Polyphenol‑rich extract of Aronia melanocarpa inhibits TNF‑α induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells

. In certain pathological states within cardiovascular system, cardiomyocytes may exhibit overexpression of TNF‑α that results in induction of myocardial oxidative stress and cardiac cells apoptosis. Thus, they may participate in development and progression of post‑infarct congestive heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of polyphenol‑rich Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) on TNF‑α induced apoptosis in cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells. Material and Methods. Apoptosis was measured in H9c2 cells preincubated with increasing concentrations of commercial extract of aronia – Aronox (10–50 μg/mL) for 24h and then treated with TNF‑α: 100 ng/mL for 24h as well. The MTT assay was used to determine cardiomyoblasts viability. Alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential, specific for apoptotic cells, was evaluated with caspase-3 activity assay kit. Results. Our results showed that AME significantly inhibited TNF‑α induced apoptosis (IC50 = 55.84 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells. Significant inhibition of apoptosis was observed in all tested concentrations of AME. The highest anti‑apoptotic and cytoprotective effect was observed at the highest concentration (50 μg/mL), while in lower the concentrations cytoprotective effect was statistically insignificant. Conclusions. Polyphenol‑rich AME exhibits anti‑apoptotic and cytoprotective effect in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts treated with TNF‑α. Further studies are required in context of its possible application in prevention and/or therapy of cardiovascular diseases.