Influence of simvastatin on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide by activated human chondrocytes.

Objective: In addition to their cholesterol-lowering action, statins have been suggested to exert anti-inflammatory activities. In this study we evaluate whether simvastatin could influence the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8) and nitric oxide (NO) by activated human chondrocytes.

Methods: Human isolated chondrocytes and cartilage explants were pre-incubated with simvastatin (0.

beta+-Thalassaemia, Haemoglobin S and Hereditary elliptocytosis in a Zairian Family. Ischaemic costal necroses in a child with sickle cell beta+-Thalassaemia.

In a family of Low-Zaïre, a child with sickle cell beta+-thalassaemia disease, aged 7, presented 33.6% haemoglobin A. The clinical evolution was benign, except for the occurrence of an extensive bilateral ischemic necrosis of the ribs.