Atherosclerosis is caused by various factors, and Glabridin may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Glabridin on atherosclerosis and evaluate whether Glabridin attenuates arteriosclerosis and endothelial permeability by suppressing the myosin light chain (MLC) kinase (MLCK)/phosphorylated (p)-MLC system via the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: The control group was administered an ordinary diet, whereas the high fat group and the Glabridin (2 mg/kg/d) intervention group were administered a high fat diet. Following 12 weeks, the blood lipid levels of rabbits, the morphological structure of the arterial wall, the arterial intimal permeability, the endothelial function and the mRNA levels of MLCK were measured. Western blot analysis was used to detect the levels of MLCK, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), and p-p38. The high-fat diet group exhibited significantly increased total cholesterol and triglycerides, and endothelial dysfunction, which were attenuated by Glabridin treatment. Notably, the aortic endothelial permeability was increased in the high-fat diet group but was ameliorated in the Glabridin treatment group. Hyperlipidemia enhanced the expression of p-MLC and MLCK, which were associated with the increased phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK. These changes were also ameliorated by Glabridin. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that atherosclerosis may be associated with upregulated MLCK expression and activity, which was downregulated by Glabridin. The mechanism of action of Glabridin was thought to proceed through modulating MAPK pathway signal transduction. However, further studies are required to adequately illuminate the exact regulatory mechanisms involved.

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