Effect of Atorvastatin on Activities of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Chitotriosidase in Male and Female Mice with Experimental Hyperlipidemia

Activities of matrix metalloproteinases and chitotriosidase were measured in blood serum from male and female ICR mice with moderate hyperlipidemia receiving atorvastatin (75 mg/kg). Hyperlipidemia in male and female mice was characterized by increased serum concentration of cholesterol and, especially, triglycerides. The observed changes were more pronounced in female mice. Administration of atorvastatin decreased cholesterol (but not triglyceride) level in intact males, but had no effect on these parameters in females; chitotriosidase activity increased in male and female mice, while activity of matrix metalloproteinases increased only in males. Administration of atorvastatin produced similar effects in male and female mice with moderate hyperlipidemia: decrease in the concentration of cholesterol and, particularly, of triglycerides. Activities of matrix metalloproteinases and chitotriosidase increased in males and females, this increase being more pronounced in males. The existence of a negative correlation between cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and activities of matrix metalloproteinases and chitotriosidase in males suggests that these enzymes can serve as a therapeutic target during hyperlipidemia.