Objective:

2

To study the effect of evodia on lipid metabolism and low-density lipoprotein-receptor(LDL-R) mRNA expression in hyperlipidemia mice.

Method:

2

Kunming mice (

n

=80) were randomly divided into normal control group (

n

=20) and model group (

n

=60). Serum lipids of the model group were measured after 3 weeks.After successful modeling

the mice can be randomly divided into 5 groups (with 10 in each group): model group (equivalent normal saline)

positive control group (simvastatin

5 mg·kg

-1

·d

-1

)

drug group (evodia of 5.25

10.5

21 mg·kg

- 1

·d

- 1

). The mice were given drugs for 3 weeks.Htoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the liver cell structure and the change of aortic arch atherosclerosis in the mice.The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to test the contents of total cholesterol (TC)

triglyceride (TG)

high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total serum adiponectin (ADPN) in serum of the mice.The expression of LDL-R mRNA in liver of each group was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Result:

2

Liver HE staining showed hepatocyte swelling with steatosis in the model group

and alleviated liver steatosis in high-dose

medium-dose evodia and simvastatin groups.HE staining showed damages on the aortict arch wall in the model group

with obvious intima thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration.The intima was thickened obviously in the low-dose group

and the structure of aortic vessel wall was clear in the high-dose group.Compared with the normal group

TC

TG and HDL-C levels in serum of the model group were increased

while HDL-C level was decreased (

P

<

0.01). Serum TC and TG levels of mice in the medium and high-dose groups decreased

whereas LDL-C and HDLl-C levels increased in low

medium and high-dose groups (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). Compared with the normal group

the adiponectin level in the model group was decreased

while the serum adiponectin levels in medium and high-dose groups were significantly increased (

P

<

0.01). The LDL-R mRNA expression in the liver of mice in the model group was significantly reduced compared with the normal group (

P

<

0.01). The LDL-R mRNA expression in medium and high-dose evodia groups was significantly increased compared with the model group (

P

<

0.01).

Conclusion:

2

Evodia can improve the tendency of hepatic lesions and aortic atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemia mice

which may be related to the regulation of adiponectin level

the reduction of lipid content in mice and the up-regulation of LDL-R mRNA expression in mice liver.