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Effects of Wenxiao Decoction (稳消方) on the expression of interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecular-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in experimental atherosclerotic rabbits

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Abstract

Objective

To observe the effects of different doses of Wenxiao Decoction (稳消方) on the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in experimental atherosclerotic rabbits and to explore the mechanism by which it alleviates atherosclerosis.

Methods

Sixty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into six groups: a blank group, a model group, a Simvastatin group, and high-, medium-, and low-dosage Wenxiao Decoction groups. Except for those in the blank group, all rabbits were fed with a high-cholesterol diet. Carotid atherosclerosis was established by balloon-induced carotid artery endothelium injury in conjunction with the high-cholesterol diet. After 8 weeks, all animals were euthanized to evaluate levels of IL-6 and ICAM-1 expressions (by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and of MCP-1 (by immunohistochemistry staining).

Results

The expressions of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 were significantly increased in all groups except the blank group (P<0.05). However, the rabbits in the Wenxiao Decoction groups and the Simvastatin group showed significantly lower levels of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 expression than those in the model group (P<0.05). The expressions of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 in the highdosage Wenxiao Decoction group and the Simvastatin group were lower than those in the low-dosage Wenxiao Decoction group (P<0.05). The expression of MCP-1 in medium-dosage Wenxiao Decoction group was lower than that in the low-dosage group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

High, medium, and low doses of Wenxiao Decoction can inhibit the expressions of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1, which may prevent and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. There may be a direct relationship between dosage and therapeutic efficacy of Wenxiao Decoction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai No. 6 People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200233, China

    Qing-ping Huo  (霍清萍), Fang Liang  (梁 芳), Jin-pu Li  (李金菩), Yu-xin Wang  (王宇新) & Han-yan Liu  (刘含嫣)

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  1. Qing-ping Huo  (霍清萍)
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  2. Fang Liang  (梁 芳)
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  3. Jin-pu Li  (李金菩)
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  4. Yu-xin Wang  (王宇新)
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  5. Han-yan Liu  (刘含嫣)
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Correspondence to Qing-ping Huo  (霍清萍).

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Supported by a Research Grant from Health Bureau of Shanghai (No. 2008J003A)

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Huo, Qp., Liang, F., Li, Jp. et al. Effects of Wenxiao Decoction (稳消方) on the expression of interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecular-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in experimental atherosclerotic rabbits. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 20, 445–449 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-013-1531-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-013-1531-6

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