Effect of resveratrol combined with atorvastatin on re-endothelialization after drug-eluting stents implantation and the underlying mechanism

Abstract

AimsTo explore whether the combination of atorvastatins and resveratrol is superior to each individual drug alone regarding re-endothelialization after drug-eluting stents (DESs) implantation. Materials and methodsNinety-four rabbits were randomized into control, atorvastatin, resveratrol, and combined medication groups. Abdominal aorta injury was induced via ballooning, followed by DES implantation. Neointimal formation and re-endothelialization after stent implantation were assessed via optical coherence tomography and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of resveratrol and atorvastatin on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal derived stem cells (BMSCs) were assessed. Key findingsCompared with the findings in the resveratrol and atorvastatin groups, the neointimal area and mean neointimal thickness were greater in the combined medication group, which also exhibited improved re-endothelialization. Compared with the effects of monotherapy, combined treatment further protected BMSCs against rapamycin-induced apoptosis and improved cell migration. Combined medication significantly upregulated Akt, p-Akt, eNOS, p-eNOS, and CXCR4 expression in BMSCs compared with the effects of monotherapy, and these effects were abolished by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. SignificanceThe combination of atorvastatin and resveratrol has the potential of accelerating re-endothelialization after stent implantation, reducing the risk of thrombosis and improving the safety of DESs.