Donepezil, Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Drug, Prevents Cardiac Rupture during Acute Phase of Myocardial Infarction in Mice
2011

Donepezil Prevents Cardiac Rupture in Mice After Heart Attack

Sample size: 223 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Arikawa Mikihiko, Kakinuma Yoshihiko, Handa Takemi, Yamasaki Fumiyasu, Sato Takayuki

Primary Institution: Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan

Hypothesis

Donepezil attenuates an acute inflammatory tissue injury following myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

Donepezil inhibits MMP-9-related acute inflammatory tissue injury in the infarcted myocardium, thereby reducing the risk of cardiac rupture during the acute phase of myocardial infarction.

Supporting Evidence

  • Donepezil significantly reduced MMP-9 secretion in macrophages.
  • The incidence of cardiac rupture was significantly lower in donepezil-treated mice compared to untreated mice.
  • Donepezil treatment did not affect heart rate and blood pressure in normal and infarcted mice.

Takeaway

Donepezil, a drug usually used for Alzheimer's, helps protect the heart from damage after a heart attack by reducing inflammation.

Methodology

Mice were treated with donepezil after inducing myocardial infarction, and various physiological and histological analyses were performed.

Limitations

The study was conducted in mice, and the effects in humans may differ.

Participant Demographics

Male C57BL/6 mice aged between 9 and 11 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020629

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication