[Effects of lovastatin combined with cyclosporine A on cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation, cytokines expression and cytotoxicity].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of lovastatin combined with cyclosporine A (CsA) on cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation, cytokines expression and cytotoxicity in vitro.


METHODS
The PBMC was isolated by using Ficoll-Hypague density gradient centrifugation method and its viability was evaluated with LDH-release assay. The effects of lovastatin combined with CsA on cultured PBMC proliferation and cytotoxicity were observed in 3H-TdR incorporation assay. The levels of supernatant IFN-gamma and IL-2 were quantitated respectively with RIA and ELISA-SPOT assay. The IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA expressions were determined by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Both lovastatin and CsA inhibited PBMC proliferation, expression of IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and NK cell cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Combination of the two drugs produced synergism.


CONCLUSIONS
Statins combined with cyclosporine A have a synergic effect and can delay the incidence and development of allograft rejection and prolong the graft life-span in animal models and clinical trials.
Li
C H
CH
Department of Nephrology, PUMC Hospital, CAMS, PUMC, Beijing 100730, China.
Li
X W
XW
Li
H
H
Duan
L
L
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008148:Lovastatin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016207:Cytokines; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D016572:Cyclosporine; D008148:Lovastatin