Liquiritigenin attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Huiyu Jia, Ting Wang, Min Si, Zheng Ma, Shengyong Luo

Article ID: 3397
Vol 39, Issue 2, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54517/jbrha3397
Received: 6 March 2025; Accepted: 20 March 2025; Available online: 31 March 2025; Issue release: 30 June 2025


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Abstract

Background: The Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway is a critical antioxidative stress and cytoprotective pathway, and oxidative stress plays a significant role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Liquiritigenin, a flavonoid compound derived from licorice, is hypothesized to alleviate MIRI, though its specific mechanism remains unclear. Methods: Following a 15-min pretreatment with liquiritigenin, animals underwent myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury induction comprising 30-min coronary occlusion and 2-h reperfusion. Continuous cardiac monitoring incorporated both electrocardiography (ECG) and ventricular pressure dynamics, specifically tracking systolic pressure (LVSP), end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and ventricular contractility indices (±dp/dtmax). Post-experimental biospecimen analysis included: Myocardial injury evaluation: Serum quantification of lactate dehydrogenase and CK-MB isoenzyme levels. Redox status assessment: Measurement of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH) and lipid peroxidation biomarker MDA concentration Histopathological damage: Evaluated via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Apoptosis: Detected by TUNEL assay. Protein expression: Western blot analysis of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway components (Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1). Conclusion: Liquiritigenin exerts cardioprotective effects against MIRI by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby attenuating post-reperfusion oxidative stress. This study elucidates the central role of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway interactions in MIRI and identifies liquiritigenin as a potential therapeutic candidate for targeting this pathway.


Keywords

myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury; Nrf2/HO-1; oxidative stress


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