Ginsenoside-Rb1 Attenuates Dilated Cardiomyopathy in cTnT^<R141W> Transgenic Mouse

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDCM) is caused by defective genes and specific medicines are not currently available to treat this. Ginsenoside-Rb1 provides cardioprotection in the experimental models of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. Here we investigate Rb1's effect on DCM in cTnT<SUP>R141W</SUP> transgenic mouse. The transgene-positive mice aged 2 months were randomized into the model group and Rb1 [70 mg/(kg·day)] group; transgene-negative mice were used as a control. After 4-month treatment, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography; cardiac tissues were prepared for histology and electron microscopy. Expression levels of molecular markers of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and intercalated disc proteins were detected by RT-PCR. Rb1 significantly decreased mortality, chamber dilation, and contractile dysfunction in cTnT<SUP>R141W</SUP> mice. Rb1 attenuated cardiac hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, ultrastructural degeneration, and intercalated disc remodeling in DCM hearts. Western blotting showed that Rb1 significantly decreased heparin-binding epidermal growth factor–like growth factor (HB-EGF) expression and signal transduction and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, which were gradually increased in DCM hearts. Our results showed that Rb1 clearly alleviated cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in the cTnT<SUP>R141W</SUP> transgenic mouse, indicating its potential utility in the treatment of FDCM.