muscle fibers were
broken, interstitial edema was obvious, the area of myocardial infarction was also significantly increased,
and the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells was also significantly increased. After APN intervention these
parameters got improved. The myocardial cell apoptosis rate (0.83 ± 0.01%) in the sham group was significantly lower than MI/R group (19.27 ± 2.68%) and the APN group (11.09 ± 1.32%). Compared with M/R
group, the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells in the APN group was reduced. The protein expression of
PGC-1 α and TFAM in MI/R group was significantly reduced compared to sham group however after
APN intervention it was significantly increased. APN can regulate the expression of PGC-1α and TFAM
protein, thus improved myocardial infarction reperfusion injury and inhibit myocardial cell apoptosis