Inhibitory effect of quercetin on cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes hypertrophy induced by angiotensin

Abstract

Aim: To study the inhibitory effect of quercetin on cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II (AngII) and its mechanism.

Methods: DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis were measured by incorporation of [3H]thymidine, [14C]uridine, and [3H]tyrosine, respectively. Protein content were measured by Lowry's method. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity was assayed by incubating PKC with histone IIIS and [gamma-(32)P]ATP. Tyrosine protein kinase (TPK) activity was assayed by incubating TPK with poly glutamate/tyrosine (4:1) and [gamma-(32P]ATP.

Results: After treated with AngIIat 10 nmol/L for 24 h, total protein content was greatly increased as compared with untreated group (P < 0.01). Incorporation of [14C]uridine and [3H]tyrosine was also greatly increased (P < 0.01) respectively, while incorporation of [3H]thymidine remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Ang II strongly increased cardiomyocytes PKC and TPK activities at 30 min. Que (1-100 micromol/L) could inhibit the increase of total protein content, incorporation of [14C]uridine and [3H]tyrosine, and PKC and TPK activities induced by Ang II in concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusion: The inhibitory effect of Que on the cardiomyocytes hypertrophy was related to its inhibitory effect on PKC and TPK.