ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of Toddalia asiatica extract(TAE)on inflammatory cytokines in rats with myocardial ischemia and hyperlipidemia. Methods The early changes of hyperlipidemia were caused by feeding high fat diet for 4 weeks. Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:the control group,model group,simvastatin group(3.5 mg/kg),high-dose TAE group(280 mg/kg)and low-dose TAE group(70 mg/kg). At the end of the 4-weeks treatment,isoprenaline hydrochloride(Iso)was subcutaneous injected once a day for consecutive three days. The electrocardiogram(EKG),the heart,liver and fat indexes,the serum levels of TC,TG,HDL,LDL,TNF-α,INF-γ,IL-6 and IL-10, and the pathological changes of myocardium were examined. Results TAE significantly improved the Iso-induced EKG changes in rats,reduced the heart,liver and fat indexes,and decreased the levels of TC,TG,LDL,TNF-α,INF-γ and IL-6 and increased the contents of HDL and IL-10(P< 0.05 for all),and improved the pathological damages of myocardium. Conclusions The Miao nationality medicine Toddalia asiatica extract may play an important protective role in cardiovascular diseases by regulating the balance of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines.