Effect of Panax notoginseng intervention on the autophagy mechanism in a rat model of deep vein thrombosis

Abstract Objective To establish a rat model of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) via the ligation of the inferior vena cava and investigate the intervention effect of Panax notoginseng (PN) on autophagy in DVT rats. Methods A rat model of DVT was established, and the rats were treated with PN and low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin sodium injection) to observe the effect of PN on autophagy. Results In the model group, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed high levels of thrombosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. In the model group, Beclin1 , P62 , and LC3 mRNA expression was significantly increased. The P-selectin content increased significantly, and the red blood cell count and hemoglobin level decreased significantly. In the model + PN (M + PN) group, H&E staining revealed reduced thrombosis formation; a small area of recanalization was observed, and one sample showed no obvious thrombosis. Beclin1 , P62 , and LC3 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated. H&E staining revealed reduced thrombus formation in the model + low-molecular-weight heparin (M + LMWH) group compared with the model group; neither M + LMWH sample showed obvious thrombus formation. However, only LC3 mRNA expression was downregulated. The content of P-selectin was decreased and the red blood cell count was increased. Conclusion DVT rats exhibited autophagy, and PN improved DVT by inhibiting the autophagy process.