Rhynchophylline alleviates early atherosclerosis by attenuating oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation and endothelial dysfunction.

Abstract

Rhynchophylline (Rhy), a bioactive alkaloid extracted from Uncaria species (Uncaria rhynchophylla and Uncaria tomentosa), has demonstrated therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases due to its diverse pharmacological effects. However, its role in the development or treatment of atherosclerosis has not yet been studied. In this study, we evaluated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Rhy using both in vivo and in vitro models. In high-fat diet-fed New Zealand White rabbits, Rhy treatment significantly reduced aortic plaque progression, improved vascular histology, and decreased serum cholesterol levels. In THP-1 macrophages, Rhy inhibited ox-LDL uptake and subsequent foam cell formation by lowering scavenger receptor expression. In endothelial cells, it decreased the expression of adhesion molecules, thereby reducing monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration. Mechanistically, Rhy suppressed the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Overall, these results demonstrate that Rhy offers multi-targeted protective effects against atherosclerosis and could be a promising candidate for its prevention and treatment.