Activation of the M3AChR and Notch1/HSF1 Signaling Pathway by Choline Alleviates Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis

Figure 4

Downregulation of type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M3AChR) blocked the protective effect of choline on Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. (a) Choline increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibited cleaved-caspase-3 expression; these effects were abolished by M3AChR small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs). (b, c) Quantification of Bcl-2/Bax and cleaved-caspase-3. Data are presented as ( independent experiments). (d) Representative image and graph of Omi/HtrA2, Smac/DIABLO, and cytochrome c protein levels in the cytosol fraction. Data are presented as ( independent experiments). (e) Representative western blot images and data of Omi/HtrA2, Smac/DIABLO, and cytochrome c levels in the mitochondrial fraction. Data are presented as ( independent experiments). , , and vs. the negative control (NC) siRNA group; ^#, ^##, and ^### versus the choline-treated NC siRNA group.

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