Therapeutic effects of panax notoginseng saponins against atrial fibrillation in rats

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most serious disorder of atrial electrical activity, and the treatment effect is sub-optimal. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) against AF in rats. Methods: SD rats were randomized into control, model, with 100 mg/kg PNS and 150 mg/kg PNS groups, and 15 rats in each group. The Ach-CaCl2-induced AF model was established in later 3 groups. From the 4th day, the later 3 groups were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg PNS by intra-gastrical administration, respectively for 7 days. The duration of AF, atrial effective refractory period (ERP) were measured. The blood biochemical indexes were determined. Results: Compared with the model group, the duration of AF in 100 mg/kg PNS and 150 mg/kg PNS groups was remarkably shortened on the 6 th, 8th, and 10 th day and the atrial ERP in 150 mg/kg PNS group was remarkably prolonged (all p < 0.05). Compared with model group, in 150 mg/kg PNS group the serum GSH, SOD, and TIMP-2 levels were remarkably increased, respectively (all p < 0.05), and the serum MDA, TNF-alpha, ICAM-1 hs-CRP, and MMP-2 levels were remarkably decreased, respectively (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: PNS can mitigate the AF in rats. The mechanism may be related to its inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory response and regulation of MMP-2/TIMP-2 expression.