Xuefu Zhuyu decoction ameliorates atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice by regulating cholesterol metabolism and inflammation

Abstract

Objective

This study endeavors to investigate the effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZY) on atherosclerosis in ApoE^−/− mice fed with a high-fat diet, as well as the latent molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods

ApoE^−/− mice were fed a 40 % high-fat diet to induce atherosclerotic phenotype. Standard diet syngeneic C57BL/6 mice of the same age were used for the control group. The drug-treated groups received high-dose and low-dose XFZY via continuous intragastric administration in atherosclerotic mice. The concentrations of the inflammatory factors were measured. The lipid deposition, pathological changes and collagen expression in the thoracic aorta wall were detected. The levels of expression of CD36, ABCA1, SR-A1, and ABCG1 were quantified within the thoracic aorta tissue.

Results

In the XFZY-treated group, a notable decline was observed in serum lipid levels, as well as in the concentrations of inflammatory factors. This reduction was accompanied by a decrease in the accumulation of lipids within the wall of the thoracic aorta. The XFZY treatment leaded in a decrease in the expression value of collagen I and III within the thoracic aorta. Pathological examination of the thoracic aorta indicated alleviation of atherosclerotic lesions. Intriguingly, The study observed a downregulation of SR-A1 and CD36 expression, accompanied by an upregulation of ABCG1 and ABCA1 in atherosclerosis-induced mice models.

Conclusion

XFZY exerts an anti-atherosclerotic effect not only by reducing serum lipid and inflammatory levels but also by decreasing thoracic aortic lipid deposition, repairing endothelial injury, and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. The underlying process might deal with an augmentation in cholesterol efflux and the facilitation of reverse cholesterol transport.