Effect of Buyanghuanwu decoction on preventing atherosclerosis induced by Hey via inhibiting NF-κB-dependent / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Buyanghuanwu decoction on preventing atherosclerosis induced by Hey in rats in vivo. METHODS: The model of atherosclerosis in rats was induced by intragastric gavage of Hey. The intervention group was administered Buyanghuanwu decoction (5, 10, 20 g · kg-1 · d-1). After 8 weeks treatment, the area of atherosclerotic plaques, blood vessel walls and their ratio, and ROS contention in the aorta were analyzed. The positive cell ratio of NF-κB P65 in vascular was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of I-κBα was determined by Western-blotting. RESULTS: The rats in the model group showed evident AS lesions which had significant difference with others groups. Compared with control group, the ROS content of model group was elevated (P < 0.01), the I-κBα protein in the vascular tissue was significantly reduced, and NF-κB was significantly activated. Different doses of Buyanghuanwutang decoction could decrease ROS content (P < 0.01), improve I-κBα protein and inhibit the activation of NF-κB. CONCLUSION: Buyanghuanwutang decoction can prevent atherosclerosis induced by Hcy via inhibiting NF-κB-dependent pathway. Copyright 2012 by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.