Effects of Probucol on Atherosclerosis in Rabbits Induced by Hyperhomocysteinemia

Objective:To observe the effect of Probucol on atherosclerosis in rabbits induced by hyperhomocysteinemia.Methods:Twenty-four male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups.The control group was fed on common food;the homocysterine(Hcy) model group was fed on high-methionine food with 1% methionine;the treatment group was fed with high-methionine food and Probucol(1g/d perfused into stomach).Blood samples have been collected on week 20 after the diets and the serum lipids and plasma total Hcy(tHcy) were measured.Western-blotting was used to investigate the expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in aorta.The pathological changes of the aorta were examined under light microscopy.Results:The lipids in the serum and the expression of NF-κB were significantly reduced in the treatment group relative to those in the Hcy model group.Aortic changes were also attenuated in treatment group when compared to those in the Hcy model group.Conclusion:Probucol could decrease serum lipids level and reverse the aortic atherosclerotic changes induced by Hcy,probably by way of down-regulating NF-κB expression.