Objective    To examine the effect of hyperlipemia on expression of Foxp3 gene in ApoE

-/-

mice.     Methods    Sixteen male ApoE

-/-

mice were randomly divided into control group and high fat diet group

8 in each group. Blood-lipid levels

plaque areas

and the number of Foxp3

+

CD4

+

CD25

+

regulatory T cells in different organ tissues were compared between the 2 groups. Transcription and expression levels of Foxp3 gene in tissues of

mice were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting

respectively.     Results    The blood-lipid level (2.8±0.2 mmol/L for TG

28.2±1.2 mmol/L for TC) was significantly higher

the plaque area was remarkably larger (25 044.32±4 920.42 μm

2

)

the number of Foxp3

+

CD4

+

CD25

+

regulatory T cells was significantly lesser

and the transcription and expression levels of Foxp3 gene were notably lower in different organ tissues

in high fat diet group than in control group (P0.05).     Conclusion    Hyperlipemia can inhibit the expression and function of Foxp3 gene in different immune organs

which may be one of the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis due to hyperlipemia.