Pravastatin Prevents Aortic Atherosclerosis via Modulation of Signal Transduction and Activation of Transcription 3 (STAT3) to Attenuate Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Action in ApoE Knockout Mice
2008
Pravastatin and Aortic Atherosclerosis in Mice
Sample size: 12
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Zhou Xiaoxu, Li Dan, Yan Wei, Li Weimin
Primary Institution: The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
Hypothesis
Does pravastatin prevent aortic atherosclerosis by modulating STAT3 activity to attenuate IL-6 action?
Conclusion
Pravastatin prevents aortic atherosclerosis by reducing IL-6 levels and modulating STAT3 activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Pravastatin significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions in treated mice.
- IL-6 levels were significantly decreased in serum and aorta of pravastatin-treated mice.
- Pravastatin increased SOCS3 expression, which negatively regulates STAT3 activity.
Takeaway
Pravastatin helps keep the blood vessels healthy by lowering a harmful substance called IL-6, which can cause heart problems.
Methodology
Male apoE knockout mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet and treated with pravastatin to assess its effects on atherosclerosis.
Participant Demographics
Male apoE knockout mice, 8 weeks old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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