The relationship between atherosclerosis and the status of 12/15-lipoxygenase gene promoter methylation

AIM To explore whether atherosclerosis is related with the status of 15-lipoxygenase gene promoter methylation. METHODS 40 SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group and control group, 20 rats in each group. Feed the rats of experimental group by high-lipid and vitamin D3 overload for three months，while the rats of control group were normaly fed. Half-qualified methylation specific PCR was used to analyze the status of 15-lipoxygenase gene promoter of vascular tissue from aortic arch to abdominal aorta in the rats. And calculate the A value of the methylation specificity strap and the non-methylation specificity strap. RESULTS ①After HE staining, obvious atheromatous plaque has been formed in the experimental group, but there is no histopathology changes in the control group. ②The experimental group and control group were divided respectively into hypomethylated status and hypermethylated status. The incidence of experimental group in hypomethylated status（85％） is significantly higher than in the control group（25％）. CONCLUTION The status of 15-lipoxygenase gene promoter methylation of the vascular tissue is related with the formation of atherosclerosis, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.