Oridonin attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting NLRP3 and activating Nrf2 in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

This study focused on the effects of oridonin on oxidative stress and inflammation generated from atherosclerosis. The therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis was evaluated by intraperitoneal injection of oridonin in a high-fat fedApoE−/− mouse model. We isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages and detected the effect of oridonin on oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced lipid deposition. Oil red O staining, Masson's staining, dihydroethidium fluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining, western blotting analysis, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time PCR were used to evaluate the effect on atherosclerosis and explore the mechanisms. Oridonin treatment significantly alleviated the progression of atherosclerosis, reduced macrophage infiltration and stabilized plaques. Oridonin could significantly inhibit inflammation associated with NLRP3 activation. Oridonin significantly reduced oxidative stress by blocking Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation. We also found that oridonin could prevent the formation of foam cells by increasing lipid efflux protein and reducing lipid uptake protein in macrophages. Oridonin has a protective effect on atherosclerosis inApoE−/− mice, which may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 and the stabilization of Nrf2. Therefore, oridonin may be a potential therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis.
Source: Inflammopharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research