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Effects of simvastatin withdrawal on serum matrix metalloproteinases in hypercholesterolaemic patients

C Y Huang1, T C Wu, W T Lin

  • 1Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Statin withdrawal in hypercholesterolemic patients led to rebound lipid profiles and hsCRP levels, but matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels remained stable or decreased, suggesting a prolonged statin effect.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels are linked to outcomes in coronary artery disease.
  • The impact of statin withdrawal on MMP levels is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changes in serum MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP), and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) after simvastatin withdrawal in hypercholesterolemic patients.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-one hypercholesterolemic patients on simvastatin had statin discontinued.
  • Lipid profiles, MMPs, TIMP, and hsCRP were measured at baseline and 120 days post-withdrawal.
  • Control groups included untreated hyperlipidemia patients and healthy individuals.

Main Results:

  • Lipid profiles and hsCRP rebounded significantly 120 days after statin withdrawal.
  • Serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels remained unchanged.
  • Serum MMP-3 levels decreased significantly post-statin withdrawal (P=0.022).
  • Variations in all measured parameters were inversely correlated with baseline levels.

Conclusions:

  • Short-term statin discontinuation differentially affects serum hsCRP and MMPs.
  • MMP levels remained stable or decreased despite lipid and hsCRP rebound, indicating a potential prolonged statin effect.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the clinical implications of these findings.
Abstract

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