Fluvastatin regulated AGE-induced cell migration through an ERK5-dependent pathway in VSMCs.

<p>(A) VSMC cells were cultured until near confluent in 6 well dishes. Cell migration was assessed using a modified scratch assay. VSMCs were pretreated with 5 μM fluvastatin in the presence or absence of BIX02189 (2 μM), and then exposed to 10 μg/ml AGEs for 24 h. Wound areas were visualized using a phase contrast microscope. Results are representative of three independent experiments. (B) For selective migration assay, transwell system was used. Cells were seeded in the inner chamber and pretreated with BIX02189 (2 μM) in the presence or absence of fluvastatin (5 μM). AGE (10 μg/ml) were added to the lower for 12 h. After fixing, cells were visualized by crystal violet staining. Unmigrated cells were scraped off and then migrated cells were counted under a light microscope. Results are representative of three independent experiments. *, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01.