An in-vitro study of Lovastatin's biphasic effects on proliferation and adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective To investigate Lovastatin's effects on proliferation and adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods Culture medium with different concentration of Lovastatin(0.001、0.01、0.1、1.0、10μmol/L) was prepared, HUVECs was cultured in 96 well-plate with the different medium. AT the point of 24,72 and 120 h, the cell's activity and quantity was assessed by MTT. HUVECs was cultured with Lovastatin in 6 well-plate for 24 hours, then collected the cells by trypsin digestion. The cells were seeded in 24 well-plate with 2×104/ml and adhering for 30 mins. Then counting the adhered cells in different wells. Results At 24 h, Lovastatin (0.01、 0.1 μmol/L ) promoted proliferation of HUVECs ( P ＜ 0.05 ); at 72 h, Lovastatin ( 1.0μmol/L) was positive accelerating cell growth(P＜ 0.05 ). While Lovastatin ( 10μmol/L) inhibited the proliferation significantly ( P ＜0.05 ) at 120 h. As HUVECs was cultured with Lovastatin for 24 hours, Lovastatin (0.1、1μmol/L) inhanced the adhesion capability of HUVECs significantly( P＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion Lovastatin had biphasic effects on proliferation and adhesion of HUVECs dependent on the concentration. Lovastatin (0.1、1.0 μmol/L) could promote the proliferation and adhesion, while at higher concentration ( 10.0μmol/L) it inhibits cell proliferation and adhesion. Key words: Endothelial cells;  Lovastatin;  Cell proliferation;  Cell adhesion;  Umbilical veins