The effects of different doses of atorvastatin on angiogenesis of chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryo

Statins promote the proliferation, migration and survival of endothelial cells and bone marrow -derived endothelial progenitor cells (Angioblasts). Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a dynamic and complex activity which is needed for embryogenesis and other physiological processes. However, in many pathological conditions such as solid tumor progression, the disease appears to be associated with persistent up-regulated angiogenesis. In this research we used atorvastatin (0.1μm) and (10 μm) on angiogenesis of chick embryo. In this experimental study 42 Ross fertilized eggs were randomly divided into 3groups as follows: 1) control group, 2) group treated with atorvastatin (0.1μm), 3) group treated with atorvastatin (10μm). In day 2 a window was opened on eggs in sterile condition and In day 8 gelatin sponge was placed on chorioallantic membrane (CAM) and was soaked with 10 microliters atorvastatin (0.1μm) and (10 μm) in group 2 and group 3. In day12 CAMs were examined and photographed by research photo–stereomicroscope in all cases. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey tests. The average number and length of vessels in control and the group treated with atorvastatin (0.1μm) showed a significant increase (P<0.05) and the average number and lenghth of vessels in the group treated with atorvastatin (10 μm) showed a significant decrease compare to control group (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that atorvastatin has a stimulatory effect on angiogenesis in CAM and atorvastatin (10 μm) has an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in CAM. It is suggested that astatine can be used as a new medicine for angiogenesis balancing in treat ment of diseases related to angiogenesis.