OBJECTIVE  To explore the effect and mechanism of Achyranthes bidentata Bl. water extract on macrophage foam induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL).

METHODS  Firstly, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to detect the components in the Achyranthes bidentata Bl water extract. On the basis of investigating the concentration of Achyranthes bidentata Bl. water extract, RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into the normal control group, ox-LDL model group, and Achyranthes bidentata Bl. water extract low, medium, and high dose group. The model group and Achyranthes bidentata Bl. water extract treatment groups were induced form foam cells with 100 μg·mL⁻¹ ox-LDL. Oil red O staining and Dil fluorescence probe were used to investigate the ability of cell lipid deposition and uptake of ox-LDL. And Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of LXRα, ABCG1, and sr-bi.

RESULTS  The Achyranthes bidentata Bl. water extract contained components such as ferulic acid and chikusetsusaponin IVa, etc. Compared with the normal control group, the model group formed macrophage derived foam cells, which showed that the lipid deposition and the ability of uptake of ox-LDL were significantly increased, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of LXRα and ABCG1 were significantly decreased. Compared with the model group, the high dose of Achyranthes bidentata Bl. water extract could significantly reduce the lipid deposition and the ability of uptake of ox-LDL, and significantly increase the protein and mRNA expression levels of LXRα and ABCG1(P<0.01 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSION The Achyranthes bidentata Bl. water extract may up-regulate LXRα/ABCG1 pathway to inhibit the ox-LDL induced macrophage foam, thereby preventing atherosclerosis.