The experimental study on genistein against atherosclerosis

Objective To investigate the effects of genistein(Gen) on atherosclerosis rats.Methods Fed with high fat diet and vitamin D3 to create a rat atherosclerosis model.Successful modeling 40 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: model group,simvastatin positive control group(10.0 mg/kg),genistein low-dose group(4.5 mg/kg),genistein medium dose group(9 mg/kg),and genistein high-dose group(18 mg/kg).Each group had 8 rats.The normal control group and model control group were given the same amount of 0.2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,twice daily,continuous administration for 14 d to,observe pharmacological effects of genistein.Results ①Compared with the normal group,the heart rate of rats was significantly decreased(P 0.05),while Gen with small,medium and large dose had no effect on heart rate,blood pressure,and respiration system after 14 d' administration compared with the model group(P 0.05).②The serum triglyceride,cholesterol,apolipoprotein B,and low-density lipoprotein levels in of model group significantly increased(P 0.05 or P 0.01) compared with the normal group.While after administrated with Gen for 14 d,Gen with small,medium and large dose were significantly reduced in serum triglyceride,cholesterol,low density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein B levels(P0.05 or P0.01).The serum apolipoprotein A level in model group was significantly lower than that in normal group(P0.05 or P0.01).Three Gen groups after administration with Gen for 14 d,the apolipoprotein A level in serum was significantly higher than that in model group(P0.05 orP0.01).③The levels of total superoxide dismutase and nitrogen oxide synthase in the serum of model group were significantly increased(P0.05 or P0.01),while those of in Gen groups significantly decreased(P0.05 or P0.01).④Pathology results showed that normal rats' aortic intima,the midmembrane,outer membrane were integrity and there were no lipid deposition or plaque under the endothelium,while the aortic intima in models was thickening and uneven.A large number of foam cells,severe by cell collapse,internal elastic lamina fracture were seen.That clearly suggested that the typical atherosclerotic lesions had formed.Arterial plaques,degree of intimal thickening and connective tissue components with scattered foam cells existed and these changes were much lighter than the model group.Conclusion Gen has a therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis.