AimTo investigate effects of pioglitazone on the expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1（LOX-1） and Bax, Bcl-2 in aorta of hyperlipidemia rats, and also to study the possible mechanism of pioglitazone, the effects of LOX-1 on pioglitazone regulating Bax, Bcl-2 expression.Methods26 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (n=9) and high-fat diets group (n=17).High-fat diets group raised for 12 weeks were randomly divided into model group (n=8) and pioglitazone treated group (n=9).After 4 weeks, serum lipid level of all rats was measured, HE staining was used to observe aortic pathological changes.LOX-1 and apoptosis protein of Bax, Bcl-2 in the aorta were analyzed by immunohistochemical method.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, the serum lipid level was significantly higher in high-fat diets group (p<0.01). Intervention with pioglitazone for 4 weeks, compared with modle group, serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) was decreased (p<0.01), and aortal endothelial tissue was intact, proliferation of smooth muscle cells were few in pioglitazone treated group.Compared with control group, the expression of LOX-1 and Bax protein in aorta were significantly increased (p<0.01), the Bcl-2 protein and ra-tio of Bcl-2/Bax was markedly decreased in model group (p<0.01).On the other hand, compared with model group, the expression of LOX-1 and Bax protein were lower, the Bcl-2 protein and ratio of Bcl-2/Bax were prominently higher in the pioglitazone treated group.ConclusionsHigh-fat diets have an effect on expression of LOX-1 and apoptosis protein Bax and Bcl-2 in aorta, while pioglitazone can regulate the expression of LOX-1 and apoptosis protein, protecting endothelial from damage and apoptosis, improving the process of atherosclerotic pathological formation.