Rho-dependent inhibition of the induction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) by HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)

It was supposed that inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase (statins) might inhibit the expression of the fibrosis-related factor CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) by interfering with the isoprenylation of Rho proteins. The human renal fibroblast cell line TK173 was used as an in vitro model system to study the statin-mediated modulation of the structure of the actin cytoskeleton and of the expression of CTGF mRNA. Incubation of the cells with simvastatin or lovastatin time-dependently and reversibly changed cell morphology and the actin cytoskeleton with maximal effects observed after about 18 h. Within the same time period, statins reduced the basal expression of CTGF and interfered with CTGF induction by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or transforming growth factor beta. Simvastatin and lovastatin proved to be much more potent than pravastatin (IC(50) 1 - 3 microM compared to 500 microM). The inhibition of CTGF expression was prevented when the cells were incubated with mevalonate or geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP) but not by farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP). Specific inhibition of geranylgeranyltransferase-I by GTI-286 inhibited LPA-mediated CTGF expression whereas an inhibitor of farnesyltransferases FTI-276 was ineffective. Simvastatin reduced the binding of the small GTPase RhoA to cellular membranes. The effect was prevented by mevalonate and GGPP, but not FPP. These data are in agreement with the hypothesis that interference of statins with the expression of CTGF mRNA is primarily due to interference with the isoprenylation of RhoA, in line with previous studies, which have shown that RhoA is an essential mediator of CTGF induction. The direct interference of statins with the synthesis of CTGF, a protein functionally related to the development of fibrosis, may thus be a novel mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of statins observed in renal diseases.     

Inhibitory effect of simvastatin on the TNF-α- and angiotensin II-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells is mediated through the suppression of geranylgeranyl isoprenoid-dependent ROS generation

Vascular endothelial cell activation by cytokines and other pro-inflammatory mediators is an initial event in atherosclerosis and in other vascular diseases. Simvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, suppressed both tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-and angiotensin (Ang) II-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells (an initial step in vascular inflammation) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin, both NADPH oxidase inhibitors, also suppressed TNF-α-induced ROS and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, demonstrating that TNF-α-induced monocyte adhesion is mediated through ROS produced by NADPH oxidase activation. Furthermore, exogenously applied mevalonate or geranylgeranylpyrophosphate in combination with simvastatin completely prevented the inhibitory effects of simvastatin on ROS generation and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion by TNF-α and Ang II. These results suggest that monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells induced by TNF-α or Ang II is mediated via the geranylgeranyl isoprenoid-dependent generation of ROS, and that this is inhibited by simvastatin. The first two authors equally contributed to this work.     

Simvastatin disrupts cytoskeleton and decreases cardiac fibroblast adhesion, migration and viability

Statins reduce the isoprenoids farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, essential intermediates, which control a diversity of cellular events such as cytoskeleton integrity, adhesion, migration and viability. Cardiac fibroblasts are the major non-myocyte cell constituent in the normal heart, and play a key role in the maintenance of extracellular matrix. The effects of simvastatin on cardiac fibroblast processes previously mentioned remain unknown. Our aims were to investigate the effects of simvastatin on cytoskeleton structure and focal adhesion complex assembly and their relationships with cell adhesion, migration and viability in cultured cardiac fibroblasts. To this end, cells were treated with simvastatin for 24 h and changes in actin cytoskeleton, levels of vimentin and paxillin as well as their subcellular localization were analyzed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Cell adhesion to plastic or collagen coated dishes, migration in Transwell chambers, and cell viability were analyzed after simvastatin treatment. Our results show that simvastatin disrupts actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion complex evaluated by phalloidin stain and immunocytochemistry for paxillin and vinculin. All these effects occurred by a cholesterol synthesis-independent mechanism. Simvastatin decreased cell adhesion, migration and viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, simvastatin decreased angiotensin II-induced phospho-paxillin levels and cell adhesion. We concluded that simvastatin disrupts cytoskeleton integrity and focal adhesion complex assembly in cultured cardiac fibroblasts by a cholesterol-independent mechanism and consequently decreases cell migration, adhesion and viability.     

辛伐他汀抑制白细胞介素-18诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞Fractalkine表达和黏附作用

目的观察辛伐他汀(simvastatin)对白细胞介素-18(interleukine-18,IL-18)诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)上调表达Fractalkine(FKN)的影响以及对FKN黏附作用的干预效应。方法应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测HEUVCs FKN的表达;应用Flowchamber观察FKN介导的HUVECs与单核细胞THP-1的黏附。结果IL-18可诱导FKN mRNA表达增加,FKN表达上调可明显增加对单核细胞THP-1的黏附作用(P<0.01);PDTC能够抑制FKN表达及细胞黏附(P<0.01);辛伐他汀能够抑制FKN mRNA表达(P<0.01),100μmol·L-1辛伐他汀可抑制细胞黏附(P<0.01)。结论辛伐他汀能够抑制FKN的表达以及FKN介导的黏附作用。     

Incadronate and etidronate accelerate phosphate-primed mineralization of MC4 cells via ERK1/2-Cbfa1 signaling pathway in a Ras-independent manner: further involvement of mevalonate-pathway blockade for incadronate.

Two types of bisphosphonates (BPs), incadronate (INC) and etidronate (ETI) accelerated phosphate (Pi)-primed mineralization of MC4 cells in a subnanomolar dose range. Intracellular signaling pathways involved were examined. 1) The effect of INC but not ETI was partially suppressed by two mevalonate (MVA) pathway metabolites, farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP). 2) The BP-like accelerating effect was produced by statins and also by Toxin B, a Rho GTPases-specific inhibitor. 3) INC induced Cbfa1-nuclear localization within hours; and in an in vivo experiment using ovariectomized mice, its 3 weeks dosing exhibited the same effect in tibial extracts. 4) BPs promoted luciferase expression in murine p1.3-osteocalcin gene 2-luc and p6-osteoblast specific element 2-luc transfected cells, just as MVA, FPP and GGPP did independently and additively to INC. 5) BPs activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) in a Ras-independent manner within 5 min, and Pi was found to sensitize MC4 cells to BPs. MVA and its metabolites also activated ERKs but in a Ras-dependent manner and additively to INC. Ras dependency was determined using N17Ras-transfected cells. A MEK (MAP kinase-ERK kinase)-specific inhibitor PD98059 alone partly and with FPP completely blocked INC-induced mineralization. The results suggest that BPs act on Pi-sensitized MC4 cells to accelerate mineralization via nonRas-MEK-ERK1/2-Cbfa1 transactivation pathway and INC additionally acts by inhibiting the MVA pathway.     

辛伐他汀对CD40L介导的ECV-304细胞E选择素表达及粘附功能的影响

目的研究在人脐静脉内皮细胞中3-羟-3-甲基戊二酰辅酶A(HMG-CoA)还原酶对CD40/CD40L系统介导的粘附分子表达的影响,及对淋巴细胞与内皮细胞的粘附功能的影响。方法采用人脐静脉内皮细胞株ECV-304,CD40L干预,使之与其表面的CD40作用,用不同浓度辛伐他汀或辛伐他汀(5μmol.L-1)+甲羟戊酸干预,流式细胞术和RT-PCR检测干预前后E选择素(E-Selectin)的表达,流式细胞术检测CD40L介导的淋巴细胞与内皮细胞的粘附功能。结果不同浓度辛伐他汀可下调CD40L介导的E-Selectin的表达,并呈一定的剂量依赖性。甲羟戊酸(400μmol.L-1)抑制了辛伐他汀(5μmol.L-1)对E-Selectin表达的下调作用。辛伐他汀可降低CD40L介导的淋巴细胞与内皮细胞的粘附功能。结论他汀类药物的抗炎作用与抑制CD40-CD40L系统有关,其机制是通过抑制HMG-CoA还原酶而发挥作用的。     

Arginine or citrulline associated with a statin stimulates nitric oxide production in bovine aortic endothelial cells

Nitric oxide (NO) is an antiatherogenic vasodilator synthesized from arginine and, indirectly, from citrulline through argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL). Hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis is usually treated by statins, which decrease cholesterolemia and increase endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity. Therefore, a treatment associating a statin with arginine or citrulline could be more efficient than statin alone. The aim of this study was to optimize NO production in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) by a combination of simvastatin with arginine or citrulline and to identify the molecular mechanisms involved. NO production was measured after stimulation of BAEC in different conditions (simvastatin 0 to 10 μM associated with arginine or citrulline 0 to 5 mM) after 24-hour incubation. Intracellular levels of specific proteins were evaluated by Western-Blot analysis, and mRNA levels of eNOS, iNOS, caveolin-1, ASS and ASL were assessed by RT-PCR. Simvastatin co-administrated with arginine or citrulline increased NO production, but at simvastatin 10 μM, 1 mM arginine-induced NO production was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than 1 mM citrulline-induced NO production. Simvastatin induced an increase in eNOS mRNA expression and protein levels in the presence of arginine or citrulline. ASS and ASL mRNA levels were increased by simvastatin, whereas a high substrate concentration (1 mM) strongly decreased ASL mRNA levels. Combining statin with arginine or citrulline increased NO production in endothelial cells by increasing eNOS protein levels. These results form a strong rationale to evaluate the potential utilization of these in atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.     

Statins blunt thrombin-induced down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in human endothelial cells

Thrombin plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes by mediating thrombus formation and endothelium-dependent vasomotor dysfunction. In human endothelial cells, prolonged incubation with thrombin down-regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression via activation of Rho. Statins are effective in patients with acute coronary syndromes. These beneficial effects are attributed to their pleiotropic effects and also to an improved lipid profile. We hypothesized that statins may prevent the down-regulation of eNOS induced by thrombin in human endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used. Expression and activity of eNOS protein were evaluated by Western blotting and L-citrulline assay, respectively. Rho A membrane translocation was evaluated by Wesern blotting after fractionation. Stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with thrombin (4 U/mL, 24 h) significantly decreased eNOS expression. The addition of simvastatin significantly prevented thrombin-induced down-regulation of eNOS expression in a concentration-dependent manner (100 nmol/L to 10 micromol/L). Cerivastatin (10 micromol/L) also reversed the down-regulation of eNOS by thrombin. Both simvastatin and cerivastatin-blocked thrombin-induced decrease in NOS activity. Stimulation with thrombin (4 U/mL, 10 min) significantly increased the membrane translocation of Rho A. Simvastatin (10 micromol/L) and cerivastatin (10 micromol/L) significantly decreased thrombin-induced membrane translocation of Rho A. Therefore, statins blunt thrombin-induced down-regulation of eNOS expression in human endothelial cells. This finding provides a novel mechanism of the pleiotropic effects of statins, which may be beneficial for patients with acute coronary syndromes.     

Simvastatin stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor production by hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha upregulation in endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor and plays an important pathophysiological role in the maintenance of tissue structure as well as regeneration after ischemic injury. Three-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors reduce vascular inflammation and induce angiogenesis. This study examined whether simvastatin stimulates VEGF expression in endothelial cells as well as the nature of its underlying mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: Simvastatin induced mRNA expression and protein secretion of VEGF in endothelial cells that were reversed by pretreatment with mevalonate and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate but not by farnesylpyrophosphate. Adenovirus-mediated expression of the dominant-negative mutant of RhoA induced VEGF mRNA and protein. Simvastatin increased hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) protein level without changing its mRNA expression. Inhibition of RhoA had similar effects to simvastatin on VEGF expression. Inhibition of RhoA caused the translocation of HIF-1alpha to the nuclear fraction. Depletion of HIF-1alpha by RNA interference blocked simvastatin-induced VEGF mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin stimulates VEGF expression by RhoA downregulation and HIF-1alpha upregulation in endothelial cells. These data indicate a novel role for RhoA as a negative regulator of HIF-1alpha.     

血管内皮细胞活性化合物对同型半胱氨酸致内皮细胞损伤的保护作用

目的观察同型半胱氨酸(homocyste ine,HCY)对培养的牛主动脉内皮细胞单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)、细胞间粘附分子-1(ICAM-1)、血管细胞粘附分子-1(VCAM-1)mRNA表达水平的影响,并观察槟榔碱、PPVP、DMHPPP、辛伐他汀的干预作用,探讨它们在动脉粥样硬化中的作用机制。方法通过RT-PCR技术,以β2-微球蛋白为内参照检测内皮细胞与不同浓度HCY作用不同时间后,以及用槟榔碱、PPVP、DMHPPP、辛伐他汀预孵育20 h后再给予HCY时内皮细胞MCP-1、ICAM-1、VCAM-1 mRNA表达水平的变化。结果终浓度为0.1、0.5和5.0 mmol.L-1的HCY孵育牛主动脉内皮细胞6 h,以及以终浓度为0.1 mmol.L-1的HCY分别孵育3、6、12、24 h均可使MCP-1 mRNA、ICAM-1mRNA及VCAM-1 mRNA表达上调,且上调作用有浓度与时间依赖性。10μmol.L-1槟榔碱、PPVP、DMHPPP和辛伐他汀与牛主动脉内皮细胞孵育20 h,再给予终浓度为0.1 mmol.L-1的HCY孵育6 h后,与模型组相比,槟榔碱、PPVP和辛伐他汀均可抑制由HCY诱导的牛主动脉内皮细胞MCP-1、ICAM-1、VCAM-1 mRNA表达上调;DMHPPP可抑制MCP-1和VCAM-1 mRNA表达上调。结论HCY可诱导牛主动脉内皮细胞MCP-1,ICAM-1和VCAM-1 mRNA表达水平增加。槟榔碱、PPVP、DMHPPP和辛伐他汀可以减轻其过量表达。     

Simvastatin enhances the regeneration of endothelial cells via VEGF secretion in injured arteries

The search for a novel therapy for endothelial regenerating is an area of intensive investigation. Recent experimental and clinical evidence strongly suggests that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have several physiological effects independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction. We here report that the carotid arterial blood flow after endothelial injury in hamsters treated with simvastatin was restored, in contrast to the situation in nontreated hamsters. Histologic observations showed a prompt recovery of endothelial cells with a much higher DNA synthesis index in repaired endothelium of hamsters treated with simvastatin. The amount of secreted vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) by cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from hamsters treated with simvastatin was significantly increased. Mevalonate reduced the amount of VEGF secretion by simvastatin in vitro. Finally, an injection of either an anti-VEGF antibody or an anti-VEGF receptor-1 (Flt-1) antibody, but not anti-VEGF receptor-2 (Flk-1), reduced the prompt endothelial healing. Simvastatin regulates endothelial regenerating by an over-release of VEGF and by this may result in prompt endothelial healing after vascular injury. Our results provide new insights into the role of statin and VEGF in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases.     

Effect of simvastatin on endothelium-dependent vaso-relaxation and endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor

AIM: To investigate the effect of simvastatin on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and endogenous nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in rats and cultured ECV304 cells. METHODS: Endothe-lial injury was induced by a single injection of low density lipoprotein (LDL) (4 mg/kg, 48 h) in rats or incubation with LDL (300 mg/L) or oxidative-modified LDL (100 mg/L) in cultured ECV304 cells, and vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) in the aortic rings and the level of ADMA, nitrite/nitrate (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the serum or cultured medium were determined. And the adhesion of the monocytes to endothe-lial cells and the activity of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) in the cultured ECV304 cells were measured. RESULTS: A single injection of LDL decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation to ACh, markedly increased the serum level of endogenous ADMA and TNF-α, and reduced serum level of NO. Pretreatment with simvastatin (30 or 60 mg/kg) markedly attenuated inhibition of vasodilator responses to ACh, the increased level of TNF-α and the decreased level of NO by LDL, but no effect on serum concentration of endogenous ADMA. In cultured ECV304 cells, LDL or ox-LDL markedly increased the level of ADMA and TNF-α and potentiated the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, concomitantly with a significantly decrease in the activity of DDAH and serum level of NO. Pretreatment with simvastatin (0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 μmol/L) markedly decreased the level of TNF-α and the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, but did not affect the concentration of endogenous ADMA and the activity of DDAH. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin protect the vascular endothelium against the damages induced by LDL or ox-LDL in rats or cultured ECV304 cells, and the beneficial effects of simvastatin may be related to the reduction of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α level.     

Simvastatin inhibits noradrenaline-induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

1. Oxidative mechanisms have been implicated in neonatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We and others have shown that a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor preserves endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibits cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. We therefore have examined whether noradrenaline (NA) induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during its induction of neonatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and whether simvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, attenuates ROS production and thus NA-induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes. 2. NA increased the intracellular ROS levels in a concentration-dependent manner. This increase of ROS was significantly inhibited by simvastatin and catalase. Prazosin partially suppressed NA-induced increase of ROS and beating, while preincubation with both prazosin and propranolol completely abolished NA-evoked increase of ROS and beating. Simvastatin did not affect NA-induced increase of beating. 3. The NA-induced increase of protein content was partially suppressed by prazosin and completely abolished by preincubation with both prazosin and propranolol. Simvastatin inhibited the increase of NA-induced increase of RNA content and [(3)H]-leucine incorporation in a concentration-dependent manner. Mevalonic acid (MVA) reversed the inhibition of NA-induced RNA and protein increase by simvastatin. Catalase also inhibited the NA-induced increase of RNA and protein. 4. We conclude that the inhibitory effects of simvastatin on myocyte hypertrophy were associated with its antioxidant effects and inhibition of MVA-metabolism pathway in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. NA-induced increases of intracellular ROS and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy requires both alpha and beta adrenoceptors activation in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The increases of ROS induced by NA is required for hypertrophy.     

磷酸二酯酶3型抑制剂西洛他唑对TNF-α诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞释放可溶性粘附分子的影响

目的研究新型磷酸二酯酶3型抑制剂西洛他唑(cilostazol)对TNF-α诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)释放可溶性细胞粘附分子(sCAMs)的影响,并探讨其作用机制.方法体外培养第4～6代HUVECs,以TNF-α (10 μg*L-1)刺激细胞,并与西洛他唑(1～10 μmol*L-1)共培养 24 h,取培养上清,通过ELISA法测定可溶性血管细胞粘附分子-1(sVCAM-1)、细胞间粘附分子-1(sICAM-1)以及E-选择素(sELAM-1, sE-selectin),并以四唑蓝(MTT)法考察细胞生长状态.结果1～10 μmol*L-1的西洛他唑对TNF-α诱导的HUVECs释放sICAM-1和sE-selectin无明显影响,但显著抑制sVCAM-1的生成,并且该作用被一种非选择性一氧化氮合成酶(NOS)抑制剂Lω-NAME(0.1 μmol*L-1)所阻断.MTT法测定结果显示,西洛他唑作用于HUVECs 24 h,低浓度(1 μmol*L-1)可显著改善细胞生长状态;高浓度(30 μmol*L-1)表现为抑制,而中浓度(10 μmol*L-1)对细胞生长状态几乎无影响.结论西洛他唑显著抑制由TNF-α诱导的HUVECs释放sVCAM-1,该作用可能与激活NOS并通过NO依赖性通路介导有关,提示该药可在一定程度上对抗由细胞因子所引起的部分粘附反应,因此在动脉粥样硬化以及其它心血管疾病的治疗中具有潜在的应用价值.     

Simvastatin reduces lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocyte-derived macrophages through inhibition of the mevalonate-geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate-RhoA-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)), which is produced primarily by macrophages and is predominately found in the blood and in atherosclerotic plaques, represents a potentially promising target for combating atherosclerosis. Although statins are known to decrease the levels and activity of circulating and plaque Lp-PLA(2) during atherosclerosis, little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) by statins. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) by statins. Our results showed that treatment with simvastatin inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increases in Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity in human monocyte–derived macrophages in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These effects could be reversed by treatment with mevalonate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), but not by treatment with squalene or farnesyl pyrophosphate. Treatment with the Rho inhibitor C3 exoenzyme also inhibited LPS-induced increases in Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity, mimicking the effects of simvastatin. In addition, treatment with simvastatin blocked LPS-induced activation of RhoA, which could be abolished by treatment with GGPP. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 or Jun N-terminal kinase, suppressed LPS-induced increases in Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity, similar to the effects of simvastatin. Treatment of human monocyte–derived macrophages with either simvastatin or C3 exoenzyme prevented LPS-induced activation of p38 MAPK, which could be abolished by treatment with GGPP. Together, these results suggest that simvastatin reduces Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity in LPS-stimulated human monocyte–derived macrophages through the inhibition of the mevalonate–GGPP–RhoA-p38 MAPK pathway. These observations provide novel evidence that statins have pleiotropic effects and suggest that inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) via this mechanism may account, at least in part, for the clinical benefit of statins in combating atherosclerosis.     

The changes in the endothelial expression of cell adhesion molecules and iNOS in the vessel wall after the short-term administration of simvastatin in rabbit model of atherosclerosis

Cell adhesion molecules P-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. High levels of nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) have been associated with atherosclerotic processes. Simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor responsible for many clinical benefits. The aim of this study was to detect and quantify changes in endothelial expression of P-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and iNOS in the vessel wall after the shortterm administration of simvastatin in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Eighteen New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n=6). In the cholesterol group, rabbits consumed an atherogenic diet (0.4% cholesterol) for eight weeks. In the simvastatin group, rabbits consumed an atherogenic diet for six weeks and then consumed an atherogenic diet supplemented with simvastatin (10 mg kg(-1)) for two weeks. Biochemical analysis showed that administration of simvastatin led to an almost two-fold lowering of the total serum cholesterol, VLDL, LDL and HDL, but not triglycerides, compared with the cholesterol-fed rabbits only. Stereological analysis of the immunohistochemical staining revealed that administration of simvastatin (10 mg kg(-1) daily) in an atherogenic diet decreased the endothelial expression of P-selectin, ICAM-1 and iNOS in both aortic arch and carotid artery compared with the cholesterol fed-rabbits only. We conclude that simvastatin has beneficial effects on endothelial function by decreasing expression of P-selectin, ICAM-1 and iNOS in endothelial cells in the very early stages of atherogenesis.     

Aldosterone impairs vascular endothelial cell function

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that plays an important role in regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure and also participates in endothelial dysfunction. We evaluated the direct effect of aldosterone on human umbilical vein cells (HUVEC). Levels of eNOS phosphorylation by vascular endothelial growth factor were diminished, and the amount of NO produced in response to vascular endothelial growth factor measured as NO2+NO3 was significantly decreased in cells previously incubated with aldosterone. Incubation with aldosterone for 24 h dose-dependently increased Nox4 mRNA expression in HUVEC. Although NF-kappaB was not apparently activated by aldosterone, mRNA levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in HUVEC were significantly increased after incubation with aldosterone. Thus, aldosterone directly causes the dysregulation of endothelial cell function, which may be partly responsible for high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.