Allicin alleviates coronary atherosclerosis of mice via endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway

Abstract Purpose Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been revealed to interventions in atherosclerosis (AS) progressions. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) discovered modulate the functions of EPCs. Herein, effects allicin on EPCs were explored coronary (CAS). Methods Allicin (5 or 10 mg/kg/d) was used treat ApoE−/− mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD. TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C examined. HE staining applied for observation CAS lesions. In vitro, induced by ox-LDL then treated an eNOS inhibitor, L-NAME. Thereafter, cell viability, apoptosis migration examined using CCK-8, flow cytometry Transwell methods. Western blot evaluating eNOS, Nrf2 HO-1 protein expression. NO production, MDA content, SOD activity also measured. Results inhibited progression, decreased serum levels LDL-C but increased HDL-C. Moreover, counts circulating EPCs, treatment HFD. suppressed contents enhanced activities. reversed impacts induction facilitating mobility decreasing apoptosis. L-NAME allicin. Conclusion alleviated progressions mice, modulating via eNOS/ Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.