Paeonol Attenuates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in Rabbits by Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Abstract

Cortex Moutan (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, Ranunculaceae) has several uses in traditional medicine, such as analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory applications and use in the prevention of thromboembolic diseases. Paeonol, a main active component in Cortex Moutan, possesses various pharmacological activities, particularly an anti-atherosclerosis effect. However, so far there have been no reports evaluating the anti-inflammatory action of paeonol in atherosclerosis therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the therapeutic effect of paeonol on atherosclerotic rabbits with its anti-inflammatory action. The atherosclerotic model was developed in 24 rabbits fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Twelve rabbits on the high-fat diet then were administered with paeonol (p.o) for a subsequent 6 weeks at the doses of 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg. Histological analysis showed significant improvement in atherosclerosis plaque in the paeonol groups. Moreover, the blood levels of TNF- alpha, IL-1 beta, and CRP and the translocation of NF- kappaB to the nucleus were significantly suppressed in paeonol groups, as was the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of paeonol may contribute to its anti-atherosclerosis effect.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Activities of Paeonol and Its Metabolites Through Blocking MAPK/ERK/p38 Signaling Pathway

“…Paeonol is used as a food additive and in traditional oriental medicines in treating various diseases including inflammatory diseases and atherosclerosis [7]. Recent studies have also revealed that paeonol attenuates high-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits [8] and inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis [9]. Accordingly, paeonol may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammation-associated conditions, such as inflammatory pain.…”

Gestational diabetes induces alterations of sirtuins in fetal endothelial cells

“…SIRT1 activation by RSV improves vascular function by increasing NO availability and attenuates dyslipidemia and obesity-induced metabolic alterations in human subjects (44)(45)(46). Paeonol can alleviate the oxidative stress-related cardiovascular diseases predominantly through the modulation of endogenous antioxidants and reduction of free radical formation (47,48).Two different endothelial cell types-ECFCs and HUVECs-were used in this study. They are the first vascular cells of the fetus that are exposed to aberrant conditions and an adverse metabolic milieu during pregnancy.…”

Proteolytic Enzyme Combination Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in a Model of Metabolic Syndrome

“…In response to fat and cholesterol feeding, rabbits develop the most well-established MetS features, including systemic inflammation, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, accrual of visceral fat tissue, and fatty liver disease [25]- [32]. Relative to mice, the lipoprotein profile of rabbits also corresponds more closely to humans, and in contrast to mice, which exhibit an atheroprotective phenotype, rabbits with a constellation of MetS features develop coronary atherosclerotic lesions resembling that of humans [24] [26]. In addition, as rabbits exhibit a longer life span of 5 -8 years, lengthier study durations may afford more extensive interrogation of MetS and its complications in an easily handled, inexpensive animal model.…”