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Atorvastatin decreases high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in multiple sclerosis
J Sellner1, I Greeve, H P Mattle
1Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. sellner@lrz.tum.de
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|June 25, 2008
Summary
Atorvastatin may reduce inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with interferon-beta. Add-on atorvastatin therapy lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Statins, including atorvastatin, are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation, and its modulation may be relevant in treating multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of add-on atorvastatin therapy on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in relapsing-remitting MS patients receiving interferon-beta 1b.
Main Methods:
- Serum hs-CRP levels were measured in relapsing-remitting MS patients undergoing interferon-beta 1b treatment.
- The impact of adding atorvastatin to interferon-beta 1b therapy on hs-CRP levels was assessed.
Main Results:
- Interferon-beta 1b treatment alone was associated with increased serum hs-CRP levels in MS patients (P<0.01).
- Add-on atorvastatin therapy to interferon-beta 1b resulted in a decrease in serum hs-CRP levels to the normal range (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin demonstrates an anti-inflammatory action in MS patients treated with interferon-beta, as indicated by hs-CRP modulation.
- Further investigation is required to determine if add-on atorvastatin therapy impacts the clinical course of MS.
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