Objective      To investigate the effect of simvastatin on mRNA and protein expression of osteopontin (OPN) and simvastatin association with improvement of cardiac remodeling and cardiac function in rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).       Methods      Rat MI models were constructed in Wistar rats. There were three groups: a Sim group [Simvastatin 40mg/(kg·d)]

an MI group [normal saline 40 mg/(kg·d)] and a Sham group [normal saline 40 mg/(kg·d)]. After four weeks treatment

indices of ventricular weight and hemodynamics were measured

pathological changes of cardiac muscular tissues were observed by HE staining

and mRNA and protein expression of OPN in cardiac muscles were measured by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.       Results        Compared with those in the Sham group

the indices of ventricular weight and hemodynamics and mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the MI group increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the MI group

indices of ventricular weight and hemodynamics and mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the Sim group decreased significantly (P0.01). In the MI group

OPN mRNA expression positively correlated with ventricular weight index (r=0.760

P=0.029; r=0.804

P=0.016)

and negatively correlated with echocardiogram indices (LVEF

FS) (r=-0.791

P=0.020; r=-0.841

P=0.009).       Conclusion      Simvastatin can effectively improve ventricular remodeling and cardiac function in rats with MI. The mechanism may be related to the inhibitory effect of simvastatin on mRNA and protein expression of OPN.