Guan Xin Kang Granule On Homocysteine - Induced Atherosclerosis In Rabbits : An Experimental Study

Objective To examine the levels of plasma homocysteine and the expression of NF-κB in aorta from methionine -fed rabbits and the effects of Guanxinkang on atherosclerotic lesion and NF-κB expression in aorta.Methods Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The control group were fed on common food 100g a day; the Hcy model group was fed on high-methionine food which composed of common food containing 1% methionine 100g a day ;while the treatment group with high-methionine food 100g/d+Guanxinkang powder 1.45g/kg/d. Blood samples were collected before (time 0) and after 4 and 8 weeks of experimental diets for measurement of serum Iipid and plasma Hcy. The aorta was removed at the end of the protocol for investigation of NF-κB expression in aorta by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry ; assessment of atherosclerotic plaques and making sections for light microscopy to observe the vascular atherosclerotic lesion and its degree.Results (1) The level of plasma Hcy and serum TC, TG, LDL-C, and the ratios LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C in the model group significantly higher than the control group(p<0.05), and NF-kB mRNA in aorta markedly expressed. The endothelia cell hyperlasia on intima can be observed ,tunica media was infiltrated by the dot and local lipid . While the level of the serum Iipid , plasma Hcy and NF-κB mRNA expression in aorta of treatment group was lower compared with control group at the same week(P<0.05). Aortic intimal proliferation was attenuated.Conclusions:The model of hyperhomocysteinemia(HHcy) can be established after high-methionine diet for 8 week. The HHcy can induce atherosclerosis in rabbits. The results suggest that Guanxinkang reduce hyperhomocysteinemic atherosclesterosis and that this effect was associated with a decrease in serum TC, TG , LDL-C and plasma Hcy and an increase in HDL-C and inhibits NF-κB expression in aorta.