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The protective effects of pioglitazone on endothelial function in rats with hypercholesterolemia
Author(s) -
Yan Zi,
Wu Ye,
Yang XiaoLi,
Zuo Lin,
Wang Jin,
Ma XinLiang,
Liu HuiRong
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a1242
Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of pioglitazone, a PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ) agonist, on endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rats and possible mechanism. Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned to one of the following groups: control (C, normal diet); hypercholesterolemia (HC, high‐cholesterol diet for 8 weeks); and HC treated with pioglitazone (10mg/kg/day for the last 4 weeks). EC function was determined by comparing vasorelaxation to Acetylcholine and acidified NaNO 2 . The expression of p‐VASP(the phosphorylation of vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein) was detected by Western‐blot. The level of TCh,TG and HDL‐C in the serum was determined by kits. Results: Compared with the normal group, HC rats had increased level of TCh and TG obviously. Hypercholesterolemia caused a significant EC dysfunction (maximal relaxation to Ach: 50.51±2.45% vs. 99.73%±3.04% in C, P <0.01) and reduced p‐VASP. Treatment with pioglitazone attenuated the high level of plasma lipid profiles, improved endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation and preserved p‐VASP. Conclusions: Our study suggests that pioglitazone may exert a significant vasoprotective effect in hypercholesterolemia rats by depressing the level of serum lipid profiles and improving NO bioavailability.