Effects of Astragaloside IV on Myocardial Fibrosis and Connective Tissue Growth Factor Expression in Experimental Rats With Chronic Heart Failure / 中国循环杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the effects of astragaloside IV on myocardial fibrosis and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in experimental rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: CHF model was established by abdominal aorta constriction (AAC) and the rats were divided into 5 groupsSham operation group, the rats received normal saline 2 ml/day, n=10, CHF group, the rats received normal saline 2 ml/day, n=12;Astragaloside IV groups, CHF rats received astragaloside IV at (20, 40, 60) mg/kg respectively and n=12 in each group. All animals were treated for 4 weeks. Hemodynamic indexes were monitored, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated, morphologic changes of myocardial tissue was observed by HE staining, myocardial ifbrosis degree and collagen volume fraction (CVF) were measured by Masson staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of CTGF were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, Western-blot analysis respectivety. Results: Compared with CHF group, 3 Astragaloside IV groups had decreased LVMI and CVF, P Conclusion: Astragaloside IV can inhibit myocardial ifbrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats, which might be via inhibiting the over expression of myocardial CTGF.