The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of apelin (one of adipokine) or
losartan (angiotensin-1 receptor blocker) on atherosclerotic and inflammatory
markers in hypercholesterelemic rats treated with angiotensin II injection. Forty male
albino rats divided into two groups Control n=8 and high cholesterol diet group n =
32 which were further subdivided into 4 subgroups. Saline, AngII, AngII + losartan
and AngII + apelin for 4 weeks. At the end of experiments their plasma were used and
analyzed for lipid profiles, TNF-alpha, NO, CRP and SVCAM-1 where they showed
significant increase in lipid profiles in saline and Ang II group and significant
decrease after losartan or apelin treatment. TNF-alpha., CRP and SVCAM-1 were
significantly increased after saline and Ang II, while decreased significantly after
losartan or apelin. The level of NO was significantly decreased in saline and Ang II
group and significantly increased after losartan or apelin. The present study indicates
that apelin exerts an antiatherogenic effect and counteracts the effect of Ang II like
losartan via inhibiting the atherogenic and inflammatory markers in
hypercholesterelemic rats.