Valproic acid attenuates sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats by accelerating autophagy through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway

Sepsis is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Autophagy may play a protective role in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD). The present study investigated whether valproic acid (VPA), a class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, can attenuate SIMD by accelerating autophagy. A sepsis model was established via the cecum ligation and puncture of male Sprague–Dawley rats. Cardiac injuries were measured using serum markers,...