Compatibility of Astragalus and Salvia extract inhibits myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling by regulation of protein kinase D1 protein.

AIMS This study is to determine the effect of astragalus and salvia extract on the alteration of myocardium in a rat model of myocardial infarction. METHODS A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated group, the control group, the Astragalus group, the Salvia group, and the compatibility of Astragalus and Salvia and group. The cardiac functions were determined at 8 weeks after treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the morphology and arrangement of cardiomyocytes. Masson's trichrome staining was performed to investigate the distribution of myocardial interstitial collagen. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the expression ofprotein kinase D1 in myocardial tissues. RESULTS In the sham-operated group, the Astragalus group, the Salvia group, and the compatibility of Astragalus and Salvia group, the left ventricular systolic pressure and the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure were significantly increased while the left ventricular end diastolic pressure were significantly decreased when compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Normal morphology and arrangement of cardiomyocytes were maintained in the compatibility of Astragalus and Salvia group. Contents of collagen fibers in myocardial tissues were decreased in the compatibility of Astragalus and Salvia group (P < 0.05). Expression levels of protein kinase D1 were significantly decreased in cardiomyocytes of the compatibility of Astragalus and Salvia group. CONCLUSIONS Compatibility of Astragalus and Salvia extract may inhibit myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling by regulation of protein kinase D1 protein in a rat model of myocardial infarction.