System-based DNA microarray analyses of different gene expression profile in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with Songling Xuemaikang Capsule reveals underlying causal mechanisms.

Background: Hypertension is considered the major risk factor for human health in the world. Songling Xuemaikang Capsule (SXC) is clinically used as a medicine for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully identified. Methods: Valsartan, as a positive control drug, high- and low-dose of SXC were orally administration with for 28 days to investigate the anti-hypertensive effect of SXC in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The serum levels of aldosterone and Angiotensin II (Ang II) were detected. The gene expression profiling was performed in the thoracic aorta of SHRs using the Whole Rat Genome Oligo nucleotide Microarray. The integrated causal network analysis was performed to understand the mechanism of antihypertensive effect of SXC. Results: The results shown that the systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significant decreased in SXC low-dosage group and high-dosage group compared with the control group respectively. SXC low and high-dosage treatment decreased serum aldosterone levels significantly but increased serum Ang II compared with the control group respectively. Causal network analysis shown that treatment with SXC reversing the vascular remodeling process, inhibiting vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, reversing endothelial cells dysfunction and likely reducing peripheral vascular resistance by down-regulated processes related to vascular remodeling, dyslipidemia, the complement system, leukocyte rolling, and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, SXC treatment may also activate fibrinolysis and regulate lipid and glucose metabolism. Conclusions: Those obtained data could help our understanding and potential utilization of SXC in the treatment or prevention of hypertension。