Astragali Radix-Coptis Rhizoma Herb Pair Attenuates Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice by Regulating the M1/M2 and Th1/Th2 Immune Balance and Activating the STAT6 Signaling Pathway

Figure 2

The ARCR herb pair significantly increased AS plaque stability in atherosclerotic ApoE-/- mice. (a) Oil red O staining of lipids, immunohistochemical staining of MOMA-2 (macrophage marker) and smooth muscle cells, and Sirius red staining of collagen. (b) Lipid area of oil red O staining. (c-d) Macrophages and smooth muscle cells were assessed using immunohistochemical staining. (e) Collagen of Sirius red staining. (f) Vulnerability index of plaque in corresponding groups calculated as (lipid deposit% + macrophages%)/(collagen fibers% + smooth muscle cells%). (g) ELISA for the expression of MMP-9. The data are presented as the means ± SD, n = 10. , vs. the control group; , vs. the model group; , vs. ARCR group; vs. Simva group. (n = 6, scale bars: 50 μm).

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