Evaluation the effect of Boron on histopathological changes of atherosclerotic plaque in aortic arch and lipid profiles in New Zealand hyperlipidemic male rabbits

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of death in the world. Atherosclerosis, as a common form of cardiovascular disease, tends to involve specific areas of the circulatory system. Boron has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with potential beneficial effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of Boron on histopathological changes of atherosclerotic plaque and lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Materials and Methods: Male rabbits in five groups; control, sham, hyperlipidemia, treatment 1 and treatment 2 group were fed with high fat diet (1% cholesterol). Treatment groups received Boron, 4 mg / kg, on 1th and 20th day of experiment. Animals’ weights were measured on days 1, 21 and 60. Plasma levels of Cholesterol -LDL-HDL-TG were measured by photometric method. After 60 days, Sudan IV staining method was used for macroscopic study. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson' s trichrome staining method were performed in consort with quantitative analysis.  Results: Animals in the control and sham groups, showed no significant change in serum lipid profile with no atherosclerotic plaque in aortic vessels. In hyperlipidemia group, significant alterations in lipid profile and presence of atheroma plaques were detected. In animals receiving Boron as protective agent, atheroma plaques were significantly lesser (p <0.05) which confessed by quantitative analysis.  Conclusion: Boron ameliorates the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Boron can be used alone or in combination with other drugs as anti-atherosclerotic treatment