[Effects of enhanced external counterpulsation in atherosclerosis and NF-kappaB expression: a pig model with hypercholesterolemia].

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on the vascular morphology, and endothelial function using experimentally induced hypercholesterolemic pigs.

METHODS

Thirty five male pigs were randomly divided into three groups: 7 normal control animals, 11 hypercholesterolemic animals, and 17 hypercholesterolemic animals receiving EECP. Serum cholesterol was measured. The coronary arteries and aortas were sampled for histopathologic and ultrastructural examination. The NF-kappaB protein expression of porcine coronary arteries was investigated by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal controls, serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the hypercholesterolemic animals with or without EECP. The plaque/intimal area ratio of the aorta decreased significantly in animals receiving EECP [(3.33 +/- 2.40)%, versus (12.03 +/- 7.12)% in those without EECP, P < 0.05]. Lipid deposition, endothelial damage and proliferation of smooth muscle cells were less severe in animals receiving EECP than those not. Moreover, activation and expression of NF-kappaB also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in animals receiving EECP.

CONCLUSIONS

EECP improves the morphology and function of vascular endothelium, and retards the development and progression of atherosclerosis, likely through the inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling pathway.