Anti-atherosclerotic potential of baicalin mediated by promoting cholesterol efflux from macrophages via the PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1/ABCG1 pathway.

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is associated with severe cardiovascular disease. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and lipid regulating properties of baicalin suggest potential as an anti-atherosclerotic agent. We therefore investigated whether baicalin can protect against the development of atherosclerosis in an AS rabbit model and explored the underling mechanisms in THP-1 macrophages.