Effect of L-arginine on myocardial vascular atherosclerosis in rabbits under high mountain environment

Abstract

The study assessed blood lipid metabolism indicators and myocardial vascular morphology in rabbits with atherosclerosis under long-term adaptation under high mountain environment against the background of L-arginine therapy and prophylaxis. The experiment was conducted on 30 rabbits divided into 5 groups. Using biochemical analyzers, changes in the concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low- and high-density lipoproteins were determined before and after atherosclerosis simulation; additionally, the effect of L-arginine on the dynamics of the lipid spectrum indicators under long-term adaptation to high mountain environment was assessed. The results were processed using SPSS 16.0 at a statistical significance level of p <0.05. Administration of L-arginine in rabbits with high cholesterol rate under long-term adaptation under high mountain environment resulted in a significant decrease in its content related to the initial increased level. Triglyceride level decreased after L-arginine therapy under adaptation to high mountain environment; however, an increase in the level of this lipid type was observed in animals receiving cholesterol simultaneously with L-arginine (prophylaxis). The therapy and prophylaxis with L-arginine resulted in a decrease in LDL level in animals with atherosclerosis under long-term adaptation to high mountain environment that may indicate the potential efficacy of the drug in the treatment of this condition.