iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of the Protective Effect of Yinchenwuling Powder on Hyperlipidemic Rats

Yinchenwuling powder (YCL) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine formula to modulate lipid levels. In this study, we established hyperlipidemic rat models and treated them with YCL. The serum concentrations of lipid, malondialdehyde (MDA), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured. Adventitia-free vascular proteins between hyperlipidemic rats and YCL-treated rats were identified using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics research approach. Proteins with 1.3-fold difference were analyzed through bioinformatics, and proteomic results were verified by Western blot. The results showed that the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ET-1, and MDA were significantly decreased, whereas the HDL-C and CGRP levels were significantly increased in the YCL-treated group. Proteomics technology identified 4,382 proteins, and 15 proteins were selected on the basis of their expression levels and bioinformatics. Of these proteins, 2 (Adipoq and Gsta1) were upregulated and 13 (C3, C4, C6, Cfh, Cfp, C8g, C8b, Lgals1, Fndc1, Fgb, Fgg, Kng1, and ApoH) were downregulated in the YCL-treated rats. Their functions were related to immunity, inflammation, coagulation and hemostasis, oxidation and antioxidation, and lipidmetabolism and transport. The validated results of ApoH were consistent with the proteomics results. This study enhanced our understanding on the therapeutic effects and mechanism of YCL on hyperlipidemia.