Beneficial Effects of Atorvastatin on Lung Structural Remodeling and Function in Ischemic Heart Failure

BackgroundStudies have suggested some benefit of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors in congestive heart failure (CHF), although the mechanisms remain uncertain. We hypothesized that statins could improve pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular function in ischemic CHF by reducing lung remodeling.Methods and ResultsTwo weeks after myocardial infarct, rats received atorvastatin (n = 23) or no treatment (n = 23) for 3 weeks and were compared with a sham group (n = 16). Infarct size was similar by echocardiography and pathologic evaluations. Atorvastatin greatly reduced pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy: right ventricular systolic pressure 42 ± 5 vs. 28 ± 2 mm Hg (P < .01). Atorvastatin did not reduce left ventricular fibrosis and had minimal effects on left ventricular function. Right ventricular myocardial performance index was markedly improved by therapy (P < .01). CHF caused a restrictive lung syndrome with a downward shift of the respiratory pressure-volume loop, increased dry lung weight, and interstitial fibrosis that were greatly improved by atorvastatin. Reduced lung nitric oxide synthase expression was normalized by treatment. Atorvastatin also reduced isolated lung myofibroblasts proliferation after transforming growth factor–β stimulation (-36 ± 6%, P < 0.01).Conclusions3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibition reduces lung remodeling and dysfunction associated with heart failure with prevention of right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension.