Effect of valsartan on expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 mRNA and ACE mRNA in the kidney and myocardium in cardiomyopathic rats

Objective:To determine the levels of mRNA expression of ACE2 and ACE on doxorubicin(DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy in rats,and to explore its changes with valsartan. Methods:Twenty adult Wistar rats were given DOX(2.5 mg·kg~(-1) i.p.twice weekly).Four weeks after the administration of DOX,10 rats were treated with valsartan(400 mg·kg~(-1),p.o.daily) for 6 weeks,and 10 rats received saline were used as a control group.The levels of mRNA expression of ACE2 and ACE were examined by RT-PCR.Histology was performed in DOX-rats after I0 weeks in both groups.Results:ACE2 mRNA(kidney,3.35±0.39 vs 2.21±0.18,P=0.000;heart,2.50±0.29 vs 1.25±0.13,P=0.000) and ACE mRNA(kidney,2.31±0.38 vs 1.19±0.12,P:0.000; heart,1.77±0.09 vs 0.84±0.11,P=0.000) was significantly increased in the DOX-induced kidney and heart as compared to that in the controls.The expression of ACE2 and ACE mRNA in DOX-rats was decseased with valsartan treatment(ACE2:kidney,2.65±0.34 vs 3.35±0.39,P=0.001; heart,1.72±0.32 vs 2.50±0.29,P=0.000;ACE:kidney,1.68±0.15 vs 2.31±0.38,P= 0.004;heart,1.21±0.10 vs 1.77±0.09,P=0.000).Conclusions:These data indicate that ACE2 is up-regulated in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.Valsartan could protect the kidney and heart during cardiomyopathy of rat.