e0176 The effects of rosuvastatin on the expression of homocysteine-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and cell migration in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rosuvastatin on the expression of homocysteine-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and cell migration in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Methods Cultured rat VSMC were incubated with different concentrations of Hcy and rosuvastatin (Hcy 1000 μmol/l) in vitro for 24, 48 and 72 h. The expression of MMP-2 was determined by using the methods of gelatin zymography and western blotting. Cultured rat VSMC was incubated with different concentrations of Hcy and rosuvastatin (Hcy 1000 μmol/l) in transwell for 24, 48 and 72 h. The number of VSMC which transited the membrane represented the aggressivity of VSMC. Results Hcy (50∼1000 μmol/l) increased the expression and activity of MMP-2 significantly. Incubated with the same concentration of Hcy the expression and activity of MMP-2 of 72 h was higher than that of 24 h and 48 h. Hcy reduced the expression of MMP-2 at the concentration of 5000 μmol/l. Rosuvastatin could inhibit the augmentation of homocysteine-induced expression and activity of MMP-2. Hcy (50∼5000 μmol/l) could stimulate the migration of VSMC. Rosuvastatin could decrease the stimulation of homocysteine-induced migration of VSMC. Conclusions These data suggested that Hcy can increase the MMP-2 expression/activity and the migration of VSMC. It may be one of the roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis induced by Hcy. Rosuvastatin can inhibit the augmentation of homocysteine-induced MMP-2 expression/activity and migration of VSMC. This may be one of the pleiotropic of rosuvastatin besides lipid-lowering and benefit the therapy of CHD.