Sanggenon C protects against pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy via the calcineurin/NFAT2 pathway

The effects of Sanggenon C on oxidative stress and inflammation have previously been reported; however, little is currently known regarding the effects of Sanggenon C on cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. In the present study, aortic banding (AB) was performed on mice to induce cardiac hypertrophy. After 1 week AB surgery, mice were treated daily with 10 or 20 mg/kg Sanggenon C for 3 weeks. Subsequently, cardiac function was detected using echocardiography and catheter‑based measurements of hemodynamic parameters. In addition, the extent of cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by pathological staining and molecular analysis of heart tissue in each group. After 4 weeks of AB, vehicle‑treated mice exhibited cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and deteriorated systolic and diastolic function, whereas treatment with 10 and 20 mg/kg Sanggenon C treatment ameliorated these alterations, as evidenced by attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and preserved cardiac function. Furthermore, AB‑induced activation of calcineurin and nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFAT2) was reduced following Sanggenon C treatment. These results suggest that Sanggenon C may exert protective effects against cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis via suppression of the calcineurin/NFAT2 pathway.