EFFECT OF CUPROFILIN ON EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS

The effect of Cuprofilin, a newly synthesized C.(II)-chlorophyll compl ex, was assessed in rats with experimental atherosclerosis. The study was focused on changes in serum cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides concentration as well as on serum and abdominal aorta Cu and Zn value s. It has been ascertained that after 90 d in animals fed a rich lipid diet there was a statistically significant increase in serum choleste rol, triglycerides, and lipid concentration (p < 0.01). A significant augmentation of serum Cu values (p < 0.01) accompanied by a marked low ering of the same element in abdominal aorta (p < 0.01) was also found , as compared to the results registered in the control group. However, Cuprofilin, administered for 90 d in the group of animals with experi mental atherosclerosis, significantly decreased the serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum lipid values (p < 0.01), increased copper co ntent in aortic tissue (p < 0.01) and lowered serum copper concentrati on (p < 0.01) as compared to the untreated group. Moreover, in the aor ta of administered animals the lipid infiltration has been demonstrate d to be significantly diminished vs the untreated group.