Objective: This experiment is mainly to estimate the expression nuclear factor-kappa B and inflammatory factors related in atherosclerosis (AS) model rats and investigate the anti-AS mechanism of Dahuang Zhechong Pill(DHZCP). Method: SD rats were divided into control group

model group

high and low dose DHZCP treated group(1.4

0.7 g·kg-1).There are average eight rats every group. AS model was made by high fat feeding and injected vitamin D3.After 21 days

low and high dose DHZCP treated group were given low and high dose DHZCP respectively except control group and model group. Rats were fed totally for 8 weeks

the level of serum total cholesterol (TC)

triglyceride (TG)

highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)

low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)

tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)

pathological change of aortic tissue were observed. Immunohistochemical technique was utilized to measure the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1). Positive cells rate of NF-κB and ICAM-1 made by half quantitative computer image analysis. Result: Compared with control group

the level of TC

TG

LDL-C

TNF-α in model group were higher and HDL-C was lower remarkably. HE staining revealed the aortic intima was obviously thickened. Cholesterol crystal and fibrous cap were seened in the aortic intima plaque.Immunohistochemical detection showed NF-κB and ICAM-1 protein were found in the intima plaque and plasma membrane of foam cells in model group

While the positive-cells rate of NF-κB and ICAM-1 expression were respectively (47.35±5.18)% and (55.92±0.40)% increased than treatment group(P<0.01

P<0.05). Compared with model group

the level of TC

TG

LDL-C

TNF-α in two treatment group were lower and HDL-C was higher remarkably(P<0.01

P<0.05). Pathological change in high dose DHZCP group is most remarkably decreased than others

While in low dose DHZCP is better than model group. The positive-cells rate of NF-κB and ICAM-1 expression were respectively (16.71±4.43)% and (19.73±0.28)% reduced than model group(P<0.01

P<0.05). Conclusion: DHZCP could have the effect of anti-AS by cut down expression of canonical NF-κB signaling pathway

and inhibition inflammatory factors of TNF-α

ICAM-1.