Effect of long-term enhanced external counterpulsation on serum concentrations of advanced oxidation protein products and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in hypercholesterolemic pigs

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of long-term enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on serum concentrations of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in hypercholesterolemic pigs. Methods Eighteen male infant pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups according to their diet:the normal control group (n=6), the hypercholesterolemic group (n=6) and the hypercholesterolemie + EECP group (n=6). While porcine hypercholesterolemic model was built, EECP was performed on animals of the hypereholesterolemie + EECP group, 2 hours every other day lasting for 36 days. Blood samples were harvested from all animals to detect the levels of AOPP and hs-CRP before initiating different diet, prior to EECP, during EECP and after completion of EECP respectively. Results The serum concentrations of AOPP and hs-CRP, as well as the levels of serum cholesterone and low density lipoprotein, of both the hypereholesterolemic group and the hypercholesterolemic + EECP group were significantly higher than those of normal control group at these time points: prior to EECP, during EECP and after completion of EECP ( P 0.05). However, the AOPP levels of the hypereholesterolemic + EECP group were significantly lower compared with those of hypercholesterolemic group during EECP and after completion of EECP respectively[(95.38±12.66 ) μmol/L vs (128.46±12. 55) μmol/L, (85.78±10.33 )μmol/L vs (158.22±16.32) μmol/L, P<0.05], Samely, the hs-CRP concentrations of the hypercholesterolemic + EECP group were also obviously lower compared with those of hypereholesterolemic group during EECP and after completion of EECP respectively[ (0.47±0.14) mg/L vs (0.62±0.32 ) mg/L, (0.47±0.16) mg/L vs (0.59±0.43 ) mg/L, P<0.05]. Conclusions AOPP and hs-CRP play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Long-term EECP eliminates the impact of both inflammation and oxidative stress damage from hypercholesterolemia, contributing to postponing initiation and progression of the early atherosclerosis. Key words: Enhanced external counterpulsation; Hypercholesterolemia; Advanced oxidation protein products; Oxidative stress; High-sensitivity C-reactive protein