EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID AND ATORVASTATIN ACTIVE METABOLITE, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, REVERSED GLUCOSE- AND OXIDIZED LDL-INDUCED ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION MEASURED EX VIVO IN RATS

Abstract

Background: Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction contributes to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and atorvastatin active metabolite (ATM) have been shown to improve EC function. In this study, we tested the separate and combined effects of EPA and ATM on EC function in rat glomerular ECs exposed ex vivo to oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and high glucose levels. Methods: Glomerular ECs were isolated from WKY rats and assayed for nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) release following exposure to 11 mg/dL oxLDL and 300 mg/dL glucose. ECs were then treated with vehicle, EPA, or ATM, alone (10.0 µM) or in combination, for 1 hr. Changes in NO and ONOO− were measured with porphyrinic nanosensors following maximal stimulation with calcium ionophore.