ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effects of geraniol(GOH) on neointima hyperplasia in rat carotid artery balloon injury model, and explore the potential molecular mechanisms associated with this effect. Methods Totally 20 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (without balloon injury), control group (with balloon injury), low concentration group (with 50 mg/kg GOH intervention after balloon injury) and high concentration group (with 200 mg/kg GOH intervention after balloon injury). The intima to media (I/M) area ratio of neointima was measured by hematoxylin- eosin (HE) staining. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was measured by immunohistochemical staining at 14th day after operation. As the marker of oxidative stress, the levels of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by enzyme linked inmmnosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The I/M ratio, IOD, 8-OHdG and MDA values were increased in control group compared with those of sham group. The I/M ratio, IOD and 8-OHdG values were reduced in low concentration group compared with those of control group. But there was no significant difference in MDA level between low concentration group and control group. The I/M ratio, IOD, 8-OHdG and MDA values were significantly reduced in high concentration group compared with those of control group, which showed a more significant inhibitory effect than that of low concentration group (P<0.05). Conclusion GOH could attenuate balloon iniury induced neointima hyperplasia, which might be related to its effect on inhibiting expression of PCNA and decreasing oxidative stress.