Impact of Huanglian Jiedu decoction on myocardial mitochondrial autophagy in spontaneously hypertensive rats

doi:10.5246/jcps.2025.09.062

Abstract

Abstract:

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases, and autophagy is known to play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDD) on myocardial mitochondrial autophagy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and to further explore the relationship between autophagy, myocardial remodeling, and injury. The SHRs were randomly assigned to five groups: the model group, the HLJDD low-dose group, the HLJDD medium-dose group, the HLJDD high-dose group, and a positive control group treated with captopril. Additionally, a blank control group was established using Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, with 10 rats in each group. The model and blank control groups were administered an equivalent volume of physiological saline via oral gavage, while the treatment groups received their respective doses of HLJDD or captopril by oral gavage. Following the treatments, various parameters were assessed, including blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure), mitochondrial swelling and membrane potential, free ATPase activity, as well as the mRNA and protein levels of autophagy-related factors. The results showed that HLJDD significantly reduced blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure) in SHR rats. Moreover, it enhanced mitochondrial swelling and membrane potential, increased mitochondrial ATPase activity, and decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of autophagy-related genes (AKT, mTOR, Beclin-1, and LC3-II) in SHRs. The findings of this study suggested that HLJDD could effectively ameliorate myocardial tissue injury in SHRs, and its protective effects on the heart might be attributed to the reduction of autophagy in cardiomyocyte mitochondria. This provided insights into the potential therapeutic use of HLJDD in managing hypertension-induced myocardial injury and remodeling.

Key words: Huanglian Jiedu decoction, Spontaneous hypertension, Mitochondria, Autophagy, Myocardial injury

Supporting:

Yongmei Li, Yuan Wang, Xiaoming Zhang, Yiwen Gao, Chunhong Xin, Nan Zhang. Impact of Huanglian Jiedu decoction on myocardial mitochondrial autophagy in spontaneously hypertensive rats[J]. Journal of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025, 34(9): 850-859.

Figures/Tables 6

References 19

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