Atractylenolide III Protects Cardiomyocytes from Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertrophy and Apoptosis

Heart failure is a type of heart disease that causes increased pressure in the heart or a decrease in cardiac output. Unfortunately, despite seriousness of the condition there is a lack of effective early diagnostic markers or effective pharmacotherapy. Atractylodes is known as a tonic herb in ethno-medical systems in East Asia, especially in China, for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, and fetal irritability. Atractylodes Lactone III is the main active component of Atractylodes rhizome. Atractylodes Lactone III increases the survival and inhibits apoptosis of H9C2 cells induced by angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is closely involved in apoptosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis of cardiomyocytes, and may be an important cause of the deterioration of cardiovascular disease. Although, Atractylodes Lactone III reduces angiotensin II-induced H9C2 cell hypertrophy by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, the detailed mechanism remains poorly understood. Additionally, inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway inhibits the myocardial protective effect of Atractylodes Lactone III. We therefore hypothesized that Atractylodes Lactone III could serve as a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of heart failure.