Statins reduce testicular and ocular VEGF: A potential compromise to microcirculation

EKERBİÇER N., Gurpinar T., Sisman A., Guvendi G., Camsari U. M., UYSAL HARZADIN N.

MICROVASCULAR RESEARCH, vol.119, pp.60-63, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 119
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.mvr.2018.04.006
  • Journal Name: MICROVASCULAR RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.60-63
  • Keywords: Microcirculation, Testis, Eye, VEGF, Atorvastatin, Diabetes mellitus, ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH-FACTOR, DIABETIC-RETINOPATHY, REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION, FACTOR EXPRESSION, OXIDATIVE STRESS, RETINAL BARRIER, MALE RATS, TESTIS, STREPTOZOTOCIN, ANGIOGENESIS
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Microcirculation has great importance in eye and testicular tissue and is necessary to have adequate and appropriate amount of angiogenesis. It is known that high levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) trigger uncontrolled angiogenesis, whereas inadequate VEGF can lead to decreased tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of VEGF in testicular and ocular tissues in both nondiabetic and diabetic rats treated by statin. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg daily given by orally gavage) was administered for two weeks. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin, (STZ, 45 mg/kg/ip) in diabetic group's rats. Two weeks later from STZ injection, atorvastatin treatment was initiated in diabetic group. VEGF levels were measured by using ELISA. The VEGF levels were decreased in vitrous, ocular and testicular tissues of all statin-administered rats. In diabetic group VEGF levels were found to be decreased in testicular tissue and increased in ocular tissues.