Metformin enhances nitric oxide production and diminishes Rho kinase activity in rats with hyperlipidemia.

Background: Rho kinase over-activation is associated with nitric oxide (NO) reduction and atherosclerosis. Metformin is favorable for endothelial function improvement and cardiovascular outcomes. Whether cardio-protective effect of metformin is associated with Rho kinase activity is unknown.

Synergistic effects of colchicine combined with atorvastatin in rats with hyperlipidemia.

Background: Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction is implicated in the atherosclerosis initiation and progression in the setting of hyperlipidemia. Colchicine is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and whether colchicine combined with atorvastatin has synergistic effects on inflammation amelioration and endothelial function improvement is unknown.

Methods: Hyperlipidemic rat model was produced by high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 6 weeks.