Objective:To detect the effect of parthenolide(PN)on intimal hyperplasia and the underlying mechanism. Methods:The inflammatory model of intimal hyperplasia was established by a combination of balloon injury and high-fat diet. After one week of high-fat feeding

30 rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups. Control groups:rabbits got 0.9% normal saline(NS

n=5)or 4% DMSO(n=5)after sham operation. Model groups:rabbits got equal volume of 0.9% NS(n=5)or 4% DMSO(n=5)after balloon injury. PN groups(PN dissolved in 4% DMSO):rabbits immediately injected with PN(dissolved in 4%DMSO)at 1 mg/(kg·d)(low)or2 mg/(kg·d)(high) after balloon injury. Four weeks later

the thicknesses of intima

the expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)

interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected. Results:Compared with those of control groups

the thickness of intima

the amount of NF-κB

IL-6and TNF-α in model groups were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with those of high dose group

the thickness of intima

the amount of NF-κB

IL-6 and TNF-α in model groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Conclusion:PN suppresses intimal hyperplasia by inhibiting the expressions of NF-κB

IL-6 and TNF-α.