Background: The level evaluation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and type I collagen are the basic instructions for the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis process, especially in the right ventricle. Pomegranate extract is an alternative therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by reducing systolic blood pressure and by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) serum.
Purpose: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of pomegranate extract on the fibrosis process due to PAH, particularly in the RV myocardium.
Method: This study used an experimental laboratory design with a randomized post-test only control group design. The samples were divided into four groups, i.e., K1 and K2, as control groups and E1 with E2 as treatment groups. The data analysis used the ANOVA test and multiple comparisons or Least Significance Difference (LSD). The Kruskal Wallis test was used if the distributed data was not normal.
Results: There were no significant differences in body weight between the groups in K1, E1, K2, and E2. The average systolic and diastolic pressure and pulmonary artery between the E1 and E2 groups were lower than those in the K1 and K2 control groups. The average amount of cells and the immunohistochemical results expressing TGF-β1 and type I collagen in the E1 and E2 groups were less than those in the K1 and K2 groups.
Conclusion: Pomegranate extract effectively decreases the number of cells expressing TGF-β1 and type I collagen in the right ventricle of the rat models of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

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