ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Formula on free radical metabolism and p16 protein expression in heart of aged rats; To discuss its protective mechanism to the heart of aged rats.Methods One hundred were divided into young control group, the natural aging group,Bushen HuoxueFormula high-, medium- and low-dose groups, with 20 rats in each group. Each medication group was given relevant medicine for gavage, once a day for 16 weeks. 1 hour after the last administration, after the rats were sacrificed, serum and heart were taken. The contents of NO and MDA and activities of CAT and SOD in serum and myocardial,β-galactosidase enzyme and p16 protein expression in myocardial tissue were detected.ResultsCompared with the natural aging group, NO content and SOD activity in the serum of rats inBushen Huoxue Formula high-dose group increased significantly (P<0.05) and MDA content in allBushen Huoxue Formula groups decreased (P<0.01); NO content, CAT and SOD activity in the myocardial tissue of rats inBushen HuoxueFormula high-dose group increased significantly, and MDA content decreased significantly (P<0.05). CAT activity in allBushen HuoxueFormula groups increased (P<0.05,P<0.01).β-galactosidase enzyme and p16 protein expression in myocardial tissue in allBushen Huoxue Formula groups decreased.Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Formula can in hibit the aging of myocardial-aged rats, and the mechanism might be related to its anti-oxidative damage and inhibition of tumor suppressor gene p16 expression.