Bioactive flavone fisetin attenuates hypertension associated cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cells and in spontaneously hypertension rats

Fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid in fruits, nuts and vegetables possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study shows that fisetin exerts preventive and therapeutic effects on hypertension associated cardiac abnormalities in H9c2 cells and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs). For In vitro analysis, H9c2 cells were challenged with AngII and Fisetin (50 mu M/mL) was administered either before 2 h or after 12 h of AngII challenge. For In vivo studies, SHRs received oral fisetin (10 mg/kg, twice a week for 6 weeks) and their cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiography. Histological studies and Western blotting were performed to assess the severity and the mechanism of the underlying cardiac abnormality. Fisetin effectively suppressed calcineurin-NFATC3 involved cellular hypertrophic effects as observed in H9c2 cells and in SHR hearts. Fisetin also enhanced cardiac function and restored cardiac morphology and therefore, fisetin is a potential agent against hypertension associated hypertrophy and cardiac deterioration.