Protective effect of heme oxygenase-1 on Wistar rats with heart failure through the inhibition of inflammation and amelioration of intestinal microcirculation

Background Myocardial infarction (MI) has likely contributed to the increased prevalence of heart failure (HF). As a result of reduced cardiac function, splanchnic blood flow decreases, causing ischemia in villi and damage to the intestinal barrier. The induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) could prevent, or lessen the effects of stress and inflammation. Thus, the effect and mechanism thereof of HO-1 on the intestines of rats with HF was investigated. Methods Male Wistar rats with heart failure through ligation of the left coronary artery were identified with an left ventricular ejection fraction (LvEF) of Results The rats receiving MI + CoPP injections exhibited a recovery in cardiac function, an amelioration of mesenteric microcirculation and change in morphology, a lower BT incidence, a reduction in serum and ileac NO and TNF-α levels, and an elevation in ileac HO-1, CO, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels compared to the MI (P P Conclusions HO-1 exerted a protective effect on the intestines of rats with HF by inhibiting the inflammation and amelioration of microcirculation through the CO pathway. This protective effect could be independent from the recovery of cardiac function.