[Effects of Tongxinluo on MMP-3, 9 and PPARgamma expressions in atherosclerotic rabbits].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of Tongxinluo on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-9 and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) in atherosclerotic rabbits and explore the mechanism of its anti-atherosclerotic effect.


METHODS
Twenty-four rabbits were randomized equally into control group, atherosclerotic model group (fed with high-fat diet for 14 weeks) and Tongxinluo group. The expressions of MMP-3, 9 and PPARgamma in the 3 groups were observed by means of immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
The expressions of MMP-3, 9 and PPARgamma in the model group and Tongxinluo group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). After high-fat diet feeding for 14 weeks, Tongxinluo group showed significantly lower expressions of MMP-3 and 9 but higher expression of PPARgamma than the model group (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Tongxinluo can inhibit the expression of MMP-3 and 9 and increase the expression of PPARgamma, which might be the mechanism of its anti-atherosclerotic effect.
Department of Cardiology, First Huspital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Hong-yan
HY
Cao
Ling
L
Qin
Ke-xin
KX
Huang
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D047495:PPAR gamma; C513941:tongxinluo; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9