Shengxian decoction protects against chronic heart failure in a rat model via energy regulation mechanisms

Abstract Background Energy metabolism imbalance plays an important role in the pathological process of chronic heart failure (CHF). Improving myocardial energy metabolism is a new strategy for the treatment of CHF. Shengxian decoction (SXT), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has good therapeutic effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the mechanism of the therapeutic effects of SXT in treating CHF remains largely unclear. Methods SD rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: sham, model, positive control (trimetazidine) and high-, middle-, and low-dose SXT groups. Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function. H&E, Masson and TUNEL staining were performed to examine myocardial structure and myocardial apoptosis. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of related proteins. Colorimetry was used to determine myocardial ATP levels in experimental rats. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of myocardial mitochondria. ELISA was used to estimate CK, cTnI, and NT-proBNP levels, and LA、FFA、MDA、SOD levels. Results Treatment with SXT improved cardiac function and ventricular remodelling and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress levels induced by CHF. Moreover, CHF caused decrease ATP synthesis, which was accompanied by a reduction in ATP 5D protein levels, damage to mitochondrial structure, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, and changes in the expression of PGC-1α related signal pathway proteins, all of which were significantly alleviated by treatment with SXT. Conclusion SXT reverses CHF-induced cardiac dysfunction and maintains the integrity of myocardial structure by regulating energy metabolism. The beneficial effect of SXT on energy metabolism may be related to regulating the expression of the PGC-1α signalling pathway.