Investigating the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of italicModified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction Based/italic （加味小陷胸汤） on the NF-B signaling pathway

Key Points

• The study aims to explore how Modified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction affects the NF-kB signaling pathway to combat atherosclerosis.
• Used male SD rats to prepare serums of different concentrations of Modified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction.
• Stimulated RAW264.7 cells with ox-LDL to induce foam cell model.
• Performed various assays including CCK-8, oil red O staining, ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western Blot to analyze effects and mechanisms.
• No significant effect of low, medium, and high serum concentrations on RAW264.7 proliferation, but the 20% serum increased cell survival rate significantly.
• Reduction in lipid droplet formation in foam cells at all serum concentrations compared to model group.
• Significantly decreased total and free cholesterol levels in RAW264.7 cells.
• Lowered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, while increasing IL-10.
• Suppressed expression of NF-kB and IKKα mRNA and protein, while enhancing IκB-α mRNA and protein levels.