Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction Improved Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction by Activating PI3K/Akt...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Taohong Siwu decoction (THSWD) is a traditional formula for blood circulation.
• Modified THSWD (MTHSWD) includes additional herbs to enhance yang and circulation.
• MTHSWD shows potential for cardiac protection, but its mechanisms require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cardioprotective mechanisms of MTHSWD after myocardial infarction.
• To explore the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in MTHSWD's effects.

Main Methods:

• Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified the PI3K/Akt pathway.
• In vivo study involved Sprague-Dawley rats with induced myocardial infarction.
• In vitro experiments used H9C2 cells to assess MTHSWD's cytoprotective effects.

Main Results:

• MTHSWD significantly improved cardiac function (fractional shortening, ejection fraction) and reduced infarct size.
• MTHSWD attenuated myocardial cell apoptosis by activating the Akt pathway.
• Inhibition of PI3K/Akt diminished MTHSWD's protective effects on H9C2 cells.

Conclusions:

• MTHSWD demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects following myocardial infarction.
• The Akt pathway is crucial for MTHSWD's therapeutic action in cardiac damage.
• MTHSWD represents a promising therapeutic strategy for myocardial infarction.