Pseudolaric Acid B Attenuates High Salt Intake-Induced Hypertensive Left Ventricular Remodeling by Modulating Monocyte/Macrophage Phenotypes

BACKGROUND: Studies in ApoE knockout mice have shown that pseudolaric acid B (PB) can act as an immunomodulatory drug and attenuate atherosclerosis progression by modulating monocyte/macrophage phenotypes. Our previous study demonstrated that high salt intake could shift the phenotype of monocytes/macrophages to an inflammatory phenotype, and that this shift was related to hypertension and hypertensive left ventricular (LV) remodeling. However, no comprehensive assessment of the effects of PB on hypertensive LV remodeling has been conducted. MATERIAL/METHODS: In this study, RAW264.7 macrophages cultured with different concentrations of NaCl were used to investigate the modulating effects of PB on macrophage phenotype. Furthermore, N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hypertensive mice were used to investigate the modulating effects of PB on monocyte phenotype. LV remodeling was investigated by echocardiography. LV morphologic staining (for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen deposition) was performed at the time of sacrifice. RESULTS: The results showed that PB significantly improved the viability of RAW264.7 cells, suppressed their phagocytic and migration abilities, and inhibited their phenotypic shift to M1 macrophages. In addition, the blood pressure of PB-treated mice was significantly decreased relative to that of control mice. Furthermore, after PB treatment, the percentage of Ly6C(hi) monocytes was significantly decreased while that of Ly6C(lo) monocytes was apparently increased. Moreover, PB preserved LV function and alleviated myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy as measured at the end of the experimental period. The transfer of monocytes from PB-treated mice to hypertensive mice achieved the same effects. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings indicate that PB exerts its protective effects on hypertensive LV remodeling by modulating monocyte/macrophage phenotypes and warrants further investigation.