Effects of the total flavone of radix puerariae on apoptotic cell and apoptotic related-gene in atherosclerotic plaques of apoE gene deficiency mice / 中华心血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anti atherosclerosis effect and related mechanisms of total flavone of radix puerariae (TFRP) on atherosclerotic plaques in apoE gene deficiency (apoE-/-) mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>apoE-/- mice were treated with saline, TFRP 15 mg . kg(-1). d(-1) or TFRP 85 mg . kg-1. d-1 (n = 8 each group) respectively per gavage for 12 weeks. The apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques were then detected by TUNEL analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM). The expression of CD-68, SMA and Caspase-3 were determined by immunochemical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Early macrophage apoptosis signs were observed under TEM, TUNEL-positive and CD-68 positive cells were found in lipid cores of atherosclerotic plaques. TFRP significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner [(0.38 +/- 0.17)%, (1.95 +/- 1.02)%, (10.50 +/- 5.89)%, respectively, P < 0.01] in atherosclerotic plaques. TFRP treatment also significantly reduced the immune expression of Caspase-3 protein in a dose-dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TFRP significantly attenuated the development of advanced atherosclerotic plaques in a dose-dependent manner which might related to down-regulated expression of Caspase-3 protein and reduced macrophage apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques post TFRP treatment.</p>