Summary:
The in vitro effect of a statin and an estrogen on oxidation of human LDL was investigated
for the first time, comparing the monosubstances fluvastatin and 17β-estradiol as
well as the effect of the combination. Fluvastatin significantly delayed the onset
of LDL oxidation (controls = 90 min) by 23 min at 1 μM, by 110 min and by 221 min
at 5 and 10 μM, respectively. 17β-estradiol significantly impeded the onset by 70
min at 1 μM and by more than 300 min at 5 and 10 μM. The combination of 1 μM 17β-estradiol
with 1, 5 and 10 μM fluvastatin showed an additive antioxidative effect; the onset
was delayed by 100 min, by 167 min, and by more than 300 min, respectively. It can
be concluded that treatment of postmenopausal women with fluvastatin and 17β-estradiol
may have not only beneficial effects on lipid disorders but may also elicit a direct
potent anti-atherosclerotic action on the vasculature.
Key words:
Fluvastatin - 17β-estradiol - LDL-oxidation
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Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Dipl. Chem. Dr. rer. nat. A. O. Mueck
Section of Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Schleichstraße 4
D-72076 Tuebingen
Fax: + 49-70 71-29 48 01