The effect of atorvastatin on CD36 expression in THP-1 macrophages

Objective To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on CD36 expression in THP-1 macrophages. Methods THP-1 macrophages were treated with 5 μmol/L atorvastatin for 0 h,3 h,6 h,12 h,24 h respectively. And THP-1 macrophages were treated with atorvastatin at different concentrations (0 μmol/L,0.625 μmol/L,1.25 μmol/L,2.5 μmol/L,5 μmol/L). CD36 mRNA and protein levels were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively. Results We found that atorvastatin decreased CD36 in both protein and mRNA levels in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Atorvastatin may down-regulate CD36 expression in THP-1 macrophages.