The effects of Kampo herbal medicines (Scutellariae Radix, Carthami Flos, Linderae Radix) on the atherosclerosis mouse model introduced with heat shock protein (Hsp) 60 and high cholesterol diet : The effects of Kampo herbal medicines (Scutellariae Radix, Carthami Flos, Linderae Radix) on the atherosclerosis mouse model introduced with heat shock protein (Hsp) 60 and high cholesterol diet

In the process of the formation of atherosclerosis, many immune factors, such as cytokines and chemokines are involved. On the other hand, heat shock proteins (Hsps) work as a Chaperon and are considered to have an effect that protects the cell from protein damage by restoration of the degenerated proteins. We were successful in establishing an atherosclerosis mouse model in C57BL/6NJc mice immunized with Hsp60 and simultaneously treated with a high cholesterol diet (HCD). At this time, using this model, we verified the effects of Kampo herbal medicines, Scutellariae Radix (SR), Carthami Flos (CF) and Linderae Radix (LR), on the pathological atherosclerositic change in the aorta, change in body weight, and alteration of serum cytokine levels. At first, compared with the control group, the reduction in the body weight of the groups that was administered with SR and CF were suppressed significantly (p<0.05). On the other hand, the production of IFN-γof the groups that were administered with SR and CF were suppressed significantly, but the LR group only showed a tendency of suppression. The lipid deposits that we observed have a tendency to increase the volume and area gradually from the aortic valve to the root of ascending aorta. The deposits were observed in each mouse of the control group and SR group, but only 20 to 60% of the mice in the remaining groups (CF group and LR group) exhibited lipid deposition. Consequently we found that the herbal medicines reduced the adjuvant function of Hsp60, and simultaneously reduced the progression of the atheroscleosis.