Pharmacodynamic study and core mechanism exploration of JZHB based on transcriptomics analysis

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a key factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD), greatly increasing global death and illness rates. Jiangzhihuaban decoction (JZHB) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula with good anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects on patients with atherosclerosis. However, the potential mechanism and target of Jiangzhihuaban decoction remain unclear. Methods: In this study, an animal model of AS was constructed by inducing APOE-/- mice with high-fat chow, and JZHB was administered for 8 weeks, and molecular biology detection techniques combined with transcriptomics analysis were applied to explore the pharmacodynamic basis and the core molecular mechanism of JZHB's pharmacodynamic effects. Results: Animal studies indicate that JZHB reduces AS plaque area, lowers inflammation, and enhances plaque stability. Transcriptomics studies revealed that JZHB treatment of AS was closely associated with its improvement of hepatic cholesterol reverse transport pathway and hepatic inflammation level in AS mice, and its analyses were experimentally verified. Conclusion: This study showed JZHB's effectiveness in improving atherosclerosis by improving the hepatic cholesterol reverse transport pathway and reducing hepatic inflammation in AS mice.