Can statins reduce the inflammatory response associated with preterm birth in an animal model?

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Sep;207(3):224.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.06.020.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of statins on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in a mouse model of preterm birth (PTB).

Study design: Day 15 CD1 mice were randomly allocated to intraperitoneal LPS injection (100 μg) or control. Mice in the LPS group were pretreated, 16 and 2 hours prior, with pravastatin (10 μg/g), simvastatin (10 μg/g), or vehicle control. Animals were sacrificed 6 hours after LPS. Cytokine messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in the uterus and cervix, and concentrations in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid (AF) were determined.

Results: Pravastatin reduced interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression in the uterus and cervix, respectively, and serum IL-1β and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) concentrations. Simvastatin reduced IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expressions in the uterus, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the cervix, and IL-1β, IL-2, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α, GM-CSF, and interferon-γ concentrations in the serum and IL-6 in AF.

Conclusion: Statins reduce the LPS-induced inflammatory responses in a mouse model of PTB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Mice
  • Pravastatin / therapeutic use*
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / immunology*
  • Simvastatin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Simvastatin
  • Pravastatin