Erianin alleviates autoimmune myocarditis by suppressing the M1 polarization of macrophages via the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND

Myocarditis tends to lead to a poor prognosis, but there are no satisfactory preventive or therapeutic strategies. Erianin, a natural benzene compound, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of erianin on myocarditis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of erianin on myocarditis and the involved mechanisms.

METHODS

We developed a mouse model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) and assessed the effects of erianin using echocardiography and pathological staining. In vitro experiments, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and western blotting were performed to determine whether erianin inhibits macrophage activation.

RESULTS

Erianin ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction and reduced the percentage of M1-type macrophages and the secretion of inflammatory factors. Mechanistically, erianin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

Erianin could be a natural therapeutic drug for EAM by inhibiting NLRP3 activation and M1 macrophage-mediated inflammation through the IκBα/NF-κB pathway.