Statine sind ein häufig verordnetes Medikament gegen Hyperlipidämie und werden zur Sekundärprophylaxe kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen wie z.B. Myokardinfarkt oder ischämischer Schlaganfall angewendet. Sie wirken über die Hemmung des Enzyms HMG-CoA-Reduktase inhibitorisch auf die Cholesterinbiosynthese. Als Hauptnebenwirkung neben der Transaminasenerhöhung treten bei Patienten muskuläre Symptome auf, z.B. Muskelkrämpfe, Muskelschmerzen oder im schwersten Fall Rhabdomyolse. Zur Untersuchung dieser Statin-assoziierten Myotoxizität wurde ein Skelettmuskelmodell aus Rattenmyoblasten verwendet (ESM). Nach der Behandlung mit Cerivastatin zeigten sich ein konzentrationsabhängiger Kraftverlust sowie eine iNOS-Induktion auf Protein- und RNA-Ebene in den ESM. Der Kraftverlust war durch gleichzeitige Behandlung mit Cholesterinvorläufermolekülen vollständig reversibel, weshalb von einer HMG-CoA-Reduktase-Abhängigkeit der Statinmyotoxizität ausgegangen werden kann. Um die Rolle der iNOS in der Statinmyotoxizität untersuchen zu können, wurden u.a. iNOS-Inhibitoren (L-NAME, 1400W) verwendet, die zu keiner Besserung der Kraftentwicklung führten. ESM nach gleichzeitiger Behandlung mit dem NO-Donor Sodium Nitroprussid und Cerivastatin zeigten jedoch eine signifikant höhere Kraft sowie ein in der Tendenz niedrigeres iNOS-Niveau auf Proteinebene als die nur mit Cerivastatin behandelten ESM. Somit kann zusammenfassend davon ausgegangen werden, dass die iNOS zwar nicht direkt ursächlich für die Statin-assoziierte Myotoxizität ist, jedoch möglicherweise zum Ausgleich eines relativen NO-Mangels induziert wird oder als Stressensor fungiert.

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The relationship of statin therapy with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardioversion (CV) has been evaluated by several investigations, which provided conflicting results and particularly long-term data is scarce. We sought to examine whether upstream statin therapy is associated with long-term recurrence of AF after CV. This was a single-center registry study including consecutive AF patients (n = 454) undergoing CV. Cox regression models were performed to estimate AF recurrence comparing patients with and without statins. In addition, we performed a propensity score matched analysis with a 1:1 ratio. Statins were prescribed to 183 (40.3%) patients. After a median follow-up period of 373 (207–805) days, recurrence of AF was present in 150 (33.0%) patients. Patients receiving statins had a significantly lower rate of AF recurrence (log-rank p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, statin therapy was associated with a significantly reduced rate of AF recurrence (HR 0.333 (95% CI 0.225–0.493), p = 0.001), which remained significant after adjustment (HR 0.238 (95% CI 0.151–0.375), p < 0.001). After propensity score matching treatment with statins resulted in an absolute risk reduction of 27.5% for recurrent AF (21 (18.1%) vs. 53 (45.7%); p < 0.001). Statin therapy was associated with a reduced risk of long-term AF recurrence after successful cardioversion.

Statins, common cholesterol control drugs, are appreciated to have promising anticancer activity through inhibition of the mevalonate pathway. Several lines of evidence suggest that certain tumours are susceptible to statins, but the underlying molecular features arbitrating this sensitivity remain unknown. We hypothesize that (i) not all statins will behave equivalently in the context of anticancer therapy, and (ii) a molecularly-defined subset of tumours are intrinsically sensitive to statins. My objectives have therefore been to further our understanding of functional differences between statins influencing their anticancer effects, and to investigate molecular features associated with statin sensitivity in breast cancer. Specifically, this thesis addresses two aims: (i) to characterize differential interactions between four statins and the xenobiotic transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp; also known as ABCB1), and (ii) to identify molecular features associated with fluvastatin and lovastatin sensitivity in breast tumour cell lines. We first characterized the interactions of statins with P-gp in vitro and in multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumour cells. While lovastatin could directly bind to P-gp and modulate MDR, no significant interactions were observed with fluvastatin. Fluvastatin may therefore be appropriate for use in unselected patients, to avoid adverse drug interactions with coadministered P-gp substrate chemotherapeutics. Fluvastatin has also shown promise in breast cancer treatment, where molecular features predictive of statin sensitivity would be particularly valuable. A panel of 19 immortalized breast cell lines was therefore characterized for sensitivity to fluvastatin and lovastatin. Relatively statin-sensitive cells underwent apoptosis upon statin treatment, and were more likely to have an estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-negative, basal-like phenotype. By mining available baseline gene expression data, a candidate 10-gene signature predictive of fluvastatin sensitivity was also generated. Taken together, this research provides insight into molecular markers of statin sensitivity that may facilitate fast-tracking of these drugs to clinical trials in subsets of cancer patients most likely to respond.

Lowering LDL-cholesterol with statin therapy produces substantial reductions in cardiovascular events, and larger cholesterol reductions may produce larger benefits. Rarely, myopathy occurs with statins, especially at higher doses and in combination with certain medications. Similarly strong associations might exist between myopathy with high-dose statin regimens and genetic variants, especially those affecting blood statin levels. This study aimed to find genetic variants associated with statin-induced myopathy. A feasibility study was completed to assess whether plausible effect sizes of 5 to10-fold higher risks per genetic variants could be detected among 50-100 cases with statin-induced myopathy and to consider the best study design. A genome-wide association study was then carried out using approximately 300,000 genetic markers (and additional fine-mapping) in 85 people with definite or incipient myopathy and 90 controls, who were all taking 80mg simvastatin daily in a 12,000 participant trial of 80mg vs 20mg simvastatin daily. The cases were also compared to 2,300 additional controls who had not been exposed to intensive-dose statin therapy. Replication of the myopathy result and lipid-lowering associations were tested in a 20,000 participant trial of 40mg simvastatin daily versus placebo. The genome-wide scan yielded a single strong association (p = 4x10^-9) of myopathy with the rs4363657 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the SLCO1B1 gene on chromosome 12. This non-coding SNP was in nearly complete linkage disequilibrium (r²=0.97) with the non-synonymous rs4149056 SNP. The population prevalence of the rs4149056 C allele was 15%, and the odds ratio for myopathy was 4.5 (95% confidence interval 2.6 to 7.7) for each copy of the C allele and 16.9 (4.7 to 61.1) for CC vs TT homozygotes. Over 60% of these myopathy cases could be attributed to the C variant. The SLCO1B1 gene encodes the organic anion transport polypeptide OATP1B1, which has been shown to regulate hepatic uptake of statins. In literature reports, rs4149056 reduced statin transport and was associated with 37% (31% to 44%) higher systemic statin acid levels per C allele. The association of rs4149056 with myopathy was replicated in the trial of 40mg simvastatin daily, which also showed that it was associated with the cholesterol-lowering effects of simvastatin. No SNPs in any other region were clearly associated with myopathy (although comparison of the myopathy cases with the 2,300 controls identified a region of chromosome 1p12 that warrants further study). This study identified common variants in SLCO1B1 that influence the risks of statin-induced myopathy substantially. Genotyping these variants may be useful for tailoring both the statin dose and safety monitoring. More generally, such studies of the genetic determinants of serious adverse reactions with other drug classes may help to improve the balance between treatment efficacy and safety.

In the course of this study, several endogenous compounds and model substances were used to mimic the conditions in patients suffering from hypertension. As endogenous compounds, angiotensin II and aldosterone were chosen. As model substances, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO), hydrogen peroxide and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) were selected. Benfotiamine as well as &#945;-tocopherol proved in the course of the experiments to be able to prevent angiotensin II-induced formation of oxidative DNA strand breaks and micronuclei. This could be due to a prior inhibition of the release of reactive oxygen species and is in contrast to results which were achieved using thiamine. Furthermore, experiments in which cells were pre-incubated with benfotiamine followed by incubation with NQO showed that benfotiamine was not able to prevent the induction of oxidative stress. The hypothesis that benfotiamine has, like &#945;-tocopherol, direct antioxidative capacity was fortified by measurements in cell free systems. In brief, a new working mechanism for benfotiamine in addition to the ones already known could be provided. In the second part of the study, angiotensin II was shown to be dose-dependently genotoxic. This effect is mediated via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) which. Further experiments were extended from in vitro settings to the isolated perfused kidney. Here it could be shown that angiotensin II caused vasoconstriction and DNA strand breaks. Co-perfusion of kidneys with angiotensin II and candesartan prevented vasoconstriction and formation of strand breaks. DNA strand break formation due to mechanical stress or hypoxia could be ruled out after additional experiments with the thromboxane mimetic U 46619. Detailed investigation of the DNA damage in vitro revealed that angiotensin II induces single strand breaks, double strand breaks and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG)-adducts as well as abasic sites. Investigations of the effects of aldosterone-treatment in kidney cells showed an increase of oxidative stress, DNA strand breaks and micronuclei which could be prevented by the steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone. Additional experiments with the non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (S)-BR-4628 revealed that this substance was also able to prevent oxidative stress and genomic damage and proved to be more potent than eplerenone. In vivo, hyperaldosteronism was imitated in rats by aid of the deoxycorticosteroneacetate (DOCA) salt model. After this treatment, levels of DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations in the kidney could be observed. Furthermore, an increase in the release of ROS could be measured. Treatment of these animals with spironolactone , BR-4628 and enalaprile revealed that all antagonists were effective BR-4628 was the most potent drug. Finally, rosuvastatin was investigated. In HL-60 cells phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate caused oxidative stress. Rosuvastatin was able to prevent the release of ROS and subsequent oxidative DNA damage when co-incubated with PMA. Furthermore, not only an inhibition of PMA-induced oxidative stress but also inhibition of the unspecific release of ROS induced by hydrogen peroxide was observable. Addition of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), and mevalonate, intermediates of the cholesterol pathway, caused only a marginal increase of oxidative stress in cells treated simultaneously with PMA and rosuvastatin, thus indicating the effect of rosuvastatin to be HMG-CoA-reductase-independent. Investigation of the gene expression of subunits of NAD(P)H oxidase revealed a down-regulation of p67phox following rosuvastatin-treatment. Furthermore, it could be shown that rosuvastatin treatment alone or in combination with PMA increased total glutathione levels probably due to an induction of the gene expression and enzyme activity of &#947;-glutamylcysteine synthetase (&#947;-GCS). / Im Zuge dieser Studie wurden sowohl endogene Substanzen als auch Modellsubstanzen eingesetzt, um die pathologischen Verhältnisse in Patienten, die an Bluthochdruck leiden, zu imitieren. Als endogene Substanzen wurden Angiotensin II und Aldosteron ausgewählt. Als Modellsubstanzen wurden 4-Nitrochinolin-1-oxid (NQO), Wasserstoffperoxid und Phorbol-12-myristat-13-gewählt. Der erste Teil dieser Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit zwei Vitaminen, nämlich Benfotiamin und &#945;-Tocopherol. Sowohl Benfotiamin als auch &#945;-Tocopherol zeigten im Laufe der Experimente, dass sie in der Lage sind, durch Angiotensin II verursachte DNA-Strangbrüche und chromosomale Aberrationen zu verhindern. Dies ist möglicherweise auf eine ebenfalls beobachtbare vorausgegangene Inhibition der Freisetzung reaktiver Sauerstoffspezies zurückzuführen. Zusammenfassend konnte ein neuer Wirkmechanismus für Benfotiamin vorgestellt werden. Im zweiten Teil dieser Studie konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass Angiotensin II eine dosisabhängige Gentoxizität verursacht. Dieser Effekt wird durch den Angiotensin II-Rezeptor Typ 1 vermittelt. Im weiteren Verlauf der Studie wurden die in vitro Experimente auf das Modell der isolierten perfundierten Mäuseniere ausgeweitet. Hier konnte gezeigt werden, dass Angiotensin II Vasokonstriktion und DNA-Strangbrüche verursacht. Co-Perfusion der Nieren mit Angiotensin II und Candesartan verhinderte hingegen die Vasokonstriktion und die Bildung von DNA-Strangbrüchen. Die Verursachung von Strangbrüchen durch mechanischen Stress oder Hypoxie konnte ausgeschlossen werden. Die Untersuchung der ex vivo beobachteten DNA-Schäden in vitro ließ erkennen, dass Angiotensin II Einzelstrangbrüche, Doppelstrangbrüche, die Bildung des DNA-Addukts 8-OxodG und abasische Stellen induziert. Ein Reparatur-Comet Assay, parallel durchgeführt mit der Messung des phosphorylierten Histons 2AX (&#947;-H2AX) über 24 h, zeigte eine vollständige Reparatur der Einzelstrangbrüche, wohingegen die Zahl der Doppelstrangbrüche in diesem Zeitraum sogar zunahm. Untersuchungen der Effekte, die eine Aldosteron-Behandlung auf Nierenzellen hat, zeigten einen Anstieg des oxidativen Stress, der DNA Strangbrüche und der Mikrokerne. Diese Effekte konnten durch Eplerenon verhindert werden. Weitere Experimente mit dem nicht-steroidalen Mineralocorticoid Rezeptor-Antagonisten (S)-BR-4628 zeigten, dass auch diese Substanz oxidativen Stress und DNA Schäden verhindern konnte, im Gegensatz hierzu hatte das (R)-Isomer, das keine Aktivität am Mineralocorticoid Rezeptor zeigt, keine präventiven Effekte. In vivo wurde der Hyperaldosteronismus mit Hilfe des Deoxycorticosteronacetat- (DOCA) Salzmodells nachgeahmt. Unter dieser Behandlung konnten Level an DNA-Strangbrüchen und chromosomalen Aberrationen beobachtet werden. Des Weiteren konnten in den DOCA-Tieren erhöhte Level an oxidativem Stress gemessen werden. Wurden die Versuchstiere zusätzlich zur DOCA-Behandlung mit Spironolacton, BR-4628 und dem Enalapril behandelt, konnte gezeigt werden, dass BR-4628 potenter war als Spironolacton Enalapril. Zuletzt wurde mit Rosuvastatin eine Substanz untersucht, die die antioxidative Abwehr der Zellen aktivieren kann. In der humanen Leukämie-Zelllinie HL-60 verursachte Phorbol-12-myristat-13-acetat (PMA) oxidativen Stress. Rosuvastatin war in der Lage, die Freisetzung von ROS und daraus resultierende DNA-Strangbrüche bei Co-Inkubation mit PMA zu verhindern. Außerdem konnte gezeigt werden, dass Rosuvastatin nicht nur PMA-induzierten oxidativen Stress, sondern auch die unspezifische Wasserstoffperoxid-induzierte Freisetzung von ROS verhinderte. Die Untersuchung der Genexpression von Untereinheiten der NAD(P)H Oxidase ergab, dass p67phox nach Rosuvastatin-Behandlung herabreguliert wurde. Behandlung mit Rosuvastatin allein oder zusammen mit PMA konnte außerdem die Glutathion-Spiegel erhöhen. Dies ist vermutlich auf die Induktion der Genexpression und der Enzymaktivität der &#947;-Glutamylcystein-Synthetase (&#947;-GCS), des Schrittmacherenzyms des Glutathionsystems, zurückzuführen.

O inibidor de HMG redutase (estatina) pode ter papel protetor na função renal por estimulação da atividade de HO-1. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar se a associação desses dois agentes poderia induzir um efeito mais pronunciado sobre a função renal (FR) após insuficiência renal aguda isquêmica. A isquemia foi obtida por meio do clampeamento dos pedículos renais bilaterais por 30 minutos, seguida de reperfusão. Foram utilizados ratos wistar, machos, pesando entre 250-300g, distribuídos nos grupos: SHAM (controle, sem clampeamento renal); Isquemia; Estatina (animais que receberam 0,5 mg/kg, via oral, v.o., por 3 dias); Iquemia+Estatina; Hemin (indutor de HO-1, 1 mg/100g, i.p., 24h antes da cirurgia); Isquemia+Hemin; SnPP (inibidor de HO-1, 2µmol/kg i.p. 24h antes da cirurgia); Isquemia+SnPP; Estatina+Hemin; Isquemia+Estatina+Hemin; Estatina+SnPP; Isquemia+Estatina+SnPP. Foram avaliados a função renal (FR) (clearance de creatinina, método Jaffé), a excreção de peróxidos urinário (FOX-2), a osmolalidade urinária (osmômetro) e a imunohistoquímica para ED-1. Os resultados mostraram que a estatina otimizou a FR e reduziu a excreção de peróxidos urinários. A indução da HO-1 apresentou padrão similar ao descrito para estatina. A associação de estatina+Hemin induziu melhora de FR, com melhora de função tubular e redução de peróxidos discretamente superior àquela demonstrada pelos tratamentos isolados. A substituição do Hemin pelo SnPP no modelo de associação não pareceu ter inibido o efeito da estatina. Em síntese, o estudo confirmou o efeito antioxidante da estatina e do Hemin com proteção da FR pelos métodos utilizados. Os resultados da imunohistoquímica ED-1 para macrófagos/monócitos não foram conclusivos. / HMG-CoA inhibition reductase (statins) can have a protector role on renal function by sitmulating HO-1 activity. This study was performed in order to evaluate if the association of these two agents could induce a more pronounced effect on RF after ischemic acute renal failure. The ischemia was obtained through clamping of bilateral renal pedicles for 30 minutes following by reperfusion. Adult Wistar rats, weighting from 250-300g, were divided into twelve groups: SHAM (control); Isch (30´renal ischemia); Stat (statin 0,5mg/kg, p.o.); Isch+Stat (statin 0.5mg/kg, p.o., once a day, 3 days and the Isch); Hemin (HO-1 inducer, hemin, 1.0mg/100g, i.p.); Isch+Hemin (HO-1 inducer, hemin, 1.0mg/100g, i.p., once, 24hours before Isch); SnPP (2µmol/kg, i.p.); Isch+SnPP (HO-1 inhibitor, 2?mol/kg, i.p., as hemin); Stat+Hemin; Isch+Stat+Hemin (all treatments as described); Stat+SnPP; Isch+Stat+SnPP (all treatments as described). Creatinin clearance (crCl), urinary peroxides (UP), osmolality (Osm) and immunohistochemical for ED-1 analyses were performed in order to evaluate oxidant and inflammatory responses.Results have shown that Stat could protect RF and peroxide excrection probably attenuating tubular damage. HO-1 presented a similar pattern to that described for statin. Instead, when Hemin or SnPP was associated to Statin, no benefit was observed neither to RF nor to UP. Imunohistochemical ED-1 for macrophages/monocytes analysis were inconclusive.

Les maladies cardiovasculaires sont la première cause de mortalité dans le monde, en lien notamment avec la présence et la rupture de plaques d’athérome. Afin d’éviter la survenue d’évènements aigus, un traitement par statines peut être proposé. Cependant, leur utilisation engendre un risque d’effets délétères. Afin de réduire ce risque, une réduction des doses utilisées pourrait être envisagée. Ce travail de thèse étudie les effets potentiels d’un traitement à très faible dose d’atorvastatine et à long terme sur un modèle animal : le lapin Watanabe. Des mesures ont été menées sur des individus contrôles et traités de 3 à 12 mois. Le suivi de la lipidémie et des principaux facteurs biochimiques, de l’adhésion et de l’inflammation a été fait au niveau sanguin. Le développement de l’athérosclérose a été évalué en tomographie par cohérence optique (OCT). Des mesures en histologie ont permis de valider un classement proposé avec l’OCT et de quantifier les macrophages intra plaques. L’élasticité artérielle a été testée in vivo par la mesure de la vitesse de l’onde de pouls et in vitro par un test de traction statique. La fonction vasculaire a été appréhendée en vasoréactivité sur différents territoires (aorte, carotide, mésentérique). Le contenu en élastine et collagène de la paroi des vaisseaux a été effectué en microscopie à deux photons et génération de seconde harmonique. Enfin la respiration mitochondriale du myocarde et sa susceptibilité aux ROS a été évaluée sur fibres cardiaques perméabilisées, l’activité de systèmes antioxydants enzymatiques mesuré, ainsi que la peroxydation lipidique. Les résultats montrent des effets bénéfiques de ce traitement à très faible dose d’atorvastatine sur la fonction cardiovasculaire indépendamment d’un effet hypolipidémiant. / Cardiovascular diseases are the first worldwide causes of death, associated to the presence and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. To limit acute events, statins may be prescribed. However, its use leads to deleterious effects risk. To reduce this risk, a dose reduction could be considered. The work of this thesis is to study potential effects of a very low dose of atorvastatin, taken in the long term, in an animal model: the Watanabe rabbit. Measurements are made on control and treated animals from the age of 3 to 12 months. Circulating lipids, biochemical parameters and parameters of adhesion and inflammation were studied. Atherosclerosis evolution was evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Histological measurements allowed to validate a ranking proposed with OCT observations and to quantify intra-plaque macrophage content. Arterial stiffness was tested in vivo with pulse wave velocity and in vitro with a static tensile test. Vascular function was approached with vasoreactivity in different territories (aorta, carotid, mesenteric). Elastin and collagen contents of the artery wall were determined with two-photon and second harmonic generation microscopy. Finally, mitochondrial respiration and its susceptibility to ROS were evaluated in permeabilized cardiac fibers, any enzymatic antioxidant systems and lipid peroxidation were measured. Results show beneficial effects of this very low dose atorvastatin treatment in cardiovascular function, independently of a lipid-lowering effect.Keywords: atherosclerosis,

O inibidor de HMG redutase (estatina) pode ter papel protetor na função renal por estimulação da atividade de HO-1. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar se a associação desses dois agentes poderia induzir um efeito mais pronunciado sobre a função renal (FR) após insuficiência renal aguda isquêmica. A isquemia foi obtida por meio do clampeamento dos pedículos renais bilaterais por 30 minutos, seguida de reperfusão. Foram utilizados ratos wistar, machos, pesando entre 250-300g, distribuídos nos grupos: SHAM (controle, sem clampeamento renal); Isquemia; Estatina (animais que receberam 0,5 mg/kg, via oral, v.o., por 3 dias); Iquemia+Estatina; Hemin (indutor de HO-1, 1 mg/100g, i.p., 24h antes da cirurgia); Isquemia+Hemin; SnPP (inibidor de HO-1, 2µmol/kg i.p. 24h antes da cirurgia); Isquemia+SnPP; Estatina+Hemin; Isquemia+Estatina+Hemin; Estatina+SnPP; Isquemia+Estatina+SnPP. Foram avaliados a função renal (FR) (clearance de creatinina, método Jaffé), a excreção de peróxidos urinário (FOX-2), a osmolalidade urinária (osmômetro) e a imunohistoquímica para ED-1. Os resultados mostraram que a estatina otimizou a FR e reduziu a excreção de peróxidos urinários. A indução da HO-1 apresentou padrão similar ao descrito para estatina. A associação de estatina+Hemin induziu melhora de FR, com melhora de função tubular e redução de peróxidos discretamente superior àquela demonstrada pelos tratamentos isolados. A substituição do Hemin pelo SnPP no modelo de associação não pareceu ter inibido o efeito da estatina. Em síntese, o estudo confirmou o efeito antioxidante da estatina e do Hemin com proteção da FR pelos métodos utilizados. Os resultados da imunohistoquímica ED-1 para macrófagos/monócitos não foram conclusivos. / HMG-CoA inhibition reductase (statins) can have a protector role on renal function by sitmulating HO-1 activity. This study was performed in order to evaluate if the association of these two agents could induce a more pronounced effect on RF after ischemic acute renal failure. The ischemia was obtained through clamping of bilateral renal pedicles for 30 minutes following by reperfusion. Adult Wistar rats, weighting from 250-300g, were divided into twelve groups: SHAM (control); Isch (30´renal ischemia); Stat (statin 0,5mg/kg, p.o.); Isch+Stat (statin 0.5mg/kg, p.o., once a day, 3 days and the Isch); Hemin (HO-1 inducer, hemin, 1.0mg/100g, i.p.); Isch+Hemin (HO-1 inducer, hemin, 1.0mg/100g, i.p., once, 24hours before Isch); SnPP (2µmol/kg, i.p.); Isch+SnPP (HO-1 inhibitor, 2?mol/kg, i.p., as hemin); Stat+Hemin; Isch+Stat+Hemin (all treatments as described); Stat+SnPP; Isch+Stat+SnPP (all treatments as described). Creatinin clearance (crCl), urinary peroxides (UP), osmolality (Osm) and immunohistochemical for ED-1 analyses were performed in order to evaluate oxidant and inflammatory responses.Results have shown that Stat could protect RF and peroxide excrection probably attenuating tubular damage. HO-1 presented a similar pattern to that described for statin. Instead, when Hemin or SnPP was associated to Statin, no benefit was observed neither to RF nor to UP. Imunohistochemical ED-1 for macrophages/monocytes analysis were inconclusive.

In the present studies we have explored the link between food hypersensitivity and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and evaluated treatment options in primary and recurrent disease. Approximately one third of our IgAN patients had a rectal mucosal sensitivity to gluten, as demonstrated by increased local mucosal nitric oxide production and/or myeloperoxidase release after gluten challenge. The gluten sensitivity seemed to be an innate immune reaction unrelated to the pathogenesis of celiac disease. Approximately half of the patients had a rectal mucosal sensitivity to soy or cow’s milk (CM). The levels of IgG antibodies to alfa-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and casein were significantly higher in CM sensitive as compared with non-sensitive IgAN patients, indicating that an adaptive immune response might be involved in addition to the innate immune reaction observed. With the knowledge of gastrointestinal reactivity enteric treatment was considered as a potential new treatment approach of IgAN. A 6-month prospective trial demonstrated proof-of-concept for the use of enteric budesonide targeted to the ileocaecal region of IgAN patients. We observed a modest, but significant reduction in urine albumin, a minor reduction of serum creatinine and a modest increase of eGFR calculated by the MDRD equation. eGFR calculated from the Cockcroft-Gault formula and cystatin C was not changed. In a retrospective study recurrence of IgAN and graft loss was evaluated in Norwegian and Swedish patients having received a primary renal transplant due to IgAN. Adjusting for relevant covariates, a multiple Cox-regression analysis on time to IgAN recurrence showed that use of statins was associated with reduced risk of recurrence and reduced risk of graft loss. The time lag from diagnosis to first transplantation and female gender were also associated with lower risk of recurrence. Improved graft survival was associated with related donor, low donor age and no or low number of acute rejection episodes.