Effect of atorvastatin on expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in atherosclerotic rabbits

Objective:To study the effect of atorvastatin on atherosclerotic rabbits.Methods:A total of 60 Now Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into the normal group,model group and atorvastatin group.The replication rabbit atherosclerotic model with immune injury combined with a high fat diet feeding was used.All rabbits were sacrificed after 3 months.TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were observed by HE staining,immunohistochemistry and western blotting.Results: The expression of TLR4,NF- k B p65 were significantly increased in the model group compared widi the normal group.The expression of TI.R4 and NK- k B p65 decreased significantly in the atorvastatin group,and there was no difference compared with the normal group.Conclusions: The effect of atorvastatin on adierosclerosis may be achieved by the inhibition of the expression of TLK4 and NF-κB p65.

Tiaoxin Recipe, a Chinese herbal formula, inhibits microRNA-34a expression in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Objective: To investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of Tiaoxin Recipe(a Chinese herbal formula) treatment on Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods: Twelve-week-old APPswe/PS1 DE9(APP/PS1) double transgenic mice were used as a model of AD-afflicted mice. One group of mice was treated with Tiaoxin Recipe by gastrogavage for 12 weeks,while two other groups were given intraperitoneal injections of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or FK866 for 4 weeks. Morris water maze and thioflavin S staining tests were performed to evaluate cognitive impairment and amyloid plaque deposition, respectively. Serum amyloid-β1-42(Aβ1-42) content was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the expression levels of microRNA-34 a(miR-34 a) in cortex and hippocampus samples of the study mice.Results: Compared with the normal control group, the memory and learning abilities of the APP/PS1 model group were found to be impaired(P < 0.01), as shown by the increased levels of senile plaque deposition in cortex and hippocampus(P < 0.01), miR-34 a expression(P < 0.01) and serum Aβ1-42 content(P < 0.01). Treatment with Tiaoxin Recipe significantly reduced memory impairment(P < 0.01) by reducing amyloid plaque accumulation in cortex and hippocampus(P < 0.01), miR-34 a expression(P < 0.01) and serum Aβ1-42 content(P < 0.01) in APP/PS1 mice.Conclusion: Tiaoxin Recipe is a viable complementary or alternative therapeutic treatment that is capable of delaying the development of early-stage AD by inhibiting the expression of miR-34 a.