Effect of Sodium Ferulate on Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Myocardial Tissue of Rats with Myocardial Fibrosis

Objective To investigate the effect of sodium ferulate(SF)on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)in myocardial tissue of rats with myocardial fibrosis(MF). Methods Wistar rat model of MF was copied by a single s.c. injection with isoproterenol (Iso)at a dosage of 15 mg / kg bodyweight. The model rats were killed at various time points and determined for transcription level of CTGF mRNA in myocardial tissue by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and for expression level CTGF by immunohistochemical assay. Wistar rat model of MF was copied again, with synchronous intervention by injection with SF. The transcription level of CTGF mRNA and expression level of CTGF in the myocardial tissue of model rats were determined 3 weeks later. Results The transcription level of CTGF mRNA in model rats reached a peak value and was significantly higher than that in normal control group 24 h, and was still higher than that in normal control group 3 weeks after injection with Iso. The expression level of CTGF increased with the increasing severity of MF. However, after intervention with SF, both the transcription level of CTGF mRNA and the expression level of CTGF decreased significantly. Conclusion The expression of CTGF was closely related to the severity of MF of rats, indicating the potentially important role of CTGF in MF. However, SF showed inhibitory effect on expression of CTGF.