A selective NFkB inhibitor, DHMEQ, reduced atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice

Background and Purpose: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process, and anti-inflammatory agents potentially inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. We tested whether a novel NFkB inhibitor reduces atherosclerosis. Methods: Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (chloromethyl cellulose) was injected intraperitoneally into apoE-deficient mice three times a week for 16 weeks. The entire aorta was excised and atherosclerotic area was determined at 4 and 16 weeks. Serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-alpha and adiponectin were also measured. Results: The atherosclerotic area was significantly smaller in mice treated with dehydroxymethyl-epoxyquinomicin both at 4 and 16 weeks. There was no significant difference in body weight or serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and adiponectin. Conclusions: A new NFkB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin, reduced atherosclerosis without affecting plasma lipid levels in apoE-deficient mice.