Pleiotropic, non-cell death-associated effects of inhibitors of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 in the heart

Inhibition of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1) has been recognized as a compelling tool for limiting necroptosis. Recent findings have indicated that RIP1 inhibitor, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), is also able to modify heart function under non-cell death conditions. In this study, we investigated its underlying molecular mechanisms and compared with those of novel pharmacologically improved agents (Nec-1s and GSK’772) and its inactive analog (Nec-1i). Heart function was examined in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Certain proteins regulating myocardial contraction–relaxation cycle and oxidative stress (OS) were evaluated by immunoblotting and as the extent of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and nitration, respectively. In spite of the increase of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) due to treatment by both Nec-1 and Nec-1i, only the former agent increased the phosphorylation of Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta (CaMKIIδ) at threonine 287 and cardiac myosin-binding protein-C (cMyBPc) at serine 282. In contrast, Nec-1s did not elicit such changes, while it also increased LVDP. GSK’772 activated CaMKIIδ-phospholamban (PLN) axis. Neither protein kinase A (PKA) nor its selected molecular targets, such as serine 16 phosphorylated PLN and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), were affected by either RIP1 inhibitor. Nec-1, like other necrostatins (Nec-1i, Nec-1s), but not GSK’772, elevated protein tyrosine nitration without affecting other markers of OS. In conclusion, this study indicated for the first time that Nec-1 may affect basal heart function by the modulation of OS and activation of some proteins of contraction–relaxation cycle.