Related Experiment Videos
Low-dose atorvastatin therapy does not augment endothelial function in active hypercholesterolaemic males
Melinda M Parnell1, Jaye P F Chin-Dusting, Jennifer Starr
1Alfred Baker Medical Unit, Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
Insights
Atorvastatin therapy did not improve endothelial function in physically active men with hypercholesterolaemia (HC). This study found no significant difference compared to a control group, suggesting statins may not benefit endothelial function in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Hypercholesterolaemia (HC) is associated with impaired endothelial function.
- Statin therapy is known to improve endothelial function in sedentary individuals.
- The effect of statins on endothelial function in physically active HC individuals remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of atorvastatin on endothelial function in physically active men with HC.
- To compare endothelial function between HC men and a normolipidaemic control group.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover design was used to assess endothelial function via forearm blood flow response to acetylcholine infusion.
- Subjects received either atorvastatin or no therapy.
- Comparison was made with an active, normolipidaemic control group.
Main Results:
- Atorvastatin effectively reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels.
- No significant improvement in basal blood flow or endothelial function was observed with atorvastatin therapy.
- No significant difference in endothelial function was found between the hypercholesterolaemic and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Statin therapy does not appear to augment endothelial function in hypercholesterolaemic patients who already have normal endothelial function.
- Physical activity may play a role in maintaining endothelial function despite hypercholesterolaemia.
Aims:
As statin therapy has been demonstrated to augment endothelial function in sedentary hypercholesterolaemia (HC), we aimed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin therapy on endothelial function in physically active, HC men.
Method And Results:
Eleven physically active, HC males were recruited. Endothelial function [forearm blood flow response to brachial artery infusion of acetylcholine (Ach)] was assessed twice in each subject following atorvastatin or no therapy in a randomized crossover design. In addition, endothelial function was compared with an active, normolipidaemic control group (C). Atorvastatin therapy reduced total and LDL cholesterol, but had no effect on basal blood flow or endothelial function (peak ACh mean difference +/- standard error 0.75 +/- 1.75 ml min(-1) per 100 ml tissue) [95% confidence interval (CI) -3.1, 4.6]. In addition, there was no difference in endothelial function between the HC and C groups (-1.14 +/- 2.60 ml min(-1) per 100 ml tissue; CI -6.53, 4.25).
Conclusion:
Statin therapy in HC patients with normal endothelial function does not augment endothelial function.