Effects of fenofibrate and its combination with lovastatin on the expression of genes involved in skeletal muscle atrophy, including FoxO1 and its targets

Fibrates and statins have been widely used to reduce triglyceride cholesterol levels, respectively. Besides its lipid-lowering effect, the side effect of muscle atrophy after fibrate administration humans has demonstrated in some studies. Combination therapy with fibrates also increases risk rhabdomyolysis. FoxO1, a member FoxO forkhead type transcription factor family, is markedly upregulated skeletal energy-deprived states induces via expression E3-ubiquitine ligases. In this study, we investigated changes FoxO1 targets murine fenofibrate treatment. High doses (greater than 0.5% (wt/wt)) over one week increased muscles mice decreased weight. These fenofibrate-induced were diminished PPARα knockout mice. When combination treatment lovastatin was investigated, significant increase protein levels observed despite lack deterioration atrophy. Collectively, our findings suggest that high dose causes enhancement may further level.