Abstract: AIM: To observe the therapeutic effect of LITONG on atherosclerosis rats. METHODS: The atherosclerosis rat models were induced by feeding high fat diet. After 8 weeks, 60 rats were selected and were randomly divided into six groups: 300 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg of LITONG, positive drug control(Fenofibrate), model control and normal rat control. The rats in model groups were introgastricly administrating distilled water and were fed high fat diet, and the rats in normal group were introgastricly administrating distilled water. After 60 days, the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were detected by blood samples. In addition, the aorta pathology alteration and cell apoptosis of arterial wall endothelial were also examined. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen in the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cell apoptosis ratio in LITONG groups ( 300 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg ) compared with those in model group(P<0.05). In addition, the number of foam cells in rat aortic wall and the extent of elastic fiber damage reduced significantly in high-and low-dose groups of LITONG compare with those in model group. CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that LITONG has satisfactory pharmacologic effects on atherosclerosis and can improve elastic fiber damage of rats.

Key words: LITONG, Atherosclerosis, Rat