Abstract:Objective: To investigate the mechanism by which Fuling Xingren Gancao Decoction stabilizes vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.Methods: A mouse model of atherosclerosis and a smooth muscle cell lipid accumulation model were established. Histopathological changes in mouse tissues were examined using HE, Sirius Red, and immunofluorescence staining. Lipid deposition in mice and cells was assessed using Oil Red O staining. The expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1 mRNA, and DGAT2 in mice and cells were measured by real-time PCR and Western Blotting.Results: Animal experiments demonstrated that Fuling Xingren Gancao Decoction increased the content of α-SMA and collagen in plaques, reduced the levels of MMP2 and DGAT2, and decreased lipid deposition. Cell experiments revealed that Fuling Xingren Gancao Decoction lowered DGAT2 expression and lipid accumulation, while promoting the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1.Conclusion: Fuling Xingren Gancao Decoction stabilizes vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques by reducing lipid accumulation through the regulation of DGAT2 expression.