Influence of the use of statin on the stability of erythrocyte membranes in multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) probably occurs by oxidative, inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms. This study investigated the influence of statin on the stability of erythrocyte membranes in MS patients. The population was composed of one group with simvastatin therapy (20 mg/day), another group without statin therapy and a healthy control group. The stability of erythrocytes was evaluated by the half-transition points, H(50) and D(50), obtained from the curves of hemolysis induced by hypotonic shock and ethanol action, respectively. Erythrocytes of MS patients were less stable against lysis by both chaotropes. This behavior may be merely a consequence of the lifestyle of MS patients or it may be intrinsically associated with the conjunct of factors responsible for the development of the disease. The use of statin by MS patients was associated with lower levels of LDL and total cholesterol, as expected, and with higher stability of erythrocytes against ethanol compared to the values of untreated MS patients.
Instituto de Genética e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
Mariana Vaini
MV
de Freitas
Marcela Ramos
MR
de Oliveira
Diogo Fernandes
DF
dos Santos
Rita
R
de Cássia Mascarenhas Netto
Sheila Bernardino
SB
Fenelon
Nilson
N
Penha-Silva
D000328:Adult; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000494:pharmacology; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000187:drug effects*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000431:Ethanol; D019821:Simvastatin