Breviscapine attenuates lead-induced myocardial injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of breviscapine (Bre) in mitigating lead (Pb)-induced myocardial injury through activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2 cells) were exposed to Pb to model Pb poisoning, and various parameters, including cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and 2',7'-dichlorfluoresceindiacetate assays, respectively. Additionally, a rat model of Pb poisoning was established in which blood Pb levels were measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and alterations in myocardial tissue, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory indicators, protein expression related to apoptosis and the Nrf2 pathway were evaluated via histopathology, ELISA and western blotting. The results showed that Bre treatment enhanced cell viability, decreased apoptosis, and reduced ROS production in Pb-exposed H9C2 cells. Moreover, Bre modulated oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors while enhancing the expression of proteins in the Nrf2 pathway. In a rat model, Bre mitigated the lead-induced increase in blood Pb levels and myocardial injury biomarkers, and reversed the downregulation of Nrf2 pathway proteins. In conclusion, the current findings suggested that Bre mitigates Pb-induced myocardial injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for protecting the heart from the harmful effects of Pb exposure. Further research is required to elucidate the exact mechanisms and explore the clinical applicability of Bre in mitigating Pb-induced myocardial damage.