Fluvastatin reduces endothelin secretion of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective: Fluvastatin is an agent of a new lipid lowering drug class, the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, which seems to elicit direct effects on the vasculature. Methods: The effect of fluvastatin on endothelin secretion in endothelial cell cultures from human umbilical veins was investigated. Results: Fluvastatin significantly reduced endothelin secretion by 13% at a concentration of 10(-8) M, by 41% at 10(-7) M and by 62% at 10(-6) M. Conclusion: Since endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor which may be associated with the aetiology of cardiovascular diseases, the reduction of its synthesis by fluvastatin may contribute to the beneficial effects of this substance on the cardiovascular system.