Objective: To invesigate the effect of Jiangzhi Kangyanghua mixture on expression of 5-lipoxygenase(5-LO) pathway in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE-/-mice). Method: Male ApoE-/- mice(n=40;8 weeks old) were obtained and were given a high-fat diet. These mice were divided into four groups as follows:model group

low dose of Jiangzhi Kangyanghua mixture group(17.41 g·kg-1·d-1)

high dose of Jiangzhi Kangyanghua mixture group(69.66 g·kg-1·d-1) and positive drug group (simvastatin

0.05 g·kg-1·d-1). The ten normal C57BL/6J mice with same genetic background were as normal control group

fed with common diet. All mice were administered orally for a month. Then

all mice were killed

the serum and abdominal aorta were saved. HE stating of abdominal aorta was established

also 5-LO mRNA expression level was detected by RT-PCR. The serum protein of leukotrienes B4 (LTB4) and leukotrienes D4(LTD4) were detected by ELISA. Result: The gene and protein expressions of 5-LO in the aortic plaques(P<0.01)

as well as the serum levels of LTB4 and LTD4(P<0.01) in atherosclerosis group were markedly increased compared with those of the normal control group. Compared with the model group

the expression of Jiangzhi Kangyanghua mixture of high dose could significantly down regulate 5-LO gene (P<0.01)

pathological section HE staining showed that the high dose Jiangzhi Kangyanghua mixture changed obviously vascular tissue compared with the model group

which was similar to the positive drug group

showing the mixture had a good therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis;ELISA results showed the high dose Jiangzhi Kangyanghua mixture could significantly reduce the blood LTB4 and LTD4 levels

compared with the model group (P<0.01). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that Jiangzhi Kangyanghua mixture can reduce the 5-LO level

improve the morphology of atherosclerotic vascular

reduce lipid deposition

but also can reduce the serum LTB4 and LTD4 levels.