Effect of atorvastatin on atherosclerotic neovascularization in atherosclerotic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic neovascularization and plaque stability. METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal high lipid group (group A), atorvastatin treatment group (group B) and control group (group C). Animal models of atherosclerosis were established and serum cholesterol and Hs-CRP levels in plasma, as well as intimal area and middle area (I/M) and MVD, were measured in each group. The expression of VIII in group A and group B and the atherosclerosis plaques were detected and measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Serum cholesterol levels were similar in group A and group B and significantly higher than in group C (P<0.05). Compared with group C, Hs-CRP in group A and group B increased significantly (P<0.05) and the level of Hs-CRP in group B was markedly lower than in group A (P<0.05). The ratio of I/M and the MVD in atherosclerotic plaques in group B were lower than in group A (P<0.05). Compared with group A, the expression of VIII in atherosclerotic plaques in group B decreased significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Neovascularization aggravates plaque instability and atorvastatin inhibits neovascularization and plaque growth, thus improving plaque stabilization.