Effect of Andrographolide on Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression at the Initiation Stage of Atherosclerosis in Atherogenic Diet-Fed Rats

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of andrographolide on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression at the initiation stage of atherosclerosis in rats induced by an atherogenic diet. The research was conducted on 27 rats divided into 3 groups (n=9). Group 1 was given a standard diet. Group 2 was given an atherogenic diet of vitamin D3 700.000 IU/kg on the first day followed by 5% goat fat, 2% cholesterol, 0.2% cholic acid and standard diet up to 100% for 2 days to induce atherosclerosis initiation stage. Group 3 was given an atherogenic diet and treated with andrographolide 40 mg/kg. An immunohistochemical examination was performed to determine the expression of MCP-1. Data analysis using one-way Anova followed by post hoc test. The results showed the expression of MCP-1 in group 1 was 6.61 + 1.90, in group 2 was 32.99 + 3.74 and in group 3 was 9.61 + 2.47. There was a significant difference between group 3 treated with andrographolide 40 mg/kg compared with group 2 (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between group 3 treated with andrographolide 40 mg/kg and group 1 (p>0.05). In conclusion, andrographolide may inhibit MCP-1 expression at the initiation stage of atherosclerosis in the andrographolide treated rats. Thus, andrographolide could be a potential anti-atherosclerosis drug.