Effect of atorvastatin on atherosclerotic neovascularization in atherosclerotic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic neovascularization and plaque stability.METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal high lipid group(group A),atorvastatin treatment group(group B) and control group(group C).Animal models of atherosclerosis were established and serum cholesterol and Hs-CRP levels in plasma,as well as intimal area and middle area(I/M) and MVD,were measured in each group.The expression of VIII in group A and group B and the atherosclerosis plaques were detected and measured by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Serum cholesterol levels were similar in group A and group B and significantly higher than in group C(P0.05).Compared with group C,Hs-CRP in group A and group B increased significantly(P0.05) and the level of Hs-CRP in group B was markedly lower than in group A(P0.05).The ratio of I/M and the MVD in atherosclerotic plaques in group B were lower than in group A(P0.05).Compared with group A,the expression of VIII in atherosclerotic plaques in group B decreased significantly(P0.05).CONCLUSION: Neovascularization aggravates plaque instability and atorvastatin inhibits neovascularization and plaque growth,thus improving plaque stabilization.