Inhibitory effect of isoliquiritigenin on inflammatory factors of carotid artery intimal hyperplasia and the mechanism

PANG Guoxun

Abstract：Objective To investigate the effect of isoliquiritigenin on intimal hyperplasia after balloon injury and its possible mechanism. Methods Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group and isoliquiritigenin group (50, 100, 200 mg/kg). The control group and model group were given 3ml normal saline daily, while the isoliquiritigenin group was given 3 ml gavage daily. The pathological changes of the common carotid artery were observed using HE staining 14 days and 28 days after operation. The intima area (IA), the membrane area (MA) and the ratio of intima/medial area (IA/MA) were measured. The expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (p65) were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results The area of the membrane and that of the intima/medial membrane increased significantly in the model group at 14 days and 28 days compared with the sham operation group (P<0.05). The expressions of PCNA, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the carotid artery were significantly increased (P<0.05). The area of the membrane and that of the intima/medial membrane were significantly decreased in the low dose group and in the high dose group at 14 days and 28 days compared with the model group (P<0.05). The expressions of PCNA, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the common carotid artery were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion Isoliquiritigenin can inhibit the proliferation of vascular endothelium through the TLR4-mediated NF-κB pathway and decrease the incidence of vascular restenosis after balloon injury.