Low-Dose Fluvastatin Prevents the Functional Alterations of Endothelium Induced by Short-Term Cholesterol Feeding in Rabbit Carotid Artery

• DOI: 10.1100/2012/671728
• Publication Date: 2012-04-01T22:02:15Z
• Authors: Gulnur Sevin; Yasemin Delen Akcay; Gonen Ozsarlak-Sozer; Mukadder Yasa
• Keywords: Fluvastatin; Phenylephrine

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins, are the medical treatment of choice for hypercholesterolemia. In addition to lowering serum-cholesterol levels, statins appear promote pleiotropic effects that independent changes in serum cholesterol. this study, we investigated low-dose fluvastatin on antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase), total nitrite/nitrate and vascular reactivity 2% cholesterol-fed rabbits. This diet did not generate any fatty streak lesions carotid artery wall. However, SOD activity significantly increased with cholesterol feeding whereas catalase decreased. The levels nitrite/nitrate, stable products NO degradation, diminished. Moreover, dietary reduced responses acetylcholine, but contractions serotonin were augmented. Fluvastatin abrogated cholesterol-induced increase SOD, nitric oxide metabolites tissue, restored both impaired acetylcholine augmented contractile without affecting plasma-cholesterol levels. Phenylephrine nitroglycerine vasodilatations change all groups. study indicated performed early enough improve may delay cardiovascular complications associated several diseases.