Effect of atorvastatin on the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and its drug mechanism

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2018 Jul;31(4(Special)):1761-1766.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that statins can inhibit the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Many pharmacological actions of statins have nothing to do with their cholesterol lowering effects. These effects are called non lipid lowering cardiovascular protective effects. In this study, by establishing a high glucose induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis model, we explored the mechanism of the non lipid - related cardiovascular protective effect of atorvastatin. The results showed that atorvastatin could protect human umbilical vein endothelial cells from damage induced by new high glucose and inhibit apoptosis. High concentration atorvastatin can up regulate the expression of Bcl-2 and down regulate the expression of Bax protein (P<0.05). This suggests that statins may play a role in cardiovascular protection by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis. This result is confirmed by experiments, which can provide clues for clinical treatment, and combine drug therapy and lifestyle intervention to reduce blood sugar.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Atorvastatin / pharmacology*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Down-Regulation
  • Glucose / toxicity
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / drug effects*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • BAX protein, human
  • BCL2 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein
  • Atorvastatin
  • Glucose