Effects of Danshensu Sodium Combined with Tongxinluo on Cardiac Function and Calcium Channels in a Rat Model of Heart Failure

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Danshensu sodium and Tongxinluo on cardiac function, apelin-13, and L-type calcium channel in a rat model of heart failure. Thirty-two rats were divided into three groups: Danshensu Sodium, Tongxinluo, and Experimental (combination of Danshensu Sodium and Tongxinluo). Twenty-four rat models of heart failure were treated with Danshensu Sodium, Tongxinluo, or Danshensu Sodium+Tongxinluo. Cardiac function, apelin-13, and L-type calcium channel expression were compared among the four groups. The injury and repair of myocardial tissue were observed by HE staining, and the fibrosis of myocardial tissues was observed by Masson staining. The results showed that the combination of Danshensu sodium and Tongxinluo significantly improved cardiac function, decreased apelin-13 levels, decreased L-type calcium channel current density, and increased Cav1.2 protein expression compared to the Danshensu Sodium group and Tongxinluo group. Histological observations showed that the morphology and structure of cardiomyocytes were better, and the fibrosis of myocardium was lower in the experimental group compared to the other two groups. In conclusion, Danshensu sodium and Tongxinluo combined effectively improved cardiac function and had a positive effect on the expression of apelin-13 and L-type calcium channel in rats with heart failure.