The in vitro effects of cigarette smoke on fatty acid metabolism are partially counteracted by simvastatin

Background Statins enhance the synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) from their precursors both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, an increased conversion of linoleic acid (LA) and of alpha-linolenic acid to their derivatives is observed in cultured cells. On the contrary, cigarette smoke (CS) negatively and dose-dependently affects the LC-PUFA production. Aim To evaluate the effects of CS alone or with simvastatin, on [1- 14 C] LA metabolism in THP-1 cells. Results CS inhibits LA conversion; after co-incubation, simvastatin nullifies the effects of CS, maintaining LA conversion comparable to controls. However, at the highest CS concentration, simvastatin is unable to counteract the effects of CS. Changes of LA conversion reflect the modulation of desaturase activities by simvastatin and CS. Conclusion CS decreases PUFA conversion and its effects are modulated by the opposite effect of statins. It can be speculated that statin treatments in smoking patients may provide some beneficial effects on PUFA metabolism in addition to lowering cholesterol levels.