瑞舒伐他汀对载脂蛋白E基因敲除小鼠动脉粥样硬化中调节性T细胞的影响

目的：探讨瑞舒伐他汀对载脂蛋白E基因敲除（ApoEKO）小鼠动脉粥样硬化中调节性T细胞的影响。方法：首先将30只ApoEKO小鼠建立动脉粥样硬化模型,随机分为高胆固醇饮食组（对照组）、瑞舒伐他汀低剂量组和瑞舒伐他汀高剂量组,各组分别给予蒸馏水或瑞舒伐他汀进行干预8周;将主动脉根部行冰冻切片油红染色,评估粥样硬化斑块面积大小;免疫组织化学法检测主动脉根部粥样硬化斑块处调节性T细胞（Treg）的表达。结果：各组小鼠均有动脉粥样硬化斑块形成,采用瑞舒伐他汀治疗的小鼠动脉粥样硬化斑块的面积明显小于未经治疗的小鼠（P〈0.01）,同时瑞舒伐他汀能明显增加粥样硬化病变处调节性T细胞的表达,且呈现剂效关系。结论：本实验观察到瑞舒伐他汀不仅能减小ApoEKO小鼠的主动脉粥样硬化斑块,且能使调节性T细胞的表达增多,推测瑞舒伐他汀可以通过促进调节性T细胞的生成而起到抑制动脉粥样硬化的作用。     

瑞舒伐他汀治疗颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的临床研究

目的:研究瑞舒伐他汀对颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的治疗效果。方法:将在本院接受治疗的250例颈动脉粥样硬化斑块患者随机分成治疗组125例和对照组125例,治疗组服用瑞舒伐他汀10mg/晚,对照组行其他非瑞舒伐他汀药物治疗,进行为期6个月的观察对比。结果:治疗组治疗后总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)水平显著下降,高密度脂蛋白(HDL)水平显著升高(P<0.05),颈动脉内膜-中层厚度(IMT)、斑块面积变小,与治疗前比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);对照组治疗前后无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:瑞舒伐他汀对降低血脂、减缓不稳定型心绞痛早期动脉粥样硬化、稳定斑块和预防脑血管疾病起到非常重要的作用。     

瑞舒伐他汀对冠心病患者血脂水平及颈动脉粥样硬化斑块硬化程度的影响

目的:探讨瑞舒伐他汀对冠心病患者血脂水平以及颈动脉粥样硬化斑块硬化程度的影响。方法:选择2013年2月至2014年12月我院收治的132例冠心病患者作为研究对象,将其随机分为研究组(66例)和对照组(66例),研究组应用瑞舒伐他汀(rosuvastatin calcium,RC)治疗,对照组采用常规药物治疗,观察和比较两组患者的血脂水平变化情况及颈动脉粥样硬化斑块硬化(IMT)程度的改善情况。结果:两组的总胆固醇(total c holesterol,T C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(Low density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)、甘油三酯(triglyceride,T G)水平较治疗前均有降低,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(High density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)水平较治疗前有升高,研究组变化更显著,组间差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组颈动脉粥样硬化斑块硬化程度较治疗前有改善,研究组优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。研究组与对照组治疗总有效率分别为98.5%、71.2%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:瑞舒伐他汀能够有效降低冠心病患者的血脂水平,并能改善其颈动脉粥样硬化的程度。     

Aliskiren单用及联用氟伐他汀对动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性的影响

目的:观察和比较肾素抑制剂aliskiren单用或与氟伐他汀(fluvastatin)联用对动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性的影响。方法:选择4周龄雄性ApoE-/-小鼠通过喂以高脂饮食8周建立动脉粥样硬化模型,将其随机分为5组:模型对照组、aliskiren组、肼屈嗪组、氟伐他汀组、aliskiren与氟伐他汀联合用药组,所有组别均治疗12周。取主动脉根部组织评估斑块面积(HE染色)、斑块内新生血管数量(CD31染色)及斑块稳定性指标(胶原蛋白染色、弹力纤维染色、Mac-3染色、MCP-1染色)。结果:与模型对照组比较,aliskiren单用显著降低动脉粥样硬化斑块面积,减少斑块内新生血管数量以及巨噬细胞浸润、炎症因子表达,增加斑块内弹力纤维及胶原蛋白含量(P0.05或P0.01)。与aliskiren单用组比较,aliskiren与氟伐他汀联用进一步降低斑块面积,改善斑块的稳定性(P0.05或P0.01)。与aliskiren组比较,肼屈嗪组降压幅度相似(P0.05)。与模型对照组比较,肼屈嗪没有明显抑制斑块进展以及改善斑块的稳定性(P0.05)。结论:Aliskiren能够抑制动脉粥样硬化斑块的进展,减少斑块内新生血管形成,改善斑块的稳定性,而其与氟伐他汀联用的治疗效果更佳。     

普罗布考联合瑞舒伐他汀对脑梗死合并糖尿病患者血脂水平、炎症因子及颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的影响分析

目的探讨普罗布考联合瑞舒伐他汀治疗脑梗死合并糖尿病患者的临床疗效。方法将我院收治的99例脑梗死合并糖尿病患者采用随机平行对照法进行分组,对照组49例给予瑞舒伐他汀口服治疗,观察组50例给予瑞舒伐他汀联合普罗布考治疗,观察比较两组患者治疗后的神经功能、血脂水平、炎症因子及动脉粥样硬化斑块变化情况。结果观察组治疗后的HDLC高于对照组,TC、TG、LDLC、hs-CRP、IL-6及TNF-α水平均低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);观察组治疗后的颈动脉内膜斑块面积、CAIMT、不稳定性斑块率、NIHSS评分、S100β及尿微量白蛋白水平均低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);两组并发症发生率比较,观察组为26.00%略高于对照组22.45%,但差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论普罗布考联合瑞舒伐他汀治疗脑梗死合并糖尿病患者的效果显著,能有效改善血脂水平,降低炎症因子水平,减少颈动脉粥样硬化斑块,促进神经功能恢复,且具有较高安全性。     

抑制Toll样受体4对apoE-/-小鼠动脉粥样硬化病变的影响

通过Toll样受体4(TLR4)抑制剂表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯(EGCG)对TLR4途径的抑制,研究apoE-/- 小鼠TLR4及多种炎症因子的表达和动脉粥样硬化病变程度的改变,以探讨TLR4途径在动脉粥样硬化病变发生中的作用.5岗龄雄性apoE-/- 小鼠50只,随机分成4组:基础饮食组对照组(n=12)、高脂饮食组对照组(n=12)、基础饮食+EGCG组(n=13)、高脂饮食+EGCG组(n=13).给药14周后处死动物,从主动脉根部连续冰冻切片,油红O染色观察主动脉窦处动脉粥样硬化(As)斑块面积,定量分析主动脉粥样硬化斑块大小及占管腔的面积百分比,采用Real time-PCR检测主动脉TLR4 mRNA和CD14mRNA的表达,蛋白质印迹检测TLR4和CD14蛋白表达,ELISA检测小鼠血清中单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1,肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)浓度.研究结果提示:EGCG显著减轻apoE-/- 主动脉窦部的动脉粥样硬化病变,高脂对照组的主动脉窦AS斑块面积为(2.37±0.08)mm2,高脂饲料+EGCG组的主动脉窦AS斑块的面积为(1.05±0.13)mm2,EGCG组小鼠主动脉窦粥样斑块面积比相应对照组明显减少(P<0.05),高脂饮食+EGCG组小鼠TLR4蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.05),MCP-1,TNF-α的含量减少,与高脂饮食对照组相比差异有显著性(P<0.05).TLR4信号转导途径在高脂所致的AS发生当中有着重要作用,该信号途径的激活至少是AS发生当中的一个重要环节.     

瑞舒伐他汀对OX-LDL诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-γ表达的影响

目的:探讨经氧化低密度脂蛋白(OX-LDL)刺激后,人脐静脉内皮细胞(PPAR-γ)表达的变化,以及瑞舒伐他汀对动脉粥样硬化的影响。方法:将实验标本随机分为2组,分为(OX-LDL)刺激组、瑞舒伐他汀干预组。应用RT-PCR及Western blot技术,观察OX-LDL诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-γ表达情况及瑞舒伐他汀对人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-γ表达的影响。结果:1)OX-LDL以时间及浓度依赖的方式降低了人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-γ的表达;2)瑞舒伐他汀可以逆转OX-LDL对人脐静脉内细胞的影响并可能与甲羟戊酸有关。结论:OX-LDL可降低人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-γ的表达。瑞舒伐他汀可以抑制OX-LDL诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-γ表达的增强,从而可能抑制了OX-LDL信号通路介导的与炎症有关的血管损伤,延缓动脉粥样硬化的进程。     

瑞舒伐他汀对兔动脉粥样硬化斑块及血清PAPP-A的影响

目的:探讨瑞舒伐他汀对兔动脉粥样硬化斑块及血清妊娠相关血浆蛋白(PAPP-A)的影响.方法:新西兰家兔18只,随机分为正常对照组(Normal组,n=6)、动物粥样梗化模型组(AS组,n=6)和瑞舒伐他汀治疗组(RSV组,n=6).于治疗前、治疗后,检测血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)含量,酶联免疲吸附法(ELISA)检测血清PAPP-A水平.同时,用血管内超声检查(IVUS)测定病变部位的血管外弹力膜面积(EEMA)、管腔面积(LA)和斑块面积(PA),计算管腔面积狭窄百分率(LAS%).结果:治疗前,AS组和RSV组兔的血清TC、TG、LDL-C及PAPP-A的水平较Normal组高(P<0.01),HDL-C的水平较Normal组低(P<0.01);治疗后,RSV组兔的血清TC、TG、LDL-C及PAPP-A比AS组低(P<0.01).HDL-C的水平比AS组高(P<0.01),且RSV组兔的血清TC、TG、LDL-C及PAPP-A的水平较治疗前低(P<0.01),HDL-C的水平较治疗前高(P<0.01).血管内超声检查结果显示,治疗后,RSV组兔的LAS%(30.87%±5.27%)比AS组低(37.42%±6.12%)(P<0.01).结论:瑞舒伐他汀能改善对AS兔血脂,减少AS斑块形成及降低血清PAPP-A水平.     

瑞舒伐他汀对OX-LDL诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-gamma表达的影响

目的：探讨经氧化低密度脂蛋白（OX-LDL）刺激后,人脐静脉内皮细胞（PPAR-gamma）表达的变化,以及瑞舒伐他汀对动脉粥样硬 化的影响。方法：将实验标本随机分为2 组,分为（OX-LDL）刺激组、瑞舒伐他汀干预组。应用RT-PCR及Western blot 技术,观察 OX-LDL 诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-gamma表达情况及瑞舒伐他汀对人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-gamma及浓度依赖的方式降低了人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-gamma的表达;2）瑞舒伐他汀可以逆转OX-LDL 对人脐静脉内细胞的影响 并可能与甲羟戊酸有关。结论：OX-LDL可降低人脐静脉内皮细胞PPAR-gamma的表达。瑞舒伐他汀可以抑制OX-LDL诱导人脐静脉 内皮细胞PPAR-gamma表达的增强,从而可能抑制了OX-LDL信号通路介导的与炎症有关的血管损伤,延缓动脉粥样硬化的进程。     

瑞舒伐他汀促进缺氧复氧间充质干细胞增殖的机制研究

目的:探讨瑞舒伐他汀对缺氧复氧损伤后脂肪来源间充质干细胞增殖的影响及机制。方法:酶消化法分离小鼠的脂肪间充质干细胞(AD-MSCs),流式细胞术检测CD90、CD44、CD34、CD45等细胞标志物。建立缺氧(H)6h/复氧(R)42h细胞模型,AD-MSCs分为3组:①对照组;②缺氧/复氧组(H/R);③H/R+瑞舒伐他汀干预组(浓度分别为10-8、10-7、10-6mol/L)。MTT法测定各组细胞增殖,免疫印迹法检测细胞内Akt、Erk及其磷酸化的表达水平。结果:流式细胞术结果显示脂肪间充质干细胞CD44及CD90阳性,CD34、CD45阴性。MTT实验显示在缺氧环境中,瑞舒伐他汀的干预可显著增加AD-MSCs的增殖(P<0.05)。Westernblot检测pAkt及pErk的表达在瑞舒伐他汀干预组明显高于对照组和H/R组。(P<0.05)。结论:瑞舒伐他汀可通过Akt、Erk信号途径促进H/R损伤后AD-MSCs的增殖。     

实验性动脉粥样斑块内泡沫细胞凋亡及葛根总黄酮的干预作用

目的:观察ApoE基因敲除(ApoE gene knock out,ApoE-/-)小鼠主动脉窦动脉粥样硬化斑块超微结构改变,泡沫细胞凋亡,探讨葛根总黄酮(Total Flavone of Radix Puerariae,TFRP)的干预作用。方法:将16只Apo E-/-小鼠随机分为模型组及TFRP干预组(85 mg/kg.d),每组8只,2只C57BL/6J小鼠作为空白对照,12周后处死,用酶法检测二组血清脂质含量,采用光学显微镜、电子显微镜观察As斑块形态及泡沫细胞凋亡。结果:(1)两组血清总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平未见显著性差异;(2)光镜观察:模型组可见成熟的As斑块形成,部分斑块脂质核心较大,偏心性,纤维帽较薄,纤维帽内有较多炎症细胞浸润,平滑肌细胞成分少,肩部较薄弱,呈不稳定斑块形成趋势,在斑块脂质核心内可见到较多凋亡细胞;而TFRP干预组未见不稳定斑块,斑块脂质核心小,平滑肌细胞数目较多,纤维帽较厚,斑块内凋亡细胞数明显少于模型组(p<0.05)。(3)电镜观察:模型组斑块内以平滑肌源性泡沫细胞多见,可见中晚期凋亡细胞,细胞外基质成分较少;与模型组相比,TFRP干预组以巨噬细胞源性泡沫细胞多见,可见少数早期凋亡细胞,细胞外胶原纤维明显增多。结论:模型组病变处于中晚期As病变,符合泡沫细胞凋亡特征;TFRP干预抑制了ApoE基因敲除小鼠主动脉窦As斑块内泡沫细胞凋亡。     

Overexpression of CXCL16 promotes a vulnerable plaque phenotype in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice

BackgroundCXCL16 has been shown to be involved in atherosclerotic lesion development, but its role in preexisting lesions is still unclear. This study aims to assess the effect of CXCL16 on the stability of preexisting lesions.MethodsWe firstly measured plasma CXCL16 level in Apolipoprotein E–Knockout (ApoE KO) mice with either high-cholesterol diet (HCD) or normal diet (ND) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then, silastic collars were placed around the carotid arteries in HCD-ApoE KO mice to accelerate atherosclerotic lesions. Five weeks later, CXCL16 was overexpressed by intravenous injection of lentivirus carrying CXCL16 transgene. Two weeks after infection, lesions were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and with oil red O. Biomarkers in the lesions, such as MMPs, CCL2, VCAM-1 and TNF-α were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which indicate the instability of plaques.ResultsThe level of CXCL16 in plasma was higher in HCD-ApoE KO mice as compared to ND-ApoE KO mice. Circulating CXCL16 overexpression does not affect the size of preexisting plaques, but it leads to vulnerable plaque morphology and increases the expression of markers of plaque destabilization.ConclusionSystemic CXCL16 becomes much higher in atherosclerosis, and it could be a potential atherogenic biomarker. Overexpression of CXCL16 promotes the evolution of preexisting lesions to vulnerable plaques in ApoE KO mice.     

Anti-Atherogenic Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide by Over-Expression of Cystathionine Gamma-Lyase (CSE) Gene

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important gaseous signaling molecule that functions in physiological and pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis. H₂S dilates vessels and therefore has been suggested as an anti-atherogenic molecule. Since cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) enzyme is responsible for producing H₂S in the cardiovascular system, we hypothesized that up-regulation of CSE expression in vivo with preservation of H₂S bioactivity can slow down plaque formation and, can serve as a therapeutic strategy against atherosclerosis. In this study, C57BL/6 wild type mice (WT), ApoE knockout mice (KO) and transgenic ApoE knockout mice overexpressing CSE (Tg/KO) at four weeks of age were weaned. They were then fed with either normal or atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. At week 16, serial plasma lipid levels, body weight, and blood pressure were measured prior to euthanization of the mice and the size of atherosclerotic plaques at their aortic roots was measured. Tg/KO mice showed an increase in endogenous H₂S production in aortic tissue, reduced atherosclerotic plaque sizes and attenuation in plasma lipid profiles. We also showed an up-regulation in plasma glutathionine peroxidase that could indicate reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, there was an increase in expression of p-p53 and down regulation of inflammatory nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in aorta. To conclude, alteration of endogenous H₂S by CSE gene activation was associated with reduced atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. Up-regulation of CSE/H₂S pathway attenuates atherosclerosis and this would be a potential target for therapeutic intervention against its formation.     

黄连提取物对动脉硬化小鼠斑块胶原类型及MMP-9/TIMP-1 比值 的影响*

目的:探讨黄连提取物对高脂喂养ApoE-/-小鼠主动脉AS斑块内胶原类型及基质金属蛋白酶-9( MMP-9)与基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂( TIMP-1)比值的影响,探讨黄连提取物稳定斑块的可能作用机制.方法:33只6-8周龄的ApoE基因敲除小鼠予高脂喂养13周后,待其形成成熟的AS斑块后,随机分为3组:模型组、黄连提取物组、辛伐他汀组(阳性对照组),每组11只.继续高脂喂养,并按体重比折算给予小鼠临床推荐剂量的相应药物治疗13周,处死动物,每只小鼠取主动脉根部的4个切面,行天狼猩红染色,检测各组小鼠主动脉斑块内Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原含量,以及斑块内MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达,计算MMP-9/TIMP-1比值.结果:给药13周后,图像分析结果显示,黄连提取物组小鼠主动脉斑块内Ⅰ型胶原含量与模型组比较有所增加,但无显著差异(P＞0.05);辛伐他汀组和黄连提取物组小鼠主动脉斑块内Ⅲ型胶原含量与模型组比较显著降低(P＜0.01).Ⅲ型/Ⅰ型胶原比值,两给药组与模型组比较均显著降低(P＜0.01).与模型组比较,黄连提取物和辛伐他汀组小鼠主动脉斑块内MMP-9的阳性表达均明显减少(P＜0.01),黄连提取物组主动脉斑块内TIMP-1的阳性表达与模型组相比明显增加(P＜0.01),辛伐他汀组TIMP-1表达有所增加,但无统计学差异(P＞0.05),两给药组之间比较无显著差异(P＞0.05).各给药组中MMP-9/TIMP-1比值均有所降低,与模型组比较具有显著差异(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论:在临床推荐剂量下,黄连提取物可明显改善ApoE-/-小鼠主动脉AS斑块内胶原类型,调整斑块内MMP-9/TIMP-1比值,从而促进斑块稳定.     

Chemokine receptor CCR1 disruption in bone marrow cells enhances atherosclerotic lesion development and inflammation in mice

Several chemokines or chemokine receptors are involved in atherogenesis. CCR1 is expressed by macrophages and lymphocytes, two major cell types involved in the progression of atherosclerosis, and binds to lesion-expressed ligands. We examined the direct role of the blood-borne chemokine receptor CCR1 in atherosclerosis by transplanting bone marrow cells from either CCR1+/+ or CCR1-/- mice into low-density lipoprotein-receptor (LDLr)-deficient mice. After exposure to an atherogenic diet for 8 weeks, no differences in fatty streak size or composition were detected between the 2 groups. After 12 weeks of atherogenic diet, however, an unexpected 70% increase in atherosclerotic lesion size in the thoracic aorta was detected in the CCR1-/- mice, accompanied by a 37% increase in the aortic sinus lesion area. CCR1-/- mice showed enhanced basal and concanavalin A-stimulated IFN-gamma production by spleen T cells and enhanced plaque inflammation. In conclusion, blood-borne CCR1 alters the immuno-inflammatory response in atherosclerosis and prevents excessive plaque growth and inflammation.     

The Effect of Soluble RAGE on Inhibition of Angiotensin II-Mediated Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E Deficient Mice

Background

The cross talk between RAGE and angiotensin II (AngII) activation may be important in the development of atherosclerosis. Soluble RAGE (sRAGE), a truncated soluble form of the receptor, acts as a decoy and prevents the inflammatory response mediated by RAGE activation. In this study, we sought to determine the effect of sRAGE in inhibiting AngII-induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice (Apo E KO).

Methods and Results

9 week old Apo E KO mice were infused subcutaneously with AngII (1 µg/min/kg) and saline for 4 weeks using osmotic mini-pumps. The mice were divided into 4 groups 1. saline infusion and saline injection; 2. saline infusion and sRAGE injection; 3. AngII infusion and saline injection; 4. AngII infusion and sRAGE injection. Saline or 0.5 µg, 1 µg, to 2 µg/day/mouse of sRAGE were injected intraperitoneally daily for 28 days. We showed that atherosclerotic plaque areas in the AngII-infused Apo E KO mice and markers of inflammation such as RAGE, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MCP-1 were increased in aorta compared to that of the Apo E KO mice. However, the treatment of 0.5 µg, 1 µg, and 2 µg of sRAGE in AngII group resulted in the dose-dependent decrease in atherosclerotic plaque area. We also demonstrated that sRAGE decreased RAGE expression level as well as inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules in AngII or HMGB1 treated-rat aorta vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that partical blockade of RAGE activation by sRAGE prevent AngII -induced atherosclerosis. Therefore these results suggested that first, RAGE activation may be important in mediating AngII-induced atherogenesis, and second, AngII activation is a major pathway in the development of atherosclerosis. Taken together, results from this study may provide the basis for future anti- atherosclerotic drug development mediated through RAGE activation.     

不同程度内质网应激对ApoE-/- 小鼠动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性的影响

目的:采用Apo E-/-小鼠建立不稳定动脉粥样硬化斑块模型,给予不同剂量衣霉素,观察其对动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性的影响。方法:取40只6-8周的Apo E-/-小鼠随机分为对照组和手术组。对照组小鼠给予正常饮食;手术组小鼠行右侧颈总动脉套管术(Perivascular carotid collar placement,PCCP),同时给予高脂喂养。9周末分别取对照组和手术组小鼠颈动脉,HE染色观察小鼠颈动脉斑块形成情况。成功造模后,将小鼠随机分为正常对照组、单纯PCCP组、小剂量衣霉素组和大剂量衣霉素组;正常对照组和单纯PCCP组给予生理盐水腹腔注射,小剂量衣霉素组和大剂量衣霉素组分别给予小剂量衣霉素、大剂量衣霉素腹腔注射。2周后,处死小鼠,通过HE染色观察颈动脉斑块形态,油红O染色观察斑块内脂质聚集,抗巨噬细胞免疫组化染色观察斑块内巨噬细胞聚集,Western-blot检内质网应激标志蛋白GRP78和自噬标志蛋白Atg7、P62的表达水平。结果:HE染色结果显示:与单纯PCCP组和大剂量衣霉素组相比,小剂量衣霉素组颈动脉腔内的斑块脂质池减少,斑块结构较为完整且相对稳定;油红O染色结果显示:小剂量衣霉素组斑块内脂质含量显著降低(P0.05 vs单纯PCCP组和大剂量衣霉素组);巨噬细胞免疫组化染色显示:与单纯PCCP组和大剂量衣霉素组相比,小剂量衣霉素组斑块内巨噬细胞的含量显著降低(P0.05);Western-blot结果显示:小剂量衣霉素干预诱导的一定程度的内质网应激可以适度上调自噬(P0.05 vs单纯PCCP组和大剂量衣霉素组)。结论:PCCP手术加高脂饮食可以短期成功建立小鼠不稳定动脉粥样硬化斑块模型,其动脉粥样硬化斑块不稳定性较高,而小剂量衣霉素干预可以使得颈动脉管腔内斑块相对较小,内部脂质池明显较小,纤维帽变厚且结构更完整,斑块结构较稳定;斑块内脂质含量降低;巨噬细胞含量明显降低,且小剂量衣霉素组自噬水平适度上调。因此,小剂量衣霉素干预引起的适度的内质网应激一定程度对动脉粥样硬化斑块起到保护作用。     

Amygdalin mediates relieved atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice through the induction of regulatory T cells

Objective: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in the regulation of T cell-mediated immune responses in atherosclerosis, a chronic autoimmune-like disease. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of amygdalin on atherosclerosis of apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE^−/−) mice, and to explore its immune regulatory function by stimulation of Tregs. Methods and results: To evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effect of amygdalin and for in vivo Treg expansion/activation analysis, ApoE^−/− mice received intraperitoneal injections of amygdalin, and this therapy resulted in a comparatively 2-fold decrease in triglyceride (TG), 1.5-fold decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). By comparing the vessel areas, lumen areas, plaque areas, and aortic plaque coverage percentage, the effects of amygdalin on pre-existing lesions were assessed. Studies on IL-10 and TGF-β indicated that mice treated with amygdalin had increased expression of Treg-related cytokines. Meanwhile, flow cytometry and real-time PCR data showed that mice treated with amygdalin had higher percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells than untreated mice and increased expression of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene. Conclusion: Our data showed amygdalin could attenuate the development of atherosclerosis by suppressing inflammatory responses and promoting the immunomodulation function of Tregs. The effects of amygdalin ultimately resulted in the enlarged lumen area and the loss of atherosclerotic plaque. All these data indicated the therapeutic potential of amygdalin in preventing and/or treating of atherosclerosis.