RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of Ciclosporin A (CsA) on the expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) on vascular endothelium of hyperlipidemic rats. METHODS: Hyperlipidemic rats model as for the study objects firstly were established. Then the high [5 mg/(kg x d)] and low [1 mg/(kg x d] dose of CsA were used to stimulate these rats, while the rats of normal blood lipids as control. After the end of intervention, the protein expressions of LOX-1 and C-reactive protein (CRP) on vascular endothelium of thoracic aorta were observed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry respectively. The serum levels of ox-LDL and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also examined. RESULTS: An obviously up-regulated expression of LOX-1 on vascular endothelium of hyperlipidemic rats treated with CsA was observed (P < 0.05), but not the serum level of ox-LDL (P > 0.05). The further study result implied that CsA could increase the expression of CRP on vascular endothelial cells and serum level of ROS (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: CsA can significantly upregulate the expression of LOX-1 on vascular endothelium of hyperlipidemic rats through not only ox-LDL/LOX-1 pathway but also ROS/CRP pathway, which could cause the probability of occurrence of atherosclerosis.