[Effects of danhong injection on experimental atherosclerosis rabbit model and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of Danhong injection on experimental atherosclerosis rabbits and explore its possible mechanism.

METHODS

Forty New-Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, high-cholesterol group, danhong injection group and aspirin group, all rabbits were administered for fourteen weeks. The plaque area of aorta in each group was determined by image analysis. The blood lipid level was tested by ELISA method, malonaldehyde (MDA) in aorta wall was analyzed with thiobarbituric acid method, the iNOS and COX-2 in aorta wall was tested with RT-PCR method.

RESULT: There were significant difference between danhong injection group and other groups (P < 0.5), danhong injection and Aspirin decreased the TG, TC and LDL-C level in plasma of rabbit model and decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the oxidative stress level in aorta wall.

CONCLUSION

Danhong injection can inhibit the formation of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits, which may be related to decreasing blood lipid, plaque inflammation and oxidative stress level.