Low dose combination of aspirin and clopidogrel retards the progression of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemia rabbits via interfering with inflammatory and oxidative responses.

Abstract

The objective of this study to evaluate the effect of the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel in low doses on the progression of atherosclerosis.A total of 35 local domestic rabbits was assigned to five groups. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment (8-weeks) for measurement of serum triglycerides,total cholesterol (TC),HDL-C,plasma high sensitive C-reactive protein,plasma malondialdehyde andplasma reduced glutathione. Compared to normal control,levels of lipid profile, atherogenic index,hsCRP,and MDA are increased while GSH were decreased in animals on an atherogenic diet. immunohistochemical analysis showed that aortic expression of VCAM-1,MCP-1,TNF-α and IL-17A were significantly increased in the atherogenic control group compared to a normal control group. A combination of low doses aspirin and clopidogrel causes statistically significant reduction in hsCRP and MDA. A combination of low doses aspirin and clopidogrel treatment significantly reduced aortic expression of VCAM-1,MCP-1,TNF-α and IL-17A. Histopathologic examination of aortic arch showed that the combination of low doses aspirin and clopidogrel significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion. Aspirin treatment considerably reduced aortic expression of VCAM-1,MCP-1,TNF-α and IL-17A. It thus can conclude that a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel in low doses has a reducing effect on lipid peroxidation,systemic inflammation and aortic expression of inflammatory marker and hence reduce the progression of atherosclerosis.