Buyang Huanwu decoction ameliorates coronary heart disease with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome by reducing CRP and CD40 in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Qi deficiency and blood stasis is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome. It leads to many diseases including coronary heart diseases (CHD) and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). Inflammatory biomarkers and many endothelium-derived vasoactive factors are considered to play pivotal roles in CHD. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD), a TCM formula, has been recognized as a treatment for CHD with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and CVD in clinic. The mechanisms of BYHWD effect on CHD with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are unclear. Aim of the study: The aim is to investigate whether the effects of BYHWD on CHD with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in rats are associated with the inhibition of CRP, CD40 and vascular endothelial regulators. Materials and methods: The treated groups were lavaged with 25.68, 12.84 and 6.42g/kg BYHWD respectively once a day for 21 days. The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum and the expression of cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40) in the heart and aorta of rats were detected. Moreover, the levels of thromboxaneA₂ (TXA₂) and prostacyclin (PGI₂) in plasma were measured and the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in serum were detected. Results: BYHWD (25.68g/kg) significantly decreased the level of CRP in serum and BYHWD (25.68 and 12.84g/kg) decreased the expression of CD40 in the heart and aorta (P<0.01). The results also revealed that BYHWD (25.68g/kg) inhibited the levels of iNOS in serum and TXA₂ in plasma and increased the levels of eNOS in serum and PGI₂ in plasma (P<0.01). Conclusion: The study shows that the ameliorative effects of BYHWD on CHD with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in rats are associated with the inhibition of CRP and CD40 and the regulation of endothelium-derived vasoactive factors.