# A Pharmacological Review of Tanshinones, Naturally Occurring Monomers fromSalvia miltiorrhiza for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Authors: Ye Yang; Mingyan Shao; Wenkun Cheng; Junkai Yao; Lin Ma; Yong Wang; Wei Wang
Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
 (2023)

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## Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a set of heart and blood vessel disorders that include coronary heart disease (CHD), rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has definite effects on CVDs due to its multitarget and multicomponent properties, which are gradually gaining national attention. Tanshinones, the major active chemical compounds extracted fromSalvia miltiorrhiza, exhibit beneficial improvement on multiple diseases, especially CVDs. At the level of biological activities, they play significant roles, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis and anti-necroptosis, anti-hypertrophy, vasodilation, angiogenesis, combat against proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), as well as anti-myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling, which are all effective strategies in preventing and treating CVDs. Additionally, at the cellular level, Tanshinones produce marked effects on cardiomyocytes, macrophages, endothelia, SMCs, and fibroblasts in myocardia. In this review, we have summarized a brief overview of the chemical structures and pharmacological effects of Tanshinones as a CVD treatment to expound on different pharmacological properties in various cell types in myocardia.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, are the most prevalent noncommunicable disease and the leading cause of mortality with an estimated 17.9 million lives being taken annually worldwide [1]. The mortality ratio of coronary heart disease (CHD), including MI and its ultimate trigger of HF, is considered to be the highest among deaths caused by CVDs, primarily due to a blockage that prevents blood from reaching the heart [2]. CVDs have imposed a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems [3]. Currently, the main drug regimens in Western medicine against CHDs include β-receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and lipid-lowering therapy presented by Statins, which are associated with many severe disadvantages. For instance, there is a strict prohibition on β-receptor blockers due to the harmful effects of their early use at high dosages and their use in high-risk MI patients who have HF or cardiogenic shock [4]. ACEIs are not indicated for patients with systolicbloodpressureSBP<90~100 mmHg, shock, acute kidney injury, and renal failure [5]. At the same time, Statins may cause adverse effects including rhabdomyolysis [6]. In summary, the current treatments are associated with numerous side effects and high costs. In this view, it is essential to focus on traditional and alternative medicine [7].Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been carried over for more than 2500 years for various clinical usages of different diseases and symptoms in China. Before the introduction of modern Western medicine, CHMs were the only method of healthcare in China [8]. Currently, accumulated scientific evidence has shown that abundant monomers naturally occurring from CHMs have achieved good efficacies in treating CVDs [9–11]. Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) is a perennial plant belonging to the family Labiatae, genus Salvia, and a shade-growing herb. The dried root and rhizome of S. miltiorrhiza are often referred to as Danshen in China [12]. As the top-grade Chinese herb, S. miltiorrhiza promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and invigorates qi. Therefore, S. miltiorrhiza and the Chinese medicine formulas majorly composed of it have been clinically prescribed for treating CVDs, especially the blood stasis symptom type. For example, the study has found Danshen Decoction, comprising S. miltiorrhiza, Santalum album, and Amomum villosum, as a potential therapeutic reagent, exerting a remarkable cardioprotective function against acute ischemic myocardial injury in rats, possibly through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties [13]. Compound Danshen Dripping Pills containing S. miltiorrhiza, Panax notoginseng, and Bornes camphor have displayed therapeutic effects of ameliorating myocardial ischemia, reversing the metabolic reprogramming, as well as normalizing the level of myocardial substrates and the genes/enzymes responsible for metabolic changes in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced rats [14].The anti-CVD activity ofS. miltiorrhiza is due to its bioactive constituent, i.e., salvianolic acids and Tanshinones. Prior to phenolic acids, the liposoluble compounds in S. miltiorrhiza known Tanshinones were isolated and examined [15]. Many drug delivery systems and chemical modifications of Tanshinones have also been designed to enhance pharmacological activities [16, 17]. Therefore, we focused on the medicinal research of Tanshinones in this review to summarize their anti-CVD influence. In recent years, Tanshinones, the primary active chemical compounds in S. miltiorrhiza, have attracted extensive attention on treating CVDs [18–20]. Many pharmacological studies have documented that Tanshinones exhibit antiatherosclerosis (AS), antihypertension, antimyocardial fibrosis, and anti-I/R injury, all effective strategies for preventing and treating CVDs [18–20]. In recent years, various Tanshinone-based formulations with practical therapeutic benefits have developed. Among them, Tanshinone injection, sodium Tan IIA sulfonate (STS), is mainly used in the adjuvant treatment of CHDs [21]. It has been shown that STS had positive effects when combined with conventional Western medicine treatment, intending to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of STS in the treatment of CHDs and provide the basis for its clinical application [22]. This review has summarized the primary active chemical constituents of S. miltiorrhiza, the pharmacological effects of Tanshinones, and their underlying mechanisms for alleviating CVDs. The Graphical Summary is provided in the Supplementary Materials (available here).


## 2. Properties of Tanshinones

The chemical components ofS. miltiorrhiza were identified in the 1930s when Japanese scholars first isolated two liposoluble components, i.e., Tanshinone I and II. After that, Chinese scholars demonstrated that Tanshinone II was a mixture of two components comprising Tanshinone IIA and IIB [15]. After that, many new compounds have been isolated from S. miltiorrhiza, and their chemical structures have been extensively elucidated [15]. Chemical components of S. miltiorrhiza can be categorized primarily as hydrosoluble or liposoluble compounds, representing the predominant secondary metabolites. Chemical and pharmacological studies have validated these metabolites as the primary bioactive constituents of S. miltiorrhiza [23]. Among them, the fat-soluble Tanshinones majorly belong to diterpenoid quinones, represented by Tanshinone I (Tan I), Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), Tanshinone IIB (Tan IIB), Cryptotanshinone (CTS), and 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) [24]. A series of liposoluble compounds has been developed into preparations for clinical application [25, 26]. Furthermore, each Tanshinone product has a specific biological activity [27]. The chemical and physical properties of representative Tanshinones are shown in Table S1.Tanshinones are abietane diterpenes, most of which have ortho-quinone or para-quinone structures with three or four carbon rings on the skeleton. Tanshinones have poor stability because of their active double bond, making them susceptible to heat-induced reduction and decomposition reactions [24]. The chemical structure of Tan IIA was modified to create STS, an important derivative with dramatically more water solubility than Tan IIA, to address this resistance to druggability [28]. Among them, the chemical structures of representative Tanshinone compounds are shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
Chemical structures of representative Tanshinones.


## 3. Pharmacological Activities of Tanshinones on CVDs

According to recently reported studies, Tanshinones possess numerous cardiac effects involving multiple cell types and pathological links, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, anti-necroptosis, anti-hypertrophy, vasodilation, angiogenesis, combat against proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), as well as anti-myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling, in myocardial tissues and cardiomyocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, SMCs, and fibroblasts. Therefore, Tanshinones can be used as a promising candidate for the treatment of CVDs. This review summarizes the primary pharmacological effects and their underlying mechanisms of representative Tanshinones to determine their prospective protein targets.


### 3.1. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones for Protecting Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes against CVDs

#### 3.1.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

Oxidative stress is involved in the occurrence and progression of various CVDs. The rapid production and accumulation of free radicals and their oxidation products can react with various cell components, such as membrane phospholipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, resulting in structural cell damage and functional metabolic disorders [29, 30]. Under physiological conditions, cells’ reactive oxygen species (ROS) benefit their biological activities. When the balance between ROS production and antioxidative defense is disturbed, oxidative stress-related pathology is followed by altered intracellular homeostasis [31, 32]. Given this fact, antioxidative stress is a therapeutic target in various CVDs.The transcription factor NFE2L2/Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2) promotes the expression of anti-oxidants and detoxification enzymes to combat ROS and toxic metabolites, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) [33]. The study suggested that Tan I could dose-dependently promote the protein content and trans-localization of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Surface plasma resonance (SPR) detection confirmed that Tan I directly targeted Nrf2 and might serve as a potential agonist of Nrf2. Through positive regulation of the Nrf2 pathway, Tan I promoted the expression of anti-oxidation-related protein downstream while inhibiting the protein contents of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family via the Nrf2/MAPK pathway to protect oxidative stress-insulted myocardial tissues and H9c2 cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro [34]. However, it has been demonstrated that the MAPK protein family member phosphorylated- (p-) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) can facilitate Nrf2’s nuclear translocation to promote the transcription of anti-oxidant enzymes [35, 36]. Tan I was thought to have an anti-oxidative function that was quite distinct from the ERK1/2-Nrf2 pathway by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting MAPKs. During myocardial I/R injury, mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complex I is suppressed, followed by transient ROS production. According to the research, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) could be stabilized by pre-administration of DHT due to transient accumulation of ROS through reversible inhibition of the MRC complex I. However, HIF-1α acting as a transcription factor promotes Nrf2 transcription and activates the expression of downstream anti-oxidative enzymes. Therefore, DHT could exert a protective effect against cardiac I/R damage, as demonstrated by reduced infarct sizes and enhanced cardiac function in I/R rats and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes [37]. Furthermore, protein kinase C (PKC), which is Nrf2’s upstream kinase, can phosphorylate Nrf2 to turn it on and translocate it from the cytoplasm to the nucleus [38, 39]. In contrast, another upstream pathway of Nrf2 is the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β)/Fyn pathway playing the opposite role. Intranuclear accumulation of Fyn can promote Nrf2 to trans-localize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, leading to the inactivated Nrf2 as a transcription factor. However, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) can phosphorylate GSK-3β to inhibit the nuclear translocation of Fyn. The research has confirmed that DHT could restrain Nrf2 degradation and enhance its nuclear import by upregulating the PKC/Nrf2 pathway. DHT has also been shown to inhibit Nrf2 nuclear export by enhancing the PKB activation to downregulate the GSK-3β/Fyn pathway [40]. In addition to DHT, it has been confirmed that Tan I could also promote nuclear Nrf2 protein to increase the expression of related enzymes to combat oxidative stress by the Akt/Nrf2 pathway upregulation [41]. The classical pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, is essential to regulate various biological processes such as oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis [42, 43]. Tan IIA was reported to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway, followed by the upregulation of its downstream mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to prevent cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis [44]. Moreover, the excessive opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) often occurs during cardiac I/R lesion, causing the release of ROS and cytochrome C (cyt c). It has been reported that Tan IIA could elevate the expression level of the apoptotic regulatory factor, i.e., 14-3-3η, to increase B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) translocation to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Tan IIA enhanced the cell survival of anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R)-stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes by inhibiting mPTP opening, ROS production, and cyt c delivery as a result of its interaction with BCL-2 and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC-1). Table 1 and Figure 2 summarize the anti-oxidant activity of Tanshinones in protecting the myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs [45].Table 1
The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Mice received intraperitoneal injection of ISO to establish an oxidative stress-induced myocardial damage modelIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:0.625, 1.25, 2.5 μMIn vivo:↓ Myocardial injury, the heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio, collagen deposition, BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), caspase3, the MAPK pathway↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2, the Nrf2 pathwayIn vitro:↓ BAX, malondialdehyde (MDA), the MAPK pathway↑ BCL-2, superoxide dismutase (SOD), the Nrf2 pathway[34]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytesIn vivo:0.1 mg/kgIn vitro:0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, myocardial injury markers↑ Cardiac functionIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), MRC complex I↑ Cell viability, HIF-1α, the Nrf2 pathway, HO-1, NQO-1, SOD, catalase (CAT)[37]Tan IIAIn vitroA/R-induced cellular damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes2, 8, 32μM↓ Apoptosis rate, LDH, MDA, ROS, cyt c, caspase-3, mPTP opening↑ Cell viability, SOD, 14-3-3η, mitochondrial colocalization of 14-3-3η, BCL-2, and VDAC-1[45]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:A/R-induced cellular damage in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs)In vivo:20 mg/kgIn vitro:1 μMIn vivo:↓ Creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), LDH, MDA, H2O2↑ SOD, sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome c oxidase, the PI3K/Akt pathway, p-mTOR, p-eNOSIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, CK-MB, LDH↑ Cell viability, p-mTOR, p-eNOS[44]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:A/R-induced cellular damage in HL-1 cardiomyocytesIn vivo:5 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 1, 5 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, surface area of cells, 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), apoptosis rate, LDH, MDA↑ Cardiac function, the Nrf2 pathway, HO-1, NQO-1In vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, LDH, cyto-Nrf2, the GSK-3β/Fyn pathway↑ p-Nrf2, the PKC/Nrf2 pathway, PKB, HO-1, NQO-1[40]Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with t-BHP to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10, 20 mg/kgIn vitro:0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, MDA↑ SODIn vitro:↓ LDH, ROS↑ Cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, p-Akt, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1[41]Figure 2
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones for protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.


#### 3.1.2. Antiapoptosis and Antinecroptosis Effects of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

When myocardial ischemia occurs, persistent oxygen deficit leads to membrane integrity damage, triggering irreversible cell death. Since cardiomyocytes lack regenerative capacity, cardiomyocyte apoptosis results in progressive loss of cardiomyocytes and left ventricular dilation after MI [46, 47]. Apoptosis belongs to programmed cell death and involves genetically determined cell elimination [48]. As an end consequence of cellular damage during CVDs, cardiomyocyte apoptosis is the ultimate target of Tanshinone compounds.During the progression of MI, it is one of the main pathological mechanisms of oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis that the cardiomyocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Among them, several major proteins play essential roles. Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) activates and promotes the expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) under the ERS stimulation. In addition to IRE1, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is also one of the upstream regulatory proteins of CHOP. Glucose regulatory protein (GRP78) and CHOP are both ERS-associated molecules that jointly promote the activation of kinases in the apoptosis pathway [49, 50]. According to the reported studies, Tan IIA could alleviate the apoptotic state of myocardial tissues and their isolated cardiomyocytes in MI rats via downregulating protein levels in the IRE1 and ATF4 pathways [51]. Tan IIA was also shown to reduce acute ethanol-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by reversing the upregulation of programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), following the promotion of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in acute ethanol-treated mice in vivo and H9c2 cells in vitro [52]. As an antitumor drug widely used, the cardiotoxic side effects of Doxorubicin (DOX) may produce severe cellular stress to trigger endogenous apoptosis [53]. During this process, p53 is considered an essential proapoptotic protein [54]. As the downstream proteins of p53 transcription factor, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (Puma) and BCL-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) also produce a marked effect on promoting apoptosis [55]. Moreover, the forkhead box O1 transcription factor (Foxo1) is also the upstream transcription factor of Puma and Bax [56–58]. CTS has been reported to upregulate the expression of the antiapoptotic factor BCL-2 while suppressing the genetic transcription of the proapoptotic factors, i.e., Puma and Bim, via downregulating p53. Concurrently, CTS has been validated that it might not only inhibit the activity of Foxo1 and its downstream genetic transcription of Puma and Bax but also restrain the translocation of BAX to mitochondria via weakening its combination with 14-3-3σ, jointly regulated by the advanced PI3K/Akt pathway and the subsequent inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) phosphorylation. The afore-mentioned routes are all potential targets for CTS’s anti-DOX strategy in the cardiac injury model [59]. STS was also reported in a comparable study to suppress Bim transcription via Akt-dependent phosphorylation and inactivation of Foxo3a by its phosphorylation and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation. However, no obvious regulatory effect on Foxo1 and Foxo4 in the Foxo family by STS was reported [60]. Furthermore, Tan IIA could elevate the expression level of miRNA-133 and phosphorylate serine (Ser) 473 site in Akt, through which the PI3K/Akt pathway was stimulated. By means of the above process, apoptosis induced by mitochondrial oxidative stress and ERS could be restrained using Tan IIA [50, 61, 62]. Arachidonic acid (AA), a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, is also a precursor that can be metabolized by different enzymes into biological eicosenoic acids. It is considered the essential proapoptotic participant in myocardial I/R injury that the hydroxylated metabolite, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) of AA [63, 64]. The data suggested that DHT might inhibit AA by decreasing the formation of 20-HETE and alleviating cardiomyocyte apoptosis [65].Autophagy is primarily responsible for degrading long-lived proteins or whole organelle substrates and maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Autophagy typically crosses with elevated oxidative stress and cellar apoptosis [66–68]. The important subtype, macroautophagy, develops double-membrane autophagosomes sequestering abandoned or recyclable substrates and then extends to autolysosomes by fusing with acidic lysosomes that mediate constituents to be degraded under the regulation of lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1/2 (LAMP1/2) [69–71]. During this process, protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and Sequestosome-1 (p62/SQSTM1) are essential autophagy biomarkers engaging in segregating cargoes [72, 73]. As the classical pathway responsible for autophagy, mTOR kinase is a negative regulator of UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1)-Beclin1 (ATG6) pathway that stimulates autophagosome formation [74, 75] and transcription factor EB (TFEB) that regulates the transcriptions of genes relevant to lysosomal biogenesis and degradation [76, 77]. The study has demonstrated that Tan IIA could reduce DOX-induced cardiotoxicity without compromising antitumor activity by decreasing p-ULK1 to activate the Beclin1 pathway, and sequestration of TFEB in the nucleus, via inhibiting the phosphorylation of mTOR from inactivating autophagy and impairing autophagic flux [78].Programmed necrosis (necroptosis) is a form of cell necrosis. Contrary to apoptosis, its process results in plasma membrane rupture and cell content overflow, triggering the immune system and inflammatory response [79]. Necroptosis is mainly mediated by the complex formed by receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3), and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) [80, 81]. Another study has revealed that Tan I alleviated the excretion of inflammatory factors by suppressing necroptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by cardiac I/R injury that is positively regulated by the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway [41]. The antiapoptosis and antinecroptosis effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs have been summarized in Table 2 and Figure 2.Table 2
The antiapoptosis and necroptosis effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI rats established by left anterior descending branch (LAD) ligationIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in isolated cardiomyocytes of LAD-induced MI ratsIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:10, 20, 30, 40 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, apoptosis rate, caspase 3, cyt c, apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), BAX↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2In vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, caspase 3, cyt c, Apaf-1, BAX, ROS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ATF4, IRE1α↑ Cell viability, BCL-2[51]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Acute ethanol-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:Acute ethanol-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injuryIn vivo:5, 10 mg/kgIn vitro:3, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Apoptosis rate, PDCD4↑ Cardiac function, the PI3K/Akt pathwayIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, PDCD4↑ The PI3K/Akt pathway[52]CTSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:DOX-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injuryIn vivo:50 mg/kgIn vitro:2, 5, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Collagen deposition, apoptosis rate, MDA, ROS, 14-3-3σ, p-JNK, BAX, Bim, Puma, cleaved-caspase 3/9, p53, nuclear-Foxo1↑ Cardiac function, surface area of cells, SOD, CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), mitochondrial membrane potential, BCL-2, the PI3K/Akt pathwayIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, ROS↑ Cell viability, surface area of cells, mitochondrial membrane potential[59]STSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in isolated cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats after administrationIn vivo:20 mg/kgIn vitro:Isolated cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats after administrationIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, apoptosis rate, DNA fragmentation, cyt c, ROS, caspase 3, Bim↑ Cardiac function, p-Akt, p-Foxo3aIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, Bim, caspase 3↑ p-Akt, p-Foxo3a[60]Tan IIAIn vitroH2O2-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage0.3, 1, 3, 10μM↑ Cell viability, BCL-2, miRNA-133, the PI3K/Akt pathway[61]Tan IIAIn vitroH2O2/DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30μM↓ Apoptosis rate, cleaved-caspase 3/9↑ Cell viability, miRNA-133[62]Tan IIAIn vitroERS-induced apoptosis model in NRVMs established by Tunicamycin (Tm)0.1μM↓ Apoptosis rate, caspase 3/12, GRP78, CHOP↑ miRNA-133[50]DHTIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats1, 2, 4 mg/kg↓ Infarct size, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, apoptosis rate, CK-MB, LDH, BAX, cleaved-caspase 3/9, 20-HETE, CHOP, GRP78↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2[65]Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with t-BHP to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10, 20 mg/kgIn vitro:0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKLIn vitro:↓ LDH, p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKL↑ Cell viability[41]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:DOX-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damageIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:0.5, 1 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, apoptotic ratio, CK-MB, LDH, BAX, autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation, LC3-II, p62, p-mTOR, p-ULK1↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2, Cathepsin B, Beclin 1, LAMP1, nuclear-TFEBIn vitro:↓ Apoptotic rate, autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation, LC3-II, p62, p-mTOR, p-ULK1↑ Cell viability, Cathepsin B, Beclin 1, LAMP1, nuclear-TFEB[78]


#### 3.1.3. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

Inflammation can cause severe mitochondrial damage and microenvironment disruption [82]. Tanshinone compounds can also exert an anti-inflammatory effect on CVDs. Under conditions of cellular stress, cellular inflammation is initiated by proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) [83, 84].Some studies have revealed that the release of multiple pro-inflammatory factors could be held up through downregulating high mobility group box-B1 (HMGB1) expression, one of the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), in I/R-insulted myocardial tissues of rats by Tan IIA [85] or STS [86]. The nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, a classical inflammatory response pathway, transcribes several pro-inflammatory factors following the nuclear import of NF-κB, which can be inhibited by the cytoplasmic NF-κB inhibitor (IκB) [87, 88]. Research has demonstrated that STS exhibits the efficacy of suppressing inflammatory factors via deactivating the NF-κB pathway in I/R-damaged cardiac tissues of rats [89]. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs is summarized in Table 3 and Figure 2.Table 3
The anti-inflammatory and antihypertrophic effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats10, 20, 40 mg/kg↓ Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, HMGB1[85]STSIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats8 mg/kg↓ Infarct size, CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cardiac function, SOD, GSH-px, HO-1, IκB-α[89]STSIn vivoMI rats established by LAD ligation20.8 mg/kg↓ Collagen deposition, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, HMGB1, TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β)↑ Cardiac function[86]Tan IIAIn vitroAng II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte40μM↓ Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), calcineurin, NFATc3, Gαq, PKC-α, CaMKII, TNF-α, the NF-κB pathway, IGF-IIR, p-HSF1, GATA4, the MAPK pathway↑ ESR, SIRT1[95]Tan IIAIn vitroAng II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte40μM↓ Apoptosis rate, cleaved-caspase 3/9, BAX, cyt c, matrix metalloprotein-9/2 (MMP-9/2),β-catenin, p-GATA4, NFATc3, IGF-IR, IGF-IIR, the MAPK pathway↑ Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP 1/2), ESR, the PI3K/Akt pathway[96]Tan IIAIn vivoTAC-induced myocardial hypertrophy in rats15 mg/kg↓ Left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), HW/BW, ratio of left ventricular weight/body weight (LVW/HW), apoptosis rate, caspase-3, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, BAX↑ SOD, BCL-2, SIRT1[98]Tan IIAIn vitroLeu27 IGF-II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte10, 100μM↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP, calcineurin, NFAT3↑ ESR, the PI3K/Akt pathway[100]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:TAC-induced myocardial hypertrophy in ratsIn vitro:Ang II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyteIn vivo:2, 5, 10 mg/kgIn vitro:25, 50, 100 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, LVPWT, IVST, HW/BW, LVW/HW, galectin-3↑ Cardiac functionIn vitro:↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP, β-MHC, ALKBH5, galectin-3↑ Cell viability, m6A, m6A modification of galectin-3[102]Tan IIAIn vitroISO-induced hypertrophy in NRVMs10, 30, 100μM↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP,β-MHC, calcineurin, NFATc3[99]


#### 3.1.4. Antihypertrophic Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

As the cardiac response to increased hemodynamic load, cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by growing cardiac mass and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy is the compensatory process that keeps the heart muscle’s ability to contract and lower the stress on ventricle walls. Pathological myocardial hypertrophy is one of the leading causes of CVD-associated morbidities and mortalities. It is one of the most significant sequelae following MI and is closely associated with the onset of chronic heart failure (CHF) [90].Angiotensin II (Ang II) upregulates the MAPK and GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) pathways, as well as the expression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and its receptor (IGF-IIR). This helps promote the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes [91–93]. While estrogen receptor (ESR) plays a protective role against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, usually being activated to reverse the changes of adverse factors mentioned above [94]. The study has shown that Tan IIA might activate ESR to inhibit the MAPK/GATA4 pathway. This would activate the NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/deacetylated heat shock factor-1 (deacetylated-HSF1) and decrease the phosphorylation modification of HSF1. Moreover, this would also inhibit HSF1 from binding to the promoter region to restrain the transcription of IGF-IIR [95, 96]. The reduction of IGF-IIR expression monitors the restrained contents of cardiac hypertrophy-associated hallmark proteins, such as calcineurin, Gαq, PKC-α, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II (CaMKII), and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc3), subsequently [95, 96]. Furthermore, ESR enhances the PI3K/Akt pathway, while Tan IIA might indirectly heighten the signal transduction of the PI3K/Akt pathway via upregulating ESR expression and then bring down the activation of calcineurin and NFATc3 induced by IGF-IIR [96]. Additionally, the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad pathway is a classical way of contributing to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [97]. Tan IIA has been shown to inactivate the TGF-β/Smad pathway, resulting in remiss cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [96]. Exclusive of the Ang II-stimulated models in vitro mentioned above, similar effects of Tan IIA have been reported on cardiomyocytes stimulated by the analog of IGF-IIR that Leu27 IGF-II, or ISO [98–100]. For the in vivo experiment, the study used transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce myocardial remodeling in rats. The obtained results have demonstrated that Tan IIA could also repress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by SIRT1 upregulation in vivo, consistent with the findings in vitro [98]. In addition, the pathological changes of cardiac hypertrophy can also be modulated by RNA methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is involved in this pathway together with RNA demethylase ALKBH5 (ALKBH5) [101]. Tan IIA was found to elevate intracellular m6A content and the m6A-modified form of galectin-3 in cardiomyocytes, which was realized by inhibiting ALKBH5 activation. Galectin-3 which had undergone the m6A modification and lost its initial stability exhibited lower expression, eventually inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy [102]. The antihypertrophic effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs is summarized in Table 3 and Figure 2.


### 3.2. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones on Macrophages against CVDs

#### 3.2.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Macrophages

Oxidative stress in macrophages plays a crucial function in AS. Foam cells originating from macrophages trigger the AS process in response to various stimuli, including oxidation resulting from the accumulation and modification of lipoproteins in artery walls [103]. The study has found that the extracts from S. miltiorrhiza containing Tan I, Tan IIA, CPT, and DHT presented an upregulated function of the PI3K/Akt-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)-Nrf2 pathway, which transcribes a variety of antioxidative enzymes [104]. The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs is summarized in Table 4 and Figure 3.Table 4
The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Extracts ofS. miltiorrhiza (Tan I, Tan IIA, DHT, CPT)In vitroH2O2-stimulated murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.71, 10, 50μg/mL↓ ROS↑ Cell viability, HO-1, the Nrf2 pathway[104]DHTIn vitroLPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.720μM↓ NO, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2, ROS, the NF-κB pathway, the MAPKs (JNK1/2, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2) pathway, TLR4, p-IKK-α/β, p-IκB-α[112]CTSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:D-GalN-sensitized mice challenged by LPSIn vitro:LPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7In vivo:20, 40 mg/kgIn vitro:12.5, 25, 50, 100 μMIn vivo:↑ Survival rateIn vitro:↓ NO, iNOS, COX-2, the MAPK pathway, the NF-κB pathway, TLR4, CD14, TAK1↑ Cell viability[113]CTSIn vitroLPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.72.5, 5, 10μM↓ TNF-α, IL-6, the MAPKs (ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2) pathway, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cell viability, IκB-α[114]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- miceIn vitro:LPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7In vivo:25 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 0.5 μMIn vivo:↓ Necrotic core area, plaque size, collagen/plaque area, ROS, MDA, RIP3, CD68↑ Plaque stability, SOD, GSHIn vitro:↓ COX2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, p-PERK, CHOP, intracellular Ca2+ level, ROS, the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, TLR4, MyD88↑ Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), SOD[109]Tan IIAIn vivoAS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- mice30 mg/kg↓ Atherosclerotic lesion size, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MMP-2/3/9, MCP-1, galectin-3, CD68, the RAGE pathway, the NF-κB pathway, p-IκB-α, the MAPKs (JNK1/2, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK) pathway↑ Collagen content, macrophage content, SMC content, IκB-α[111]Figure 3
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs.


#### 3.2.2. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Macrophages

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that inflammation exerts a vital function on lesion, destabilization, and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques composed of a lipid-rich necrotic core covered by a thin fibrous cap, predominantly involving SMCs, macrophages, structural collagen, and plaques infiltrated with inflammatory cells [105]. During the AS process, the release of many inflammatory cytokines, such as vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-2/3/9 (MMP-2/3/9), promotes the progression of plaque vulnerability [106, 107]. Inflammation has also been confirmed to play a crucial role in injury pathogenesis secondary to ischemia [108].The NF-κB pathway regulates the release of inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). The study found that DHT could significantly reduce these mediators by inactivating the NF-κB pathway, in an AS model of apolipoprotein-E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high cholesterol/high-fat diet (HCD/HFD) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. As the upstream of NF-κB, DHT has been revealed that it could suppress Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). The downstream of the TLR4/MyD88 also contains the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL phosphorylation attributing to necroptosis, considered a highly proinflammatory pattern of cell death. Through deactivating the RIP1 pathway, DHT could relieve ERS performed as decreased pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), CHOP, and intracellular Ca2+ level, as well as mitigate oxidative stress [109]. Additionally, the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway plays a critical role in the generation of chemokines and adhesion molecules mentioned above, serving a pivotal role in the MAPKs and NF-κB pathway activation [106, 110]. The study has displayed that Tan IIA could restrain the RAGE pathway and its downstream pathways, the MAPK and NF-κB, to alleviate the erosion and thinning fibrous caps responsible for plaque instability [111]. Furthermore, DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] could significantly suppress inflammatory mediators and ROS generation in LPS-induced macrophages in vitro or D-galactosamine- (D-GalN-) sensitized mice challenged by LPS in vivo. The mechanism has been found that DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] inhibited TLR4 dimerization and CD14 expression that have the capacity of initiating the LPS-induced signaling cascades including TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphorylation. Downstream of TAK1, DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] could also reduce phosphorylated IκB kinase (IKK)-α/β, phosphorylated IκB-α, NF-κB phosphorylation, and its nuclear translocation, as well as interrupt JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) phosphorylation. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs is summarized in Table 4 and Figure 3.


### 3.3. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones for Protecting Endothelia against CVDs

#### 3.3.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

It is widely accepted that endothelial dysfunction is a crucial risk factor for CVDs, including AS. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress in the form of lipid peroxidation is the primary causative factor in endothelial dysfunction [115].Lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis, characterized as the accumulation of iron and ROS, is closely related to endothelial cell injury and is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AS [115, 116]. The report has approved that Tan IIA could enhance Nrf2 expression and its nuclear translocation to upregulate various antioxidative proteins including NQO-1 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). In this view, Tan IIA promoted ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) expression as one of the components of the ferritin complex to preserve iron homeostasis and combat ferroptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) stimulated by ferroptosis inducers [117]. Besides, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to cyclic strain, Tan IIA has also been reported that it could advance the Nrf2 pathway through the excitation of the PI3K/Akt pathway [118]. Additionally, endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an essential gaseous mediator and potent antioxidant synthesized by H2S-synthesizing enzymes, i.e., cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), has beneficial effects such as vasodilation, cardioprotection, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation [119–122]. The study has confirmed that Tan IIA could promote the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway comprised of the phosphorylated level of protein kinase A (PKA) substrates, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB), and CREB-controlled gene product, Cx43. By activating the CSE-H2S pathway upregulated by the cAMP pathway, Tan IIA could overcome oxidative stress-induced damage, as demonstrated by decreased protein carbonylation and sulfonic acid (SOH) production [123]. The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.Table 5
The antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vitroHCAECs stimulated by ferroptosis inducers (Erastin or RSL3)50 nM↓ Cell death rate, LDH, ROS↑ SOD1, NQO1, GSH, FTH1, Nrf2, SLC7A11[117]Tan IIAIn vitroHUVECs subjected to cyclic strain1, 3, 10μM↓ IL-8↑ HO-1, the PI3K/Akt pathway, the Nrf2 pathway[118]Tan IIAIn vitroOxidative endothelial cell injury induced by Acrolein20, 30, 40μg/mL↓ Apoptosis rate, ROS, carbonylation, -SOH, p-p38↑ Cell viability, free sulfhydryl (-SH) activity, CSE, H2S, p-VASP, p-CREB, Cx43[123]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- miceIn vitro:LPS-stimulated HUVECsIn vivo:10, 25 mg/kgIn vitro:10 nMIn vivo:↓ Atherosclerotic plaque, necrotic core areas, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), MDA, LOX-1, NOX4, the NF-κB pathway↑ SOD, GSHIn vitro:↓ ROS, H2O2, superoxide anion (O2∙−), ox-LDL endocytosis, human monocyte cell line (THP-1) adhesion to endothelial cells, LOX-1, NOX4, TLR4, MyD88, the NF-κB pathway[126]CTSIn vitroox-LDL-induced HUVECs0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1μM↓ ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, ROS, p-eNOS, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cell viability[129]Tan IIAIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs1, 5, 10, 20μM↓ LDH, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, fractalkine/CX3CL1, p-IκB-α, p-IKK-α/β, the NF-κB pathway[127]Tan IIAIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs0.1, 1, 5, 10μM↓ THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, PTX3, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, THP-1, the NF-κB pathway, the MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK1/2) pathway↑ Cell viability, IκB-α[128]CTSIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20μM↓ Endothelial permeability, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1↑ NO[130]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI mice established by LAD ligationIn vitro:HUVECsIn vivo:50 mg/kgIn vitro:Not mentionedIn vivo:↓ Infarction size, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)↑ Cardiac function, VEGF, Ang-IIn vitro:↓ miR-499-5p↑ PTEN[135]Figure 4
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones for protecting endothelia against CVDs.


#### 3.3.2. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

The structural and biochemical changes caused by an inflammatory response directed at the injury site can lead to severe cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, which can manifest clinically as HF [124]. Therefore, resisting excessive inflammation responses emerges as a critical strategy for cardioprotection. Proinflammatory cytokines are also the crucial pathogenic element bringing about endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to the initiation of AS [115, 125].DHT has been shown to have impacts on the NF-κB pathway, thus inhibiting the expression of the lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) endocytosis, and monocyte adhesion via weakening the TLR4/MyD88/NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) pathway [126]. Additionally, Tan IIA [127, 128] and CTS [129, 130] have also been recognized as inhibitors of the MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2) and NF-κB pathway to abate the release of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) associated with endothelial dysfunction, chemokines represented by MCP-1, and adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and fractalkine/CX3CL1, which urge monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.


#### 3.3.3. Angiogenic Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

Microvascular perfusion including angiogenesis in the infarction zone plays a vital role in the repair and regeneration of myocardia, after late-stage MI or cardiac I/R [131]. Angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels from preexisting vascular networks, is regulated by multiple stimulators and inhibitors [132]. After being stimulated by proangiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelia play a crucial role in sprouting angiogenesis, along with the tightly controlled processes of cell migration and proliferation, sprout fusion, and lumen development [133, 134]. The literature has reported that Tan IIA could upregulate phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), the critical protein directing cell growth, survival, and proliferation, through downregulating miR-499-5p. This way, Tan IIA could reach the goal of revascularization in the infarct zone, attributed to its responsibility for the miR-499-5p/PTEN pathway [135]. The angiogenic effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.


### 3.4. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs

#### 3.4.1. Vasodilative Effect of Tanshinones on SMCs

Vascular SMCs constitute the majority of vascular wall tissues and maintain vascular tension. In a hypertensive state, the increased sensitivity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channels results in an augmented relaxation as one of the compensatory mechanisms to maintain vasodilation when the endothelial function is undergoing a disordered condition. Activation of K+ channels during the change in membrane potential leads to vasorelaxation and lowers the amount of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). The blockage of Ca2+ channels elicits vasodilatation, as the most common way to exert antihypertensive or vasodilative efficacies [136, 137]. The study has confirmed that Tan IIA could display vasodilative activity presented by decreasing contraction in phenylephrine (PE) or potassium chloride (KCl)-precontracted spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), its aortic rings isolated from SHRs, or A7r5 line of rat aortic SMCs. The related mechanism enhanced ATP-sensitive K+ channels and lowered [Ca2+]i to stimulate vasodilatation [138]. The vasodilative effect of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs is summarized in Table 6 and Figure 5.Table 6
The vasodilative, antiproliferative, and antimigration effects of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivo/ex vivo/in vitroIn vivo:SHRsEx vivo:Aortic rings isolated from SHR, followed by precontracted with PE or KClIn vitro:A7r5 line of rat aortic SMCs precontracted with PE or KClIn vivo:20, 40, 60 mg/kgEx vivo:0.1, 1, 10 μMIn vitro:0.1, 1, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Systolic blood pressure (SBP)Ex vivo:↓ Contraction forceIn vitro:↓ [Ca2+]i[138]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Intimal hyperplasia model established by the right common carotid artery damaged by balloon dilatation in ratsIn vitro:Vascular SMCs in rat aorta cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)In vivo:13.3, 40, 120 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 μg/mLIn vivo:↓ Intimal thickening, intimal area, intimal cell proliferation↑ Cell cycle in G0/G1 phaseIn vitro:↓ Cell proliferation, p-ERK1/2, c-fos↑ Cell cycle in G0/G1 phase[140]Figure 5
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones on SMCs and fibroblasts against CVDs.


#### 3.4.2. Antiproliferative and Antimigration Effects of Tanshinones on SMCs

Blood vessel performance is impacted by alterations in the size and function of vascular SMCs, which serve as the pathological basis for multiple CVDs. The proliferation and migration of vascular SMCs induced by growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are considered to play the central role in the development of intimal hyperplasia, the critical event in AS and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) [139]. Tan IIA was found to be capable of suppressing vascular SMC proliferation and migration, manifested as a cell cycle block in the G0/G1 phase, by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation and c-fos expression both in vivo and in vitro [140]. The antiproliferative and antimigration effects of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs are summarized in Table 6 and Figure 5.


### 3.5. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones on Fibroblasts against CVDs

#### 3.5.1. Antifibrotic Effect of Tanshinones on Fibroblasts

The most significant consequence of MI is irreversible ventricular remodeling bound up with cardiomyocyte loss and invasion of fibrotic scar tissues in patients. Cardiac fibrosis can lead to HF and affect the patient’s prognosis and quality of life [141, 142]. Active fibroblasts or myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the primary origin of matrix proteins [143]. As the vital regulator in the development of cardiac fibrosis, TGF-β1 displays a crucial function in enhancing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition [143, 144]. Furthermore, Tan IIA has been suggested to reverse increased levels of collagen type 1 (Col1) and collagen type 3 (Col3), and growing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in TGF-β1 stimulated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or HF rats induced by ligating left anterior descending branch (LAD) of the coronary artery through upregulating miR-205-3p [145], miR-29b [146], or miR-618 [147]. It has also been found that Tan IIA was also able to mitigate oxidative stress in HF rats and Ang II-treated CFs to downregulate Col1/Col3, α-SMA, and MMP2/9 [148]. The antifibrotic effect of Tanshinones on fibroblasts against CVDs is summarized in Table 7 and Figure 5.Table 7
The antifibrotic effect of Tanshinones on fibroblasts against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vitroTGF-β1-stimulated rat primary CFs after cultivated in serum-free DMEM10μM↑ miR-205-3p↓ Col1a1, Col3a1[145]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:HF rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:Ang II-treated CFsIn vivo:1.5 mg/kgIn vitro:10 μMIn vivo:↓ LVESD, LVEDD, MDA, Col1, Col3, TGF-β, α-SMA, MMP2/9, NOX↑ Cardiac function, left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure and the maximum of the first differentiation of LV pressure (LV ± dp/dtmax), SODIn vitro:↓ MDA, Col1, Col3, TGF-β, α-SMA, MMP2/9, NOX↑ SOD[148]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AMI rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:TGF-β1-induced CFsIn vivo:5, 10, 15 mg/kgIn vitro:1, 10, 50 μMIn vivo:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-29bIn vitro:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-29b[146]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:Ang II-treated CFsIn vivo:5, 10, 15 mg/kgIn vitro:1, 10, 50 μMIn vivo:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-618In vitro:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-618[147]The pharmacological activities of Tanshinones are summarized in Figure6.Figure 6
The summarized pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of Tanshinones.


## 3.1. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones for Protecting Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes against CVDs

### 3.1.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

Oxidative stress is involved in the occurrence and progression of various CVDs. The rapid production and accumulation of free radicals and their oxidation products can react with various cell components, such as membrane phospholipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, resulting in structural cell damage and functional metabolic disorders [29, 30]. Under physiological conditions, cells’ reactive oxygen species (ROS) benefit their biological activities. When the balance between ROS production and antioxidative defense is disturbed, oxidative stress-related pathology is followed by altered intracellular homeostasis [31, 32]. Given this fact, antioxidative stress is a therapeutic target in various CVDs.The transcription factor NFE2L2/Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2) promotes the expression of anti-oxidants and detoxification enzymes to combat ROS and toxic metabolites, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) [33]. The study suggested that Tan I could dose-dependently promote the protein content and trans-localization of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Surface plasma resonance (SPR) detection confirmed that Tan I directly targeted Nrf2 and might serve as a potential agonist of Nrf2. Through positive regulation of the Nrf2 pathway, Tan I promoted the expression of anti-oxidation-related protein downstream while inhibiting the protein contents of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family via the Nrf2/MAPK pathway to protect oxidative stress-insulted myocardial tissues and H9c2 cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro [34]. However, it has been demonstrated that the MAPK protein family member phosphorylated- (p-) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) can facilitate Nrf2’s nuclear translocation to promote the transcription of anti-oxidant enzymes [35, 36]. Tan I was thought to have an anti-oxidative function that was quite distinct from the ERK1/2-Nrf2 pathway by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting MAPKs. During myocardial I/R injury, mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complex I is suppressed, followed by transient ROS production. According to the research, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) could be stabilized by pre-administration of DHT due to transient accumulation of ROS through reversible inhibition of the MRC complex I. However, HIF-1α acting as a transcription factor promotes Nrf2 transcription and activates the expression of downstream anti-oxidative enzymes. Therefore, DHT could exert a protective effect against cardiac I/R damage, as demonstrated by reduced infarct sizes and enhanced cardiac function in I/R rats and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes [37]. Furthermore, protein kinase C (PKC), which is Nrf2’s upstream kinase, can phosphorylate Nrf2 to turn it on and translocate it from the cytoplasm to the nucleus [38, 39]. In contrast, another upstream pathway of Nrf2 is the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β)/Fyn pathway playing the opposite role. Intranuclear accumulation of Fyn can promote Nrf2 to trans-localize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, leading to the inactivated Nrf2 as a transcription factor. However, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) can phosphorylate GSK-3β to inhibit the nuclear translocation of Fyn. The research has confirmed that DHT could restrain Nrf2 degradation and enhance its nuclear import by upregulating the PKC/Nrf2 pathway. DHT has also been shown to inhibit Nrf2 nuclear export by enhancing the PKB activation to downregulate the GSK-3β/Fyn pathway [40]. In addition to DHT, it has been confirmed that Tan I could also promote nuclear Nrf2 protein to increase the expression of related enzymes to combat oxidative stress by the Akt/Nrf2 pathway upregulation [41]. The classical pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, is essential to regulate various biological processes such as oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis [42, 43]. Tan IIA was reported to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway, followed by the upregulation of its downstream mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to prevent cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis [44]. Moreover, the excessive opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) often occurs during cardiac I/R lesion, causing the release of ROS and cytochrome C (cyt c). It has been reported that Tan IIA could elevate the expression level of the apoptotic regulatory factor, i.e., 14-3-3η, to increase B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) translocation to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Tan IIA enhanced the cell survival of anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R)-stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes by inhibiting mPTP opening, ROS production, and cyt c delivery as a result of its interaction with BCL-2 and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC-1). Table 1 and Figure 2 summarize the anti-oxidant activity of Tanshinones in protecting the myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs [45].Table 1
The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Mice received intraperitoneal injection of ISO to establish an oxidative stress-induced myocardial damage modelIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:0.625, 1.25, 2.5 μMIn vivo:↓ Myocardial injury, the heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio, collagen deposition, BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), caspase3, the MAPK pathway↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2, the Nrf2 pathwayIn vitro:↓ BAX, malondialdehyde (MDA), the MAPK pathway↑ BCL-2, superoxide dismutase (SOD), the Nrf2 pathway[34]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytesIn vivo:0.1 mg/kgIn vitro:0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, myocardial injury markers↑ Cardiac functionIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), MRC complex I↑ Cell viability, HIF-1α, the Nrf2 pathway, HO-1, NQO-1, SOD, catalase (CAT)[37]Tan IIAIn vitroA/R-induced cellular damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes2, 8, 32μM↓ Apoptosis rate, LDH, MDA, ROS, cyt c, caspase-3, mPTP opening↑ Cell viability, SOD, 14-3-3η, mitochondrial colocalization of 14-3-3η, BCL-2, and VDAC-1[45]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:A/R-induced cellular damage in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs)In vivo:20 mg/kgIn vitro:1 μMIn vivo:↓ Creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), LDH, MDA, H2O2↑ SOD, sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome c oxidase, the PI3K/Akt pathway, p-mTOR, p-eNOSIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, CK-MB, LDH↑ Cell viability, p-mTOR, p-eNOS[44]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:A/R-induced cellular damage in HL-1 cardiomyocytesIn vivo:5 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 1, 5 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, surface area of cells, 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), apoptosis rate, LDH, MDA↑ Cardiac function, the Nrf2 pathway, HO-1, NQO-1In vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, LDH, cyto-Nrf2, the GSK-3β/Fyn pathway↑ p-Nrf2, the PKC/Nrf2 pathway, PKB, HO-1, NQO-1[40]Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with t-BHP to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10, 20 mg/kgIn vitro:0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, MDA↑ SODIn vitro:↓ LDH, ROS↑ Cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, p-Akt, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1[41]Figure 2
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones for protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.


### 3.1.2. Antiapoptosis and Antinecroptosis Effects of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

When myocardial ischemia occurs, persistent oxygen deficit leads to membrane integrity damage, triggering irreversible cell death. Since cardiomyocytes lack regenerative capacity, cardiomyocyte apoptosis results in progressive loss of cardiomyocytes and left ventricular dilation after MI [46, 47]. Apoptosis belongs to programmed cell death and involves genetically determined cell elimination [48]. As an end consequence of cellular damage during CVDs, cardiomyocyte apoptosis is the ultimate target of Tanshinone compounds.During the progression of MI, it is one of the main pathological mechanisms of oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis that the cardiomyocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Among them, several major proteins play essential roles. Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) activates and promotes the expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) under the ERS stimulation. In addition to IRE1, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is also one of the upstream regulatory proteins of CHOP. Glucose regulatory protein (GRP78) and CHOP are both ERS-associated molecules that jointly promote the activation of kinases in the apoptosis pathway [49, 50]. According to the reported studies, Tan IIA could alleviate the apoptotic state of myocardial tissues and their isolated cardiomyocytes in MI rats via downregulating protein levels in the IRE1 and ATF4 pathways [51]. Tan IIA was also shown to reduce acute ethanol-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by reversing the upregulation of programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), following the promotion of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in acute ethanol-treated mice in vivo and H9c2 cells in vitro [52]. As an antitumor drug widely used, the cardiotoxic side effects of Doxorubicin (DOX) may produce severe cellular stress to trigger endogenous apoptosis [53]. During this process, p53 is considered an essential proapoptotic protein [54]. As the downstream proteins of p53 transcription factor, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (Puma) and BCL-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) also produce a marked effect on promoting apoptosis [55]. Moreover, the forkhead box O1 transcription factor (Foxo1) is also the upstream transcription factor of Puma and Bax [56–58]. CTS has been reported to upregulate the expression of the antiapoptotic factor BCL-2 while suppressing the genetic transcription of the proapoptotic factors, i.e., Puma and Bim, via downregulating p53. Concurrently, CTS has been validated that it might not only inhibit the activity of Foxo1 and its downstream genetic transcription of Puma and Bax but also restrain the translocation of BAX to mitochondria via weakening its combination with 14-3-3σ, jointly regulated by the advanced PI3K/Akt pathway and the subsequent inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) phosphorylation. The afore-mentioned routes are all potential targets for CTS’s anti-DOX strategy in the cardiac injury model [59]. STS was also reported in a comparable study to suppress Bim transcription via Akt-dependent phosphorylation and inactivation of Foxo3a by its phosphorylation and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation. However, no obvious regulatory effect on Foxo1 and Foxo4 in the Foxo family by STS was reported [60]. Furthermore, Tan IIA could elevate the expression level of miRNA-133 and phosphorylate serine (Ser) 473 site in Akt, through which the PI3K/Akt pathway was stimulated. By means of the above process, apoptosis induced by mitochondrial oxidative stress and ERS could be restrained using Tan IIA [50, 61, 62]. Arachidonic acid (AA), a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, is also a precursor that can be metabolized by different enzymes into biological eicosenoic acids. It is considered the essential proapoptotic participant in myocardial I/R injury that the hydroxylated metabolite, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) of AA [63, 64]. The data suggested that DHT might inhibit AA by decreasing the formation of 20-HETE and alleviating cardiomyocyte apoptosis [65].Autophagy is primarily responsible for degrading long-lived proteins or whole organelle substrates and maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Autophagy typically crosses with elevated oxidative stress and cellar apoptosis [66–68]. The important subtype, macroautophagy, develops double-membrane autophagosomes sequestering abandoned or recyclable substrates and then extends to autolysosomes by fusing with acidic lysosomes that mediate constituents to be degraded under the regulation of lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1/2 (LAMP1/2) [69–71]. During this process, protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and Sequestosome-1 (p62/SQSTM1) are essential autophagy biomarkers engaging in segregating cargoes [72, 73]. As the classical pathway responsible for autophagy, mTOR kinase is a negative regulator of UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1)-Beclin1 (ATG6) pathway that stimulates autophagosome formation [74, 75] and transcription factor EB (TFEB) that regulates the transcriptions of genes relevant to lysosomal biogenesis and degradation [76, 77]. The study has demonstrated that Tan IIA could reduce DOX-induced cardiotoxicity without compromising antitumor activity by decreasing p-ULK1 to activate the Beclin1 pathway, and sequestration of TFEB in the nucleus, via inhibiting the phosphorylation of mTOR from inactivating autophagy and impairing autophagic flux [78].Programmed necrosis (necroptosis) is a form of cell necrosis. Contrary to apoptosis, its process results in plasma membrane rupture and cell content overflow, triggering the immune system and inflammatory response [79]. Necroptosis is mainly mediated by the complex formed by receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3), and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) [80, 81]. Another study has revealed that Tan I alleviated the excretion of inflammatory factors by suppressing necroptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by cardiac I/R injury that is positively regulated by the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway [41]. The antiapoptosis and antinecroptosis effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs have been summarized in Table 2 and Figure 2.Table 2
The antiapoptosis and necroptosis effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI rats established by left anterior descending branch (LAD) ligationIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in isolated cardiomyocytes of LAD-induced MI ratsIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:10, 20, 30, 40 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, apoptosis rate, caspase 3, cyt c, apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), BAX↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2In vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, caspase 3, cyt c, Apaf-1, BAX, ROS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ATF4, IRE1α↑ Cell viability, BCL-2[51]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Acute ethanol-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:Acute ethanol-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injuryIn vivo:5, 10 mg/kgIn vitro:3, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Apoptosis rate, PDCD4↑ Cardiac function, the PI3K/Akt pathwayIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, PDCD4↑ The PI3K/Akt pathway[52]CTSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:DOX-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injuryIn vivo:50 mg/kgIn vitro:2, 5, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Collagen deposition, apoptosis rate, MDA, ROS, 14-3-3σ, p-JNK, BAX, Bim, Puma, cleaved-caspase 3/9, p53, nuclear-Foxo1↑ Cardiac function, surface area of cells, SOD, CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), mitochondrial membrane potential, BCL-2, the PI3K/Akt pathwayIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, ROS↑ Cell viability, surface area of cells, mitochondrial membrane potential[59]STSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in isolated cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats after administrationIn vivo:20 mg/kgIn vitro:Isolated cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats after administrationIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, apoptosis rate, DNA fragmentation, cyt c, ROS, caspase 3, Bim↑ Cardiac function, p-Akt, p-Foxo3aIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, Bim, caspase 3↑ p-Akt, p-Foxo3a[60]Tan IIAIn vitroH2O2-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage0.3, 1, 3, 10μM↑ Cell viability, BCL-2, miRNA-133, the PI3K/Akt pathway[61]Tan IIAIn vitroH2O2/DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30μM↓ Apoptosis rate, cleaved-caspase 3/9↑ Cell viability, miRNA-133[62]Tan IIAIn vitroERS-induced apoptosis model in NRVMs established by Tunicamycin (Tm)0.1μM↓ Apoptosis rate, caspase 3/12, GRP78, CHOP↑ miRNA-133[50]DHTIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats1, 2, 4 mg/kg↓ Infarct size, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, apoptosis rate, CK-MB, LDH, BAX, cleaved-caspase 3/9, 20-HETE, CHOP, GRP78↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2[65]Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with t-BHP to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10, 20 mg/kgIn vitro:0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKLIn vitro:↓ LDH, p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKL↑ Cell viability[41]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:DOX-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damageIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:0.5, 1 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, apoptotic ratio, CK-MB, LDH, BAX, autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation, LC3-II, p62, p-mTOR, p-ULK1↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2, Cathepsin B, Beclin 1, LAMP1, nuclear-TFEBIn vitro:↓ Apoptotic rate, autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation, LC3-II, p62, p-mTOR, p-ULK1↑ Cell viability, Cathepsin B, Beclin 1, LAMP1, nuclear-TFEB[78]


### 3.1.3. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

Inflammation can cause severe mitochondrial damage and microenvironment disruption [82]. Tanshinone compounds can also exert an anti-inflammatory effect on CVDs. Under conditions of cellular stress, cellular inflammation is initiated by proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) [83, 84].Some studies have revealed that the release of multiple pro-inflammatory factors could be held up through downregulating high mobility group box-B1 (HMGB1) expression, one of the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), in I/R-insulted myocardial tissues of rats by Tan IIA [85] or STS [86]. The nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, a classical inflammatory response pathway, transcribes several pro-inflammatory factors following the nuclear import of NF-κB, which can be inhibited by the cytoplasmic NF-κB inhibitor (IκB) [87, 88]. Research has demonstrated that STS exhibits the efficacy of suppressing inflammatory factors via deactivating the NF-κB pathway in I/R-damaged cardiac tissues of rats [89]. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs is summarized in Table 3 and Figure 2.Table 3
The anti-inflammatory and antihypertrophic effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats10, 20, 40 mg/kg↓ Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, HMGB1[85]STSIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats8 mg/kg↓ Infarct size, CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cardiac function, SOD, GSH-px, HO-1, IκB-α[89]STSIn vivoMI rats established by LAD ligation20.8 mg/kg↓ Collagen deposition, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, HMGB1, TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β)↑ Cardiac function[86]Tan IIAIn vitroAng II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte40μM↓ Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), calcineurin, NFATc3, Gαq, PKC-α, CaMKII, TNF-α, the NF-κB pathway, IGF-IIR, p-HSF1, GATA4, the MAPK pathway↑ ESR, SIRT1[95]Tan IIAIn vitroAng II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte40μM↓ Apoptosis rate, cleaved-caspase 3/9, BAX, cyt c, matrix metalloprotein-9/2 (MMP-9/2),β-catenin, p-GATA4, NFATc3, IGF-IR, IGF-IIR, the MAPK pathway↑ Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP 1/2), ESR, the PI3K/Akt pathway[96]Tan IIAIn vivoTAC-induced myocardial hypertrophy in rats15 mg/kg↓ Left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), HW/BW, ratio of left ventricular weight/body weight (LVW/HW), apoptosis rate, caspase-3, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, BAX↑ SOD, BCL-2, SIRT1[98]Tan IIAIn vitroLeu27 IGF-II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte10, 100μM↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP, calcineurin, NFAT3↑ ESR, the PI3K/Akt pathway[100]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:TAC-induced myocardial hypertrophy in ratsIn vitro:Ang II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyteIn vivo:2, 5, 10 mg/kgIn vitro:25, 50, 100 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, LVPWT, IVST, HW/BW, LVW/HW, galectin-3↑ Cardiac functionIn vitro:↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP, β-MHC, ALKBH5, galectin-3↑ Cell viability, m6A, m6A modification of galectin-3[102]Tan IIAIn vitroISO-induced hypertrophy in NRVMs10, 30, 100μM↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP,β-MHC, calcineurin, NFATc3[99]


### 3.1.4. Antihypertrophic Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

As the cardiac response to increased hemodynamic load, cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by growing cardiac mass and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy is the compensatory process that keeps the heart muscle’s ability to contract and lower the stress on ventricle walls. Pathological myocardial hypertrophy is one of the leading causes of CVD-associated morbidities and mortalities. It is one of the most significant sequelae following MI and is closely associated with the onset of chronic heart failure (CHF) [90].Angiotensin II (Ang II) upregulates the MAPK and GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) pathways, as well as the expression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and its receptor (IGF-IIR). This helps promote the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes [91–93]. While estrogen receptor (ESR) plays a protective role against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, usually being activated to reverse the changes of adverse factors mentioned above [94]. The study has shown that Tan IIA might activate ESR to inhibit the MAPK/GATA4 pathway. This would activate the NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/deacetylated heat shock factor-1 (deacetylated-HSF1) and decrease the phosphorylation modification of HSF1. Moreover, this would also inhibit HSF1 from binding to the promoter region to restrain the transcription of IGF-IIR [95, 96]. The reduction of IGF-IIR expression monitors the restrained contents of cardiac hypertrophy-associated hallmark proteins, such as calcineurin, Gαq, PKC-α, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II (CaMKII), and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc3), subsequently [95, 96]. Furthermore, ESR enhances the PI3K/Akt pathway, while Tan IIA might indirectly heighten the signal transduction of the PI3K/Akt pathway via upregulating ESR expression and then bring down the activation of calcineurin and NFATc3 induced by IGF-IIR [96]. Additionally, the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad pathway is a classical way of contributing to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [97]. Tan IIA has been shown to inactivate the TGF-β/Smad pathway, resulting in remiss cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [96]. Exclusive of the Ang II-stimulated models in vitro mentioned above, similar effects of Tan IIA have been reported on cardiomyocytes stimulated by the analog of IGF-IIR that Leu27 IGF-II, or ISO [98–100]. For the in vivo experiment, the study used transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce myocardial remodeling in rats. The obtained results have demonstrated that Tan IIA could also repress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by SIRT1 upregulation in vivo, consistent with the findings in vitro [98]. In addition, the pathological changes of cardiac hypertrophy can also be modulated by RNA methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is involved in this pathway together with RNA demethylase ALKBH5 (ALKBH5) [101]. Tan IIA was found to elevate intracellular m6A content and the m6A-modified form of galectin-3 in cardiomyocytes, which was realized by inhibiting ALKBH5 activation. Galectin-3 which had undergone the m6A modification and lost its initial stability exhibited lower expression, eventually inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy [102]. The antihypertrophic effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs is summarized in Table 3 and Figure 2.


## 3.1.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

Oxidative stress is involved in the occurrence and progression of various CVDs. The rapid production and accumulation of free radicals and their oxidation products can react with various cell components, such as membrane phospholipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, resulting in structural cell damage and functional metabolic disorders [29, 30]. Under physiological conditions, cells’ reactive oxygen species (ROS) benefit their biological activities. When the balance between ROS production and antioxidative defense is disturbed, oxidative stress-related pathology is followed by altered intracellular homeostasis [31, 32]. Given this fact, antioxidative stress is a therapeutic target in various CVDs.The transcription factor NFE2L2/Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2) promotes the expression of anti-oxidants and detoxification enzymes to combat ROS and toxic metabolites, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) [33]. The study suggested that Tan I could dose-dependently promote the protein content and trans-localization of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Surface plasma resonance (SPR) detection confirmed that Tan I directly targeted Nrf2 and might serve as a potential agonist of Nrf2. Through positive regulation of the Nrf2 pathway, Tan I promoted the expression of anti-oxidation-related protein downstream while inhibiting the protein contents of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family via the Nrf2/MAPK pathway to protect oxidative stress-insulted myocardial tissues and H9c2 cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro [34]. However, it has been demonstrated that the MAPK protein family member phosphorylated- (p-) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) can facilitate Nrf2’s nuclear translocation to promote the transcription of anti-oxidant enzymes [35, 36]. Tan I was thought to have an anti-oxidative function that was quite distinct from the ERK1/2-Nrf2 pathway by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting MAPKs. During myocardial I/R injury, mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complex I is suppressed, followed by transient ROS production. According to the research, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) could be stabilized by pre-administration of DHT due to transient accumulation of ROS through reversible inhibition of the MRC complex I. However, HIF-1α acting as a transcription factor promotes Nrf2 transcription and activates the expression of downstream anti-oxidative enzymes. Therefore, DHT could exert a protective effect against cardiac I/R damage, as demonstrated by reduced infarct sizes and enhanced cardiac function in I/R rats and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes [37]. Furthermore, protein kinase C (PKC), which is Nrf2’s upstream kinase, can phosphorylate Nrf2 to turn it on and translocate it from the cytoplasm to the nucleus [38, 39]. In contrast, another upstream pathway of Nrf2 is the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β)/Fyn pathway playing the opposite role. Intranuclear accumulation of Fyn can promote Nrf2 to trans-localize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, leading to the inactivated Nrf2 as a transcription factor. However, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) can phosphorylate GSK-3β to inhibit the nuclear translocation of Fyn. The research has confirmed that DHT could restrain Nrf2 degradation and enhance its nuclear import by upregulating the PKC/Nrf2 pathway. DHT has also been shown to inhibit Nrf2 nuclear export by enhancing the PKB activation to downregulate the GSK-3β/Fyn pathway [40]. In addition to DHT, it has been confirmed that Tan I could also promote nuclear Nrf2 protein to increase the expression of related enzymes to combat oxidative stress by the Akt/Nrf2 pathway upregulation [41]. The classical pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, is essential to regulate various biological processes such as oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis [42, 43]. Tan IIA was reported to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway, followed by the upregulation of its downstream mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to prevent cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis [44]. Moreover, the excessive opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) often occurs during cardiac I/R lesion, causing the release of ROS and cytochrome C (cyt c). It has been reported that Tan IIA could elevate the expression level of the apoptotic regulatory factor, i.e., 14-3-3η, to increase B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) translocation to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Tan IIA enhanced the cell survival of anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R)-stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes by inhibiting mPTP opening, ROS production, and cyt c delivery as a result of its interaction with BCL-2 and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC-1). Table 1 and Figure 2 summarize the anti-oxidant activity of Tanshinones in protecting the myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs [45].Table 1
The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Mice received intraperitoneal injection of ISO to establish an oxidative stress-induced myocardial damage modelIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:0.625, 1.25, 2.5 μMIn vivo:↓ Myocardial injury, the heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio, collagen deposition, BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX), caspase3, the MAPK pathway↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2, the Nrf2 pathwayIn vitro:↓ BAX, malondialdehyde (MDA), the MAPK pathway↑ BCL-2, superoxide dismutase (SOD), the Nrf2 pathway[34]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytesIn vivo:0.1 mg/kgIn vitro:0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, myocardial injury markers↑ Cardiac functionIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), MRC complex I↑ Cell viability, HIF-1α, the Nrf2 pathway, HO-1, NQO-1, SOD, catalase (CAT)[37]Tan IIAIn vitroA/R-induced cellular damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes2, 8, 32μM↓ Apoptosis rate, LDH, MDA, ROS, cyt c, caspase-3, mPTP opening↑ Cell viability, SOD, 14-3-3η, mitochondrial colocalization of 14-3-3η, BCL-2, and VDAC-1[45]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:A/R-induced cellular damage in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs)In vivo:20 mg/kgIn vitro:1 μMIn vivo:↓ Creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), LDH, MDA, H2O2↑ SOD, sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome c oxidase, the PI3K/Akt pathway, p-mTOR, p-eNOSIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, CK-MB, LDH↑ Cell viability, p-mTOR, p-eNOS[44]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:A/R-induced cellular damage in HL-1 cardiomyocytesIn vivo:5 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 1, 5 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, surface area of cells, 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), apoptosis rate, LDH, MDA↑ Cardiac function, the Nrf2 pathway, HO-1, NQO-1In vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, LDH, cyto-Nrf2, the GSK-3β/Fyn pathway↑ p-Nrf2, the PKC/Nrf2 pathway, PKB, HO-1, NQO-1[40]Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with t-BHP to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10, 20 mg/kgIn vitro:0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, MDA↑ SODIn vitro:↓ LDH, ROS↑ Cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, p-Akt, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1[41]Figure 2
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones for protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.


## 3.1.2. Antiapoptosis and Antinecroptosis Effects of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

When myocardial ischemia occurs, persistent oxygen deficit leads to membrane integrity damage, triggering irreversible cell death. Since cardiomyocytes lack regenerative capacity, cardiomyocyte apoptosis results in progressive loss of cardiomyocytes and left ventricular dilation after MI [46, 47]. Apoptosis belongs to programmed cell death and involves genetically determined cell elimination [48]. As an end consequence of cellular damage during CVDs, cardiomyocyte apoptosis is the ultimate target of Tanshinone compounds.During the progression of MI, it is one of the main pathological mechanisms of oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis that the cardiomyocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Among them, several major proteins play essential roles. Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) activates and promotes the expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) under the ERS stimulation. In addition to IRE1, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is also one of the upstream regulatory proteins of CHOP. Glucose regulatory protein (GRP78) and CHOP are both ERS-associated molecules that jointly promote the activation of kinases in the apoptosis pathway [49, 50]. According to the reported studies, Tan IIA could alleviate the apoptotic state of myocardial tissues and their isolated cardiomyocytes in MI rats via downregulating protein levels in the IRE1 and ATF4 pathways [51]. Tan IIA was also shown to reduce acute ethanol-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by reversing the upregulation of programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), following the promotion of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in acute ethanol-treated mice in vivo and H9c2 cells in vitro [52]. As an antitumor drug widely used, the cardiotoxic side effects of Doxorubicin (DOX) may produce severe cellular stress to trigger endogenous apoptosis [53]. During this process, p53 is considered an essential proapoptotic protein [54]. As the downstream proteins of p53 transcription factor, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (Puma) and BCL-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) also produce a marked effect on promoting apoptosis [55]. Moreover, the forkhead box O1 transcription factor (Foxo1) is also the upstream transcription factor of Puma and Bax [56–58]. CTS has been reported to upregulate the expression of the antiapoptotic factor BCL-2 while suppressing the genetic transcription of the proapoptotic factors, i.e., Puma and Bim, via downregulating p53. Concurrently, CTS has been validated that it might not only inhibit the activity of Foxo1 and its downstream genetic transcription of Puma and Bax but also restrain the translocation of BAX to mitochondria via weakening its combination with 14-3-3σ, jointly regulated by the advanced PI3K/Akt pathway and the subsequent inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) phosphorylation. The afore-mentioned routes are all potential targets for CTS’s anti-DOX strategy in the cardiac injury model [59]. STS was also reported in a comparable study to suppress Bim transcription via Akt-dependent phosphorylation and inactivation of Foxo3a by its phosphorylation and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation. However, no obvious regulatory effect on Foxo1 and Foxo4 in the Foxo family by STS was reported [60]. Furthermore, Tan IIA could elevate the expression level of miRNA-133 and phosphorylate serine (Ser) 473 site in Akt, through which the PI3K/Akt pathway was stimulated. By means of the above process, apoptosis induced by mitochondrial oxidative stress and ERS could be restrained using Tan IIA [50, 61, 62]. Arachidonic acid (AA), a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, is also a precursor that can be metabolized by different enzymes into biological eicosenoic acids. It is considered the essential proapoptotic participant in myocardial I/R injury that the hydroxylated metabolite, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) of AA [63, 64]. The data suggested that DHT might inhibit AA by decreasing the formation of 20-HETE and alleviating cardiomyocyte apoptosis [65].Autophagy is primarily responsible for degrading long-lived proteins or whole organelle substrates and maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Autophagy typically crosses with elevated oxidative stress and cellar apoptosis [66–68]. The important subtype, macroautophagy, develops double-membrane autophagosomes sequestering abandoned or recyclable substrates and then extends to autolysosomes by fusing with acidic lysosomes that mediate constituents to be degraded under the regulation of lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1/2 (LAMP1/2) [69–71]. During this process, protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and Sequestosome-1 (p62/SQSTM1) are essential autophagy biomarkers engaging in segregating cargoes [72, 73]. As the classical pathway responsible for autophagy, mTOR kinase is a negative regulator of UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1)-Beclin1 (ATG6) pathway that stimulates autophagosome formation [74, 75] and transcription factor EB (TFEB) that regulates the transcriptions of genes relevant to lysosomal biogenesis and degradation [76, 77]. The study has demonstrated that Tan IIA could reduce DOX-induced cardiotoxicity without compromising antitumor activity by decreasing p-ULK1 to activate the Beclin1 pathway, and sequestration of TFEB in the nucleus, via inhibiting the phosphorylation of mTOR from inactivating autophagy and impairing autophagic flux [78].Programmed necrosis (necroptosis) is a form of cell necrosis. Contrary to apoptosis, its process results in plasma membrane rupture and cell content overflow, triggering the immune system and inflammatory response [79]. Necroptosis is mainly mediated by the complex formed by receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3), and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) [80, 81]. Another study has revealed that Tan I alleviated the excretion of inflammatory factors by suppressing necroptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by cardiac I/R injury that is positively regulated by the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway [41]. The antiapoptosis and antinecroptosis effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs have been summarized in Table 2 and Figure 2.Table 2
The antiapoptosis and necroptosis effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI rats established by left anterior descending branch (LAD) ligationIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in isolated cardiomyocytes of LAD-induced MI ratsIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:10, 20, 30, 40 μMIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, apoptosis rate, caspase 3, cyt c, apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), BAX↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2In vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, caspase 3, cyt c, Apaf-1, BAX, ROS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ATF4, IRE1α↑ Cell viability, BCL-2[51]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Acute ethanol-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:Acute ethanol-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injuryIn vivo:5, 10 mg/kgIn vitro:3, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Apoptosis rate, PDCD4↑ Cardiac function, the PI3K/Akt pathwayIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, PDCD4↑ The PI3K/Akt pathway[52]CTSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:DOX-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injuryIn vivo:50 mg/kgIn vitro:2, 5, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Collagen deposition, apoptosis rate, MDA, ROS, 14-3-3σ, p-JNK, BAX, Bim, Puma, cleaved-caspase 3/9, p53, nuclear-Foxo1↑ Cardiac function, surface area of cells, SOD, CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), mitochondrial membrane potential, BCL-2, the PI3K/Akt pathwayIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, ROS↑ Cell viability, surface area of cells, mitochondrial membrane potential[59]STSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H2O2-induced cellular damage in isolated cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats after administrationIn vivo:20 mg/kgIn vitro:Isolated cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats after administrationIn vivo:↓ Infarct size, apoptosis rate, DNA fragmentation, cyt c, ROS, caspase 3, Bim↑ Cardiac function, p-Akt, p-Foxo3aIn vitro:↓ Apoptosis rate, Bim, caspase 3↑ p-Akt, p-Foxo3a[60]Tan IIAIn vitroH2O2-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage0.3, 1, 3, 10μM↑ Cell viability, BCL-2, miRNA-133, the PI3K/Akt pathway[61]Tan IIAIn vitroH2O2/DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damage5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30μM↓ Apoptosis rate, cleaved-caspase 3/9↑ Cell viability, miRNA-133[62]Tan IIAIn vitroERS-induced apoptosis model in NRVMs established by Tunicamycin (Tm)0.1μM↓ Apoptosis rate, caspase 3/12, GRP78, CHOP↑ miRNA-133[50]DHTIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats1, 2, 4 mg/kg↓ Infarct size, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, apoptosis rate, CK-MB, LDH, BAX, cleaved-caspase 3/9, 20-HETE, CHOP, GRP78↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2[65]Tan IIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:I/R-induced myocardial damage in ratsIn vitro:H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with t-BHP to establish an oxidative stress-induced cellular damage modelIn vivo:10, 20 mg/kgIn vitro:0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKLIn vitro:↓ LDH, p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKL↑ Cell viability[41]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:DOX-induced myocardial damage in miceIn vitro:DOX-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte damageIn vivo:10 mg/kgIn vitro:0.5, 1 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, apoptotic ratio, CK-MB, LDH, BAX, autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation, LC3-II, p62, p-mTOR, p-ULK1↑ Cardiac function, BCL-2, Cathepsin B, Beclin 1, LAMP1, nuclear-TFEBIn vitro:↓ Apoptotic rate, autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation, LC3-II, p62, p-mTOR, p-ULK1↑ Cell viability, Cathepsin B, Beclin 1, LAMP1, nuclear-TFEB[78]


## 3.1.3. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

Inflammation can cause severe mitochondrial damage and microenvironment disruption [82]. Tanshinone compounds can also exert an anti-inflammatory effect on CVDs. Under conditions of cellular stress, cellular inflammation is initiated by proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) [83, 84].Some studies have revealed that the release of multiple pro-inflammatory factors could be held up through downregulating high mobility group box-B1 (HMGB1) expression, one of the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), in I/R-insulted myocardial tissues of rats by Tan IIA [85] or STS [86]. The nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, a classical inflammatory response pathway, transcribes several pro-inflammatory factors following the nuclear import of NF-κB, which can be inhibited by the cytoplasmic NF-κB inhibitor (IκB) [87, 88]. Research has demonstrated that STS exhibits the efficacy of suppressing inflammatory factors via deactivating the NF-κB pathway in I/R-damaged cardiac tissues of rats [89]. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs is summarized in Table 3 and Figure 2.Table 3
The anti-inflammatory and antihypertrophic effects of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats10, 20, 40 mg/kg↓ Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST), TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, HMGB1[85]STSIn vivoI/R-induced myocardial damage in rats8 mg/kg↓ Infarct size, CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cardiac function, SOD, GSH-px, HO-1, IκB-α[89]STSIn vivoMI rats established by LAD ligation20.8 mg/kg↓ Collagen deposition, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, HMGB1, TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β)↑ Cardiac function[86]Tan IIAIn vitroAng II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte40μM↓ Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), calcineurin, NFATc3, Gαq, PKC-α, CaMKII, TNF-α, the NF-κB pathway, IGF-IIR, p-HSF1, GATA4, the MAPK pathway↑ ESR, SIRT1[95]Tan IIAIn vitroAng II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte40μM↓ Apoptosis rate, cleaved-caspase 3/9, BAX, cyt c, matrix metalloprotein-9/2 (MMP-9/2),β-catenin, p-GATA4, NFATc3, IGF-IR, IGF-IIR, the MAPK pathway↑ Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP 1/2), ESR, the PI3K/Akt pathway[96]Tan IIAIn vivoTAC-induced myocardial hypertrophy in rats15 mg/kg↓ Left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), HW/BW, ratio of left ventricular weight/body weight (LVW/HW), apoptosis rate, caspase-3, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, BAX↑ SOD, BCL-2, SIRT1[98]Tan IIAIn vitroLeu27 IGF-II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyte10, 100μM↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP, calcineurin, NFAT3↑ ESR, the PI3K/Akt pathway[100]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:TAC-induced myocardial hypertrophy in ratsIn vitro:Ang II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocyteIn vivo:2, 5, 10 mg/kgIn vitro:25, 50, 100 μMIn vivo:↓ Pathological injury of myocardial tissues, LVPWT, IVST, HW/BW, LVW/HW, galectin-3↑ Cardiac functionIn vitro:↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP, β-MHC, ALKBH5, galectin-3↑ Cell viability, m6A, m6A modification of galectin-3[102]Tan IIAIn vitroISO-induced hypertrophy in NRVMs10, 30, 100μM↓ Surface area of cells, ANP, BNP,β-MHC, calcineurin, NFATc3[99]


## 3.1.4. Antihypertrophic Effect of Tanshinones on Myocardia and Cardiomyocytes

As the cardiac response to increased hemodynamic load, cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by growing cardiac mass and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy is the compensatory process that keeps the heart muscle’s ability to contract and lower the stress on ventricle walls. Pathological myocardial hypertrophy is one of the leading causes of CVD-associated morbidities and mortalities. It is one of the most significant sequelae following MI and is closely associated with the onset of chronic heart failure (CHF) [90].Angiotensin II (Ang II) upregulates the MAPK and GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) pathways, as well as the expression of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and its receptor (IGF-IIR). This helps promote the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes [91–93]. While estrogen receptor (ESR) plays a protective role against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, usually being activated to reverse the changes of adverse factors mentioned above [94]. The study has shown that Tan IIA might activate ESR to inhibit the MAPK/GATA4 pathway. This would activate the NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/deacetylated heat shock factor-1 (deacetylated-HSF1) and decrease the phosphorylation modification of HSF1. Moreover, this would also inhibit HSF1 from binding to the promoter region to restrain the transcription of IGF-IIR [95, 96]. The reduction of IGF-IIR expression monitors the restrained contents of cardiac hypertrophy-associated hallmark proteins, such as calcineurin, Gαq, PKC-α, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II (CaMKII), and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc3), subsequently [95, 96]. Furthermore, ESR enhances the PI3K/Akt pathway, while Tan IIA might indirectly heighten the signal transduction of the PI3K/Akt pathway via upregulating ESR expression and then bring down the activation of calcineurin and NFATc3 induced by IGF-IIR [96]. Additionally, the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad pathway is a classical way of contributing to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [97]. Tan IIA has been shown to inactivate the TGF-β/Smad pathway, resulting in remiss cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [96]. Exclusive of the Ang II-stimulated models in vitro mentioned above, similar effects of Tan IIA have been reported on cardiomyocytes stimulated by the analog of IGF-IIR that Leu27 IGF-II, or ISO [98–100]. For the in vivo experiment, the study used transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce myocardial remodeling in rats. The obtained results have demonstrated that Tan IIA could also repress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by SIRT1 upregulation in vivo, consistent with the findings in vitro [98]. In addition, the pathological changes of cardiac hypertrophy can also be modulated by RNA methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is involved in this pathway together with RNA demethylase ALKBH5 (ALKBH5) [101]. Tan IIA was found to elevate intracellular m6A content and the m6A-modified form of galectin-3 in cardiomyocytes, which was realized by inhibiting ALKBH5 activation. Galectin-3 which had undergone the m6A modification and lost its initial stability exhibited lower expression, eventually inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy [102]. The antihypertrophic effect of Tanshinones on protecting myocardia and cardiomyocytes against CVDs is summarized in Table 3 and Figure 2.


## 3.2. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones on Macrophages against CVDs

### 3.2.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Macrophages

Oxidative stress in macrophages plays a crucial function in AS. Foam cells originating from macrophages trigger the AS process in response to various stimuli, including oxidation resulting from the accumulation and modification of lipoproteins in artery walls [103]. The study has found that the extracts from S. miltiorrhiza containing Tan I, Tan IIA, CPT, and DHT presented an upregulated function of the PI3K/Akt-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)-Nrf2 pathway, which transcribes a variety of antioxidative enzymes [104]. The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs is summarized in Table 4 and Figure 3.Table 4
The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Extracts ofS. miltiorrhiza (Tan I, Tan IIA, DHT, CPT)In vitroH2O2-stimulated murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.71, 10, 50μg/mL↓ ROS↑ Cell viability, HO-1, the Nrf2 pathway[104]DHTIn vitroLPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.720μM↓ NO, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2, ROS, the NF-κB pathway, the MAPKs (JNK1/2, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2) pathway, TLR4, p-IKK-α/β, p-IκB-α[112]CTSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:D-GalN-sensitized mice challenged by LPSIn vitro:LPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7In vivo:20, 40 mg/kgIn vitro:12.5, 25, 50, 100 μMIn vivo:↑ Survival rateIn vitro:↓ NO, iNOS, COX-2, the MAPK pathway, the NF-κB pathway, TLR4, CD14, TAK1↑ Cell viability[113]CTSIn vitroLPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.72.5, 5, 10μM↓ TNF-α, IL-6, the MAPKs (ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2) pathway, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cell viability, IκB-α[114]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- miceIn vitro:LPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7In vivo:25 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 0.5 μMIn vivo:↓ Necrotic core area, plaque size, collagen/plaque area, ROS, MDA, RIP3, CD68↑ Plaque stability, SOD, GSHIn vitro:↓ COX2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, p-PERK, CHOP, intracellular Ca2+ level, ROS, the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, TLR4, MyD88↑ Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), SOD[109]Tan IIAIn vivoAS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- mice30 mg/kg↓ Atherosclerotic lesion size, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MMP-2/3/9, MCP-1, galectin-3, CD68, the RAGE pathway, the NF-κB pathway, p-IκB-α, the MAPKs (JNK1/2, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK) pathway↑ Collagen content, macrophage content, SMC content, IκB-α[111]Figure 3
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs.


### 3.2.2. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Macrophages

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that inflammation exerts a vital function on lesion, destabilization, and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques composed of a lipid-rich necrotic core covered by a thin fibrous cap, predominantly involving SMCs, macrophages, structural collagen, and plaques infiltrated with inflammatory cells [105]. During the AS process, the release of many inflammatory cytokines, such as vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-2/3/9 (MMP-2/3/9), promotes the progression of plaque vulnerability [106, 107]. Inflammation has also been confirmed to play a crucial role in injury pathogenesis secondary to ischemia [108].The NF-κB pathway regulates the release of inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). The study found that DHT could significantly reduce these mediators by inactivating the NF-κB pathway, in an AS model of apolipoprotein-E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high cholesterol/high-fat diet (HCD/HFD) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. As the upstream of NF-κB, DHT has been revealed that it could suppress Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). The downstream of the TLR4/MyD88 also contains the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL phosphorylation attributing to necroptosis, considered a highly proinflammatory pattern of cell death. Through deactivating the RIP1 pathway, DHT could relieve ERS performed as decreased pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), CHOP, and intracellular Ca2+ level, as well as mitigate oxidative stress [109]. Additionally, the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway plays a critical role in the generation of chemokines and adhesion molecules mentioned above, serving a pivotal role in the MAPKs and NF-κB pathway activation [106, 110]. The study has displayed that Tan IIA could restrain the RAGE pathway and its downstream pathways, the MAPK and NF-κB, to alleviate the erosion and thinning fibrous caps responsible for plaque instability [111]. Furthermore, DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] could significantly suppress inflammatory mediators and ROS generation in LPS-induced macrophages in vitro or D-galactosamine- (D-GalN-) sensitized mice challenged by LPS in vivo. The mechanism has been found that DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] inhibited TLR4 dimerization and CD14 expression that have the capacity of initiating the LPS-induced signaling cascades including TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphorylation. Downstream of TAK1, DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] could also reduce phosphorylated IκB kinase (IKK)-α/β, phosphorylated IκB-α, NF-κB phosphorylation, and its nuclear translocation, as well as interrupt JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) phosphorylation. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs is summarized in Table 4 and Figure 3.


## 3.2.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Macrophages

Oxidative stress in macrophages plays a crucial function in AS. Foam cells originating from macrophages trigger the AS process in response to various stimuli, including oxidation resulting from the accumulation and modification of lipoproteins in artery walls [103]. The study has found that the extracts from S. miltiorrhiza containing Tan I, Tan IIA, CPT, and DHT presented an upregulated function of the PI3K/Akt-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)-Nrf2 pathway, which transcribes a variety of antioxidative enzymes [104]. The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs is summarized in Table 4 and Figure 3.Table 4
The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Extracts ofS. miltiorrhiza (Tan I, Tan IIA, DHT, CPT)In vitroH2O2-stimulated murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.71, 10, 50μg/mL↓ ROS↑ Cell viability, HO-1, the Nrf2 pathway[104]DHTIn vitroLPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.720μM↓ NO, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2, ROS, the NF-κB pathway, the MAPKs (JNK1/2, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2) pathway, TLR4, p-IKK-α/β, p-IκB-α[112]CTSIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:D-GalN-sensitized mice challenged by LPSIn vitro:LPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7In vivo:20, 40 mg/kgIn vitro:12.5, 25, 50, 100 μMIn vivo:↑ Survival rateIn vitro:↓ NO, iNOS, COX-2, the MAPK pathway, the NF-κB pathway, TLR4, CD14, TAK1↑ Cell viability[113]CTSIn vitroLPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.72.5, 5, 10μM↓ TNF-α, IL-6, the MAPKs (ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK1/2) pathway, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cell viability, IκB-α[114]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- miceIn vitro:LPS-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7In vivo:25 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 0.5 μMIn vivo:↓ Necrotic core area, plaque size, collagen/plaque area, ROS, MDA, RIP3, CD68↑ Plaque stability, SOD, GSHIn vitro:↓ COX2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, p-PERK, CHOP, intracellular Ca2+ level, ROS, the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, TLR4, MyD88↑ Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), SOD[109]Tan IIAIn vivoAS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- mice30 mg/kg↓ Atherosclerotic lesion size, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MMP-2/3/9, MCP-1, galectin-3, CD68, the RAGE pathway, the NF-κB pathway, p-IκB-α, the MAPKs (JNK1/2, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK) pathway↑ Collagen content, macrophage content, SMC content, IκB-α[111]Figure 3
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs.


## 3.2.2. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Macrophages

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that inflammation exerts a vital function on lesion, destabilization, and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques composed of a lipid-rich necrotic core covered by a thin fibrous cap, predominantly involving SMCs, macrophages, structural collagen, and plaques infiltrated with inflammatory cells [105]. During the AS process, the release of many inflammatory cytokines, such as vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-2/3/9 (MMP-2/3/9), promotes the progression of plaque vulnerability [106, 107]. Inflammation has also been confirmed to play a crucial role in injury pathogenesis secondary to ischemia [108].The NF-κB pathway regulates the release of inflammatory mediators such as NO, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). The study found that DHT could significantly reduce these mediators by inactivating the NF-κB pathway, in an AS model of apolipoprotein-E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high cholesterol/high-fat diet (HCD/HFD) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. As the upstream of NF-κB, DHT has been revealed that it could suppress Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). The downstream of the TLR4/MyD88 also contains the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL phosphorylation attributing to necroptosis, considered a highly proinflammatory pattern of cell death. Through deactivating the RIP1 pathway, DHT could relieve ERS performed as decreased pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), CHOP, and intracellular Ca2+ level, as well as mitigate oxidative stress [109]. Additionally, the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway plays a critical role in the generation of chemokines and adhesion molecules mentioned above, serving a pivotal role in the MAPKs and NF-κB pathway activation [106, 110]. The study has displayed that Tan IIA could restrain the RAGE pathway and its downstream pathways, the MAPK and NF-κB, to alleviate the erosion and thinning fibrous caps responsible for plaque instability [111]. Furthermore, DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] could significantly suppress inflammatory mediators and ROS generation in LPS-induced macrophages in vitro or D-galactosamine- (D-GalN-) sensitized mice challenged by LPS in vivo. The mechanism has been found that DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] inhibited TLR4 dimerization and CD14 expression that have the capacity of initiating the LPS-induced signaling cascades including TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphorylation. Downstream of TAK1, DHT [112] and CTS [113, 114] could also reduce phosphorylated IκB kinase (IKK)-α/β, phosphorylated IκB-α, NF-κB phosphorylation, and its nuclear translocation, as well as interrupt JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) phosphorylation. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on macrophages against CVDs is summarized in Table 4 and Figure 3.


## 3.3. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones for Protecting Endothelia against CVDs

### 3.3.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

It is widely accepted that endothelial dysfunction is a crucial risk factor for CVDs, including AS. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress in the form of lipid peroxidation is the primary causative factor in endothelial dysfunction [115].Lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis, characterized as the accumulation of iron and ROS, is closely related to endothelial cell injury and is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AS [115, 116]. The report has approved that Tan IIA could enhance Nrf2 expression and its nuclear translocation to upregulate various antioxidative proteins including NQO-1 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). In this view, Tan IIA promoted ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) expression as one of the components of the ferritin complex to preserve iron homeostasis and combat ferroptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) stimulated by ferroptosis inducers [117]. Besides, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to cyclic strain, Tan IIA has also been reported that it could advance the Nrf2 pathway through the excitation of the PI3K/Akt pathway [118]. Additionally, endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an essential gaseous mediator and potent antioxidant synthesized by H2S-synthesizing enzymes, i.e., cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), has beneficial effects such as vasodilation, cardioprotection, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation [119–122]. The study has confirmed that Tan IIA could promote the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway comprised of the phosphorylated level of protein kinase A (PKA) substrates, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB), and CREB-controlled gene product, Cx43. By activating the CSE-H2S pathway upregulated by the cAMP pathway, Tan IIA could overcome oxidative stress-induced damage, as demonstrated by decreased protein carbonylation and sulfonic acid (SOH) production [123]. The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.Table 5
The antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vitroHCAECs stimulated by ferroptosis inducers (Erastin or RSL3)50 nM↓ Cell death rate, LDH, ROS↑ SOD1, NQO1, GSH, FTH1, Nrf2, SLC7A11[117]Tan IIAIn vitroHUVECs subjected to cyclic strain1, 3, 10μM↓ IL-8↑ HO-1, the PI3K/Akt pathway, the Nrf2 pathway[118]Tan IIAIn vitroOxidative endothelial cell injury induced by Acrolein20, 30, 40μg/mL↓ Apoptosis rate, ROS, carbonylation, -SOH, p-p38↑ Cell viability, free sulfhydryl (-SH) activity, CSE, H2S, p-VASP, p-CREB, Cx43[123]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- miceIn vitro:LPS-stimulated HUVECsIn vivo:10, 25 mg/kgIn vitro:10 nMIn vivo:↓ Atherosclerotic plaque, necrotic core areas, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), MDA, LOX-1, NOX4, the NF-κB pathway↑ SOD, GSHIn vitro:↓ ROS, H2O2, superoxide anion (O2∙−), ox-LDL endocytosis, human monocyte cell line (THP-1) adhesion to endothelial cells, LOX-1, NOX4, TLR4, MyD88, the NF-κB pathway[126]CTSIn vitroox-LDL-induced HUVECs0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1μM↓ ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, ROS, p-eNOS, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cell viability[129]Tan IIAIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs1, 5, 10, 20μM↓ LDH, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, fractalkine/CX3CL1, p-IκB-α, p-IKK-α/β, the NF-κB pathway[127]Tan IIAIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs0.1, 1, 5, 10μM↓ THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, PTX3, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, THP-1, the NF-κB pathway, the MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK1/2) pathway↑ Cell viability, IκB-α[128]CTSIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20μM↓ Endothelial permeability, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1↑ NO[130]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI mice established by LAD ligationIn vitro:HUVECsIn vivo:50 mg/kgIn vitro:Not mentionedIn vivo:↓ Infarction size, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)↑ Cardiac function, VEGF, Ang-IIn vitro:↓ miR-499-5p↑ PTEN[135]Figure 4
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones for protecting endothelia against CVDs.


### 3.3.2. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

The structural and biochemical changes caused by an inflammatory response directed at the injury site can lead to severe cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, which can manifest clinically as HF [124]. Therefore, resisting excessive inflammation responses emerges as a critical strategy for cardioprotection. Proinflammatory cytokines are also the crucial pathogenic element bringing about endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to the initiation of AS [115, 125].DHT has been shown to have impacts on the NF-κB pathway, thus inhibiting the expression of the lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) endocytosis, and monocyte adhesion via weakening the TLR4/MyD88/NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) pathway [126]. Additionally, Tan IIA [127, 128] and CTS [129, 130] have also been recognized as inhibitors of the MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2) and NF-κB pathway to abate the release of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) associated with endothelial dysfunction, chemokines represented by MCP-1, and adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and fractalkine/CX3CL1, which urge monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.


### 3.3.3. Angiogenic Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

Microvascular perfusion including angiogenesis in the infarction zone plays a vital role in the repair and regeneration of myocardia, after late-stage MI or cardiac I/R [131]. Angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels from preexisting vascular networks, is regulated by multiple stimulators and inhibitors [132]. After being stimulated by proangiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelia play a crucial role in sprouting angiogenesis, along with the tightly controlled processes of cell migration and proliferation, sprout fusion, and lumen development [133, 134]. The literature has reported that Tan IIA could upregulate phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), the critical protein directing cell growth, survival, and proliferation, through downregulating miR-499-5p. This way, Tan IIA could reach the goal of revascularization in the infarct zone, attributed to its responsibility for the miR-499-5p/PTEN pathway [135]. The angiogenic effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.


## 3.3.1. Antioxidative Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

It is widely accepted that endothelial dysfunction is a crucial risk factor for CVDs, including AS. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to oxidative stress in the form of lipid peroxidation is the primary causative factor in endothelial dysfunction [115].Lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis, characterized as the accumulation of iron and ROS, is closely related to endothelial cell injury and is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AS [115, 116]. The report has approved that Tan IIA could enhance Nrf2 expression and its nuclear translocation to upregulate various antioxidative proteins including NQO-1 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). In this view, Tan IIA promoted ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) expression as one of the components of the ferritin complex to preserve iron homeostasis and combat ferroptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) stimulated by ferroptosis inducers [117]. Besides, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to cyclic strain, Tan IIA has also been reported that it could advance the Nrf2 pathway through the excitation of the PI3K/Akt pathway [118]. Additionally, endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an essential gaseous mediator and potent antioxidant synthesized by H2S-synthesizing enzymes, i.e., cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), has beneficial effects such as vasodilation, cardioprotection, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation [119–122]. The study has confirmed that Tan IIA could promote the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway comprised of the phosphorylated level of protein kinase A (PKA) substrates, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB), and CREB-controlled gene product, Cx43. By activating the CSE-H2S pathway upregulated by the cAMP pathway, Tan IIA could overcome oxidative stress-induced damage, as demonstrated by decreased protein carbonylation and sulfonic acid (SOH) production [123]. The antioxidative effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.Table 5
The antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vitroHCAECs stimulated by ferroptosis inducers (Erastin or RSL3)50 nM↓ Cell death rate, LDH, ROS↑ SOD1, NQO1, GSH, FTH1, Nrf2, SLC7A11[117]Tan IIAIn vitroHUVECs subjected to cyclic strain1, 3, 10μM↓ IL-8↑ HO-1, the PI3K/Akt pathway, the Nrf2 pathway[118]Tan IIAIn vitroOxidative endothelial cell injury induced by Acrolein20, 30, 40μg/mL↓ Apoptosis rate, ROS, carbonylation, -SOH, p-p38↑ Cell viability, free sulfhydryl (-SH) activity, CSE, H2S, p-VASP, p-CREB, Cx43[123]DHTIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AS model established by HCD fed ApoE-/- miceIn vitro:LPS-stimulated HUVECsIn vivo:10, 25 mg/kgIn vitro:10 nMIn vivo:↓ Atherosclerotic plaque, necrotic core areas, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), MDA, LOX-1, NOX4, the NF-κB pathway↑ SOD, GSHIn vitro:↓ ROS, H2O2, superoxide anion (O2∙−), ox-LDL endocytosis, human monocyte cell line (THP-1) adhesion to endothelial cells, LOX-1, NOX4, TLR4, MyD88, the NF-κB pathway[126]CTSIn vitroox-LDL-induced HUVECs0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1μM↓ ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, ROS, p-eNOS, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, the NF-κB pathway↑ Cell viability[129]Tan IIAIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs1, 5, 10, 20μM↓ LDH, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, fractalkine/CX3CL1, p-IκB-α, p-IKK-α/β, the NF-κB pathway[127]Tan IIAIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs0.1, 1, 5, 10μM↓ THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, PTX3, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, THP-1, the NF-κB pathway, the MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK1/2) pathway↑ Cell viability, IκB-α[128]CTSIn vitroTNF-α-stimulated HUVECs1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20μM↓ Endothelial permeability, THP-1 adhesion to endothelial cells, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1↑ NO[130]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI mice established by LAD ligationIn vitro:HUVECsIn vivo:50 mg/kgIn vitro:Not mentionedIn vivo:↓ Infarction size, pathological injury of myocardial tissues, left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)↑ Cardiac function, VEGF, Ang-IIn vitro:↓ miR-499-5p↑ PTEN[135]Figure 4
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones for protecting endothelia against CVDs.


## 3.3.2. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

The structural and biochemical changes caused by an inflammatory response directed at the injury site can lead to severe cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, which can manifest clinically as HF [124]. Therefore, resisting excessive inflammation responses emerges as a critical strategy for cardioprotection. Proinflammatory cytokines are also the crucial pathogenic element bringing about endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to the initiation of AS [115, 125].DHT has been shown to have impacts on the NF-κB pathway, thus inhibiting the expression of the lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) endocytosis, and monocyte adhesion via weakening the TLR4/MyD88/NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) pathway [126]. Additionally, Tan IIA [127, 128] and CTS [129, 130] have also been recognized as inhibitors of the MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2) and NF-κB pathway to abate the release of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) associated with endothelial dysfunction, chemokines represented by MCP-1, and adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and fractalkine/CX3CL1, which urge monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.


## 3.3.3. Angiogenic Effect of Tanshinones on Endothelia

Microvascular perfusion including angiogenesis in the infarction zone plays a vital role in the repair and regeneration of myocardia, after late-stage MI or cardiac I/R [131]. Angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels from preexisting vascular networks, is regulated by multiple stimulators and inhibitors [132]. After being stimulated by proangiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelia play a crucial role in sprouting angiogenesis, along with the tightly controlled processes of cell migration and proliferation, sprout fusion, and lumen development [133, 134]. The literature has reported that Tan IIA could upregulate phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), the critical protein directing cell growth, survival, and proliferation, through downregulating miR-499-5p. This way, Tan IIA could reach the goal of revascularization in the infarct zone, attributed to its responsibility for the miR-499-5p/PTEN pathway [135]. The angiogenic effect of Tanshinones on protecting endothelia against CVDs is summarized in Table 5 and Figure 4.


## 3.4. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs

### 3.4.1. Vasodilative Effect of Tanshinones on SMCs

Vascular SMCs constitute the majority of vascular wall tissues and maintain vascular tension. In a hypertensive state, the increased sensitivity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channels results in an augmented relaxation as one of the compensatory mechanisms to maintain vasodilation when the endothelial function is undergoing a disordered condition. Activation of K+ channels during the change in membrane potential leads to vasorelaxation and lowers the amount of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). The blockage of Ca2+ channels elicits vasodilatation, as the most common way to exert antihypertensive or vasodilative efficacies [136, 137]. The study has confirmed that Tan IIA could display vasodilative activity presented by decreasing contraction in phenylephrine (PE) or potassium chloride (KCl)-precontracted spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), its aortic rings isolated from SHRs, or A7r5 line of rat aortic SMCs. The related mechanism enhanced ATP-sensitive K+ channels and lowered [Ca2+]i to stimulate vasodilatation [138]. The vasodilative effect of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs is summarized in Table 6 and Figure 5.Table 6
The vasodilative, antiproliferative, and antimigration effects of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivo/ex vivo/in vitroIn vivo:SHRsEx vivo:Aortic rings isolated from SHR, followed by precontracted with PE or KClIn vitro:A7r5 line of rat aortic SMCs precontracted with PE or KClIn vivo:20, 40, 60 mg/kgEx vivo:0.1, 1, 10 μMIn vitro:0.1, 1, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Systolic blood pressure (SBP)Ex vivo:↓ Contraction forceIn vitro:↓ [Ca2+]i[138]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Intimal hyperplasia model established by the right common carotid artery damaged by balloon dilatation in ratsIn vitro:Vascular SMCs in rat aorta cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)In vivo:13.3, 40, 120 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 μg/mLIn vivo:↓ Intimal thickening, intimal area, intimal cell proliferation↑ Cell cycle in G0/G1 phaseIn vitro:↓ Cell proliferation, p-ERK1/2, c-fos↑ Cell cycle in G0/G1 phase[140]Figure 5
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones on SMCs and fibroblasts against CVDs.


### 3.4.2. Antiproliferative and Antimigration Effects of Tanshinones on SMCs

Blood vessel performance is impacted by alterations in the size and function of vascular SMCs, which serve as the pathological basis for multiple CVDs. The proliferation and migration of vascular SMCs induced by growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are considered to play the central role in the development of intimal hyperplasia, the critical event in AS and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) [139]. Tan IIA was found to be capable of suppressing vascular SMC proliferation and migration, manifested as a cell cycle block in the G0/G1 phase, by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation and c-fos expression both in vivo and in vitro [140]. The antiproliferative and antimigration effects of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs are summarized in Table 6 and Figure 5.


## 3.4.1. Vasodilative Effect of Tanshinones on SMCs

Vascular SMCs constitute the majority of vascular wall tissues and maintain vascular tension. In a hypertensive state, the increased sensitivity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channels results in an augmented relaxation as one of the compensatory mechanisms to maintain vasodilation when the endothelial function is undergoing a disordered condition. Activation of K+ channels during the change in membrane potential leads to vasorelaxation and lowers the amount of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). The blockage of Ca2+ channels elicits vasodilatation, as the most common way to exert antihypertensive or vasodilative efficacies [136, 137]. The study has confirmed that Tan IIA could display vasodilative activity presented by decreasing contraction in phenylephrine (PE) or potassium chloride (KCl)-precontracted spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), its aortic rings isolated from SHRs, or A7r5 line of rat aortic SMCs. The related mechanism enhanced ATP-sensitive K+ channels and lowered [Ca2+]i to stimulate vasodilatation [138]. The vasodilative effect of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs is summarized in Table 6 and Figure 5.Table 6
The vasodilative, antiproliferative, and antimigration effects of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vivo/ex vivo/in vitroIn vivo:SHRsEx vivo:Aortic rings isolated from SHR, followed by precontracted with PE or KClIn vitro:A7r5 line of rat aortic SMCs precontracted with PE or KClIn vivo:20, 40, 60 mg/kgEx vivo:0.1, 1, 10 μMIn vitro:0.1, 1, 10 μMIn vivo:↓ Systolic blood pressure (SBP)Ex vivo:↓ Contraction forceIn vitro:↓ [Ca2+]i[138]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:Intimal hyperplasia model established by the right common carotid artery damaged by balloon dilatation in ratsIn vitro:Vascular SMCs in rat aorta cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)In vivo:13.3, 40, 120 mg/kgIn vitro:0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 μg/mLIn vivo:↓ Intimal thickening, intimal area, intimal cell proliferation↑ Cell cycle in G0/G1 phaseIn vitro:↓ Cell proliferation, p-ERK1/2, c-fos↑ Cell cycle in G0/G1 phase[140]Figure 5
The pharmacological mechanism of Tanshinones on SMCs and fibroblasts against CVDs.


## 3.4.2. Antiproliferative and Antimigration Effects of Tanshinones on SMCs

Blood vessel performance is impacted by alterations in the size and function of vascular SMCs, which serve as the pathological basis for multiple CVDs. The proliferation and migration of vascular SMCs induced by growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are considered to play the central role in the development of intimal hyperplasia, the critical event in AS and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) [139]. Tan IIA was found to be capable of suppressing vascular SMC proliferation and migration, manifested as a cell cycle block in the G0/G1 phase, by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation and c-fos expression both in vivo and in vitro [140]. The antiproliferative and antimigration effects of Tanshinones on SMCs against CVDs are summarized in Table 6 and Figure 5.


## 3.5. The Pharmacological Mechanism of Tanshinones on Fibroblasts against CVDs

### 3.5.1. Antifibrotic Effect of Tanshinones on Fibroblasts

The most significant consequence of MI is irreversible ventricular remodeling bound up with cardiomyocyte loss and invasion of fibrotic scar tissues in patients. Cardiac fibrosis can lead to HF and affect the patient’s prognosis and quality of life [141, 142]. Active fibroblasts or myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the primary origin of matrix proteins [143]. As the vital regulator in the development of cardiac fibrosis, TGF-β1 displays a crucial function in enhancing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition [143, 144]. Furthermore, Tan IIA has been suggested to reverse increased levels of collagen type 1 (Col1) and collagen type 3 (Col3), and growing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in TGF-β1 stimulated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or HF rats induced by ligating left anterior descending branch (LAD) of the coronary artery through upregulating miR-205-3p [145], miR-29b [146], or miR-618 [147]. It has also been found that Tan IIA was also able to mitigate oxidative stress in HF rats and Ang II-treated CFs to downregulate Col1/Col3, α-SMA, and MMP2/9 [148]. The antifibrotic effect of Tanshinones on fibroblasts against CVDs is summarized in Table 7 and Figure 5.Table 7
The antifibrotic effect of Tanshinones on fibroblasts against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vitroTGF-β1-stimulated rat primary CFs after cultivated in serum-free DMEM10μM↑ miR-205-3p↓ Col1a1, Col3a1[145]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:HF rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:Ang II-treated CFsIn vivo:1.5 mg/kgIn vitro:10 μMIn vivo:↓ LVESD, LVEDD, MDA, Col1, Col3, TGF-β, α-SMA, MMP2/9, NOX↑ Cardiac function, left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure and the maximum of the first differentiation of LV pressure (LV ± dp/dtmax), SODIn vitro:↓ MDA, Col1, Col3, TGF-β, α-SMA, MMP2/9, NOX↑ SOD[148]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AMI rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:TGF-β1-induced CFsIn vivo:5, 10, 15 mg/kgIn vitro:1, 10, 50 μMIn vivo:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-29bIn vitro:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-29b[146]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:Ang II-treated CFsIn vivo:5, 10, 15 mg/kgIn vitro:1, 10, 50 μMIn vivo:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-618In vitro:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-618[147]The pharmacological activities of Tanshinones are summarized in Figure6.Figure 6
The summarized pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of Tanshinones.


## 3.5.1. Antifibrotic Effect of Tanshinones on Fibroblasts

The most significant consequence of MI is irreversible ventricular remodeling bound up with cardiomyocyte loss and invasion of fibrotic scar tissues in patients. Cardiac fibrosis can lead to HF and affect the patient’s prognosis and quality of life [141, 142]. Active fibroblasts or myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the primary origin of matrix proteins [143]. As the vital regulator in the development of cardiac fibrosis, TGF-β1 displays a crucial function in enhancing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition [143, 144]. Furthermore, Tan IIA has been suggested to reverse increased levels of collagen type 1 (Col1) and collagen type 3 (Col3), and growing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in TGF-β1 stimulated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or HF rats induced by ligating left anterior descending branch (LAD) of the coronary artery through upregulating miR-205-3p [145], miR-29b [146], or miR-618 [147]. It has also been found that Tan IIA was also able to mitigate oxidative stress in HF rats and Ang II-treated CFs to downregulate Col1/Col3, α-SMA, and MMP2/9 [148]. The antifibrotic effect of Tanshinones on fibroblasts against CVDs is summarized in Table 7 and Figure 5.Table 7
The antifibrotic effect of Tanshinones on fibroblasts against CVDs.
TanshinonesIn vivo/in vitroModelsEffective dosesRelated mechanismsRefs.Tan IIAIn vitroTGF-β1-stimulated rat primary CFs after cultivated in serum-free DMEM10μM↑ miR-205-3p↓ Col1a1, Col3a1[145]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:HF rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:Ang II-treated CFsIn vivo:1.5 mg/kgIn vitro:10 μMIn vivo:↓ LVESD, LVEDD, MDA, Col1, Col3, TGF-β, α-SMA, MMP2/9, NOX↑ Cardiac function, left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure and the maximum of the first differentiation of LV pressure (LV ± dp/dtmax), SODIn vitro:↓ MDA, Col1, Col3, TGF-β, α-SMA, MMP2/9, NOX↑ SOD[148]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:AMI rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:TGF-β1-induced CFsIn vivo:5, 10, 15 mg/kgIn vitro:1, 10, 50 μMIn vivo:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-29bIn vitro:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-29b[146]Tan IIAIn vivo/in vitroIn vivo:MI rats induced by LAD ligationIn vitro:Ang II-treated CFsIn vivo:5, 10, 15 mg/kgIn vitro:1, 10, 50 μMIn vivo:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-618In vitro:↓ TGF-β1, Col1, Col3, α-SMA↑ miR-618[147]The pharmacological activities of Tanshinones are summarized in Figure6.Figure 6
The summarized pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of Tanshinones.


## 4. Conclusion

Substantial studies have confirmed Tanshinones’ potential therapeutic effects, particularly in CVDs, for their numerous pharmacological activities and clinical application. Researches have verified that Tanshinones exhibit extensive activities in multiple pathological links on various myocardial cell types. The therapeutic effects of Tanshinones against CVDs include anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis, antinecroptosis, antihypertrophy, vasodilation, angiogenesis, combat against proliferation and migration of SMCs, as well as antimyocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling, in myocardial tissues and cardiomyocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, SMCs, and fibroblasts. However, the mechanism by which Tanshinones exert their therapeutic influence on CVDs is complicated, and some therapeutic effects that may involve a combination of multiple pathways are still unclear. In this view, further studies are needed to determine the extensive mechanisms through which Tanshinones exert their therapeutic properties on CVDs.



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