Objective:

2

To assess the efficacy of Qingda Granule (QDG) in ameliorating hypertension-induced cardiac damage and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved.

Methods:

2

Twenty spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used to develope a hypertension-induced cardiac damage model. Another 10 Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as normotension group. Rats were administrated intragastrically QDG [0.9 g/(kg•d)] or an equivalent volume of pure water for 8 weeks. Blood pressure

histopathological changes

cardiac function

levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers were measured. Furthermore

to gain insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of QDG against hypertension-induced cardiac injury

a network pharmacology study was conducted. Predicted results were validated by Western blot

radioimmunoassay immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction

respectively.

Results:

2

The administration of QDG resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure levels in SHRs (

P

<

0.01). Histological examinations

including hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining revealed that QDG effectively attenuated hypertension-induced cardiac damage. Furthermore

echocardiography demonstrated that QDG improved hypertension-associated cardiac dysfunction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method indicated that QDG significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response levels in both myocardial tissue and serum (

P

<

0.01).

Conclusion:

2

Both network pharmacology and experimental investigations confirmed that QDG exerted its beneficial effects in decreasing hypertension-induced cardiac damage by regulating the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)/Ang Ⅱ receptor type 1 axis and ACE/Ang Ⅱ/Ang Ⅱreceptor type 2 axis.