Tanshinone IIA inhibits exosome-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through NLRP3/caspase 1 pathway

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, on exosome-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Methods: Pyroptosis was induced in human AC cells using exosomes. Then, the effect of Danshen (dried roots of S. miltiorrhiza) on exosome-induced pyroptosis was determined using flow cytometry. The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while protein levels of cytokines were assayed by Western blotting. Results: Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), the bioactive molecule in Danshen, inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis by significantly reducing the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (p < 0.001). Thus, Tan IIA reduced pyroptosis induced by cardiomyocyte-derived exosome via inhibition of the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in human AC cells. Conclusion: This study has identified a potential mechanism through which Danshen functions to prevent cardiac diseases. It involves, at least in part, the inhibition of pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. Thus, tanshinone IIA may be a pharmacologically beneficial cardioprotective compound, especially when used against heart failure.