Evaluation of the Effect of Boron on Histopathological Changes of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Aortic Arch and Lipid Profiles in Hyperlipidemic New Zealand Male Rabbits.

Background & Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the most important causes of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis, as a common form of cardiovascular disease, tends to involve specific areas of the circulatory system. Boron has antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties with potential beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of Boron on histopathological changes of atherosclerotic plaque and lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Materials & Methods: Male rabbits in five groups of control, sham, hyperlipidemia, treatment 1 and treatment 2 were fed on high fat diet (1% cholesterol). Treatment groups received Boron, 4 mg / kg, on the first and 20th days of experiment. Animals’ weights were measured on days 1, 21 and 60. Plasma levels of Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG were measured by photometric method. After 60 days, Sudan IV staining method was used for macroscopic study. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining method were performed for quantitative analysis. Results: Animals in the control and sham groups showed no significant change in serum lipid profile with no atherosclerotic plaque in aortic vessels. In the hyperlipidemia group, significant alterations in lipid profile and presence of atheroma plaques were detected. In animals receiving Boron as a protective agent, atheroma plaques were significantly less (p <0.05). This was confirmed by quantitative analysis. Conclusion: Boron ameliorates the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Boron can be used alone or in combination with other drugs as antiatherosclerotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]