A Cardiomyopeptin Preparation Protects against Isoproterenol-Induced Chronic Heart Failure in Rats

The present study investigated the effect of an herbal extract-supplemented cardiomyopeptin preparation (HECP), in the rat model of chronic heart failure. HECP pre-/co-treatment at a daily dose of 0.072 to 0.124 g/kg for 30 days protected against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced chronic myocardial damage in rats in a dose-dependent manner, with the extent of protection, as assessed by plasma cardiac troponin I level, being up to 76%. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was associated with the enhancement of myocardial mitochondrial antioxidant status, amelioration of plasma parameters on cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy, as well as an increase in myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Myocardial apoptotic and anti-apoptotic parameters were suppressed and stimulated, respectively. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was accompanied by an increase in exercise capacity, an indirect functional index of the myocardium, in ISO-challenged rats. In conclusion, HECP may offer a promising prospect in preventing chronic heart failure in human subjects.