Mufangji Decoction Protects Against Post-Infarction Heart Failure by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response

Background Mufangji decoction(MFJD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has demonstrated significant clinical effects in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Mufangji decoction (MFJD) on chronic heart failure (CHF) and elucidate its potential mechanisms, with a focus on the PI3K-AKT signaling cascade. Methods A rat model of CHF was induced by transverse aortic constriction. Animals were randomly divided into control, CHF model, and MFJD-treated groups. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography, and myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining. The expression levels of PI3K and AKT were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, MFJD treatment significantly improved left ventricular systolic function, reduced myocardial fibrosis, and restored cardiac morphology. Moreover, MFJD markedly increased the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K and AKT, suggesting activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Conclusion MFJD exerts cardioprotective effects against CHF by improving cardiac function and remodeling, possibly through activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.