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Cerivastatin, a hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase inhibitor, improves endothelial function in elderly

T Tsunekawa1, T Hayashi, H Kano

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.

Circulation
|July 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Short-term cerivastatin improved endothelial function in elderly diabetic patients by increasing nitric oxide and reducing oxidative stress, without altering lipid levels. This suggests potential antiatherosclerotic benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The short-term effects of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) on endothelial function at non-lipid-lowering doses remain unclear.
  • Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in atherosclerosis, particularly in diabetic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the short-term effects of cerivastatin on endothelial function in elderly diabetic patients.
  • To assess cerivastatin's impact on nitric oxide products, adhesion molecules, and oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods:

  • A 3-day treatment with low-dose cerivastatin (0.15 mg/d) in 27 elderly diabetic patients.
  • Assessment of endothelium-dependent (flow-mediated) and independent (nitroglycerin) vasodilation.
  • Measurement of nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite/nitrate, cGMP), adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1), von Willebrand Factor, and 8-isoprostane.

Main Results:

  • Cerivastatin significantly improved flow-mediated dilatation and increased plasma nitrite/nitrate and cGMP levels.
  • No significant changes were observed in plasma lipid profiles or nitroglycerin-induced dilatation.
  • Plasma 8-isoprostane and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels showed a tendency to decrease.

Conclusions:

  • Short-term cerivastatin administration enhances endothelial function in elderly diabetic patients, independent of lipid-lowering effects.
  • The observed improvement may be linked to increased nitric oxide bioavailability and reduced oxidative stress.
  • These findings suggest potential short-term antiatherosclerotic benefits of statins at non-lipid-lowering doses.
Abstract

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