Chikusetsusaponin IV protects against atherosclerosis by downregulating the NF-κB/ COX-2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Objective: To investigate the anti-atherosclerosis effect of chikusetsusaponin IV (CSIV) against high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in rats. Methods: A high-fat diet was used for the induction of atherosclerosis in rats, and the rats received oral CSV or atorvastatin. The body weight, organ weights, food intake, calorie intake, lipid parameters, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)/mevalonate ratio, collagen, free fatty acid, cardiac parameters, apolipoprotein (A and B), antioxidant parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory parameters were assessed. The mRNA expressions of interleukin-1β ( IL- β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL -6, IL -17, PI3K , AKT , and mTOR were estimated. Results: CSV significantly modulated food intake, body weight, organ weight (liver, kidney, and heart), and calories ( P