Objective:To explore the protective effect of α-lipoic acid on cardiac function and myocardial cell apoptosis of rats induced by myocardial infraction. Methods:Thirty-nine male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:α-lipoic acid treatment group(n=15)

control group(n=14)and sham-operated group(n=10). Acute myocardial infarction(AMI)models were established inα-lipoic acid treatment group and control group by ligating the left anterior descending(LAD)coronary artery

and the sham-operated group underwent the same procedure without ligating the LAD. Two weeks after the surgery

α-lipoic acid [60 mg/kg·d)] was injected into the abdominal cavity in lipoic acid treatment group

while the rats in control group and sham-operated group animals only injected the saline. Eight weeks later

the cardiac function of SD rats were assessed by detecting echo cardiography

brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)

superoxide dismutase(SOD)

total antioxidant capacity(TAC)

and malondialdehyde(MDA)using ELISA method. The protein expressions of induciblenitric oxidesynthase

c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)

Caspase-12 were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. Results:Compared with that in sham-operated group

the cardiac function was obviously weakened in control group. BNP

SOD

MDA contents and i NOS

c-Jun N-terminal kinase

Caspase-12 protein expression were significantly increased(P<0.05)

and TAC was significantly decreased(P<0.05). The HE staining showed obvious myocardial tissue edema. While compared with those in control group

rats in α- lipoic acid treatment group had better cardiac function(P<0.05);the BNP content and SOD

MDA level

i NOS

JNK

Caspase-12 protein expression decreased(P<0.05)

while TAC content increased(P<0.05)

and loose tissues were alleviated. Conclusion:CHF model is set up successfully.α-lipoic acid could improve cardiac function in rats with chronic heart failure

it maybe associated with its antioxidant and antiapoptosis roles.