ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo study the reasons and mechanism of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in chronic heart failure by using Losartan and to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of chronic heart failure. Methods The models of chronic heart failure were produced by injecting Adriamycin and Losartan as intervention agents, the expression of apoptotic protein Bax, Bcl-2 and channel protein ERK1, JNK1 and P38MAPK were detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial ultrastructure are detected by transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL staining.Results Compared with the model group of heart failure, after Losartan treatment, the ultra structure of myocardial cells were significantly improved, Apoptosis index was decreased significantly (P <0.01), The level of Bax and JNK1 decreased (Bax χ~2=6.6149, P=0.0078; JNK1 q=22.0156,P<0.01). However, the expressions of ERK1 and Bcl-2 were significantly increased (ERK1 q=15.3514,P<0.01;Bcl-2 χ~2=6.81,P=0.0074).Conclusion The effect of Losartan on chronic heart failure is related closely with the pathway of ERK1 and JNK1, and no p38 MAPK pathway.