Evaluation of Atorvastatin effect on oxLDL induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in human endothelial cells: a role for nNOS (851.17)

Abstract

Human endothelial cells incubation with oxidized LDL (oxLDL; 6 and 24 h) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO production associated to an increase in iNOS and eNOS expression. eNOS activation was compromised at 6h but increased after 24h, suggesting eNOS uncoupling. nNOS expression and activity as well as SOD2 expression were reduced and catalase showed increased expression after 6 and 24h. Atorvastatin (Ator; 1uM) reduced oxidative stress by restoring NOS, SOD2 and catalase expression associated to superoxide and NO reduction levels. Ator reduced catalase and increased SOD2 expression. This treatment showed increase eNOS activation and nNOS expression up to control levels in the first 6 h, while its inactivation was reduced after 6 and 24 h. iNOS expression was reduced by atorvastatin treatment indicating NO unbalance regulation and possible anti‐inflammatory effect. oxLDL incubation increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6, CCL‐2 and IL‐1β production and reduced anti‐inflammatory cytokines TGF‐β and IL‐10. Ator reduced production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (except TNF‐ α) and increased anti‐inflammatory cytokines. These effects could be related to a reduction in oxLDL uptake by endothelial cells during atorvastatin co‐incubation. In addition, nNOS inhibition increased oxLDL uptake after 6 and 24 h. These Results suggest nNOS involvement in atorvastatin protective effects.Grant Funding Source: CAPES, FAPEMIG, CNPq