Statins inhibit monocyte chemotactic protein 1 expression in endometriosis

Reprod Sci. 2012 Jun;19(6):572-9. doi: 10.1177/1933719111430998. Epub 2012 Jan 19.

Abstract

Statins are potent inhibitors of the endogenous mevalonate pathway. Besides inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis, statins may also demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is implicated in the attachment and invasion of endometrial cells to the peritoneal surface and growth of ectopic endometrium by inducing proliferation and angiogenesis. In this study, the effect of statins on monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) expression in endometriotic implants in nude mouse model and in cultured endometriotic cells was evaluated. In mouse model, simvastatin decreased MCP-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in endometriotic implants (P < .05). Similarly, both simvastatin and mevastatin revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of MCP-1 production in cultured endometriotic cells (P < .01). This inhibitory effect of the statins on MCP-1 production was reversed by the downstream substrates of the mevalonate pathway. Moreover, statins decreased MCP-1 messenger RNA expression in cultured endometriotic cells (P < .05). In conclusion, statins exert anti-inflammatory effect in endometriotic cells and could provide a potential treatment of endometriosis in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemokine CCL2 / analysis
  • Chemokine CCL2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Chemokine CCL2 / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endometriosis / metabolism*
  • Endometrium / transplantation
  • Female
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Simvastatin / pharmacology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL2
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Simvastatin