Shexiang Tongxin dropping pill () protects against sodium laurate-induced coronary microcirculatory dysfunction in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of Shexiang Tongxin dropping pill (STDP) in a rat model of coronary microcirculatory dysfunction (CMD). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated randomly into four groups: sham, CMD model, STDP, and nicorandil. After 4 weeks of treatment, CMD was induced by injection of sodium laurate (0.2 mL, 2 g/L) into the left ventricle while obstructing the ascending aorta. Rats in the sham group underwent an identical surgical procedure but were administered physiological (0.9%) saline (0.2 mL). Twenty-four hours after surgery, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Heart tissues were removed for histopathology staining; apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: The STDP group had a lower level of creative kinase-myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, and cardiac troponin-I than that in the CMD model group. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, myocardial ischaemia, and microthrombosis were relieved in the STDP group compared with CMD model group. Levels of endothelin-1, nuclear factor-kappa B, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, malondialdehyde, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2-associated X protein, and caspase-3 were lower, and levels of nitric oxide, Bcl-2, and superoxide dismutase were higher, in the STDP group in comparison with the CMD model group. CONCLUSION: STDP pretreatment improved the CMD induced by sodium laurate via anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, and anti-oxidant mechanisms. (C) 2021 JTCM. All rights reserved.