Homocystein induction of monocyte chemoattactant protein-1 gene expression and regulatory effects of simvastatin

Objective:To investigate the inductive effect of homocysteine(Hcy) on MCP 1 protein expression in THP 1 derived macrophages (THP 1 macrophage) and regulatory effect of simvastatin. Methods:Human monocytic cells(THP 1) were induced differentiation into macrophages in the present of phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate(PMA) for 48 hours. Then THP 1 macrophages were incubated in the present or absent of simvastatin prior to Hcy for 24 hours. After washed with 1×PBS slightly, cells were further cultured with Hcy for 2 to 24 hours, while the control were in absent of Hcy. At the end of incubation,the supernatants were harvested. The amount of MCP 1 protein in the supernatants was determined by ELISA. Results:The amount of MCP 1 protein obviously increased at 4, 6, 12 hours after addition of Hcy (P 0.05 , P 0.01 ,P 0.05 ), but decreased to basal level within 24 hours.Pretreatment with simvastatin caused a dose dependent inhibition of MCP 1 protein production in THP 1 macrophages exposed to Hcy. Conclusion:Hcy, at pathological concentration, induces MCP 1 protein expression in THP 1 macrophages, and simvastatin inhibits this effect.