Simvastatin inhibits the additive activation of ERK1/2 and proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells induced by combined mechanical stress and oxLDL through LOX-1 pathway

► Stretch stress or oxLDL promote cell proliferation via LOX-1/ERK pathway. ► Stretch and oxLDL have additive effects on LOX-1, ERK activation and proliferation. ► The additive effects can be inhibited by simvastatin.