The Shenlian Fumai Granule attenuates Ach-CaCl2-induced atrial fibrillation by regulating atrial electrical and structural remodeling

Figures

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  Figure 1. The TCM-compound-target network. BS Baishao, BX Banxiaban, CS Chishao, CX Chuanxiong, DGS Dangshen, DS Danshen, GJY Guijianyu, SZR Suanzaoren, HL Huanglian, ZGC Zhigancao, YZ Yuanzhi.

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  Figure 2. The process of discovering key intersected genes. (A) The heatmap of DEGs between normal individuals and patients with AF; (B–G) the PPI network analysis of the targets; (H) the Venn plot of SLFM and AF.

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  Figure 3. The construction of the target-function network. (A) The GO enrichment analysis for 92 core targets; (B) the top 5 KEGG enrichment analyses for 119 core targets; (C) the target-function network for the top 5 GO enrichment analysis and top 5 KEGG enrichment analyses. BP, biological process; CC, cellular component; MF, molecular function.

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  Figure 4. The conformations of main active compounds and major targets.

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  Figure 5. The HPLC-MS analysis for main components of SLFM. (A) Total ion chromatogram of SLFM extract in negative ion mode; (B) total ion chromatogram of SLFM extract in positive ion mode; (C) classification distribution chart of SLFM components; (D) composition classification quantity distribution chart of SLFM.

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  Figure 6. The effect of SLFM on Ach-CaCl2-induced AF in rats. (A) Representative M-Mode echocardiographic image; (B–I): analysis results of LVEF, LVFS, LVIDs, LVIDd, IVSs, IVSd, LVPWs, and LVPWd; (J) Doppler recordings showing mitral valve flow; (K) quantitative E/A ratio. Data are expressed as mean ± SE (n = 8). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.

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  Figure 7. SLFM reduced the incidence and duration of AF induced in the rat model. (A) Typical electrocardiograms (lead II) and intracardiac electrograms were detected by programmed electrical stimulation to induce AF; (B) Incidence of pacing-induced AF in rats; (C) Durations of pacing-induced AF in rats. Data are expressed as mean ± SE (n = 10–15). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.

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  Figure 8. SLFM can alleviate heart dysfunction, reduce inflammation, and regulate structural remodeling. (A–D) The levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, Rac1, and BNP in rats were measured using the ELISA method; (E) Representative images of Masson staining (×40); (F) Representative image of TUNEL for detecting apoptosis (×200); (G) Representative images of immunofluorescence staining showing Cx43 (×400); (H) Quantitative ratio of fibrotic area to reference area; (I,J) Levels of Immunofluorescence in the left atrium of AF rats, including Cx43 and TUNEL. Data are expressed as mean ± SE (n = 3–6). * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.