[Pharmacodynamics of Qingxin Jieyu Granules for treatment of atherosclerosis and its regulatory mechanism for lipid metabolism].

Objective: To elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of Qingxin Jieyu Granule (QXJYG) against atherosclerosis (AS) based on network pharmacology.

Methods: The major targets and pathways of QXJYG against AS were analyzed using network pharmacology. Rat models of AS established by high-fat feeding combined with intraperitoneal vitamin D3 injection were treated daily with normal saline, atorvastatin (13.15 mg/kg), or QXJYG at 0.99, 1.98, and 3.96 g/kg for 8 weeks (n=6). Ultrasound and HE staining were used to assess the function and pathologies of the abdominal aorta. Blood lipids and serum levels of Ang Ⅱ, ET-1, TXA2, PGI2, and ox-LDL of the rats were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer or ELISA. The expressions of LOX-1, PPARγ, RXRα, p-P65, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in the abdominal aorta were detected with immunohistochemistry.

Results: The rat models of AS showed obvious abdominal aorta wall thickening, increased pulse wave velocity and pulse index, decreased inner diameter of the abdominal aorta, elevated levels of TC, LDL-C, Ang Ⅱ, ET-1 and TXA2, and lowered levels of HDL-C and PGI2. QXJYG and atorvastatin treatment of the rat models significantly alleviated histopathological changes of the abdominal aorta, decreased serum levels of TC, LDL-C, Ang Ⅱ, ET-1 and TXA2, and increased the levels of HDL-C and PGI2. Network pharmacology study suggested the therapeutic effect of QXJYG against AS was mediated by regulating lipid metabolism, PPAR and NF-κB pathways. Consistently, treatments with QXJYG were found to significantly decrease ox-LDL level and LOX-1, P-P65, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 protein expressions while increasing PPARγ and RXRα expressions in the aorta of AS rats.

Conclusion: QXJYG alleviates lipid metabolism disorder and improves histopathological changes of the abdominal aorta of AS rats possibly by lowering ox-LDL level, reducing LOX-1 expression, activating PPARγ and RXRα, and inhibiting P65 phosphorylation to reduce VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in the aorta.