Paeonol attenuates high-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits by anti-inflammatory activity.
Cortex Moutan (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, Ranunculaceae) has several uses in traditional medicine, such as analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory applications and use in the prevention of thromboembolic diseases. Paeonol, a main active component in Cortex Moutan, possesses various pharmacological activities, particularly an anti-atherosclerosis effect. However, so far there have been no reports evaluating the anti-inflammatory action of paeonol in atherosclerosis therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the therapeutic effect of paeonol on atherosclerotic rabbits with its anti-inflammatory action. The atherosclerotic model was developed in 24 rabbits fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Twelve rabbits on the high-fat diet then were administered with paeonol (p.o) for a subsequent 6 weeks at the doses of 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg. Histological analysis showed significant improvement in atherosclerosis plaque in the paeonol groups. Moreover, the blood levels of TNF- alpha, IL-1 beta, and CRP and the translocation of NF- kappaB to the nucleus were significantly suppressed in paeonol groups, as was the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of paeonol may contribute to its anti-atherosclerosis effect.
Li
Houkai
H
Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, PR China.
Dai
Min
M
Jia
Wei
W
D000098:Acetophenones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001011:Aorta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D004032:Diet; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D029596:Paeonia / Q000737:chemistry*; D011817:Rabbits; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000097:blood
D000098:Acetophenones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D016328:NF-kappa B; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; C013638:paeonol; D002097:C-Reactive Protein