Effect of Rosuvastatin on Bovine Pericardial Aortic Tissue Valve Calcification in a Rat Subdermal Implantation Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are pathophysiologic similarities between calcification and atherosclerosis because both are the product of an active inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of statin treatment on calcification in bovine pericardial tissue valves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups according to hypercholesterolemia induction and statin intake (Group 1, n=10: normal diet without statin treatment, Group 2, n=10: normal diet with statin treatment, Group 3, n=10: high fat diet without statin treatment, Group 4, n=10: high fat diet with statin treatment). Serum lipid levels were measured just before the experiment and after 4 and 12 weeks. Bovine pericardial tissue valve cusps were surgically implanted in rat dorsal subcutis at 4 weeks. After the surgery, statin was administered daily to Groups 2 and 4. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level was measured at 5 weeks. Cusps were explanted at 12 weeks and calcium levels were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Mean IL-6 was significantly higher in Group 3 at 5 weeks (7.14, 2.03, 31.70, and 6.90 pg/dL for each group, respectively). Mean calcium level in Group 3 was significantly higher among groups but Group 4 was significantly lower compared to Group 3 and was similar to Group 1, 2 (1.86, 1.92, 2.55, and 1.80 mg/g for each group, respectively, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Hypercholesterolemia may be a significant risk factor for bovine pericardial valve calcification. Statin treatment significantly attenuated calcification of bovine pericardial valve tissue in a rat subdermal implantation model and might prolong the durability of bioprostheses.