Effects of berberine on atherosclerosis and plasma levels of lipid in atherosclerotic rabbits
- Author:
Yan-Fang ZUO
1
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases
2006;3(5):204-210
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective: To examine the effects of berberine on atherosclerosis and plasma levels of lipid in rabbits. Methods: 18 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, untreated cholesterol-fed group, and berberine treated group, which were fed for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured enzymatically by automatic facilities and the aorta was harvested for pathologic morphology observation. Results: The aorta plaque/intima size (P/I) was 0%, (59.6 ± 13.7) % and (36.3 ± 16.5) % in control, untreated cholesterol-fed group and berberine treated group respectively by pathologic morphology observation (P < 0.01). The maximum plaque thickness, the average plaque thickness, the degree of aortic stenosis and the proportion of the intimal circumference occupied by atheroma of 3 groups were different from each other significantly (P < 0.01). Plasma levels of TC and HDLC in berberine treated group were decreased significantly (by 28.88% and 40.94% respectively) compared with that in untreated cholesterol-fed group (P < 0.01). Plasma levels of HDLC and TG in berberine treated group showed no difference from untreated cholesterol fed group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Berberine can decreased plasma levels of TC and HDL C and suppress the progression of atherosclerosis and stabilize the plaque in experimental atherosclerosis.
