The Effects of Total Flavonoids of Dragon's Blood on Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury Assessed Using Ultrasound Microbubble Imaging and Speckle Tracking Technology

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of total flavonoids of Dragon's blood (TFDB) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) using advanced ultrasound imaging techniques. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into observation (TFDB treatment) and control groups (n = 12 each). The observation group received TFDB (180 mg/kg) orally for 14 days prior to model establishment, while the control group received physiological saline. MIRI was induced via ligation and recanalization of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate (HR) and left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), were recorded at baseline (t0), immediate reperfusion (t1), and subsequent intervals up to 120 min (t5). RESULTS: Successful MIRI modeling was confirmed in 10 rabbits per group. TFDB-treated rabbits demonstrated significantly higher HR and LVSP at t4 and t5 (p < 0.05). Serum creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly lower in the TFDB group at t4 and t5 (p < 0.05). At t5, the TFDB group showed significantly higher circumferential strain and ejection fraction values (p < 0.05). Ultrasound microbubble imaging revealed significantly higher video intensity and myocardial blood flow (A × β) in the TFDB group at t5 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TFDB demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects in MIRI. Ultrasound microbubble imaging combined with speckle tracking technology provides an effective approach for assessing these cardioprotective effects.