Atorvastatin regulates apoptosis in chronically ischemic myocardium

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Pharmacology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Atorvastatin previously showed proangiogenic effects in ischemic myocardium.
• Lack of collateral-dependent perfusion despite angiogenesis may relate to apoptosis.
• This study investigates atorvastatin's impact on apoptosis in a swine model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on apoptosis in a swine model of metabolic syndrome and chronic myocardial ischemia.
• To elucidate the complex role of atorvastatin in myocardial injury and repair.

Main Methods:

• Ossabaw miniswine fed a high-cholesterol diet for 14 weeks.
• Surgical induction of chronic ischemia via circumflex artery ameroid constrictor.
• Atorvastatin supplementation (1.5 mg/kg daily) in a subset of pigs.
• Myocardium analysis using Western blotting and TUNEL staining.

Main Results:

• Atorvastatin increased apoptosis markers: p-38, BAX, and caspase 3.
• Atorvastatin also increased anti-apoptotic proteins: Bcl-2 and P-ERK.
• TUNEL staining demonstrated an overall significant decrease in apoptosis with atorvastatin.

Conclusions:

• Atorvastatin influences multiple cellular pathways, including both pro- and anti-apoptotic markers.
• Despite increased pro-apoptotic markers, atorvastatin resulted in a net decrease in apoptosis.
• Further research is needed to fully understand statin's role in myocardial protection post-ischemia.