Can statins reduce the inflammatory response associated with preterm birth in an animal model?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of statins on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in a mouse model of preterm birth (PTB). STUDY DESIGN: Day 15 CD1 mice were randomly allocated to intraperitoneal LPS injection (100 mu g) or control. Mice in the LPS group were pretreated, 16 and 2 hours prior, with pravastatin (10 mu g/g), simvastatin (10 mu g/g), or vehicle control. Animals were sacrificed 6 hours after LPS. Cytokine messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in the uterus and cervix, and concentrations in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid (AF) were determined. RESULTS: Pravastatin reduced interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6 mRNA expression in the uterus and cervix, respectively, and serum IL-1 beta and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) concentrations. Simvastatin reduced IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNA expressions in the uterus, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-beta) in the cervix, and IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-alpha, GM-CSF, and interferon-gamma concentrations in the serum and IL-6 in AF. CONCLUSION: Statins reduce the LPS-induced inflammatory responses in a mouse model of PTB.