[Experimental study of anti-atherosclerosis potency by lycium seed oil and its possible mechanism].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of anti-atherosclerosis of Lycium Seed Oil (Lso) and its possible mechanism. METHODS: The rabbit atherosclerosis model was established by high fat diet, and the TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C levels in plasma were examined dynamically. The SOD, GSH-PX, T-AOC activities and the MDA levels in serum were monitored after 8 week's high fat diet. Aorta samples were observed for atherosclerotic extent, and NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha were assessed by immuno-histochemical method. The lovastatin was set up as a positive control. RESULTS: contents of HDL-C obviously increased in Plasma of low and high dosage groups and TC, TG, LDL-C levels significantly decreased compared with control group. The SOD, GSH-PX, T-AOC activities up-regulated while the NF-kappaB, MDA and NF-alpha levels decreased in Lycium Seed Oil groups compared with control group. Aortic atherosclerotic extent and area in low dosage and high dosage LSO groups were absolutely smaller than that in high fat diet group. The anti-atherosclerosis potency of Lycium Seed Oil was similar with that of lovastatin. CONCLUSION: Lycium Seed Oil has potent anti-atherosclerosis effects and its anti-atherosclerosis potency was similar with The lovastatin. The possible mechanism involve the decreasing of plasma lipids, anti-peroxidation, inhibiting the activation of NF-kappaB and down-regulating the inflammation cytokines of TNF-alpha.