Effects of clopidogrel on serum hs-CRP and vascular wall NF-κB expression in atherosclerotic rabbits

Objective To observe the effects of clopidogrel on the level of serum hypersensitivity C-responsive protein (hs-CRP) and the expressions of vascular wall nuclear factor-kappa Bp 65 mRNA (NF-κB p65 mRNA) and p65 subunit in atherosclerotic rabbits. Methods Twenty-seven New Zealand male rabbits were randomly assigned to the normal control group (group A), high-cholesterol group (group B) and high-cholesterol plus clopidogrel group (group C). Enzymatic assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in situ hybridization and histomorphometry analysis were employed respectively to detect serum lipids, the levels of serum hs-CRP and atherosclerotic plaque p65 subunit, the expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA, and the atheroma/intima area ratio and the intima/media thickness ratio in the thickest portion of the plaque. Result The levels of serum lipid and hs-CRP and the expressions of vascular wall NF-κB p65 mRNA and p65 subunit in groups B and C were significantly elevated as compared with those in group A (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum lipids between group B and group C, while the severity of atherosclerosis, the level of serum hs-CRP and the expressions of vascular wall NF-κB p65 mRNA and p65 subunit were markedly decreased in group C (P 0.05). Conclusion Clopidogel plays a role in protection against atherosclerosis, which may be associated with inhibiting the expressions of hs-CRP and NF-κB.