Fig. 4

LQF relieves ventricular remodeling partially through HIF-1α-mediated intestinal barrier integrity. A Cardiac function indexes, LVEF and LVFS levels of ventricular remodeling rats were measured with echocardiography (for 2ME group, n = 4, 2ME + LQF group, n = 5, other groups, n = 6). B H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining of the infarcted area of heart (scale bar = 1 mm, and for the zoom, scale bar = 0.5 mm). Three views were randomly selected from each slice (for 2ME group, n = 4, 2ME + LQF group, n = 5, other groups, n = 6) and the blue collagen area of each slice was quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ software. The average blue collagen area of the model group was calibrated to a value ‘one’, and the remaining groups were analyzed relative to the model group. C TUNEL of the infarcted area of heart (scale bar = 20 μm). Three views were randomly selected from each slice (for 2ME group, n = 4, 2ME + LQF group, n = 5, other groups, n = 6) and the fluorescence intensity of each slice was quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ software. The average fluorescence intensity of the model group was calibrated to a value ‘one’, and the remaining groups were analyzed relative to the model group. D Immunohistochemistry of the infarcted area of heart (scale bar = 50 μm). Three views were randomly selected from each slice (for 2ME group, n = 4, 2ME + LQF group, n = 5, other groups, n = 6) and the positive area of each slice was quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ software. The average positive area of the model group was calibrated to a value ‘one’, and the remaining groups were analyzed relative to the model group. E, F Rats’ survival rates were recorded and the changes in body weight were recorded every week. All experimental data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation, ### p < 0.001 vs Sham, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001, ns (not significant) compared with indicated groups