Effect of atorvastatin on expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in atherosclerotic rabbits

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effect of atorvastatin on atherosclerotic rabbits.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into the normal group, model group and atorvastatin group. The replication rabbit atherosclerotic model with immune injury combined with a high fat diet feeding was used. All rabbits were sacrificed after 3 months. TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were observed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry and western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65 were significantly increased in the model group compared with the normal group. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 decreased significantly in the atorvastatin group, and there was no difference compared with the normal group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The effect of atorvastatin on atherosclerosis may be achieved by the inhibition of the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65.