Ezetimibe prevents myocardial remodeling in an obese rat model by inhibiting inflammation

Abstract

Inflammation plays an important role in obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ezetimibe on improvement of inflammation and myocardial remodeling in obese rats. A rat model of obesity was established and myocardial damage was examined by transmission electron microscopy and Masson staining. Twenty obese rats were divided into two groups (n=10): obese group and ezetimibe group. Ten SD rats were used as controls. Western blot was used to monitor the expression of P-p38MAPK, interleukin-6. Immunohistochemical staining was used to monitor the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.In obese group rats, we found increased inflammation factors and myocardial hypertrophy. In ezetimibe group, we found decreased expression of inflammation factors and improvement of myocardial remodeling compared to obese group. Mechanistically, we found that ezetimibe decreased P-p38MAPK, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in the hearts of obese rats. Taken together, these results indicate that ezetimibe may improve myocardial remodeling in obese rats by inhibiting inflammation.