Nitrite Therapy Ameliorates Myocardial Dysfunction via H2S and Nuclear Factor‐Erythroid 2‐Related Factor 2 (Nrf2)‐Dependent Signaling in Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract

BackgroundBioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is reduced in heart failure (HF). Recent studies suggest cross‐talk between NO and H2S signaling. We previously reported that sodium nitrite (NaNO2) ameliorates myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury and HF. Nuclear factor‐erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates the antioxidant proteins expression and is upregulated by H2S. We examined the NaNO2 effects on endogenous H2S bioavailability and Nrf2 activation in mice subjected to ischemia‐induced chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods and ResultsMice underwent 60 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion and 4 weeks of reperfusion. NaNO2 (165 μg/kgic) or vehicle was administered at reperfusion and then in drinking water (100 mg/L) for 4 weeks. Left ventricular (LV), ejection fraction (EF), LV end diastolic (LVEDD) and systolic dimensions (LVESD) were determined at baseline and at 4 weeks of reperfusion. Myocardial tissue was analyzed for oxidative stress and respective gene/protein‐related assays. We found that NaNO2 therapy preserved LVEF, LVEDD and LVSD at 4 weeks during ischemia‐induced HF. Myocardial malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl content were significantly reduced in NaNO2‐treated mice as compared to vehicle, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress. NaNO2 therapy markedly increased expression of Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase during 4 weeks of reperfusion. Furthermore, NaNO2 upregulated the activity of Nrf2, as well as H2S‐producing enzymes, and ultimately increased H2S bioavailability in ischemia‐induced CHF in mice as compared with vehicle. ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that NaNO2 therapy significantly improves LV function via increasing H2S bioavailability, Nrf2 activation, and antioxidant defenses.

Keywords

• antioxidant
• H2S
• heart failure
• nitric oxide
• Nrf2
• reactive oxygen species