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Ali N, Faheem M, Ullah H, Shabana H, Kassem A, Ahmed MO, Elmahdi E. Atorvastatin as an Antihypertensive Agent: A Pilot Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e49532. [PMID: 38156151 PMCID: PMC10753094 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Hypertension (HTN) is among the most common causes of chronic disease burden, along with dyslipidemia. It is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. More often than not, HTN coexists with dyslipidemia. This study aimed to see the antihypertensive effect of statins (atorvastatin), as certain animal models have shown that statins have a voltage-gated calcium channel-blocking effect. Material and methods This was a randomized controlled trial done at the Ayub Hospital Complex in Abbottabad, Pakistan. After ethical approval, 120 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension belonging to either gender and aged 35 and above were enrolled in the trial. They were randomly divided into two groups, with each group comprising 60 patients. One group was administered amlodipine 5 mg per oral (PO) once a day, while the other group was given 5 mg of amlodipine PO plus 10 mg of atorvastatin PO. The patients were examined on a follow-up visit 14 days later, and blood pressure was recorded as per protocols. Results A total of 120 newly diagnosed patients were studied in this trial. The mean age was 51.07 years, with a standard deviation of ±6.15 years and a range of 41-60 years. There were 64 (53.3%) males and 56 (46.7%) females in the study. The mean systolic blood pressures (SBPs) and diastolic blood pressures (DBPs) in Group 2 (amlodipine 5 mg + atorvastatin 10 mg) were significantly lower than the patients in Group 1 (only amlodipine 5 mg) in the follow-up visit, which was 14 days after starting the medication (p≤0.05). Conclusion The addition of a lipid-lowering drug to an antihypertensive regimen results in a better lowering of blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Ali
- Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra, SAU
| | | | - Himayat Ullah
- Medicine, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra, SAU
| | - Hosam Shabana
- Medicine, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra, SAU
| | - Arafat Kassem
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EGY
| | - Mahmoud O Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, EGY
| | - Essam Elmahdi
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Al Mansoura, EGY
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Ali W, Ali N, Ullah A, Rahman SU, Ahmad S. Pitavastatin and Lovastatin Exhibit Calcium Channel Blocking Activity Which Potentiate Vasorelaxant Effects of Amlodipine: A New Futuristic Dimension in Statin's Pleiotropy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1805. [PMID: 37893523 PMCID: PMC10608486 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We have recently reported that Fluvastatin, Atorvastatin, Simvastatin and Rosuvastatin have calcium channel antagonistic activities using rabbits' intestinal preparations. The current study is focused on the effects of Pitavastatin and Lovastatin for possible inhibition of vascular L-Type calcium channels, which may have vasorelaxant effect(s). Combined effects of Pitavastatin and Lovastatin in the presence of Amlodipine were also tested for vasorelaxation. Materials and Methods: Possible relaxing effects of Pitavastatin and Lovastatin on 80 mM Potassium chloride (KCL)-induced contractions and on 1 µM norepinephrine (N.E)-induced contractions were studied in isolated rabbit's aortic strips preparations. Relaxing effects on 80 mM KCL-induced vascular contractions were further verified by constructing Calcium Concentration Response Curves (CCRCs), in the absence and presence of three different concentrations of Pitavastatin and Lovastatin using CCRCs as negative control. Verapamil was used as a standard drug that has L-Type calcium channel binding activity. In other series of experiments, we studied drug interaction(s) among Pitavastatin, Lovastatin, and amlodipine. Results: The results of this study imply that Lovastatin is more potent than Pitavastatin for having comparatively lower EC50 (7.44 × 10-5 ± 0.16 M) in intact and (4.55 × 10-5 ± 0.10 M) in denuded aortae for KCL-induced contractions. Lovastatin amplitudes in intact and denuded aortae for KCL-induced contractions were, respectively, 24% and 35.5%; whereas amplitudes for Pitavastatin in intact and denuded aortae for KCL-induced contractions were 34% and 40%, respectively. A left shift in the EC50 values for the statins was seen when we added amlodipine in EC50 (Log Ca++ M). Right shift for CCRCs state that Pitavastatin and Lovastatin have calcium channel antagonistic effects. Lovastatin in test concentration (6.74 × 10-7 M) produced a right shift in relatively lower EC50 (-2.5 ± 0.10) Log Ca++ M as compared to Pitavastatin, which further confirms that lovastatin is relatively more potent. The right shift in EC50 resembles the right shift of Verapamil. Additive effect of Pitavastatin and Lovastatin was noted in presence of amlodipine (p < 0.05). Conclusions: KCL (80 mM)-induced vascular contractions were relaxed by Pitavastatin and Lovastatin via inhibitory effects on L-Type voltage-gated calcium channels. Lovastatin and Pitavastatin also relaxed Norepinephrine (1 µM)-induced contractions giving an insight for involvement of dual mode of action of Pitavastatin and Lovastatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajid Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Hayatabad, Peshawar 25100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
| | - Niaz Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Hayatabad, Peshawar 25100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan;
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abid Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Dir 18200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; (A.U.); (S.U.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Shafiq Ur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Dir 18200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; (A.U.); (S.U.R.); (S.A.)
| | - Shujaat Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Dir 18200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; (A.U.); (S.U.R.); (S.A.)
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Ali N, Ali W, Ullah A, Ahmad S, Alsaiari AA, Almehmadi M, Abdulaziz O, Allahyani M, Aljuaid A. Atorvastatin and Fluvastatin Potentiate Blood Pressure Lowering Effect of Amlodipine through Vasorelaxant Phenomenon. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1023. [PMID: 37374229 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We have recently reported that stains have calcium channel blocking activity in isolated jejunal preparations. In this study, we examined the effects of atorvastatin and fluvastatin on blood vessels for a possible vasorelaxant effect. We also studied the possible additional vasorelaxant effect of atorvastatin and fluvastatin, in the presence of amlodipine, to quantify its effects on the systolic blood pressure of experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Atorvastatin and fluvastatin were tested in isolated rabbits' aortic strip preparations using 80mM Potassium Chloride (KCl) induced contractions and 1 micro molar Norepinephrine (NE) induced contractions. A positive relaxing effect on 80 mM KCl induced contractions were further confirmed in the absence and presence of atorvastatin and fluvastatin by constructing calcium concentration response curves (CCRCs) while using verapamil as a standard calcium channel blocker. In another series of experiments, hypertension was induced in Wistar rats and different test concentrations of atorvastatin and fluvastatin were administered in their respective EC50 values to the test animals. A fall in their systolic blood pressure was noted using amlodipine as a standard vasorelaxant drug. Results: The results show that fluvastatin is more potent than amlodipine as it relaxed NE induced contractions where the amplitude reached 10% of its control in denuded aortae. Atorvastatin relaxed KCL induced contractions with an amplitude reaching 34.4% of control response as compared to the amlodipine response, i.e., 39.1%. A right shift in the EC50 (Log Ca++ M) of Calcium Concentration Response Curves (CCRCs) implies that statins have calcium channel blocking activity. A right shift in the EC50 of fluvastatin with relatively less EC50 value (-2.8 Log Ca++ M) in the presence of test concentration (1.2 × 10-7 M) of fluvastatin implies that fluvastatin is more potent than atorvastatin. The shift in EC50 resembles the shift of Verapamil, a standard calcium channel blocker (-1.41 Log Ca++ M). Conclusions: Atorvastatin and fluvastatin relax the aortic strip preparations predominantly through the inhibition of voltage gated calcium channels in high molar KCL induced contractions. These statins also inhibit the effects of NE induced contractions. The study also confirms that atorvastatin and fluvastatin potentiate blood pressure lowering effects in hypertensive rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wajid Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar 25100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abid Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir Upper 18000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shujaat Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir Upper 18000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ahad Amer Alsaiari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sciences Saudi Arabia Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen Almehmadi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sciences Saudi Arabia Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Abdulaziz
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sciences Saudi Arabia Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamdouh Allahyani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sciences Saudi Arabia Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah Aljuaid
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sciences Saudi Arabia Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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Hermann R, Gundlach K, Seiler D. Mechanistic Considerations About an Unexpected Ramipril Drug-Drug Interaction in the Development of a Triple Fixed-Dose Combination Product Containing Ramipril, Amlodipine, and Atorvastatin. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2021; 10:1307-1315. [PMID: 33773093 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This open-label, repeat-dose, fixed-sequence study in healthy subjects examined pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions between the components of a novel fixed-dose combination product containing ramipril, amlodipine, and atorvastatin. Sequential 5-day monotreatments (MTs) of ramipril (5 mg/d) and atorvastatin (40 mg/d) were followed by a 9-day amlodipine MT (5 mg/d), separated by 96 hours washout intervals. After amlodipine MT, all 3 single-entity drugs were coadministered for 5 days. Blood samples were taken over the dosing intervals and drug concentrations quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed and compared between the MTs and combination treatments by analysis of variance. Eighteen healthy subjects were enrolled and completed the study. No significant difference in maximum concentration (Cmax ) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve over the dosing interval (AUC0-τ ) for amlodipine and AUC0-τ of atorvastatin was observed upon combination treatments versus MTs. Cmax of atorvastatin was slightly decreased (Cmax ratio, 89.3%) when given in combination. Increased exposure of ramipril and less pronounced exposure of ramiprilat were observed in the presence of amlodipine and atorvastatin, with Cmax ratios for ramipril and ramiprilat of 182.6% and 155.9%, and corresponding AUC0-τ ratios of 150.0% and 112.1%, respectively. These ramiprilat increases are unlikely of clinical relevance, because complete angiotensin-converting enzyme occupation is achieved with ≥5-mg ramipril doses, and free ramiprilat is rapidly eliminated. As ramipril is known to be subject to a site-dependent absorption in the upper small intestine, it is hypothesized that slowing of intestinal motility by atorvastatin or amlodipine or a combined effect of both, increased the residence time of ramipril in its "absorption window," thereby enhancing its bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hermann
- Clinical Research Appliance (cr.appliance), Gelnhausen, Germany
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Williams EA, Russo V, Ceraso S, Gupta D, Barrett-Jolley R. Anti-arrhythmic properties of non-antiarrhythmic medications. Pharmacol Res 2020; 156:104762. [PMID: 32217149 PMCID: PMC7248574 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Traditional anti-arrhythmic drugs are classified by the Vaughan-Williams classification scheme based on their mechanisms of action, which includes effects on receptors and/or ion channels. Some known anti-arrhythmic drugs do not perfectly fit into this classification scheme. Other medications/molecules with established non-anti-arrhythmic indications have shown anti-arrhythmic properties worth exploring. In this narrative review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms and evidence base for the anti-arrhythmic properties of traditional non-antiarrhythmic drugs such as inhibitors of the renin angiotensin system (RAS), statins and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In summary, RAS antagonists, statins and PUFAs are 'upstream target modulators' that appear to have anti-arrhythmic roles. RAS blockers prevent the downstream arrhythmogenic effects of angiotensin II - the main effector peptide of RAS - and the angiotensin type 1 receptor. Statins have pleiotropic effects including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, modulation of autonomic nervous system, anti-proliferative and anti-oxidant actions which appear to underlie their anti-arrhythmic properties. PUFAs have the ability to alter ion channel function and prevent excessive accumulation of calcium ions in cardiac myocytes, which might explain their benefits in certain arrhythmic conditions. Clearly, whilst a number of anti-arrhythmic drugs exist, there is still a need for randomised trials to establish whether additional agents, including those already in clinical use, have significant anti-arrhythmic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Ato Williams
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, L14 3PE, United Kingdom; Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Chair of Cardiology, Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Ceraso
- Specialization Fellow in Cardiology, Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" - Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Dhiraj Gupta
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, L14 3PE, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Barrett-Jolley
- Chair Neuropharmacology, Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Hao H, Tian W, Pan C, Jiao Y, Deng X, Fan J, Han J, Han S, Wang M, Li P. Marsdenia tenacissima extract dilated small mesenteric arteries via stimulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inhibiting calcium influx. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 238:111847. [PMID: 30946966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Marsdenia tenacissima is a traditional Chinese medicine that is known to be effective in combating cancer as well as reducing blood pressure. The efficacy and mechanisms of Marsdenia tenacissima in treating cancer have been well described. However, the potential vasoactivities of Marsdenia tenacissima remain poorly known. AIM OF THE STUDY To determine the vasoactive effects of the water-soluble part of marsdenia tenacissima in mesenteric resistance arteries of the mice, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isometric vessel tension study was used to examine the effects of marsdenia tenacissima extract (MTE) on vasodilation of the mesenteric arteries of mice. KCl, phenylephrine (PE) and 9,11-Dideoxy-11α,9α-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F2α (U46619) were used as vasoconstrictors. Y27632, Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and indomethacin were used to explore the underlying mechanisms for the vasoactivities of MTE. Western blot and nitric oxide (NO) assay were used to evaluate the effects of MTE on the activities of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). RESULTS MTE (5-50 mg/mL), but not vehicle, dose-dependently relaxed the mesenteric arteries constricted with KCl, PE or U46619, in which relaxations to KCl were more pronounced than that to PE or U46619. Pre-incubation of the vessels with MTE (40 mg/mL) reduced the vasoconstrictions caused by calcium influx. Decreasing calcium sensitivity by inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) significantly augmented the vasorelaxation of MTE. While, inhibition of endothelial cells by pre-incubation with L-NAME (300 μM) and indomethacin (10 μM) or denudating endothelial cells attenuated vasorelaxations of MTE to KCl, and with a larger potency, to U46619. In both human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human heart microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs), the phosphorylations of eNOS and the production of NO were significantly enhanced after treatment of MTE for 2, 5, 10, 30 min. CONCLUSIONS MTE, the water-soluble part of marsdenia tenacissima, was effective in relaxing mesenteric resistance arteries via inhibiting calcium influx and stimulating eNOS activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Hao
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, PR China
| | - Wenjia Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Chunshui Pan
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Yanna Jiao
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, PR China
| | - Xinxin Deng
- Ningxia Medical University Pharmacy College, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Research Center of Modern Hui Medicine Engineering and Technology, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Jingyu Fan
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Jingyan Han
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, PR China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Shuyan Han
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, PR China.
| | - Miao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, and Clinical Pharmacology Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Pingping Li
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, PR China.
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Kaleli-Durman D, Alp-Yıldırım Fİ, Özdemir O, Uydeş-Doğan BS. Relaxant effect of atorvastatin on isolated rat gastric fundus strips: implications for Ca 2+-signalling mechanisms. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:413-421. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Statins are determined to have various pleiotropic effects apart from their lipid-lowering properties. Herein, we investigated the direct effects of atorvastatin on gastric smooth muscle tone. Atorvastatin effectively relaxed isolated rat gastric fundus strips precontracted with acetylcholine, potassium chloride, and serotonin. Incubation of the strips with nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-NOARG (10−4 M, 20 min), l-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel (VOCC) blocker, nifedipine (10−6 M, 30 min), KATP channel blocker, glibenclamide (10−5 M, 30 min), or precursor of cholesterol, mevalonate (10−2 M, 45 min) did not change the relaxations to atorvastatin. However, pretreatment of fundus strips with atorvastatin (3×10−5–3×10−4 M, 30 min) inhibited the contractions to calcium chloride (10−4–10−1 M), acetylcholine (10–4 M), and caffeine (20 mM) in the calcium-free medium. Moreover, atorvastatin reduced the contractions induced by sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor, cyclopiazonic acid (10−7–3×10−5 M). The current study demonstrated that atorvastatin produces an acute relaxant effect on gastric fundus strips, which appears to be mediated by several Ca2+-signalling mechanisms such as the blockade of l-type VOCC-independent Ca2+ entry, decrease in smooth muscle Ca2+ sensitivity, inhibition of IP3- and ryanodine-sensitive intracellular stores to mediate Ca2+ release, as well as the activation of SERCA. This acute relaxing effect seems unlikely to be related with nitric oxide, KATP channels, and the mevalonate pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Kaleli-Durman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116, Beyazıt, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - F. İlkay Alp-Yıldırım
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116, Beyazıt, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Özdemir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116, Beyazıt, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus International University, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - B. Sönmez Uydeş-Doğan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34116, Beyazıt, Istanbul, Turkey
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Boyle AK, Rinaldi SF, Rossi AG, Saunders PTK, Norman JE. Repurposing simvastatin as a therapy for preterm labor: evidence from preclinical models. FASEB J 2018; 33:2743-2758. [PMID: 30312114 PMCID: PMC6338657 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801104r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB), the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, urgently requires novel therapeutic agents. Spontaneous PTB, resulting from preterm labor, is commonly caused by intrauterine infection/inflammation. Statins are well-established, cholesterol-lowering drugs that can reduce inflammation and inhibit vascular smooth muscle contraction. We show that simvastatin reduced the incidence of PTB in a validated intrauterine LPS-induced PTB mouse model, decreased uterine proinflammatory mRNA concentrations (IL-6, Cxcl1, and Ccl2), and reduced serum IL-6 concentration. In human myometrial cells, simvastatin reduced proinflammatory mediator mRNA and protein expression (IL-6 and IL-8) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression (IL-10 and IL-13). Critically, simvastatin inhibited myometrial cell contraction, basally and during inflammation, and reduced phosphorylated myosin light chain concentration. Supplementation with mevalonate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, but not farnesyl pyrophosphate, abolished these anticontractile effects, indicating that the Rho/Rho-associated protein kinase pathway is critically involved. Thus, simvastatin reduces PTB incidence in mice, inhibits myometrial contractions, and exhibits key anti-inflammatory effects, providing a rationale for investigation into the repurposing of statins to treat preterm labor in women.—Boyle, A. K., Rinaldi, S. F., Rossi, A. G., Saunders, P. T. K., Norman, J. E. Repurposing simvastatin as a therapy for preterm labor: evidence from preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley K Boyle
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; and
| | - Sara F Rinaldi
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; and
| | - Adriano G Rossi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jane E Norman
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; and
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D'Elia JA, Weinrauch LA. Calcium Ion Channels: Roles in Infection and Sepsis Mechanisms of Calcium Channel Blocker Benefits in Immunocompromised Patients at Risk for Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2465. [PMID: 30134544 PMCID: PMC6164603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression may occur for a number of reasons related to an individual's frailty, debility, disease or from therapeutic iatrogenic intervention or misadventure. A large percentage of morbidity and mortality in immunodeficient populations is related to an inadequate response to infectious agents with slow response to antibiotics, enhancements of antibiotic resistance in populations, and markedly increased prevalence of acute inflammatory response, septic and infection related death. Given known relationships between intracellular calcium ion concentrations and cytotoxicity and cellular death, we looked at currently available data linking blockade of calcium ion channels and potential decrease in expression of sepsis among immunosuppressed patients. Notable are relationships between calcium, calcium channel, vitamin D mechanisms associated with sepsis and demonstration of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that may utilize channels sensitive to calcium channel blocker. We note that sepsis shock syndrome represents loss of regulation of inflammatory response to infection and that vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor, and klotho interact with sepsis defense mechanisms in which movement of calcium and phosphorus are part of the process. Given these observations we consider that further investigation of the effect of relatively inexpensive calcium channel blockade agents of infections in immunosuppressed populations might be worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A D'Elia
- E P Joslin Research Laboratory, Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston and Cambridge, 521 Mount Auburn Street Watertown, MA 02472, USA. jd'
| | - Larry A Weinrauch
- E P Joslin Research Laboratory, Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston and Cambridge, 521 Mount Auburn Street Watertown, MA 02472, USA.
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