Effects of Candesartan on expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in hypertrophic myocardium of rats

Aim:To evaluate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in development of myocardial hypertrophy,and the effects of Candesartan on myocardial hypertrophy and expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in hypertrophic myocardium of rats.Methods:A total of 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group(A,n=10),model group(B,n=11),and candesartan group(C,n=11). Myocardial hypertrophy was produced by abdominal aortic banding. After 24 hours of operation,rats in group C were given a daily dose of 4 mg/(kg·d)of Candesartan by gastric gavage and the other two groups were fed with distilled water.6 weeks later,the extent of the myocardial hypertrophy,hemodynamic performance,the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in hypertrophic myocardium of rats were detected.Results:Compared with group A,the left ventricular hypertrophy were increased both in group B and C (P0.05). Expression of HIF-1α and VEGF were increased significantly both in group B and C (P0.05). Compared with group B,these indexes decreased in group C significantly(P0.05).Conclusion:Candesartan attenuates the development of myocardial hypertrophy by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α.