Schisandrin C alleviates atherosclerosis and inflammation in ApoE-/-mice fed with arterial high-fat diet / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the effects of schisandrin C on arterial inflammation and atherosclerosis of ApoE-/-mice fed with high-fat diet. Methods ApoE-/-mice were divided into high fat diet group (HFD) and high fat diet group + schisandrin group (HFD + Sch C). High fat diet and Sch C were given at the same time. After 12 weeks, mice were executed and arterial tissues were collected. RT-q PCR and Western blot were respectively used to detect the expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, β-actin and the phosphorylation and expression of IκB-α in arteries. Oil red O staining and biochemical kit were respectively used to detect the lipid changes in aortic root and the blood lipid levels. Results Compared with HFD group, the area of atherosclerotic plaque in HFD + Sch C was reduced (P < 0. 05), but Sch C did not affect blood lipid levels. Compared with HFD group, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM-1 and the phosphorylation of IκB-α of arterial tissue in HFD + Sch Cgroup decreased (P < 0. 05). Conclusions Sch C could effectively alleviate atherosclerosis induced by high-fat diet in ApoE-/-mice, accompanied by alleviation of arterial inflammation.