Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of resveratrol on alcoholic cardiomyopathy and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control,alcoholic,and alcoholic plus resveratrol group,n=10 for each group.After the intervention for six months,the invasive cardiac function of the rats was measured by physiological recorder,the histological structure of heart was evaluated by HE staining,the expression and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) in myocardium were determined by western blot,and the nitric oxide(NO) level in myocardium was detected by nitrate reductase method. Results Alcoholic intake for six months caused a significant decline in cardiac function and an obvious damage in cardiac structure.Oral administration with resveratrol partially reversed alcoholic-induced cardiac damage.Alcoholic intake significantly decreased the phosphorylated level of AMPK and eNOS and consequently decreased the NO level in myocardium.Treatment with resveratrol remarkably attenuated alcoholic-induced decline in the phosphorylation of AMPK and eNOS and decrease in NO level. Conclusion Resveratrol activates AMPK/eNOS pathway,increases NO level,and consequently prevents alcoholic cardiomyopathy.