Protective effects of Xiongshao Capsule (芎芍胶囊) on anti-inflammatory function of high-density lipoprotein in an atherosclerosis rabbit model

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Xiongshao Capsule (芎芍胶囊, XSC) on anti-inflflammatory properties of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in serum of atherosclerosis (AS) rabbit model and explore the anti-inflflammatory protective effects of XSC on HDL.MethodsSixty rabbits were randomized into the control, the model, XSC low-, medium- and high-dose (Rhizoma Chuanxiong + Radix Paeoniae rubra: 0.6+0.3, 1.2+0.6, 2.4+1.2g·kg-1·day-1, respectively), and simvastatin (1g·kg-1·day-1) groups. The model rabbits were fed with high-fat diet and drugs for 15 weeks. The blood and thoracic aortas samples were collected at the end of 15 weeks. The levels of serum MPO and PON1 as well as total cholesterol (TC) and free cholesterol (FC) in aorta wall cells were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsTC and FC in the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TC and FC in the XSC groups were signifificantly lower (P<0.05 or P<0.01), so was simvastatin group (P<0.01). There was no signifificant difference in PON1 level between groups (P>0.05), even between model and control groups (P>0.05). The serum MPO level in the model group was signifificantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), which was signifificantly lower in XSC groups as well as simvastatin group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and no difference was found between XSC groups and simvastatin group (P>0.05).ConclusionsXSC can reduce the serum MPO level in AS rabbits to protect the anti-inflammatory function of HDL, maintaining the normal lipid transport function. TC and FC levels in aorta cells decline, and this process initiated by XSC plays an anti-AS role.