Effects of Baicalin on the NF-κB and ACE2 Protein Expression in Atherosclerosis of ApoE-/-Mice Induced by Hyperlipaemia.

[Objective] To observe the effects of baicalin on the NF-κB and ACF2 protein expression in atherosclerosis of ApoE-/-mice induced by hyperlipaemia, and to discuss the possible mechanism of baicalin in interfering the atherosclerosis process. [Methods] 30 healthy apoE-/-mice at 6 weeks old were randomly divided into model group and baicalin groups; and 10 wild C57BL mice were taken as the normal control group. Mice in control group were given normal feed. Mice in model group and baicalin groups were given high fat diet for 12 weeks. AS model was established. Mice in baicalin groups were given 3(X) and 150 mg/d baicalin by gavage for continuous 8 weeks. After 20 weeks, mice were killed. The blood lipid was detected; immunohistochemical analysis of the expression levels of NF-κB and ACE2 were carried out. [Results] Grey value of NF-κB in aortic wall cells of apoF-/-mice in baicalin group was significantly higher than that in model group; and the grey value of ACE2 reduced, showing statistical significance (P <0.05). [Conclusions] Baicalin might intervene in the development of atherosclerosis through restricting transcriptional expression of NF-κB. affecting the inflammatory reaction and enliancing the ACE2 protein expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]