Abstract Title:

Statins induce calcium-dependent mitochondrial permeability transition.

Abstract Source:

Toxicology. 2006 Feb 15 ;219(1-3):124-32. Epub 2005 Dec 15. PMID: 16343726

Abstract Author(s):

Jesus A Velho, Heitor Okanobo, Giovanna R Degasperi, Márcio Y Matsumoto, Luciane C Alberici, Ricardo G Cosso, Helena C F Oliveira, Anibal E Vercesi

Article Affiliation:

Departamento de Patologia Clínica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-970 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract:

Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors) are used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemic patients to reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases because of their cholesterol lowering action. Other lipid independent protective actions of statins have been reported. However, some adverse side effects have, also, been described. We report, here, that liver mitochondria isolated from hypercholesterolemic LDL receptor knockout mice treated during 15 days with therapeutic doses (100 mg/kg, p.o.) of lovastatin presented a higher susceptibility to develop membrane permeability transition (MPT). In experiments in vitro, lovastatin-induced MPT in a dose-dependent manner (10-80 microM) by a mechanism sensitive to cyclosporin A (cyclophilin sequestrant), dithiothreitol (reducing agent), adenine nucleotide carrier inhibitor (ADP), catalase (H2O2 reductant) and EGTA (calcium chelator). In agreement with the inhibition of the mitochondrial swelling by dithiothreitol, lovastatin, also, decreased the content of total mitochondrial membrane protein thiol groups. Simvastatin had similar effects on mitochondria; however, pravastatin, a hydrophilic statin, had a weaker effect in inducing MPT. In conclusion, statins can act directly on mitochondria either in vivo or in vitro inducing permeability transition, which is a process involved in cell death.

Study Type : Review

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.