The effect of neferine on foam cell formation by anti-low density lipoprotein oxidation.

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprtein (LDL) plays an important role in atheroslerosis (AS) development. To investigate the role of neferine (Nef) in anti-LDL oxidation and foam cell formation, the lipoprotein was derived and subjected to three different treatments: N-LDL (normal LDL), Cu2++LDL and Cu2+ + Nef+LDL. The LDLs were put at 25 C for 24 h and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values were determined. They were 0. 57 ±0. 02, 6. 01 ±0. 22 and 2. 26±0.13 nmol/mg protein, respectively. The difference was very significant (P<0. 01) for each two groups byt test. Mouse peritoneal macrophage (MΦ) were exposed to 50 μg protein/ml of Cu2++LDL and Cu2++Nef+LDL at 37 °C for 60 h. The tryglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC content in MΦ were assayed. The results showed that Cu2++ LDL was more efficient than Cu2++Nef+ LDL in stimulating lipid accumulation in MΦ(P <0. 001). The study demonstrated that Nef could inhibit Cu2+-mediated LDL oxidation and thereby inhibiting macrophage-derived foam cell formation.