Effects of the total flavone of radix puerariae on apoptotic cell and apoptotic related-gene in atherosclerotic plaques of apoE gene deficiency mice.
- Author:
Ying WU
1
;
Lü-ya WANG
;
Hui-xin ZHANG
;
Dong CHEN
;
Wei WANG
;
Lei XIAO
;
Wei FANG
;
Fu WANG
;
Jian-feng SHANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Animals; Apolipoproteins E; genetics; Apoptosis; drug effects; Atherosclerosis; genetics; pathology; Caspase 3; genetics; metabolism; Disease Models, Animal; Flavones; pharmacology; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Macrophages; cytology; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; cytology; Pueraria; chemistry
- From: Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2007;35(6):567-570
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti atherosclerosis effect and related mechanisms of total flavone of radix puerariae (TFRP) on atherosclerotic plaques in apoE gene deficiency (apoE-/-) mice.
METHODSapoE-/- mice were treated with saline, TFRP 15 mg . kg(-1). d(-1) or TFRP 85 mg . kg-1. d-1 (n = 8 each group) respectively per gavage for 12 weeks. The apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques were then detected by TUNEL analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM). The expression of CD-68, SMA and Caspase-3 were determined by immunochemical methods.
RESULTSEarly macrophage apoptosis signs were observed under TEM, TUNEL-positive and CD-68 positive cells were found in lipid cores of atherosclerotic plaques. TFRP significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner [(0.38 +/- 0.17)%, (1.95 +/- 1.02)%, (10.50 +/- 5.89)%, respectively, P < 0.01] in atherosclerotic plaques. TFRP treatment also significantly reduced the immune expression of Caspase-3 protein in a dose-dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONTFRP significantly attenuated the development of advanced atherosclerotic plaques in a dose-dependent manner which might related to down-regulated expression of Caspase-3 protein and reduced macrophage apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques post TFRP treatment.
