Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) contributes to atherosclerotic plaque instability and subsequent sudden coronary death. Statins are associated with decreased stroke risk and may improve stability of atherosclerotic plaques. The present study investigated the effect of simvastatin on expression of Lp-PLA2 levels in atherosclerotic plaques and on Lp-PLA2 activity in atherosclerotic aortas. Rabbits were a fed chow (control group) or a high-cholesterol diet (atherosclerosis group) for 12 weeks. An additional group on the high-cholesterol diet received simvastatin (5 mg/kg per day) for the last 4 weeks (simvastatin group). Lp-PLA2 activity in plasma and atherosclerotic aortas was significantly higher in the atherosclerosis group than in the control group and, consistent with this, abundant Lp-PLA2 protein was detected in plaques in the atherosclerosis group. Simvastatin significantly reduced Lp-PLA2 activity in plasma and aorta tissue, and reduced Lp-PLA2 protein level in atherosclerotic plaques. Whereas there was no significant difference in total atherosclerotic lesion area between simvastatin and atherosclerosis groups, simvastatin significantly reduced macrophage content, lipid retention and the intima/media ratio but increased the content of smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, statin treatment markedly reduced Lp-PLA2 in both plasma and atherosclerotic plaques. This was associated with attenuation of the local inflammatory response and improved plaque stability.
Baicalin inhibits the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6 in the kidneys of apolipoprotein E-knockout mice fed a high cholesterol diet
