Effects of hypocholesterolaemic agents on the expression and activity of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase in the fat body of the German cockroach

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Abstract
In the fat body of adult Blattella germanica females, the expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMG‐CoA reductase) during the first reproductive cycle is parallel to that of vitellogenin, suggesting a functional link between the mevalonate pathway, and vitellogenesis and reproduction. We have studied the effects of compactin and fluvastatin, two inhibitors of HMG‐CoA reductase, on the expression and activity of the enzyme in the fat body, and on the ootheca formation, ootheca viability, and number of larvae per viable ootheca. Short‐term assays showed that both compounds reduce the protein levels and enzymatic activity of HMG‐CoA reductase, and long‐term experiments revealed that fluvastatin impairs embryo development. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49:177–186, 2002.
Funding Information
  • DGICYT, Spain (PB98-0472)
  • CIRIT, Catalonia (1999 SGR 00186)
  • Institut d’Estudis Catalans (IEC, Barcelona)