ATRA improves endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerotic rabbits by decreasing CAV‑1 expression and enhancing eNOS...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by plaque buildup in arteries.
• Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in AS pathogenesis.
• All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A derivative with potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of ATRA against high-fat diet-induced AS in rabbits.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of ATRA's action on endothelial function and arterial integrity.

Main Methods:

• Rabbits were fed a standard or high-fat diet, with or without ATRA, for 12 weeks.
• Evaluated endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and eNOS activity.
• Assessed arterial wall permeability, morphology, and expression of caveolin-1 (CAV-1) and occludin.

Main Results:

• ATRA treatment significantly improved endothelial-dependent relaxation in AS rabbits.
• ATRA increased NO levels and eNOS activity, while decreasing endothelial permeability.
• ATRA upregulated occludin expression and downregulated CAV-1 expression in the arterial walls.

Conclusions:

• ATRA ameliorates high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits.
• The protective effects are mediated by the activation of eNOS and downregulation of CAV-1.
• ATRA demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for atherosclerosis.