Modulatory Effects of Atorvastatin on Endothelial Cell-Derived Chemokines, Cytokines, and Angiogenic Factors

Study Objective. To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) by determining whether atorvastatin alters the production of specific endothelium‐derived immunoactive proteins and whether its treatment effects depend on its concentration and/or inhibition of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Design. In vitro study using a multiplexing method for protein measurement. Setting. University laboratory. Measurements and Main Results. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured to approximately 80% confluence and treated with atorvastatin 1–50 μM alone or with mevalonate for 24 hours. Untreated cells served as controls. Culture‐conditioned media were removed and multiplex assayed for protein content of epithelial neutrophil‐activating peptide‐78, interleukin‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐10, fibroblast growth factor, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the production of epithelial neutrophil‐activating peptide‐78, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (p