Roles of atorvastatin in myocardial inflammation of uninfarcted area following coronary microembolization

AIM:To investigate the roles of atorvastatin in myocardial inflammation of uninfarcted area following coronary microembolization (CME). METHODS: CME model in rabbits was established by injecting homologous microthrombotic particle suspension into the left descending anterior branch (LAD). Thirty-six New Zealand rabbits were randomized to untreated CME group, atorvastatin-treated CME group and sham operation group (n=12/group). Rabbits were sacrificed on postoperative day 7. The morphological characteristics were evaluated in sections with H/E staining and protein and gene expressions of TNFα and IL-6 were semiquantitatively analyzed by ELISA and RT-PCR. RESULTS: LAD microembolization produced increased leukocyte infiltration and strong TNFα, IL-6 mRNA and protein expressions in uninfarcted right ventricular myocardium. Atorvastatin significantly suppressed the inflammatory cell infiltration and protein and gene expression of TNFα and IL-6 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Coronary microembolization produces myocardial inflammatory activation, which is not only confined to the microinfarcted zones but also the uninfarcted area. Atorvastatin markedly suppresses TNFα, IL-6 protein and gene expressions and effectively ameliorates myocardial inflammation in the uninfarcted area.