title: Induction of macrophage elastase (MMP-12) gene expression by statins.
abstract: The statins (including mevastatin and lovastatin) are a widely prescribed class of serum-cholesterol lowering drugs that function by inhibiting 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase activity and cellular sterol synthesis. Statins are also widely being appreciated for their inhibitory effects upon inflammation, primarily mediated through direct regulation of inflammatory gene expression. Here we report that statins are also capable of increasing the expression of macrophage elastase (MMP-12). The induction of MMP-12 in mouse macrophages by statins is specific for HMG CoA reductase inhibition, rescued by mevalonate and not observed after inhibition of subsequent steps in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. Modulation of cholesterol metabolism may lead to changes in MMP-12 expression and subsequent impacts during physiological and pathophysiological states. We conclude that statins, in addition to their previously described anti-inflammatory properties, may promote the production of some proteinases from activated macrophages.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Meltem C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Arikan
authors.forename: Steven D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Mariani
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases / Q000378:metabolism; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008148:Lovastatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017737:Macrophages, Peritoneal / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D053508:Matrix Metalloproteinase 12; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; C012258:mevastatin; D008148:Lovastatin; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D053508:Matrix Metalloproteinase 12