Polygonum multiflorum and Codonopsis pilosula granule alleviates atherosclerosis by inhibiting the expression of DAB2IP-ASK1 pathway in vascular endothelial cells

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by lipid accumulation, apoptosis and necrosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation and local inflammation. Polygonum multiflorum & Codonopsis pilosula Granule (PmCp Granule), akidney-tonifying compound used in Chinese medicine, has been used for the clinical treatment of atherosclerosis for the past 10 years and exhibits good therapeutic effects.Aims and Objectives: We want to prove that PmCp Granule inhibits the expression of the DAB2IP-ASK1 pathway in vascular endothelial cells, thereby alleviating the development of atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: Blood lipid biochemical test and histopathology H&E staining were used to determine the efficacy of the PmCp Granule. qPCR and western blot were used to determine the expression of DAB2IP-ASK1 pathway. Results: The results of pathology assay showed that the plaque area, volume fraction of collagen fibers and lipid area in the aortic root was markedly reduced in the PmCp Granule group compared with the Saline group. Besides, the peripheral blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were statistically significantly increased, whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was statistically significantly decreased in the PmCp Granule group in comparison to the control group. Finally, the results of western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of the proteins related to the DAB2IP-ASK1 pathway were significantly lower in the vascular endothelial cells of PmCp Granule group compared to control group.Conclusion: the present study demonstrated that PmCp Granule significantly alleviated the development of atherosclerosis in mice. The main mechanism of action of PmCp Granule involved the inhibition of the expression of the DAB2IP-ASK1 pathway in vascular endothelial cells.