Effects of Tongxinluo on MMP-3, 9 and PPARgamma expressions in atherosclerotic rabbits / 南方医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of Tongxinluo on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-9 and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) in atherosclerotic rabbits and explore the mechanism of its anti-atherosclerotic effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four rabbits were randomized equally into control group, atherosclerotic model group (fed with high-fat diet for 14 weeks) and Tongxinluo group. The expressions of MMP-3, 9 and PPARgamma in the 3 groups were observed by means of immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of MMP-3, 9 and PPARgamma in the model group and Tongxinluo group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). After high-fat diet feeding for 14 weeks, Tongxinluo group showed significantly lower expressions of MMP-3 and 9 but higher expression of PPARgamma than the model group (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tongxinluo can inhibit the expression of MMP-3 and 9 and increase the expression of PPARgamma, which might be the mechanism of its anti-atherosclerotic effect.</p>