Abstract
Introduction: Myopathy is the most common side effect of statins. Because nitric oxide (NO) has a key role in regulating skeletal muscle function, we studied whether the NO-donating atorvastatin NCX 6560 could show a better profile on skeletal muscle function and structure compared with atorvastatin. Methods: C57BL/6 mice received atorvastatin 40 mg/kg/day or an equivalent dose of NCX 6560 for 2 months. Muscle function assessed by treadmill test, serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, citrate synthase (CS) activity, and muscle histology were evaluated. Results: Atorvastatin significantly (P <0.001) reduced muscle endurance, increased serum CK by 6-fold, and induced muscle fiber atrophy. Conversely, NCX 6560 preserved muscle function, prevented CK increase and did not modify muscle structure. Interestingly, atorvastatin reduced CS activity, a marker for mitochondrial function, in gastrocnemius, diaphragm, and heart, whereas NCX 6560 prevented such decrease. Conclusions: These findings suggest that NO may prevent statin-induced myopathy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 72-80 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Muscle and Nerve |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2013 |
Keywords
- Atorvastatin
- NCX 6560
- Nitric oxide
- Skeletal muscle
- Statin myopathy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Physiology (medical)
- Physiology