Therapeutic Effects and Mechanistic Action of Yangxin Huoxue Formula in a Murine Model of Coronary Heart Disease with Comorbid Anxiety

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Yangxin Huoxue formula in a murine model of coronary heart disease (CHD) with comorbid anxiety. Methods A total of 40 ApoE − / − mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control, stable coronary artery disease (SCAD), SCAD with anxiety (SCAD + anxiety), and SCAD with anxiety treated with Yangxin Huoxue formula (SCAD + anxiety + treatment). The control group was provided a standard diet, while the remaining groups received a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. In the fifth week, anxiety was induced in the SCAD + anxiety and SCAD + anxiety + treatment groups for a duration of 3 weeks. Following the establishment of the combined CHD and anxiety model, the SCAD + anxiety + treatment group was administered Yangxin Huoxue formula via oral gavage at a dosage of 2.6 g/kg/day for 2 weeks, whereas the other groups received an equivalent volume of distilled water. Results Compared with the control group, the SCAD and SCAD + anxiety groups exhibited significantly increased levels of LDH and CK ( p < 0.05); elevated proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β ( p < 0.05); and reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 ( p < 0.05). The NF-κB expression in the aorta was markedly upregulated ( p < 0.05), and behavioral assessments indicated heightened anxiety-like behaviors in these groups. Conclusion Yangxin Huoxue formula demonstrated therapeutic effects at the administered dose, attenuating myocardial injury, systemic inflammation, and vascular histological alterations while ameliorating anxiety-like behaviors in mice with CHD and comorbid anxiety.