[Effects of the total flavone of radix puerariae on apoptotic cell and apoptotic related-gene in atherosclerotic plaques of apoE gene deficiency mice].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anti atherosclerosis effect and related mechanisms of total flavone of radix puerariae (TFRP) on atherosclerotic plaques in apoE gene deficiency (apoE-/-) mice.


METHODS
apoE-/- mice were treated with saline, TFRP 15 mg . kg(-1). d(-1) or TFRP 85 mg . kg-1. d-1 (n = 8 each group) respectively per gavage for 12 weeks. The apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques were then detected by TUNEL analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM). The expression of CD-68, SMA and Caspase-3 were determined by immunochemical methods.


RESULTS
Early macrophage apoptosis signs were observed under TEM, TUNEL-positive and CD-68 positive cells were found in lipid cores of atherosclerotic plaques. TFRP significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells in a dose-dependent manner [(0.38 +/- 0.17)%, (1.95 +/- 1.02)%, (10.50 +/- 5.89)%, respectively, P < 0.01] in atherosclerotic plaques. TFRP treatment also significantly reduced the immune expression of Caspase-3 protein in a dose-dependent manner.


CONCLUSIONS
TFRP significantly attenuated the development of advanced atherosclerotic plaques in a dose-dependent manner which might related to down-regulated expression of Caspase-3 protein and reduced macrophage apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic plaques post TFRP treatment.
Wu
Ying
Y
Department of Pathology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100029, China.
Wang
Lü-ya
LY
Zhang
Hui-xin
HX
Chen
Dong
D
Wang
Wei
W
Xiao
Lei
L
Fang
Wei
W
Wang
Fu
F
Shang
Jian-feng
JF
D000818:Animals; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D047309:Flavones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D029908:Pueraria / Q000737:chemistry
D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D047309:Flavones; D053148:Caspase 3