Abstract
Aims. The molecular mechanisms of Chinese traditional medicine Wenxin Keli (WXKL) were unknown. This study was aimed at exploring the effects of WXKL on the gene expression profile and pathological alteration of rabbits with myocardial infarction. Methods. Twenty male adult rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham, model, WXKL, and captopril groups. Model, WXKL, and captopril groups underwent the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery while sham group went through an identical procedure without ligation. WXKL (817 mg/kg/d), captopril (8 mg/kg/d), and distilled water (to model and sham groups) were administered orally to each group. After 4 weeks, the rabbits were examined with echocardiography and the hearts were taken for expression chip and pathological staining (H&E, Masson, and Tunel) studies. Results. The data revealed that WXKL downregulated genes associated with inflammation (CX3CR1, MRC1, and FPR1), apoptosis (CTSC and TTC5), and neurohumoral system (ACE and EDN1) and upregulated angiogenesis promoting genes such as RSPO3. Moreover, the results also showed that WXKL improved cardiac function and prevented histopathological injury and apoptosis. Conclusion. The present study demonstrated that WXKL might play an important role in inhibiting inflammation, renin-angiotensin system, and apoptosis. It might be a promising Chinese medicine in the treatment of patients with myocardial infarction.
Highlights
Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) is a common disease usually caused by coronary stenosis and thrombus [1], among which acute myocardial infarction is much more emergent and dangerous in clinical practice
Acute myocardial infarction often leads to malignant arrhythmia or heart failure
Wenxin Keli (WXKL) is a Chinese herb extract composed of 5 agents and reported to be of great benefit in treating CAD, arrhythmia, and heart failure [3]
Summary
Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) is a common disease usually caused by coronary stenosis and thrombus [1], among which acute myocardial infarction is much more emergent and dangerous in clinical practice. Acute myocardial infarction often leads to malignant arrhythmia or heart failure. Revascularization therapy such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been proven to be an effective treatment for CAD; the modality is still high and the longterm prognosis is not satisfied [2]. The effects of WXKL on acute myocardial infarction in molecular level are unknown.
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