Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi (FTZ) suppression of macrophage pyroptosis: Key to stabilizing rupture-prone plaques

Research on the Chinese herbal formula Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi (FTZ) has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating hyperlipidemia and glycolipid metabolic disorders. Additionally, FTZ has shown inhibitory effects on oxidative stress, regulation of lipid metabolism, and reduction of inflammation in these conditions. However, the precise mechanisms through which FTZ modulates macrophage function in atherosclerosis remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether FTZ can effectively stabilize rupture-prone plaques by suppressing macrophage pyroptosis and impeding the development of M1 macrophage polarization in ApoE−/− mice. To assess the impact of FTZ on macrophage function and atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice, we orally administered FTZ at a dosage of 1.2 g/kg body weight daily for 14 weeks. Levels of interleukin-18 and interleukin-1β were quantified using ELISA kits to gauge FTZ's influence on inflammation. Total cholesterol content was measured with a Cholesterol Assay Kit to evaluate FTZ's effect on lipid metabolism. Aortic tissues were stained with Oil Red O, and immunohistochemistry techniques were applied to assess atherosclerotic lesions and plaque stability. To evaluate the effects of FTZ on macrophage pyroptosis and oxidative damage, immunofluorescence staining was utilized. Additionally, we conducted an analysis of protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes and macrophage polarization-related genes using RT-PCR and western blotting techniques. This study illustrates the potential therapeutic effectiveness of FTZ in mitigating the severity of atherosclerosis and improving serum lipid profiles by inhibiting inflammation. The observed enhancements in atherosclerosis severity and inflammation can be attributed to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity and M1 polarization by FTZ. The current findings indicate that FTZ provides protection against atherosclerosis, positioning it as a promising candidate for novel therapies targeting atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases. [Display omitted] •NLRP3 emerges as a potential target for FTZ in combating atherosclerosis.•FTZ crucially regulates the polarization of M1 macrophages and stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE−/− mice.•FTZ curtails inflammation by blocking mitochondrial oxidative injuries and macrophage pyroptosis in macrophages.