Objective: To investigate the effect of Guizhi Decoction on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)

soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)

interleukin-1 (IL-1)

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the prevention and treatment of myocardial damage in spontaneous diabetes rats(Goto-Kakizaki diabetes prone rat). Method: Thirty Gk rats were divided randomly into three groups

namely

Gk control group

Metformin group and Guizhi Decoction group. Ten normal rats were as the control. The four groups were administered separately for 12 weeks. HE staining was used for myocardial section. Myocardial homogenate was prepared

and the content of NF-κB

sICAM-1

IL-1

TNF-α and ET-1 was determined. Result: The blood glucose of Metformin group was decreased(P<0.01)

while Guizhi Decoction group increased without significance. The content of NF-κB

sICAM-1

IL-1

TNF-α and ET-1 was increased significantly in Gk control group(P<0.01 or P<0.05). The content of IL-1

TNF-α of Metformin group was decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05). In group of Guizhi Decoction

NF-κB

IL-1

TNF-α and ET-1 were apparently decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05)

and had a larger degree compared to Metformin group

with markedly difference in IL-1

TNF-α(P<0.01 or P<0.05). HE staining revealed the damage of myocardium was lightened significantly in Guizhi Decoction group. Conclusion: Guizhi Decoction could effectively prevent and treat myocardial damage in diabetes mellitus.