The Protective Effect of Icariin on Isoproterenol-Induced LV Remodeling in Mice

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the effect of icariin (ICA) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced left ventricular (LV) remodeling in mice and to investigate potential underlying mechanisms. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the control group, ISO group, as well as low and high dose ICA groups. The ISO group and ICA groups were subjected to ISO (5 mg/kg) subcutaneous injections for a duration of 14 days to induce LV remodeling. Concurrently, mice in the low and high dose ICA groups were orally administered with ICA at doses of 15 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg, respectively, on a daily basis. Following the 14-day treatment period, the ratio of heart weight to body weight was assessed. Morphological changes in the left ventricle were observed by H&E staining, and the occurrence of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the left ventricle was evaluated by TUNEL staining. ER stress and mitochondrial injury related proteins were examined via western blotting. Key findings The findings indicate that icariin at a dosage of 60 mg/kg reduced heart mass index, attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial hypertrophy, decreased the ratio of myocardial apoptosis in the left ventricle, and lowered the protein expressions of ER stress and mitochondrial injury related proteins following isoproterenol (ISO) insult. Conclusion Icariin mitigates ISO-induced left ventricular remodeling in mice by inhibiting ER stress and mitochondrial injury.