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Atorvastatin reduces serum leptin concentration in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
1Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, middle Ren-Min road No.86, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China. zhaosp@medmail.com.cn
Summary
Atorvastatin significantly reduces leptin levels and mRNA expression in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. This study shows the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin inhibits leptin secretion and expression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Leptin is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- The impact of atorvastatin on leptin secretion requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on leptin secretion in vivo and in vitro.
- To assess the influence of atorvastatin on leptin mRNA expression in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Hypercholesterolemic rabbits were treated with atorvastatin or placebo.
- Leptin levels were measured in serum and adipocyte culture supernatant via ELISA.
- Leptin mRNA expression was analyzed using RT-PCR in adipose tissue and cultured adipocytes.
Main Results:
- Atorvastatin treatment significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and leptin levels compared to the high-cholesterol diet group.
- Leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue was significantly lower in the atorvastatin-treated group.
- In vitro, atorvastatin demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of leptin secretion and mRNA expression in primary rabbit adipocytes.
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin effectively inhibits leptin release and mRNA expression.
- Atorvastatin treatment leads to a reduction in serum leptin levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
- These findings suggest a potential role for atorvastatin in managing leptin-related aspects of atherosclerosis.