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˙ kg ^–) and ERS (8, 16 g ˙ 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 administra- tion 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 AT₁ R, TNF-α and TGF-β 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 AT₁ R, TNF- and TGF-₁ 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.