Modified Taohong Siwu decoction improves cardiac function after myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion in rats by promoting endogenous stem cell mobilization and regulating metabolites

Taohong Siwu decoction (THSWD) has been shown to promote heart repair in myocardial infarction. To determine the effects of modified THSWD (THSWD plus four ingredients) on myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the I/R group and three different modified THSWD dose groups (gavage administration, 1.215, 2.43, and 4.86 g, respectively). 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Evans blue staining were used to detect the infarct area at 24 h after treatment. The serum biochemical indexes and cell apoptosis were examined to determine myocardial injury. The number of endogenous stem cells, expression of stromal dell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and stem cell factor (SCF), and cardiac function were measured at 4 weeks. The serum was collected for metabolomic analysis. The high-dose modified THSWD group presented a reduced infarction area (decreased by 21.3%), decreased levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase, attenuated cell apoptosis, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity in early stage I/R compared with other groups. The serum SCF and SDF-1 levels were higher in the high-dose group than in the I/R group. At 4 weeks, the infarct size and collagen content were the lowest, and the ejection fraction and fractional shortening values were the highest in the high-dose group. Moreover, high-dose modified THSWD affected the metabolism of phosphonate and phosphonate, taurine, and hypotaurine. Endogenous stem cell mobilization and metabolic regulation were related to the cardioprotection of modified THSWD. We provided a new strategy and direction for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases with traditional Chinese medicine.