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Muscone inhibits the progression of atherosclerotic plaques in mice aorta by inhibiting the NF-κB/p65 pathway

  • 0Department of Cardiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications +

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February 9, 2024

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February 9, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Muscone, a deer musk extract, effectively inhibits atherosclerosis in mice by reducing arterial plaque and inflammation. This natural compound shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for cardiovascular disease.

Area Of Science

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background

  • Atherosclerosis (AS) is a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases, driven by oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Muscone, the main active component of deer musk, is explored for its therapeutic potential.
  • Understanding muscone's effects on AS is crucial for developing new treatments.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the impact of muscone on the development of atherosclerosis.
  • To evaluate the potential mechanisms underlying muscone's effects, focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Main Methods

  • Atherosclerosis was induced in ApoE-/- mice, followed by 4 weeks of intraperitoneal muscone administration (4 or 8 mg/kg/day).
  • Aortic tissues were analyzed using Oil Red O, HE, and Masson staining to assess plaque burden and composition.
  • Biochemical markers of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD) and inflammation (VCAM-1, NF-κB, TNF-α) were quantified via Western blotting and immunofluorescence.

Main Results

  • High-dose muscone significantly reduced aortic plaque area and atherosclerotic lesion size.
  • Muscone treatment decreased collagen content within atherosclerotic plaques.
  • High-dose muscone increased MDA levels, decreased SOD levels, and inhibited VCAM-1, NF-κB/p65, and TNF-α expression in arterial plaques.

Conclusions

  • Muscone demonstrates significant benefits in inhibiting atherosclerosis progression in a mouse model.
  • The therapeutic effects of muscone are likely mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Muscone holds considerable potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular conditions.

Keywords:

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