Bu-shen-he-mai-fang (HMF) Decoction Inhibits Atherosclerosis by Improving Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in ApoE-deficient Mice

OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of Bu-shen- he- mai- fang (HMF) on experimental atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice. MATERIALS AN METHODS Thirty male ApoE-deficient mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (10 mice per group) as follows: one group received the standard high- cholesterol diet (high- cholesterol group, HC); Another group received high- cholesterol diet supplemented with HMF decoction 1.37 g/kg/day; the third group received a high- cholesterol diet, supplemented with atrovastatin 5 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. The extent of atherosclerosis, the expression of LOX-1 protein and macrophage infiltration were evaluated by H&E, oil red O staining, and immunohistochemical staining. SOD was also measured by a spectrophotometer. RESULTS The degree of atherosclerosis was significantly lower in HMF group and atrovastatin group than that in high-cholesterol group. The expression of LOX-1 protein and macrophage filtration were significantly lower in HMF group and atrovastatin group than that in high-cholesterol group. Also, the SOD was higher in HMF group and atrovastatin group than that in high-cholesterol group. CONCLUSION The results suggested that HMF significantly inhibited early atherosclerotic lesions by inhibiting inflammatory response and decreasing the generation of ROS.