Objective: To investigate the effect of the Zhongfeng capsule on blood fat and cytokines in rats with atherosclerosis. Method: SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:the normal group

the model group

the high-

low-dose Zhongfeng capsule groups and the positive group (atorvastatin calcium tablets

5 mg·kg-1). The rats in the normal group received saline and basic food. The rest rats were injected with VD3 and ovalbumin

while fed with a high-fat diet. All rats received the corresponding drugs for 90 days. The levels of total cholesterol (TC)

triglyceride (TG)

low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)

interleukin-6 (IL-6)

interleukin-18 (IL-18)

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)

adiponectin(APN) and soluble CD40L (sCD40L) in the blood serum were analyzed and the arteriosclerosis index (AI) were calculated. The pathological observation of aorta was carried out. Result: Compared with normal group

the levels of TC

LDL-C

HDL-C

TNF-α

IL-18

sCD40L and AI were significantly increased

while the APN decreased in the model group (P<0.05

P<0.01). Compared with the model group

the AI and LDL-C

TNF-α

IL-18 levels decreased

while the serum APN level increased in the high-dose Zhongfeng capsule group (P<0.05

P<0.01). HE stain showed aortic endothelial injury and atherosclerotic plaque formation in the model group

while the aortic lesions could be restrained in different degree in the treated groups. Conclusion: Zhongfeng capsule could inhibit the atherogenesis formation and development in atherosclerosis. The mechanisms may be involved in reducing the level of serum LDL-C

improving the level of APN and decreasing the secretion or release of the inflammatory factors.