Atorvastatin reduces plasma levels of factor VII activity and factor VII antigen in patients with hyperlipidemia

Eriko Morishita1, Shinji Minami, Chizuko Ishino

  • 1Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Science, Kanazawa University, Japan. eriko@med3.m.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Insights

Atorvastatin significantly reduced factor VII activity and antigen levels in hyperlipidemic patients. This may lower thrombotic potential and reduce coronary heart disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Factor VII plays a role in the coagulation cascade and thrombotic events.
  • Statins, like atorvastatin, are widely used to manage hyperlipidemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on plasma levels of factor VII in hyperlipidemic patients.
  • To explore the correlation between changes in lipid profiles and factor VII levels.
  • To assess the potential impact of atorvastatin on thrombotic risk.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 30 hyperlipidemic patients.
  • 12 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin.
  • Measurement of factor VII activity (FVIIc), factor VII antigen (FVIIag), activated factor VII (FVIIa), fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels.
  • Correlation analysis between lipid concentrations and factor VII levels.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin treatment led to significant decreases in FVIIc (13%) and FVIIag (12%) levels (p < 0.0001).
  • Decreased serum triglyceride concentrations correlated with reduced FVIIc and FVIIag levels.
  • No significant changes were observed in FVIIa, fibrinogen, or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin effectively reduces factor VII levels in hyperlipidemic patients.
  • The reduction in factor VII may contribute to a decreased thrombotic potential.
  • This effect of atorvastatin could potentially lead to fewer thromboembolic events and reduced coronary heart disease.

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