Effect of a High Single Dose Atorvastatin on Endothelial Function and Rho Kinase Activity in Patients With Unstable Angina / 中国循环杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the possible mechanism of statins improving endothelial function via observing the effect of a high single dose atorvastatin on endothelial dysfunction and peripheral blood leucocyte Rho kinase activity in patients with unstable angina (UA). Methods: A total of 78 consecutive UA patients admitted in our hospital from 2012-08 to 2014-02 were enrolled. The patients received a single dose of atorvastatin 80 mg on the day of admission. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of brachial artery was examined by high-resolution ultrasound at before and 12 hours after medication. Protein expression of phospho-speciifc Thr853-MYPT1 (p-MYPT1Thr853) and MYPT1 was measured by Western blot analysis; peripheral blood leukocyte Rho kinase activity was assayed by the proportion of phospho-Thr853 in myosin binding subunit of light chain phosphatase (MYPT1). Results: Compared to prior medication, with atorvastatin 80 mg for 12 hours, FMD was increased 28.15% as (6.50 ±1.68) % vs (8.33 ± 1.93) %,P<0.001 and peripheral blood leucocyte Rho kinase activity was decreased 32.78% as (58.91 ± 5.22) % vs (39.6 ± 3.85 ) %,P=0.002. Conclusion: High dose atorvastatin could rapidly improve vascular endothelial dysfunction in UA patients. inhibiting of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway may involve in the effect of statins improving endothelial function.