Folic acid reduces monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expession in aorta of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia

AIM: To investigate the effects of folic acid on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in aorta of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia induced by ingestion of execess methionine (Met). METHODS: Thirty male SD rats ［(200±20） g］ were divided into 3 groups (n=10 for each group): control group (fed with normal diet), high Met group (fed with normal diet enriched by 1.7% Met) and Met plus folate group (fed with normal diet plus 1.7% Met and 0.006% folate). The animals were fed with different regiments for 45 days. Levels of total plasma homocysteine (Hcy) were detected. The expression of MCP-1 protein in aorta was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: The high-methionine diet resulted in a significant increase in plasma Hcy levels (P<0.01). Serum Hcy levels were significantly lower in rats fed with high-methionine plus folate-rich diet than that in rats fed with high-methionine diet (P<0.01). The expression of MCP-1 were higher in aorta of rats fed with high-methionine diet than those in control rats (46.41±4.23 vs 15.73±2.74, P<0.05). The expression of MCP-1 was significantly reduced in aorta of rats fed with high-methionine plus folate-rich diet compared with rats fed with high-methionine diet (23.12±4.40 vs 46.41±4.23, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High methionine diet for 45 days is sufficient to induce hyperhomocysteinemia. Folate supplementation to the rats fed with the high-methenine diet prevents elevation of Hcy levels in blood, and reduces the expression of MCP-1 in aorta of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia.