Wang Ying,Wang En,Wang Feng, et al. The effects of alpha lipoic acid on the stability of the atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques[J]. JOURNAL OF WEZHOU MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, 2016, 46(12): 883-886.
Abstract：Objective: To discuss the effects of alpha lipoic acid on the stability of the vulnerable plaques.Methods: Atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques model were set up by liquid nitrogen frostbite in 28 health male Japanese big ear rabbits. The rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: Alpha lipoic acid (α-LA) group and the control group. The 2 groups were given equal amounts of α-LA and normal saline injection 1 time every 2 days for 4 weeks immediately after establishment of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques model. Four weeks after treatment, the AS plaque was observed under the light microscope and electron microscope. The expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) were detected with immunohistochemical method before and after treatment. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined with the glucosinolates barbituric acid method, the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined with hydroxylamine method, and the expression of serum matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9), hypersensitive c-reactive protein (hsCRP) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were determined with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment. Results: There was expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1 protein on atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque. The positive cells number and staining intensity in α-LA group were significantly reduced than that in the control group. The serum SOD was obviously higher and MDA significantly lower in α-LA group 4 weeks after treatment (P<0.01). The expression of MMP-9, hsCRP and ox-LDL was significantly lower than that at the beginning of treatment in two groups (P<0.01), but the α-LA group decreased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: α-LA has the function of the resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation, thus it can protect vascular intima, and it can stabilize the atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques.
