High-fat stimulation induces atrial neural remodeling by reducing NO production via the CRIF1/eNOS/P21 axi

BACKGROUND: Autonomic remodeling of the atria plays a pivotal role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and exerts a substantial influence on the progression of this condition. Hyperlipidemia is a predisposing factor for AF, but its effect on atrial nerve remodeling is unclear. The primary goal of this study was to explore the possible mechanisms through which the consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) induces remodeling of atrial nerves, and to identify novel targets for clinical intervention. METHODS: Cell models were created in vitro by subjecting cells to palmitic acid (PA), while rat models were established by feeding them a high-fat diet. To investigate the interplay between cardiomyocytes and nerve cells in a co-culture system, we utilized Transwell cell culture plates featuring a pore size of 0.4 μm. The CCK-8 assay was employed to determine cell viability, fluorescent probe DCFH-DA and flow cytometry were utilized for measuring ROS levels, JC-1 was used to assess the mitochondrial membrane potential, the Griess method was employed to measure the nitric oxide (NO) level in the supernatant, a fluorescence-based method was used to measure ATP levels, and MitoTracker was utilized for assessing mitochondrial morphology. The expression of pertinent proteins was evaluated using western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry techniques. SNAP was used to treat nerve cells in order to replicate a high-NO atmosphere, and the level of nitroso was assessed using the iodoTMT reagent labeling method. RESULTS: The study found that cardiomyocytes’ mitochondrial morphology and function were impaired under high-fat stimulation, affecting nitric oxide (NO) production through the CRIF1/SIRT1/eNOS axis. In a coculture model, overexpression of eNOS in cardiomyocytes increased NO expression. Moreover, the increased Keap1 nitrosylation within neuronal cells facilitated the entry of Nrf2 into the nucleus, resulting in an augmentation of P21 transcription and a suppression of proliferation. Atrial neural remodeling occurred in the HFD rat model and was ameliorated by increasing myocardial tissue eNOS protein expression with trimetazidine (TMZ). CONCLUSIONS: Neural remodeling is triggered by high-fat stimulation, which decreases the production of NO through the CRIF1/eNOS/P21 axis. Additionally, TMZ prevents neural remodeling and reduces the occurrence of AF by enhancing eNOS expression. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-023-01952-7.