The Effects of Pitavastatin on Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and ICAM-1 in Human Saphenous Vein Graft Endothelial Culture

Abstract EN

Objective.

To study pitavastatin’s effects on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB ) and adhesion molecules in human saphenous vein graft endothelial culture indicating its pleotropic properties.

Materials and Method.

Low-dose (0.1 μM/L) and high-dose (1μM/L) pitavastatin calcium were administered as a frontline therapy in human saphenous endothelial cell culture, followed by induction of inflammation by TNF-α and determination of mRNA level alterations of ICAM-1 and NF-κB genes of endothelial cells using the qRT-PCR method.

Additionally, immunofluorescence method was used to show the expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1.

Finally, LDH levels were determined by the ELISA method to quantify cytotoxicity.

Results.

ICAM-1 mRNA expression in the low-dose pitavastatin+TNF-α group was significantly higher than that in the TNF-α group and significantly lower than that in the high-dose pitavastatin+TNF-α group (for all comparisons, P = 0.001).

The low-dose pitavastatin+TNF-α group had a similar NF-κB mRNA expression with TNF-α and high-dose pitavastatin+TNF-α groups.

Conclusion.

Pitavastatin increases ICAM-1 mRNA expression in saphenous vein endothelial cells.

Furthermore, the effect of pitavastatin on adhesion molecules appears independent of NF-κB.

Novel studies are needed in this field.