Effects of atorvastatin and ezetimibe on CD147, HIF-1, MMP-2 and VEGF in carotid atherosclerotic plaque under the guidance of IVUS

Atherosclerosis (AS), as the main pathophysiological basis of coronary heart disease, can develop into carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) through intimal inflammation, necrosis, fibrosis and calcification. However, there are few reports on the clinical drug selection of CAP. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of atorvastatin and ezetimibe on CD147, HIF-1, MMP-2 and VEGF in CAP under the guidance of IVUS, so as to provide basis for CAP of the best drug. 32 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into the control group, the model group, the atorvastatin group and the ezetimibe group randomly. The levels of serum LDL-C and MMP-2 have a significant decrease in atorvastatin group and ezetimibe group (P<0.05). The level of serum CD147 has a significant decrease in ezetimibe group (P<0.05). The average OD value of HIF-1 in atorvastatin group decreased significantly (P<0.05). The relative expression of CD147 and VEGF decreased significantly in atorvastatin group (P<0.05). There were different degrees of fibrous plaque and lipid plaque in model group, atorvastatin group and ezetimibe group. There exists a significant decline of CD147, HIF-1, MMP-2 and VEGF by atorvastatin in plaque, but the effect of ezetimibe is not obvious.