Faculty Member Islamic Azad University- Tabriz Branch Tabriz, Azarbayjan-e Sharqi, Iran
Background: Atherosclerosis poses a severe threat to human health. Atherosclerosis result in plaque formation and plaque rupture leads to arterial thromboembolism, and macrophages play a crucial role in the progression.
Aims: In this study, we developed an experimental Intracorporeal electrohydraulic low- level focused shock wave therapy device, and investigated its effectiveness on foam cells reduction in the early stage atherosclerosis, in combination with intravascular sonosensitizer agent administration.
Methods: Briefly, New Zealand white rabbits underwent intravascular balloon injury at the right common carotid artery, before being fed a 1.5% cholesterol-rich diet. After two weeks, the histopathology results showed macrophages foam cells-rich early stage atherosclerosis formation. Then treatment group underwent sonodynamic therapy with Intracorporeal electrohydraulic low- level focused shock wave (V= 18 Kv, F= 0.4 Hz, Impulses= 120) therapy, accompanied by intravascular sonosensitizer agent emodin (50 mg/kg)- loaded PESDA (Perfluorocarbon- Exposed Sonicated Dextrose Albumin) microbubbles (100ml/kg, 2-5 ×105 bubbles/ml) administration, wherein diagnostic ultrasound is adjuncted with shock wave therapy system, with a goal of increased safety.
Results: B-mode ultrasonography and histopathology results showed a significant reduction in the mean value for immune cells, macrophage foam cells and wall mean thickness in the treatment group compared with the other groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusion(s): Enhanced anti- inflammatory effect of emodin, induced by shock wave- based sonodynamic therapy, accompanied by cytotoxic effect of free radicals- induced by collapsed bubbles, can cause to reduce the foam cells in the early stage atherosclerotic lesion and significantly reduce the intima- media thickness. Emodin-mediated focused shock wave sonodynamic therapy may be a potential treatment to attenuate early stage atherosclerosis.
