Protective Effect of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma Extracts on Myocardial Fibrosis in Diabetic Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (GNC) extracts on myocardial fibrosis in diabetic mice by observing the degree of myocardial fibrosis and collagen types I (Collagen Ⅰ), collagen types Ⅲ (Collagen Ⅲ) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein expression in myocardial tissues. Method:A diabetic mice model was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet. A normal control group was established. According to random number table method, diabetic mice were divided into model group, GNC low-dose and high-dose groups (0.819, 1.638 g·kg-1), and metformin group (150 mg·kg-1). Intragastrical administration was given in all groups, and the mice in normal control group received an equal dose of deionized water once a day for 9 weeks. The myocardial interstitial fibrosis in mice was observed by Masson trichromatic staining. Image-pro plus 6.0 analysis software was used to calculate the ratio of collagen area to total area. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Collagen I, Collagen Ⅲ and TGF-β1 protein expression in myocardial tissues. The protein expression electrophoresis and gray value levels of Collagen I, Collagen Ⅲ and TGF-β1 in the myocardial tissues were detected by Western blot. Result:The results of Masson staining showed that as compared with the normal control group, the myocardial cells of diabetic mice were hypertrophic and disordered, and the myocardial stroma, especially the blue-stained collagenous fibers around the blood vessels, were heavily deposited and connected to each other in a network (P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the arrangement of myocardial cells was significantly improved in GNC low-dose and high-dose groups and metformin group, and the collagenous fibers in the myocardial stroma were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results showed positive expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ and TGF-β1 in myocardial tissues, with significantly increased content of protein expression in diabetic mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the positive protein expression decreased and the protein content tended to be normal in each administration group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion:High-fat diet combined with STZ can induce myocardial fibrosis in diabetic mice, and increase Collagen I, Collagen Ⅲ and TGF-β1 protein expression. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts can improve myocardial fibrosis in diabetic mice by regulating the expression of Collagen I, Collagen Ⅲ and TGF-β1 protein.