Ezetimibe prevents myocardial remodeling in an obese rat model by inhibiting inflammation

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of many obesity-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ezetimibe on inflammation and myocardial remodeling in obese rats. A rat model of obesity was established, and myocardial damage was examined by transmission electron microscopy and Masson staining. Twenty obese rats were divided into two groups (n=10): obese group and ezetimibe group. Ten SD rats were used as controls. Western blot was performed to monitor the expression of P-p38MAPK and interleukin (IL)-6. Immunohistochemical staining was used to monitor the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. In the obese rats group, we observed increased inflammatory factors and myocardial hypertrophy. In contrast, the ezetimibe group exhibited decreased expression of inflammatory factors and an improvement in myocardial remodeling compared to the obese group. Mechanistically, we found that ezetimibe decreased P-p38MAPK, IL-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in the hearts of the obese rats. Taken together, these results indicate that ezetimibe may improve myocardial remodeling in obese rats by inhibiting inflammation.