Induction of macrophage elastase (MMP‐12) gene expression by statins

MC Arikan, SD Shapiro… - Journal of cellular …, 2005 - Wiley Online Library
MC Arikan, SD Shapiro, TJ Mariani
Journal of cellular physiology, 2005Wiley Online Library
The statins (including mevastatin and lovastatin) are a widely prescribed class of serum‐
cholesterol lowering drugs that function by inhibiting 3‐hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A
(HMG CoA) reductase activity and cellular sterol synthesis. Statins are also widely being
appreciated for their inhibitory effects upon inflammation, primarily mediated through direct
regulation of inflammatory gene expression. Here we report that statins are also capable of
increasing the expression of macrophage elastase (MMP‐12). The induction of MMP‐12 in …
Abstract
The statins (including mevastatin and lovastatin) are a widely prescribed class of serum‐cholesterol lowering drugs that function by inhibiting 3‐hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase activity and cellular sterol synthesis. Statins are also widely being appreciated for their inhibitory effects upon inflammation, primarily mediated through direct regulation of inflammatory gene expression. Here we report that statins are also capable of increasing the expression of macrophage elastase (MMP‐12). The induction of MMP‐12 in mouse macrophages by statins is specific for HMG CoA reductase inhibition, rescued by mevalonate and not observed after inhibition of subsequent steps in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. Modulation of cholesterol metabolism may lead to changes in MMP‐12 expression and subsequent impacts during physiological and pathophysiological states. We conclude that statins, in addition to their previously described anti‐inflammatory properties, may promote the production of some proteinases from activated macrophages. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
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