The effect of atorvastatin on the expression of markers of the cascade transforming growth factor beta in experimental atherogenesis.

Lenka Frnochová The effect of atorvastatin on the expression of markers of the cascade transforming growth factor beta in experimental atherogenesis. Diploma thesis Charles Univerzity in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: The aim of this diploma thesis was to observed the expression of ALK-1 and VEGF in atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE and LDL receptor- deficient mice with regard to the use of atorvastatin. Methods: We used for research female C57BL/6J mice with double deficiency of apolipoprotein E and LDL receptor. Mice were 8 weeks old. Mice were divided into two groups: atorvastatin and control group. Both groups were fed cholesterol diet for 8 weeks and in atorvastatin group was also fed with atorvastatin. Then biochemical analysis of blood was performed. For detection of lipids in atherosclerotic lesions we used histological staining by oil red. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 1cm aortic sinus and part of aortic arch. The method used to detect the expression of ALK-1 and VEGF was the avidin-biotin method with detection using DAB. Results: Biochemical analysis showed that atorvastatin reduced levels of total cholesterol. After the staining by oil red atherosclerotic lesions were seen in both groups. Atorvastatin reduced the size of atherosclerotic..