Effects of radix pseudostellariae on cardiac function and matrix metalloproteinases in rat chronic heart failure induced by coronary artery ligation / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the effects of radix pseudostellariae on cardiac function and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) in rat chronic heart failure induced by coronary artery ligation.METHODS: Rat model of chronic heart failure was produced by ligating the coronary artery for 6 weeks.The cardiac functions were determined by observing the hemodynamics parameters.mRNA expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in left ventricular tissue were detected by RT-PCR and activities of MMPs were assayed by zemography.RESULTS: Cardiac function was remarkable turbulence after coronary artery ligation 6 weeks,according to the results of the hemodynamics.The mRNA contents and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in left ventricular tissue were significantly elevated.Radix pseudostellariae remarkable ameliorated the cardiac functions,inhibited the mRNA contents and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in left ventricular tissue of rat with chronic heart failure after continued 5 weeks treated with decoction of radix pseudostellariae.CONCLUSION: The decoction of radix pseudostellariae ameliorates cardiac functions of rat with chronic heart failure.The mechanism maybe involves in the inhibition of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression and activities in cardiac ventricles.