Objective: To observe the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract(GSPE) on matrix
metalloproteinase in experimental
atherosclerosis rabbits and explore its mechanism.Methods: Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were randomized into three groups with 8 in each.The normal control group were fed with standard diet.The model group were fed with standard diet containing 1% cholesterol.The GSPE group were fed with standard diet containing 1% grape seed proanthocyanidin plus 1% cholesterol.Blood samples were drawn from ear middle arteries of rabbits just before the experiment and at the 4th,the 8th and the 12th weekend of the experiment.All the rabbits were fasted for at least eight hours before the blood was drawn.The blood samples was analyzed for the matrix
metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9).All the rabbits were sacrificed at the 12th weekend,and the expression of MMP-9 was observed in the thoracic aortic tissue using immunohistochemistry technique.Results: The severity of
atherosclerosis in GSPE group was less than that in model group.GSPE lowered the expression of MMP-9 of aortas in model group and the levels of serum MMP-9(1.06±0.24 vs 1.33±0.29,P<0.05).Conclusion: GSPE has the efficacy of anti-atherogenesis,which is associated with its reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase.