Fluvastatin combined with 17β-estradiol:: Effect on the oxidation of human low density lipoprotein

The in vitro effect of a statin and an estrogen on oxidation of human LDL was investigated for the first time, comparing the monosubstances fluvastatin and 17 beta-estradiol as well as the effect of the combination. Fluvastatin significantly delayed the onset of LDL oxidation (controls = 90 min) by 23 min at 1 mu M by 110 min and by 221 min at 5 and 10 mu M, respectively. 17 beta-estradiol significantly impeded the onset by 70 min at 1 mu M and by more than 300 min at 5 and 10 mu M. The combination of 1 mu M 17 beta-estradiol with 1, 5 and 10 mu M fluvastatin showed an additive antioxidative effect. the onset was delayed by 100 min, by 167 min. and by more than 300 min, respectively II can he concluded that treatment of postmenopausal women with fluvastatin and 17 beta-estradiol may have not only beneficial effects on lipid disorders but may also elicit a di red potent anti-atherosclerotic action on the vasculature.