Atorvastatin and simvastatin decrease the uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein by human monocytes.
Several lines of evidence indicate that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors exert anti-atherogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we determined the effect of members of the above classes of drugs on the uptake of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by U937 cells (human monocytic cell line), a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis. U937 cells were treated with drugs and subsequently the uptake of fluorescent acetylated LDL was assessed by flow cytometry. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, atorvastatin and simvastatin (1-30 mumol/l), but not calcium channel blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, inhibited the uptake of modified LDL by monocytes. Therefore, atorvastatin and simvastatin may slow down the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the formation of foam cells.
Tavridou
Anna
A
Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Manolopoulos
Vangelis G
VG
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020298:U937 Cells
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D011758:Pyrroles; C032629:acetyl-LDL; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D019821:Simvastatin