Activating the PGC-1α/TERT Pathway by Catalpol Ameliorates Atherosclerosis via Modulating ROS Production, DNA Damage, and Telomere Function: Implications on Mitochondria and Telomere Link

Figure 4

Catalpol increased telomerase activity and inhibited macrophage senescence. 6–8-week-old male LDLr^−/− mice were administered with a standard diet with catalpol (0 and 100 mg/kg) or HFD with catalpol (0, 100, and 200 mg/kg). THP-1 cells were exposed to PMA (100 ng/mL) for 72 h to induce macrophage formation. Then, macrophages were treated with oxLDL or catalpol (0, 5, 20, and 80 μM) for 24 h as indicated. Catalpol increased telomerase activity in (a) LDLr^−/− mice and (b) oxLDL-treated macrophages, . compared to the control group; compared to the HFD group. Error bars depict the standard deviation. (c) Catalpol inhibited macrophage senescence by β-galactosidase staining. HFD: high-fat diet.

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