Protective effect of total arasolides of aralia elata (Miq) seem on cardiomyopathy in rats with early stage diabetes and its mechanism

Objective: To discuss the effect of total arasolides of aralia elata (Miq) seem (TASAES) on cardiac function and protective effect on mgocardial structure in rats with early stage diabetes. Methods: The models of diabetic rats were made by an intra-abdominal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Rats were divided into control group (C group), model group (M group) and TASAES 4.9, 9.8, 19.6 mg · kg^-1 groups (T₁, T₂, T₃ groups). At the time of 8 weeks, the hemodynamic parameters were detected in various groups; ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was observed under electron microscope; the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was detected by RT-PCR technique at the molecular level. Results: Compared with model group, TASAES increased the absolute value of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and ±dp/dt_max in diabetic rats, especially in high and middle dosage groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), it improved the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes and reduced the expression of CTGF in high and middle dosage groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: TASAES can improve the cardiac function of diabetic rats in a dose dependent manner, and its protective effect may be related to the reduction of CTGF and enhancement of cardiac contractility.