Cyclodextrin Ameliorates the Progression of Atherosclerosis via Increasing High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Plasma Levels and Anti-inflammatory Effects in Rabbits

Abstract

To investigate the therapeutic effects of cyclodextrin on the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits, we evaluated the effects of (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) therapy on the organ coefficient, lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines, and atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits fed a high-fat diet. Our results demonstrated that HPβCD therapy reduced plasma triglyceride levels and inflammatory cytokine levels but increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. HPβCD therapy produced a significant decrease in the atherosclerotic lesion area and reduced macrophage and collagen content in the lesions. The expression levels of inflammatory genes in aortic plaques were significantly reduced by HPβCD treatment, but the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) in aortic plaques and livers increased significantly. HPβCD therapy may produce additional antiatherosclerotic benefits likely via increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.