Effects of clopidogrel on the level of serum MMP-9 and the expression of vascular wall NF-κB in rabbit atherosclerosis

Objective:To observe the effects of clopidogrel on the level of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and the expressions of nuclear factor-kappaB/p65(NF-κB/p65) and p65mRNA in atherosclerotic plaque of rabbits.Method:Twenty-seven New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into normal control group(A group, n=9), high-cholesterol group(B group,n=9) and clopidogrel group(C group,n=9). Enzymatic assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, situ hybridization and histomorphometry analysis were employed respectively to detected serum lipids, the levels of serum MMP-9 and atherosclerotic plaque NF-κB/p65 subunit, the expression of p65mRNA, and the plaque area of aorta and the neointima thickness.Result:The level of serum MMP-9 and the expressions of vascular wall NF-κB/p65mRNA and p65 subunit, the neointima thickness and plaque area of aorta in B group and C group were significantly increased compared with A group( P 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum lipids between B group and C group, but the level of serum MMP-9 and the expressions of vascular wall NF-κB p65 mRNA and p65 subunit, the neointima thickness and plaque area of aorta in C group were significantly decreased compared with B group( P 0.05).Conclusion:Clopidogel could decrease atherosclerosis in a certain extent by reducing the expressions of MMP-9 and NF-κB.