Introduction Thrombomodulin is an integral endothelial cell membrane protein, exists not only on the surface of endothelial cells but also as soluble fragments circulating in plasma. Probucol has anti-oxidant properties as well as cholesterol-lowering effects and may affect soluble thrombomodulin (sTM). Methods Sixteen rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: (1) high-cholesterol group ( n = 8): maintained high-cholesterol diet; (2) probucol group (n = 8): the same diet plus probucol for 6 weeks. Control group ( n = 8) was fed with normal diet for 14 weeks. The levels of sTM and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) were measured using ELISA. Results There were atherosclerotic lesions in aortas and intimal thickness significantly increased in high-cholesterol group. Probucol significantly reduced the lesion area (56.4% ± 9.8% vs 82.5% ± 10.5%) and decreased the intimal thickness (44.65 ± 7.25 μm vs 72.21 ± 8.32) as compared with high-cholesterol group, all P < 0.01. Probucol decreased the level of OX-LDL and sTM as compared with high-cholesterol group, all P < 0.05. Conclusions Probucol retarded the plaques formation may relate to decrease plasma OX-LDL and sTM concentration, which may improve endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbit.
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