Objective: To investigate the effect of Guanxin Zhitong capsule(GXZT) in atherosclerosis(AS) model rats. Method: SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal group

model control group

GXZT high and low dose groups and Atorvastatin Calcium tablets control group. The normal group received normal pellet feed. Model group and GXZT groups were injected with Vitamin D3(VD3) based on high-fat fedding and stimulated immune response method was used to establish AS models. Each group was given the corresponding drugs for 90 days. Blood serum were analyzed for total cholesterol(TC)

triglyceride(TG)

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

calcium(Ca2+)

superoxide dismutase(SOD)

malondialdehyde(MDA)

nitric oxide(NO)

nitric oxide synthase(NOS)

levels of endothelin(ET)

interleukin-6(IL-6)

tumor necrosisfactor-α(TNF-α)

interleukin-18(IL-18)

adiponectin(ADP)

and soluble CD40L(sCD40L).Visceral index and arteriosclerosis index(AI) were calculated;the pathological observation of aorta was carried out by HE staining. Result: The liver index

AI

TC

LDL-C

Ca2+

MDA

ET

TNF-α

IL-18 and sCD40L were significantly higher(P<0.05) while the SOD

NO

NOS and ADP levels were lower in model group than those in normal group. Compared with those in model group

the liver index

AI

TC

and LDL-C in GXZT low and high dose groups were lower(P<0.05)

while the serum NO and NOS levels were significantly increased(P<0.05). GXZT high dose group could significantly reduce serum ET

TNF-α

IL-6

IL-18 and sCD40L levels(P<0.05). HE staining showed aortic endothelial injury and atherosclerotic plaque formation in model group

and various treatment groups can significantly inhibit aortic lesions. Conclusion: GXZT has intervention effect on atherosclerotic plaque formation of model animals at multiple targets by improving metabolism of lipid in model rats

reducing the secretion or release of inflammatory cytokines

and regulating vascular active substances

but it has no significant effect on serum SOD and MDA levels.