Effects of Qili Qiangxin capsule on renal aquaporin-2 expression in rats with chronic heart failure

Abstract

Qili Qiangxin is a traditional Chinese medical formulation, which can improve cardiac function, urine volume, and subjective symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We sought to investigate whether Qili Qiangxin could suppress renal aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression in a rat model of CHF. High, medium, and low dosages of Qili Qiangxin (1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 g.kg-1.d-1, respectively) were administered intragastrically to rats with CHF. The continuous administration of Qili Qiangxin for 1 week increased urine volume while the indexes of cardiac function were unchanged after treatment for 1 week. Interestingly, after treatment with Qili Qiangxin for 4 weeks, daily urine output, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening values were significantly increased in rats with CHF, with more significant changes in the high dosage group. Levels of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and renal V2R mRNA, AQP2 mRNA, and protein expression were significantly decreased. Treatment with Qili Qiangxin for 4 weeks can attenuate AQP2 expression in the kidneys and improve the cardiac function in rats with CHF.