Molecular imaging reveals rapid reduction of endothelial activation in early atherosclerosis with apocynin independent of antioxidative properties.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Antioxidative drugs continue to be developed for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Apocynin is an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties. We used contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging to assess whether short-term apocynin therapy in atherosclerosis reduces vascular oxidative stress and endothelial activation

Approach and results

Genetically modified mice with early atherosclerosis were studied at baseline and after 7 days of therapy with apocynin (4 mg/kg per day IP) or saline. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging of the aorta was performed with microbubbles targeted to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1; MB(V)), to platelet glycoprotein Ibα (MB(Pl)), and control microbubbles (MB(Ctr

SUBMITTER: Khanicheh E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3888901 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature