The expression of caspase-9 was decreased, suggesting that QGQXM could activate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, increase the expression of Bcl-2, a downstream anti-apoptotic factor, as well as down-regulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein caspase-9, exerting an anti-DCM effect by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Here, CASP9 is linked to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.