Simvastatin Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease affecting almost 10% of the population over age 65. Generation of AAAs by infusion of angiotensin (Ang) II in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice is an animal model which supports an imbalance of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of AAA. The effect of statins on AngII-mediated AAA formation and the associated neovascularization is not known. Here we determined the effect of simvastatin and the ERK inhibitor, CI1040, on AngII-stimulated AAA formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: ApoE(-/-) mice infused for 28 days with AngII using osmotic minipumps were treated with placebo, 10 mg/kg/d simvastatin, or 100 mg/kg/d CI1040. 95% of AngII-treated mice developed AAA with neovascularization of the lesion, increased ERK phosphorylation, MCP-1 secretion, and MMP activity. These effects were markedly reversed by simvastatin and in part by CI1040. Furthermore, simvastatin and the ERK inhibitor U0126 reversed AngII-stimulated angiogenesis and MMP secretion by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the conclusion that simvastatin interferes with AAA formation induced by AngII in ApoE(-/-) mice at least in part via ERK inhibition.