Effect of Berberine on Nuclear Factor Kappa B in the Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis of Rabbit

Objective: To explore the mechanism of prevention of Berberine on the carotid artery atherosclerosis.Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were divided into normal group,carotid artery atherosclerosis(model group),and Berberine prevention group(Berberine group).The model group and Berberine group were fed with high cholesterol diet and the carotid artery atherosclerosis models were established by air-dry method,then the Berberine group were treated with Berberine respectively.After four weeks,all rabbits were executed with anaesthesia.All the carotid arteries were performed HE staining,immunohistochemistry staining and RT-PCR.Results: Model group were characterized with foam cells which formed atheromatous plaque,while berberine group showed thickening in intima with only few foam cells underneath.The number density of the positive cells and NF-κB p65 mRNA /β-actin in berberine group was decreased compared with that in model group respectively(both P0.05).Conclusion: Berberine can deplete activity of nuclear factor kappa B,decrease the level of nuclear factor kappa B,so as to prevent the development of carotid artery atherosclerosis.