Effect of pioglitazone on the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in aorta of rats with hyperlipidemia

Objective To observe the effect of pioglitazone on the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in aorta of rats with hyperlipidemia. Methods 26 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal diet control group( n = 9) and high-fat diet group( n = 16),and the rats were bred in respective cage. After 12 weeks,the fasting plasma lipid levels were detected to decide whether the animal models with hyperlipidemia in high fat diet group were successful or not. Then the model rats were redivided into model group( n = 8) and pioglitazone group( n = 9). From the 13th week,the rats in pioglitazone group were given pioglitazone( 10mg·kg- 1·d- 1) by gavage for 4 weeks,however,the rats in the other two groups were given equivalent distilled water by gavage for 4 weeks,the blood fat levels in the two groups were detected,the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in aorta were detected by immunohistochemisty,finally,the staining results were analyzed by Image Pro Plus 6. 0 image analysis system. Results After 12-week feeding,the levels of total cholesterol( TC),triglyceride( TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol( LDL-C) in high fat diet group were significantly increased,as compared with those in control group( P 0. 05),which showed that the animal models were successfully established. The expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9in aorta in pioglitazone group were significantly decreased,as compared with those in model group( P 0. 05). Conclusion Pioglitazone can inhibit the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in aorta,accordingly increase plaque stability.