Statins reduce testicular and ocular VEGF: A potential compromise to microcirculation

Microcirculation has great importance in eye and testicular tissue and is necessary to have adequate and appropriate amount of angiogenesis. It is known that high levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) trigger uncontrolled angiogenesis, whereas inadequate VEGF can lead to decreased tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of VEGF in testicular and ocular tissues in both non-diabetic and diabetic rats treated by statin. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg daily given by orally gavage) was administered for two weeks. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin, (STZ, 45 mg/kg/ip) in diabetic group's rats. Two weeks later from STZ injection, atorvastatin treatment was initiated in diabetic group. VEGF levels were measured by using ELISA. The VEGF levels were decreased in vitrous, ocular and testicular tissues of all statin-administered rats. In diabetic group VEGF levels were found to be decreased in testicular tissue and increased in ocular tissues.Statin use decreased in VEGF levels of testicular and ocular tissues in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Statin treatment (anti-VEGF effect) had a protective effect in the development of diabetic retinopathy, yet statins may have a negative impact on tissues that depend on microcirculation by reducing VEGF levels. Further research is needed for statins' microcellular effects.