Active components from Radix Scrophulariae inhibits the ventricular remodeling induced by hypertension in rats.

BACKGROUND: In the previous study, active extract of Radix Scrophularia (ACRS) demonstrated beneficial effects on ventricular remodeling induced by coronary artery ligation and lowered blood pressure in rats. And ACRS also exhibited the effect on lowering the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The aim of this study is to explore the effects of ACRS on ventricular remodeling in SHRs and underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: ACRS significantly lowered the blood pressure, decreased the heart mass indexes, inhibited the deposition of perivascular and interstitial, attenuated the accumulation of types I and III collagen, reduced the tissue angiotensin II, serum norepinephrine and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations. The underlying mechanisms may be related to downregulating the mRNA expressions of collagen type I, transforming growth factor-ß1 and angiotensin converting enzyme, suppressing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK). CONCLUSION: Continuous treatment of SHRs with ACRS for 21 weeks reduced blood pressure, myocardial hypertrophy and the amount of interstitial and perivascular collagen, which indicated that ACRS could prevent hypertensive ventricular remodeling. This can be attributed to suppression of the sympathetic nervous and renin angiotensin aldosterone system through the inhibition of ERK 1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.

The effect of angoroside C on pressure overload-induced ventricular remodeling in rats.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study reveals that total rough extract of Radix Scrophulariae has a beneficial effect on ventricular remodeling. HYPOTHESIS: After carrying out a series of preliminary experiments, we speculated that angoroside C may be the effective agent. STUDY DESIGN: After oral administration, the effect of angoroside C on ventricular remodeling was evaluated by using a pressure-overloaded rat model, some related indexes were detected in vivo. METHODS: A model of pressure overloaded ventricular remodeling was produced by abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) in rats. The sham-operated rats underwent an identical surgical procedure except for AAC. AAC rats were randomly divided into five groups: model control group, three angoroside C treated groups (7.5, 15 and 30 mg·kg(-1)) and captopril treated group (40 mg·kg(-1)). The rats were orally administered with the corresponding drugs or drinking water for 4 weeks. The levels of blood pressure (BP), left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart weight index (HWI) were detected. Myocardium tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin or picric acid/sirius red for cardiomyocyte cross-section area or collagen content measurements respectively. The concentrations of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), hydroxyproline (Hyp), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in myocardium or serum were determined. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expressions of endothelin 1 (ET-1), transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1). RESULTS: Angoroside C significantly reduced the BP, LVWI and HWI, decreased the content of Ang Ⅱ, Hyp, diminished cross sectional area of cardiomyocytes and ameliorated collagen deposition. Additionally, it markedly reduced collagen I and III expressions and regulated matrix metalloproteinase-2, 9 and inhibitors of metalloproteinase expressions. Angoroside C also down regulated the gene expressions of ET-1 and TGF-ß1mRNA in myocardium. CONCLUSION: Angoroside C has beneficial effects against ventricular remodeling. The mechanism is likely to be related to decreasing the level of Ang Ⅱ, attenuating the mRNA expressions of ET-1 and TGF-ß1.

Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Medicine Formula Jiajian Yunvjian on Experimental Cardiac Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction Induced by Coronary Artery Ligation.

Introduction. This study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of a classic Chinese medicine formula Jiajian Yunvjian (JJYNJ) on cardiac remodeling. Cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) model was achieved by coronary artery ligation (CAL). Methodology. When dosed orally once daily, the effects of JJYNJ on hemodynamics, left ventricular weight index (LVWI), heart weight index (HWI), concentration, and gene expression of neuroendocrine factors as well as the histomorphological observation were determined. Results. After 4 weeks, mild cardiac remodeling in CAL group was characterized compared with sham group, but after 4 weeks of treatment of JJYNJ, hemodynamics improved, HWI reduced, and circulating angiotensin II (Ang II), endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) concentrations as well as Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1R) mRNA, transforming growth factor ß 1 (TGF-ß 1) mRNA, and TNF-α mRNA levels in myocardium were lower than in CAL group. Decreased plasma aldosterone (ALD) concentration, cross-sectional area of cardiomyocyte, collagen volume fraction (CVF), collagen types I and III, perivascular collagen area (PVCA), and upregulated nitric oxide (NO) levels were observed at the same time. Conclusions. These findings suggest that JJYNJ may have a protective and therapeutic function on cardiac remodeling related to MI.

Effect of gentiopicroside on experimental acute pancreatitis induced by retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct in rats.

Gentiopicroside (otherwise known as Gentiopicrin), one of the main active ingredients from the traditional Chinese herb medicine Gentiana manshurica Kitag, presents the effect of attenuating acute pancreatitis in rats. The experimental acute pancreatitis was made by retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct in rats. Gentiopicroside was given orally and it markedly reduced the pancreatitis-evoked increase of serum amylase and lipase activity, decreased the pancreas mass/body mass index, tissue water content, TNF-α and IL-1ß concentrations, and attenuated the histopathological changes and NF-κB p65 protein expression in pancreatic tissue. The results indicate that the function of gentiopicroside on acute pancreatitis may be related to inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators and NF-κB p65 protein expression.

Beneficial effects of houttuynin on ventricular remodeling induced by coronary artery ligation in rats.

To examine the effects of houttuynin on ventricular remodeling induced by coronary artery ligation in rats and the underlying mechanisms. A rat model of ventricular remodeling was established by left coronary artery ligation (CAL). Rats were randomly divided into four groups: CAL control, CAL plus 40 mg/kg captopril, CAL plus 100 mg/kg houttuynin and sham-operated control. The rats were administered intragastrically with the corresponding drugs or distilled water for 7 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart weight index (HWI) were determined. Myocardium tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin or picric acid/Sirius red for cardiomyocyte cross-section area or collagen content measurements respectively. The concentrations of angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone (ALD) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in myocardium or serum were detected by radioimmunoassay. The hydroxyproline (Hyp) concentration was measured by alkali hydrolysis. Ultraviolet spectrophotometry was used to determine glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities in serum. Houttuynin significantly diminished LVWI and HWI, decreased Ang I, Ang II, ALD, ET-1 and Hyp concentrations in myocardium or serum, increased NO concentration and GSH-Px, CAT activities after 7 weeks of treatment. Houttuynin could also reduce cardiomyocyte cross-section area and collagen deposition. Houttuynin attenuates ventricular remodeling in coronary artery ligation rats by restricting the excessive activation of rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the peroxidation.

[Comparative study on hepatic toxicity of gardeniae fructus and Huanglian Jiedu decoction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of ingredients in Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDT) combined with Gardeniae Fructus on the hepatic toxicity of Gardeniae Fructus and its mechanism. METHOD: Rats were given Gardeniae Fructus and HLJDT decoction at the dose of 10 times of clinical dosage for 3 days. Their ALT AST, ALP, TBA were detected, and their liver weight index was calculated. SOD activity, MDA content, GSH-PX activity, TNF-alpha content in hepatic tissues were determined. The cell apoptosis in liver tissue was determined by TUNEL, and the expressions of apoptosis related proteins Bax, Bcl-2 were measured by immunohistochemical method. RESULT: Compared with the normal control group, the Gardeniae Fructus group showed significant increase in the liver weight index, ALT, AST, TBA and ALP, notable decrease in SOD, SOD/MDA and GSH-PX, and remarkable rise in MDA, TNF-a concentration, accumulated optical density, apoptosis index, Bax and Bax/Bcl-2. Compare with that in the Gardeniae Fructus group, the liver index, ALT, AST, TBA, ALP reduced obviously; SOD, SOD/MDA and GSH-PX markedly increased; MDA and TNF-alpha significantly reduced; the accumulated optical density and apoptosis index significantly reduced; and Bax/Bcl-2 was much lower in HLJDT group. CONCLUSION: The hepatic toxicity caused by Gardeniae Fructus may be related to inflammation, oxidative stress-induced hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis. Other ingredients in HLJDT, apart from Gardeniae Fructus, can decrease the hepatic toxicity caused by Gardeniae Fructus by increasing the enzyme activity eliminating radicals and inhibiting hepatocyte injury caused by inflammatory reaction against Gardeniae Fructus.

Effect of catalpol on diabetic nephropathy in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of catalpol on diabetic nephropathy in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups and fed with normal pallet diet (NPD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks respectively. Then the HFD-fed rats were injected with 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) for establishing diabetic model. The diabetic rats were randomly divided into five groups: model group, model plus catalpol 30, 60, 120 mg/kg groups and model plus metformin 200 mg/kg group. The NPD-fed rats were randomly divided into two groups: normal control group and normal plus catalpol 60 mg/kg control group. After administration for 10 weeks, random blood glucose (RBG), glycated serum protein (GSP), 24h urinary protein excretion (UPE), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney weight index (KWI) were determined. The kidney pathological changes were evaluated by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. The concentrations of angiotensin II (Ang II), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin (FN), collagen type IV (Col IV) in renal cortex were determined. Real time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of TGF-ß1 and CTGF. RESULTS: Catalpol could significantly reduce the KWI, improve the kidney function and pathological change, decrease the tissue level of Ang II, TGF-ß1, CTGF, FN, Col IV. Catalpol could also down regulate the mRNA expressions of TGF-ß1 and CTGF in renal cortex. CONCLUSION: Catalpol may have beneficial effects against diabetic nephropathy. The mechanisms may be related to reducing the extracellular matrix accumulation by restraining the expression of TGF-ß1, CTGF and Ang II.

Effect of oxymatrine, the active component from Radix Sophorae flavescentis (Kushen), on ventricular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of oxymatrine (OMT) on ventricular remodeling in spontaneous hypertension rat (SHR) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: SHRs were divided into four groups: SHR control, SHR+40 mg/kg captopril, SHR+30 mg/kg OMT and SHR+60 mg/kg OMT. Normotensive age-matched WKY rats were assigned to two groups: WKY control, WKY+30 mg/kg OMT. The rats were orally administered with the corresponding drugs or drinking water for 21 weeks. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. The left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart weight index (HWI) were determined. Myocardium tissue was stained with picric acid/Sirius red for measurement of collagen content measurements. The concentrations of serum norepinephrine and angiotensin II (Ang II) in myocardium were determined. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), collagen types I, III and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Western blots were performed to determine bioactivities of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) and phospho-specific protein kinase C (PKC). RESULTS: In the SHR, hypertension, myocardium hypertrophy, more cardiac fibrosis, higher concentrations of serum norepinephrine and myocardium Ang II were observed. OMT treatment lowered the blood pressure, reduced the concentrations of serum norepinephrine and myocardium Ang II, favorably decreased the measured gravimetric parameters, decreased the interstitial and perivascular collagen deposition, attenuated the collagen of type I and III accumulation, downregulated the mRNA expression of ACE and TGF-ß1, and suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK in SHRs. CONCLUSION: OMT prevents ventricular remodeling in SHR. The mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the gene overexpression of ACE and TGF-ß1, suppressing the activation of signaling pathways of ERK 1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK.

[Effects of extracts of Radix Scrophulariae on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats and the underlying mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of extracts of Radix Scrophulariae (ERS) on blood pressure, vasoconstrictors and morphology of artery in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: Fifty SHRs were randomly divided into SHR, SHR plus 40 mg/kg of captopril, SHR plus 70 mg/kg of ERS, SHR plus 140 mg/kg of ERS and SHR plus 280 mg/kg of ERS groups. Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomly divided into two groups, namely, WKY and WKY plus 140 mg/kg of ERS groups. The rats were orally administered with the corresponding drugs or drinking water once a day for 20 weeks. The blood pressure was determined every three weeks. At the 21st week, the concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), angiotensin II (Ang II), thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) in serum and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes in abdominal aorta were observed under an optical microscope with hematoxylin and eosin staining. The ratio of intima-media thickness/lumen radius of abdominal aorta was calculated. RESULTS: ERS significantly lowered the blood pressure of SHRs from the 3rd to the 21st week; ERS also reduced the levels of NA, Ang II, ET-1 and TXB(2), decreased the intima-media thickness of abdominal aortal wall and improved the morphological changes in abdominal aorta in SHRs. In addition, ERS did not significantly change blood pressure and vasoactive substances in WKY rats. CONCLUSION: ERS possesses beneficial effects in inhibiting hypertension and attenuating arteriosclerosis. The underlying mechanism may be associated with restraining the release of vasoconstrictors, such as NA, Ang II, ET-1 and TXB(2).

Effects of ethanolic extract from Radix Scrophulariae on ventricular remodeling in rats.

PURPOSE: To explore the effects of ethanolic extract of Radix Scrophulariae (EERS) on ventricular remodeling in rats. METHODS: Rats with coronary artery ligation (CAL) were randomly assigned to 5 groups: CAL model; CAL plus 40 mg/kg captopril; CAL plus 60 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg, 240 mg/kg EERS. Sham operation rats were randomly assigned to 2 groups, sham-operated control and sham-operated plus 120 mg/kg EERS. The rats were orally administered with the corresponding drugs or drinking water for 14 weeks. The left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart weight index (HWI) were determined. Myocardium tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin or picric acid/Sirius red for cardiomyocyte cross-section area or collagen content measurements respectively. The concentrations of hydroxyproline (Hyp), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone (ALD), endothelin 1 (ET-1), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and renin activity (RA) in myocardium or serum were determined. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ET-1 and ANP. RESULTS: EERS could significantly reduce the LVWI and HWI, decrease heart tissue concentrations of Hyp and collagen deposition, diminish cardiomyocyte cross-section area, reduce the tissue level of Ang II, ET-1, ANP and TNF-α. EERS could also down regulate the mRNA expression of ACE, ET-1 and ANP in myocardium. CONCLUSION: EERS attenuates ventricular remodeling. The mechanisms may be related to restraining the excessive activation of RAAS, TNF-α and modulating some gene expressions associated with cardiac hypertrophy.

Effects of total glucosides from paeony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) roots on experimental atherosclerosis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Total glucosides of paeony (TGP), compounds extracted from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, have been used as an anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Risk of cardiovascular diseases is significantly higher in patients with RA than in normal population. It has a great significance to study the effects of TGP on atherosclerosis. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of TGP on atherosclerosis induced by excessive administration of vitamin D and cholesterol in rats and study the mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Atherosclerosis was induced by excessive administration of vitamin D and cholesterol in rats. TGP was intragastrically administered for 15 weeks. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by automatic biochemistry analyzer. Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were determined by immunoturbidimetry method, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The morphological changes of aorta were observed with optical microscopy. RESULTS: Compared to controls, TGP significantly lowered the serum level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoB, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CRP, increased the ratios of HDL-C/LDL-C and ApoA1/ApoB, decreased the intima-media thickness (IMT) of abdominal aortal wall and improved the morphological change of the aorta. CONCLUSIONS: TGP may attenuate the development of atherosclerotic disease. The beneficial effects are associated with its lowering blood lipids and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines.

[Effect of Chrysanthemum indicum on ventricular remodeling in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects and mechanism of Chrysanthemum indicum on experimental ventricular remodeling induced by isoprenaline (ISO) and L-thyroxine (L-Thy). METHODS: The ventricular remodeling of mice were induced by subcutaneous injection of ISO with the dosage of 2 mg/kg daily for 7 d and the rats with L-Thy intraperitoneally with the dosage of 0.25 mg/kg daily for 9 d. After 7 days' treatment, the cardiac index and the Ang II content in myocardium of mice were measured. After 9 days' treatment, the ratios of LVW/BW, HW/BW of rats were calculated, the Ang II content in heart tissue and the ALD, TNF-alpha concentration in serun were determined by radioimmunoassay, the Hydroxy proline (Hyp) content in heart tissue were measured by hydrolysis method. RESULTS: After 7 - 9 days of treatment, Chrysanthemum indicum significantly reduced the left ventricular weight index and heart weight index in mice and rats with myocardial hypertrophy, decreased the content of Ang II in ventricular tissue in mice and rats, and reduced the ALD, TNF-alpha concentration in serum and the Hyp content in ventricular tissue in rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chrysanthemum indicum can significantly attenuate the experimental ventricular remodeling; the mechanism may be related with restricting the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and decreasing the levels of Ang II, ALD and TNF-alpha.

Effects of Chinese herb medicine Radix Scrophulariae on ventricular remodeling.

The effects and mechanism of the extract of Radix Scrophulariae (ERS), a traditional Chinese herb, on experimental ventricular remodeling in rats was studied. Rats were separated randomly into 5 groups: sham, model, captopril (40 mg x kg(-1)) and ERS (8, 16 g x kg(-1)). The experimental ventricular remodeling was induced with ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery of the rats. The sham group was conducted the same procedure without ligation. After 4 weeks treatment with intragastric administration of the corresponding drugs, the left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart weight index (HWI) were determined. The concentrations of angiotensin II (Ang II) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in myocardium were detected. Myocardium tissue was stained with HE and picric acid/Sirius red for cardiocyte cross-section area and collagen content measurements. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the gene expressions of AT1R, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 mRNA. ERS could significantly reduce the LVWI, HWI, decrease the content of Ang II, Hyp, diminish cardiocyte cross-section area and ameliorate collagen deposition. In addition, ERS could down regulate the gene expressions of AT1R, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 mRNA in myocardium. ERS has beneficial effect against ventricular remodeling. The mechanism may be related to decreasing the level of Ang II and cardiac fibrosis, modulating some gene expressions associated with cardiac hypertrophy.

Effect of sodium houttuyfonate on inhibiting ventricular remodeling induced by abdominal aortic banding in rats.

Ventricular remodeling is an independent risk factor for many cardiovascular events. Inhibiting ventricular remodeling early may be an effective way to postpone heart failure for patients with cardiovascular illness. The study was designed to examine the effect of sodium houttuyfonate on ventricular remodeling induced by pressure overload in rats, as well as to explore the mechanisms involved. The model rats in which ventricular remodeling was induced abdominal aortic banding (AAB) were randomly divided into 4 groups: AAB control, AAB plus captopril (40 mg/kg), AAB plus low dose of sodium houttuyfonate (50 mg/kg), and AAB plus high dose of sodium houttuyfonate (100 mg/kg). One month after operation, hemodynamic parameters, heart mass indexes, size of cardiomyocytes, myocardial collagen volume, angiotensin II content in ventricular tissue, and serum concentrations of aldosterone and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were evaluated. Sodium houttuyfonate significantly reduced heart mass indexes, the size of cardiomyocytes, and the myocardial collagen volume and decreased the levels of angiotensin II, aldosterone, and TNF-alpha. At the high dose, it decreased blood pressure and heart rate. In conclusion, sodium houttuyfonate attenuates ventricular remodeling induced by pressure overload in rats. The beneficial effects are in part associated with its alleviating the activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and decreasing the TNF-alpha level. Furthermore, its function seems to correlate with reduced blood pressure and heart rate.

Effects of polydatin on attenuating ventricular remodeling in isoproterenol-induced mouse and pressure-overload rat models.

The study was designed to examine the effects of polydatin on ventricular remodeling induced by isoproterenol in mice and by abdominal aortic banding in rats. Polydatin reduced cardiac weight indexes in mice and rats, lowered the contents of cyclic AMP and angiotensin II in mice. It also decreased the size of cardiomyocyte, the levels of aldosterone, tumor necrosis factor-α, angiotensin II and endothelin-1, reduced ventricular collagen volume and decreased blood pressure in rats. The results demonstrate that polydatin has the beneficial effects on attenuating ventricular remodeling, which are associated with its inhibiting the activation of neurohormone, especially in rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

[Progress in treatment of chronic heart failure in Western medicine and treatment strategies in traditional Chinese medicine].

The concept of modern medicine in treating chronic heart failure (CHF) has changed markedly in recent years. To improve the quality of life and prolong life, the treatment goal is no longer just temporary improvement of symptoms, more importantly, is to prevent and delay the occurrence and development of ventricular remodeling. Long-term chronic over-activation of sympathetic system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and other neuroendocrine factors promotes myocardial remodeling, increases myocardial injury and deteriorates cardiac function. Despite short-term use can significantly improve the blood flow dynamics, long-term use of beta-adrenergic receptor stimulators and phosphodiesterase inhibitors does not prolong life, but increases the rate of sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmia. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers have become the preferred drugs in treating chronic heart failure. In fact, after long-term use, beta-blockers can significantly improve ventricular remodeling, enhance ventricular function and reduce the incidence of sudden death of patients with CHF. In traditional Chinese medicine practice, short-term use of drugs for warming yang and reinforcing qi can improve symptoms of CHF, but long-term use may have adverse effects, for these medicines can stimulate sympathetic system. Early treatment with medicines of cold and cool property may be more favorable to patients with CHF, except the advanced patients who need special intervention. Eliminating heat and nourishing yin may play more active role in controlling the occurrence and development of CHF. Drugs with good efficacy and value in treating CHF may be developed from the Chinese herbal medicines with eliminating heat and nourishing yin property.

Effect of sodium houttuyfonate on myocardial hypertrophy in mice and rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of sodium houttuyfonate on myocardial hypertrophy and its mechanism of action in mice and rats. METHODS: A mouse model of myocardial hypertrophy was established by subcutaneous injection with isoproterenol. Mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control; isoproterenol control; isoproterenol plus metoprolol; isoproterenol plus low- and high-dose sodium houttuyfonate. A rat model of myocardial hypertrophy was established by intraperitoneal injection with L-thyroxine. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control; L-thyroxine control; L-thyroxine plus captopril; L-thyroxine plus low- and high-dose sodium houttuyfonate. At the end of the experiments, the left ventricular weight index and heart weight index were determined in mice and rats, the size of cardiomyocytes was measured in rats and the concentrations of cAMP in plasma and angiotensin II in ventricular tissue of mice were detected by radioimmunoassay. The endothelin-1 concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay and the hydroxyproline content was measured by a digestive method in ventricular tissue of rats. KEY FINDINGS: After 7-9 days of treatment, sodium houttuyfonate significantly reduced the left ventricular weight index and heart weight index in mice and rats with myocardial hypertrophy, decreased the size of cardiomyocytes in rats, and reduced the content of cAMP and angiotensin II in mice with myocardial hypertrophy. It also decreased the endothelin-1 concentration and the hydroxyproline content in ventricular tissue in rats. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium houttuyfonate can inhibit myocardial hypertrophy in mouse and rat models by restricting the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and decreasing the levels of angiotensin II and endothelin-1 in ventricular tissue.

[The study of Xuanshen on ventricular remodeling and cardiac endothelin-1 expression in rats treated with pressure-overload].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of Xuanshen on cardiac endothelin-1 expression, ventricular remodeling and its mechanism in rats treated with pressure-overload. METHODS: The ventricular remodeling model was induced by abdominal aortic stenosis in rats. Meanwhile, sham-operated rats were established as the control group. 8 weeks after drug interference, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), left ventricular weight and heart weight index (LVWI and HWI), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), cardiac endothelin-1 concentration and its gene expression were determined. RESULTS: Compared with those of sham-operated rats, the HR, SBP, DBP, LVWI and HWI of the model rats were increased significantly. The activity of SOD decreased, the concentration of cardiac endothelin-1 and its gene expression increased. In groups treated with Xuanshen, the HR, SBP, DBP, LVWI and HWI declined and the activity of SOD was improved. Moreover, the concentration of cardiac endothelin-1 and its gene expression decreased. CONCLUSION: Pressure-overload may induce oxidative stress and over-expression of cardiac endothelin-1. Xuanshen can inhibit ventricular remodeling. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and down regulation of endothelin-1 expression.

[Influence of Tinglizi on collagen volume fraction and perivascular collagen area in left ventricle tissue of cardiac hypertrophy induced by abdominal aortic banding in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of Tinglizi on collagen volume fraction (CVF) and perivascular collagen volume area (PVCA ) in left ventricle tissue of cardiac hypertrophy induced by abdominal aortic banding in rats. METHOD: Ventricular remodeling was induced by abdominal aortic banding (AAB) in rats. After 30 day treatment, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP); heart rate (HR) were measured. The histological assay consisted of the HE stain for determining the myo-cardium cell cross section and collagen stain (Van Gieson' method) for determining collagen content, including collagen volume fracton (CVF) and perivascular collagen volume area (PVCA). RESULT: The experimental data demonstrated that Tinglizi decreased SBP, DBP, HR and could significantly reduce the total collagen content (CVF, PVCA) and lessen the myocardium cell cross section (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tinglizi may decrease the total collagen content of ventricle and attenuate the ventricular remodeling induced by abdominal aortic banding.

[Comparative study of Scrophulariae and Aconite in inhibiting myocardial hypertrophy in rats and mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Scrophulariae of cold nature and Aconite of hot nature on myocardial hypertrophy and neuroendocrine factors in rats and mice. METHODS: A mouse model of myocardial hypertrophy was established by hypodermic injection of isoproterenol. Sixty myocardial hypertrophy mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, untreated group, metoprolol-treated group, Scrophulariae-treated group and Aconite-treated group. A rat model of myocardial hypertrophy was established by peritoneal injection of L-thyroxin. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, untreated group, captopril-treated group, Scrophulariae-treated group and Aconite-treated group. After 7-9 days of treatment with intragastric administration of the corresponding drugs, the effects of Scrophulariae and Aconite on left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart weight index (HWI) were determined. The concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in plasma and angiotensin II (Ang II) in myocardium were detected through radio-immunity method. Cardiocyte cross-section area was determined by using HE staining. RESULTS: Scrophulariae of cold nature could significantly reduce the LVWI, HWI and cardiocyte cross-section area, and could decrease the content of cAMP and Ang II. However, Aconite had no such effects. CONCLUSION: Scrophulariae of cold nature can inhibit myocardial hypertrophy through restraining the activity of sympathetic nervous system and decreasing the level of Ang II. The inhibition of Aconite of hot nature on cardiac hypertrophy is not significant.