Mechanisms of Total Flavones of Crataegus Leaves on Experimental Atherosclerosis in Rabbits

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanisms of total flavones of crataegus leaves (TFCL) on experimental atherosclerosis(AS) in rabbits. METHODS The typical atherosclerosis in rabbits was formed by administrating with high-lipid food or together with TFCL for 80 d. The section of aortia were examined pathologically. The activities of SOD, GSH-PX, the level of NO, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum and the relative amount of COX-ⅡmRNA in aortia of atherosclerotic rabbits were detected. RESULTS Atherosclerotic rabbit models were replicated by feeding high-lipid food. TFCL could inhibit the formation of AS with decreasing the level of NO, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α, increasing the activities of SOD and GSH-PX, down regulating the expression of COX-ⅡmRNA. CONCLUSION The protective effect of TFCL on atherosclerosis may result from elevating the activities of oxygen enzymes but suppressing the production of inflammation factor.