Simvastatin and Losartan Differentially and Synergistically Inhibit Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-/- Mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Since statins and angiotensin receptor blockers are a frequently prescribed combination in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, we tested the interactive effects of simvastatin and losartan on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (apoE)(-/-) mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 12 weeks, with and without simvastatin (40 mg/kg) and/or losartan (20 mg/kg). The mice were divided into 5 groups and were fed as follows: regular chow (control diet, n=5), HFHC diet (n=6), HFHC diet with losartan (n=6), HFHC diet with simvastatin (n=6), and HFHC diet with both losartan and simvastatin (n=6). RESULTS Losartan treatment in apoE(-/-) mice significantly decreased atherosclerotic lesion areas in whole aortic strips stained with Oil Red O. The plaque area measured at the aortic sinus level was reduced significantly by 17% (HFHC; 346830.9±52915.8 µm(2) vs. HFHC plus losartan; 255965.3±74057.7 µm(2), p