[Effects of a compound Chinese medicine Xinji' erkang on isoproterenol-induced ventricular remodeling in mice]

The protective effects of polysaccharide extract from Xin-Ji-Er-Kang formula on Ang II-induced HUVECs injury, L-NAME-induced hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling in mice

Background

Xin-Ji-Er-Kang (XJEK) is a Chinese herbal formula, which has been reported to exert effective protection against cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and myocarditis.

Methods

Cultured human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II) and different concentrations of aqueous layer extracts (AqE). Subsequently nitric oxide (NO) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression levels were detected. In addition, fifty Kunming mice were randomized into control, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), L-NAME+AqE, L-NAME+XJEK and L-NAME+fosinopril treatment groups. Following 8 weeks of treatment, the cardiac hemodynamic index was measured, relaxation of the aorta was examined and pathological changes were observed. Colorimetric analysis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to determine the relevant indicators in plasma and cardiac tissues.

Results

The in vitro study results demonstrated that AqE could preserve endothelial function (NO, 21.05 ± 2.03 vs. 8.64 ± 0.59; eNOS, 1.08 ± 0.17 vs.0.73 ± 0.06). In addition, the in vivo results demonstrated that compared with the control group, treatment with AqE could enhance a high hemodynamic state (left ventricular systolic pressure, 116.76 ± 9.96 vs.114.5 ± 15.16), improve endothelial function (NO, 7.98 ± 9.64 vs. 1.66 ± 3.11; eNOS, 19.78 ± 3.18 vs.19.38 ± 3.85), suppress oxidative stress (OS) (superoxide dismutase, 178.17 ± 13.78 vs. 159.38 ± 18.86; malondialdehyde, 0.77 ± 0.13 vs.1.25 ± 0.36) and reverse cardiovascular remodeling.

Conclusion

Polysaccharide from XJEK exerts protective effects against Ang II-induced injury in HUVECs and L-NAME-induced hypertension in mice and the underlying mechanism may be attributed to improving endothelial dysfunction, OS and the inflammation status in mice.

Protective effect of Xin-Ji-Er-Kang on cardiovascular remodeling in high salt-induced hypertensive mice

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Xin-Ji-Er-Kang (XJEK) on high salt-induced hypertensive mice. Mice with high-salt diet-induced hypertension were divided into four groups: Control (standard diet alone for 8 weeks), model (diet containing 8% NaCl for 8 weeks and intragastric administration of distilled water for the last 4 weeks), XJEK + high-salt-treated (diet containing 8% NaCl for 8 weeks and intragastric administration of XJEK for the last 4 weeks) and irbesartan + high-salt-treated (diet containing 8% NaCl for 8 weeks with intragastric administration of irbesartan for the last 4 weeks). The hemodynamic index and cardiac pathological changes in the hypertensive mice were then examined. An aortic ring apparatus was used to detect acetylcholine-dependent endothelium relaxation function. Colorimetric analysis was applied to determine serum nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content; ELISA was employed to measure brain natriuretic peptide, serum angiotensin II (Ang II), endothelin-1 content and aldosterone; and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in cardiac tissues. XJEK improved the heart systolic and diastolic function, ameliorated hemodynamic parameters and cardiovascular remodeling indices, blunted the cardiac pathological changes and improved endothelial dysfunction (ED) via boosting eNOS activity, promoting NO bioavailability and decreasing serum Ang II content. Furthermore, treatment with XJEK inhibited the increase of IL-1β and TNF-α expression and the decrease of IL-10 expression in cardiac tissues, and ameliorated oxidative stress status. Therefore, XJEK exerted protective effects against high salt-induced hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling in mice via improving ED, restoring pro- and anti-inflammatory factor balance and decreasing oxidative stress.

Effects of Xin-Ji-Er-Kang on heart failure induced by myocardial infarction: Role of inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Xin-Ji-Er-Kang (XJEK) is a Chinese herbal formula, which has been reported to exert effective protection on cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and myocarditis.

PURPOSE

To elucidate the protective effects of XJEK on heart failure (HF) induced by myocardial infarction (MI) through the amelioration of inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and endothelial dysfunction(ED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven male KM mice were randomized into the following six groups (n = 9-10 for each): control group, model group, MI+XJEK low dose group(XJEKL) group, MI+XJEK middle dose group(XJEKM), MI+XJEK high dose group(XJEKH), and MI+fosinopril group (positive control group). After treatment for four weeks, electrocardiography (ECG) and haemodynamics were recorded. Serum and tissues were collected for further analysis. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine was assessed in isolated thoracic aorta ring experiment. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Van Gieson (VG) staining were used to detect the pathological changes of heart and thoracic aorta. Colorimetric analysis was employed to determine serum nitric oxide level (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. ELISA was used to detect serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and serum inflammatory cytokines, as well as endothelial NO synthetase (eNOS), angiotensinII (Ang II) and endothelin-1(ET-1) concentration in both serum and cardiac tissues. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting (WB) were employed to detect eNOS and inflammatory cytokine expressions in cardiac tissues.

RESULTS

XJEK administration markedly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and abnormal ECG manifested by decreased weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio, BNP and remedied hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and deposition of collagen, which might be in part attributed to the increased SOD and decreased MDA in serum. Furthermore, XJEK administration improved ED with boosted eNOS activities in serum and cardiac tissues, as well as up-regulated NO levels in serum, down-regulated Ang II and ET-1 content in serum and cardiac tissues. Lastly, protein expression of pro-inflammation cytokines significantly decreased, and anti-inflammatory cytokine was significantly enhanced in serum and cardiac tissues compared to model group.

CONCLUSION

XJEK may exert beneficial effects on HF induced by MI in mice, and the underlying mechanism may be attributable to the amelioration of ED, anti-OS and anti-inflammation effects.

Protective effects of Xinji'erkang on myocardial infarction induced cardiac injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major risk factor responsible for morbidity and mortality. Xinji'erkang (XJEK) has been clinically used as an effective medication in the treatment of coronary heart disease and myocarditis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect of Xinji'erkang on MI mice.

METHODS

Forty male mice were randomly assigned into four groups as follows (n = 10): sham, model, MI with administration of XJEK and fosinopril for four weeks. At the end of studies, hemodynamic parameters and electrocardiography (ECG) were recorded. Heart and body mass were measured and heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio was calculated as index of hypertrophy. The hypertrophy of heart and aorta was examined using the hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the collagen deposition was evaluated using Van Gieson (VG) staining. Serum nitric oxide level (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were assayed by colorimetric analysis. The expressions of endothelial NO synthetase (eNOS) expression in serum and cardiac tissues were determined using ELISA assay and immunohistochemistry. Angiotensin II (Ang II) in serum and cardiac tissues was measured using ELISA assay. Besides, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin1β (IL-1β) and interleukin10 (IL-10) were observed in cardiac tissues with ELISA assay as well.

RESULTS

The administration of XJEK significantly improved cardiac dysfunction and abnormal ECG with reduced HW/BW ratio and ameliorated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen deposition compared to MI, which was partly due to the decreased SOD and increased MDA in serum. Moreover, XJEK treatment also improved endothelial dysfunction (ED) with not only enhanced eNOS activities in serum and cardiac tissues and elevated NO levels in serum, but also decreased Ang II content in serum and cardiac tissues. Finally, protein expressions of pro-inflammation cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β in the cardiac tissues with XJEK treatment were significantly decreased compared to model. On the contrary, IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrated in cardiac tissues was significantly enhanced compared to model.

CONCLUSION

Xinji'erkang exerts cardioprotective effect on myocardial infarction in mice, which may be due to the improvement of endothelial dysfunction and the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation response.

Benefical therapeutic effect of Chinese Herbal Xinji'erkang formula on hypertension-induced renal injury in the 2-kidney-1-clip hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Increase in evidence shows that the role of kidney injury in hypertension is important. Xinji'erkang (XJEK), a Chinese herbal formula, has been identified as an effective preparation in the treatment of coronary heart disease and myocarditis. We have previously demonstrated that XJEK attenuate oxidative stress and hypertension target organ damage. The aim of this study was to assess the renal protective function of XJEK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two Kidney One Clip (2K1C) model was adopted to induce hypertension in rats. We submitted male Sprague Dawley (150-180) g rats to either renal artery clipping or sham operation. Renal hypertension was established after four weeks of surgery. Rats were randomized divided into the four groups: sham-operated group (Sh-Op) (n=10), two-kidney, one-clip hypertension group (2K1C) (n=10), Xinji'erkang treatment group (XJEK) (n=10) and Fosinopril (n=10) treatment group. Drugs were administered orally daily for four weeks. Systolic pressures were measured every week using the tail-cuff apparatus. 24h before death, urine samples were collected for detect of urinary proteins. The kidney weight (KW) index was expressed as kidney weight/body weight (KW/BW). The histological changes were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson staining. Immunohistochemical assay was employed to observe the intra-renal transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein expression. Serum creatinine (SCR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assayed by automatic biochemical analyzer. ELISA kit was used to assay Angiotensin II (Ang II) and TGF-β1 content in serum.

RESULTS

Administration of XJEK markedly alleviated the rise in blood pressure and declined LKW/BW ratio. Histo-pathological injuries including hypertrophic glomerular, glomerular sclerosis, glomerular and interstitial fibrosis were attenuated. XJEK also decreased SCR, BUN, urinary proteins in 24h urine, serum Ang II and TGF-β1 concentrations and the intra-renal TGF-β1 protein expression.

CONCLUSION

XJEK therapy in the 2K1C hypertensive rats affects the rise in blood pressure and ameliorates the severity of kidney injury. The protective effect is most likely due to the ability of XJEK to affect the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and the TGF-β systems.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine Xin-Ji-Er-Kang formula on 2K1C hypertensive rats: role of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction

Background

XinJiErKang (XJEK), a Chinese herbal formula, is identified as an effective preparation to treat coronary heart disease and myocarditis. The aim of the study is to investigate the anti-hypertensive effects of XJEK by oral administration and also to find out whether the drug has any role in oxidative stress and vascular endothelial function.

Methods

Clipping of the renal artery resulted in gradual elevation of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) which reached a plateau after 4 weeks of surgery. Treatment of hypertensive rats (20 mmHg higher than basic systolic blood pressure) with XJEK (6, 12, 24 g/kg/day) and fosinopril (15 mg/kg/day) respectively by intragastric administration started 4 weeks after surgery and continued for 4 weeks. The sham-operated (Sh-Op) controls received drinking water. BP was monitored weekly using tail-cuff apparatus. At the end of 8 wk, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax) were examined (PowerLab 8/30, AD Instruments, Australia). The myocardial hypertrophy index was expressed as heart weight/body weight (HW/BW), the histological changes were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Van Gieson (VG) stain. Endothelium-dependent relaxations due to acetylcholine were observed in isolated rat thoracic aortic ring preparation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) content in serum, contents of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the ventricular tissue were assayed by xanthin oxidase method, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method, Griess method and alkaline hydrolysis method, respectively. Angiotensin II (Ang II) content in serum was detected by radioimmunoasssay method.

Results

XJEK therapy potently improved cardiac function, inhibited myocardial hypertrophy, improved cardiac pathology change, decreased the myocardial cross-section area (CSA), collagen volume fraction (CVF) and perivascular circumferential collagen area (PVCA), reduced the content of Hyp in the left ventricular tissue, inhibited the decrease of SOD activity and increase of MDA, Ang II content in serum. Moreover, treatment with XJEK improved endothelial dysfunction (ED) manifested by promoting endothelial-dependent vasodilation of thoracic aortic rings and enhancing the NO activity in serum.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that administration of XJEK possess protective effects against 2K1C induced hypertension and cardiac remodeling in rats, preserve NO activity and endothelial function.