Background and purpose:The pleiotropic effects of HMG-CoA inhibitors (statins), which include anti-inflammation, antioxidation and immunomodulation, are not yet fully understood. The present study was designed to elucidate the role of nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite (ONOO -) and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the anti-atherogenic effect of statins. Experimental approach: Normal and atherosclerotic New Zealand rabbits were treated with atorvastatin or simvastatin in the presence or absence of inhibitors and promoters of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and HO-1. NO and ONOO -released from isolated aortae by calcium ionophore were measured with nanosensors placed 6 Ϯ 2 nm from aortic endothelium. Expression of eNOS and HO-1 protein, HO activity, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and vessel wall thickness were also measured.
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