Influence of heme oxygenase-1/endogenous carbon monoxide system on atherosclerotic process in rabbit / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the changes in heme oxygenase-1/endogenous carbon monoxide system in rabbit aorta with atherosclerosis induced by high cholesterol diet, and the influence of the system on the atherosclerotic process. Methods Rabbits were given 1.5% cholesterol diet (Ch group, n=8) or 1.5% cholesterol diet plus hemin(15mg?kg~ -1 ?d~ -1 , ip., Hm group, n=8) or zincprotoporphyrin IX (Znpp-IX,45?mol?kg~ -1 ?d~ -1 , ip., Zn group, n=8).After 12 weeks,serum lipids and total bilirubin, aortic CO protduction and HO activity were assessed, the area of atherosclerotic plaques in aorta were measured by oil-red-O staining and image analysis software. Results Compared with control group (C group, n=8), aortic HO activity and CO production were higher significantly, and the aortic plaques area was (54.00?4.16)% in Ch group. Znpp-IX injection markedly decreased aortic HO-1 activity and CO production, the aortic plaques area was (61.13?3.50)%. Compared with Ch group, hemin injection increased markedly not only serum total bilirubin concentration, but also aortic HO activity and CO production, and the aortic plaques area was (17.88?3.01)%. Conclusion The HO-1/CO system may play a protective role against atherosclerosis. Enhancement of HO-1 activity is possibly the basic function of HO-1/CO system in prevention of atherosclerosis.