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[Atorvastatin lowers C-reactive protein in dislipemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Fátima Illán Gómez1, M Soledad Alcaraz Tafalla, Mercedes Pascual Díaz

  • 1Sección de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain. mariaf.illan@carm.es

Medicina Clinica
|November 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. This reduction in inflammation marker was linked to improved glucose control, independent of LDL cholesterol changes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) elevates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammation marker linked to cardiovascular events.
  • Statins, including atorvastatin, possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on CRP levels in patients with T2DM.
  • To explore the relationship between CRP changes and other clinical markers.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 30 patients with T2DM and hyperlipidemia.
  • Administration of 20 mg daily atorvastatin for 6 months.
  • Measurement of CRP levels at baseline and after 6 months, alongside clinical and biochemical data collection.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin significantly decreased CRP levels (median change: -4.99 mg/l; p < 0.001).
  • Baseline CRP correlated with body mass index, serum fibrinogen, and microalbuminuria.
  • CRP reduction correlated with improved fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin effectively reduces CRP levels in T2DM patients.
  • The anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin is largely independent of LDL cholesterol reduction.
  • CRP reduction is associated with better glycemic control in T2DM.
Abstract

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