ABSTRACT
PON1 [Paraoxonase 1] is an esterase enzyme which is associated with high density lipoprotein [HDL]. The enzyme prevents the peroxidation of low density lipoprotein [LDL]. The susceptibility of LDL for oxidation is the proven risk factor for coronary artery diseases. The aim of this study is to survey the effect of atherogenic diet with or without enzyme inhibitors on the incidence and progression of atherosclerosis in rabbits. Twenty four New Zealand white rabbits divided into three groups [control, under the atherogenic diet, atherogenic diet and nandrolone decanoate - paraoxonase inhibitor therapy] and were treated for two months. At the beginning and end of the treatment, 5 mL of blood was obtained to determine the levels of total antioxidant capacity [TAC], HDL, mallon dialdehide [MDA] and PON1. After sixty days rabbits anesthetized under standard conditions, and sampling carried out from heart arteries for pathological examinations. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS/15 and one way ANOVA and paired t-test statistical tests. The results showed that the plasma levels of TAC, HDL, MDA and PON1 had significant changes in this study [P<0.05]. The pathological study showed that in the presence of PON1, the formation and progression of atheroma is diminished. The results of this study showed that cholesterol-rich diet decreased serum level of PON1 which in turn led to a reduction in formation and progression of atheroma. It was shown that the enzyme inhibitor helps accelerating the development of atheroma.