ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of ShenGuiBaoXin decoction on matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, and cardiac histopathology in rats with heart failure, and to investigate the mechanism of the inhibition effect on ventricular remodeling in rats with heart failure. Methods Ninety male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups, with 15 rats in the control group and 75 rats in the model group. Normal saline was injected in the normal control group. The model group was given an intraperitoneal injection of isoprenaline 3 mg/ (kg·d). After 4 weeks, an ejection fraction of ≤50％ on echocardiography was considered a successful model. Seventy-five rats were randomly divided into the model, Qiliqiangxin, and ShenGuiBaoXin groups (high, medium, and low doses), with 15 rats in each group. Eight weeks later, the cardiothoracic ratio and BNP level were measured, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed, and the MMP-2 and TIMP-1 protein expressions in the myocardium was detected. Results In terms of cardiothoracic ratio and BNP level, all the groups showed decreases after treatment, especially the Qiliqiangxin and high-dose groups. The MMP-2 protein expression level was decreased in all the groups after the treatment, and the high-dose group was superior to the Qiliqiangxin group. Conclusion ShenGuiBaoXin decoction functions by reducing the MMP-2 expression level, regulating MMP-2/TIMP-1 dynamic balance, maintaining the balance of synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix, inhibiting ventricular remodeling, and improving cardiac function.