Aim
To investigate if the effect of statins improving cardiovascular (CV) status of diabetics is drug-specific or class-dependent, and the underlying mechanisms involved.
Conclusion
AV, SV, and PV are equally effective in improving CV performance in diabetic rats. All tree statins decreased media thickness, perivascular fibrosis, and both MDA and 4-HAE in the aortas of diabetic rats, without affecting eNOS and iNOS protein levels. The observed hemodynamic benefits are cholesterol-independent. These benefits appear to be secondary to the improved endothelial function, and to the reduced vascular tone and remodeling that result from decreased oxidative stress.
Methods
We compared the
Results
In untreated diabetic rats, cholesterol levels were higher than in control rats (CT; n = 8, P < 0.05), and the low dose of statins used did not modify these levels. In diabetic rats, SBP was higher than in CT, and was significantly reduced by all three statins (n = 10, P < 0.05). Echocardiographic parameters (EF, SV, and COI) were all lower in untreated diabetic rats than in CT (n = 10, P < 0.05). These CV parameters were equally improved by all three statins. The maximal relaxation (EMax) induced by ACh in aortic ring from diabetic rats was also improved. Moreover, this relaxation was abolished by 1 mmol/L NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, suggesting the involvement of a NO-dependent mechanism.