Cardiomyocyte
hypertrophy, induced by elevated levels of
angiotensin II (AngII), plays a crucial role in
cardiovascular diseases. Current therapeutic approaches aim to regress
cardiac hypertrophy but have limited efficacy. Widely used Japanese
Kampo medicines are highly safe and potential therapeutic agents. This study aims to explore the impact and mechanisms by which
Moku-boi-to (MBT), a Japanese
Kampo medicine, exerts its potential cardioprotective benefits against AngII-induced cardiomyocyte
hypertrophy, bridging the knowledge gap and contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. By evaluating the effects of six Japanese
Kampo medicines with known cardiovascular efficiency on AngII-induced cardiomyocyte
hypertrophy and cell death, we identified MBT as a promising candidate. MBT exhibited preventive effects against AngII-induced cardiomyocyte
hypertrophy, cell death and demonstrated improvements in intracellular Ca2+ signaling regulation, ROS production, and mitochondrial function. Unexpectedly, experiments combining MBT with the AT1 receptor antagonist
losartan suggested that MBT may target the AT1 receptor. In an
isoproterenol-induced
heart failure mouse model, MBT treatment demonstrated significant effects on cardiac function and
hypertrophy. These findings highlight the cardioprotective potential of MBT through AT1 receptor-mediated mechanisms, offering valuable insights into its efficacy in alleviating AngII-induced dysfunction in cardiomyocytes. The study suggests that MBT holds promise as a safe and effective prophylactic agent for
cardiac hypertrophy, providing a deeper understanding of its mechanisms for cardioprotection against AngII-induced dysfunction.