Simvastatin attenuates the additive effects of TNF-α and IL-18 on the connexin 43 up-regulation and over-proliferation of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells.

Highlights: [•] This study investigates the role of IL-18 in cultured aortal smooth muscle cells. [•] IL-18 up-regulates Cx43 expression in TNF-α dependent manner. [•] IL-18 additively enhances TNF-α-stimulated cell proliferation. [•] Statin reduces the additive effects via Akt blockade. [•] These findings fortify the atheroprotective mechanism of statin therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]