ObjectiveTo investigate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) by detecting different expression genes between normal Wistar rats and rats with atherosclerosis through the technology of gene chip. MethodsThe rats were treated with standard diet with saline injection (control group) or high-cholesterol diet with vitamin D3 injection and balloon injury (model group). Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyeride (TG) in serum were detected 90 days later to ensure the success of establishment of the atherosclerosis model. Abdominal aorta was isolated and stained with HE. Total RNA was isolated from the aorta for gene chip analysis to explore the differential gene expression. ResultsCompared with the control group, the TC and TG level in the model group were highly advanced (P<0.05). AS model was confirmed by pathological observation. Gene chip detection showed that 511 genes were up-regulated and 1 219 ones were down-regulated which were interrelated with lipid metabolism, inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress and apoptosis as well. ConclusionThe expression change with multiple gene in AS suggests that the nosogenesis of AS is adjusted and controlled complicatedly. Intensive study of some important genes will contribute to the prevention and improvement of prognosis of AS.