Role of free hemoglobin and its receptor CD163 in the rat atherosclerosis formation

AIM: To investigate the influence of free hemoglobin on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and the role of CD163 in this process.METHODS: Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (group C),atherosclerosis group (group A),atherosclerosis and hemolysis group (group P).The hemolysis and atherosclerosis animal model was established.The free hemoglobin（FHb） and MDA levels in plasma,(RAAPIs) and intima area/midmembrane area (I/M) of each group were measured.The expressions of CD163 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in atherosclerosis plaques in group A and P were detected and measured by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.RESULTS: Compared with group C,the FHb,MDA,CD163 and HO-1 in group A and group P increased significantly (P<0.05).Compared with group A,the RAAPIs,FHb,MDA,CD163 and HO-1 in group P increased significantly (P<0.01),while the I/M had no significant difference (P>0.05).The FHb level in plasma and the expressions of CD163 and HO-1 in atherosclerotic plaques correlated with each other (r=0.526，r=0.498，r=0.653；P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Free hemoglobin promoted the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis through facilitating lipid peroxidation,and upregulating the expressions of CD163 and HO-1.