Xiaomei Wang1, Changzheng Mu2, Tianchi Mu2, Lili Gao3, Yaxue Zhao3, Yangyi Zhang3, Zhimian Zhang4. 1. Medical Examination Center of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Liaoning, China. 2. Department of Histology and Embryology, Liaoning Medical University, Liaoning, China. 3. Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Liaoning, China. 4. Medical Examination Center of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China. Electronic address: zhimianzhang@126.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Tongxinluo on myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats and its possible mechanism of action. METHODS: Diabetic rat models were established and then divided into three groups: control, diabetes, and Tongxinluo groups. Heart function and myocardial interstitial collagen volume fraction were investigated, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), Smad3, and Smad7 were measured. RESULTS: Heart function was clearly abnormal in the diabetes group compared with that in the control group, and the collagen volume fraction and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were higher. However, the protein and mRNA expression levels of Smad7 were lower. In the Tongxinluo group, it was observed that these indicators were improved. CONCLUSION: Tongxinluo was effective for the prevention and treatment of myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats. It probably mediates the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7 in rat cardiomyocytes to reduce the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Tongxinluo on myocardial fibrosis in diabeticrats and its possible mechanism of action. METHODS:Diabeticrat models were established and then divided into three groups: control, diabetes, and Tongxinluo groups. Heart function and myocardial interstitial collagen volume fraction were investigated, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), Smad3, and Smad7 were measured. RESULTS: Heart function was clearly abnormal in the diabetes group compared with that in the control group, and the collagen volume fraction and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were higher. However, the protein and mRNA expression levels of Smad7 were lower. In the Tongxinluo group, it was observed that these indicators were improved. CONCLUSION: Tongxinluo was effective for the prevention and treatment of myocardial fibrosis in diabeticrats. It probably mediates the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7 in rat cardiomyocytes to reduce the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis in diabeticrats.