Inhibitory effect of simvastatin on intimal hyperplasia in autogenous vein graft

Objective To investigate the effect of simvastatin on intimal hyperplasia in autogenous vein grafts.Methods Forty-eight rabbits were randomly and equally divided into two groups of A(treated with simvastatin) and C(treated with normal saline as the control).Autogenous vein grafts model was established and vein samples were taken on the 3rd,7th and 28th day after operation.Pathological changes of tissues were observed and intimal thickness and area were measured.The cell proliferation was analyzed by immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA).Expressions of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 and MMP-9 mRNA and activity in the vein grafts were detected by RT-PCR and substrate gelatin zymography,respectively.Results Compared with group C,the intimal hyperplasia after operation,positive cell numbers in autogenous vein grafts,expressions of MMP2 and MMP-9 mRNA and activity were significantly decreased in group A(P0.05).Conclusion Simvastatin can inhibit intimal hyperplasia in autogenous vein grafts probably via combined inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) proliferation and migration.