Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
09:41

Quantification of Monocyte Transmigration and Foam Cell Formation from Individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Published on: October 17, 2017

Pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin on monocytes in atherosclerotic patients

Zhi-hao Wang1, Xiao-lin Liu, Ming Zhong

  • 1Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, P.R. China.

Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|October 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin therapy in atherosclerotic patients significantly altered monocyte gene expression, reducing inflammatory markers and improving lipid profiles. These pleiotropic effects suggest potential clinical benefits for cardiovascular disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis involves monocyte/macrophage dysfunction and inflammation.
  • Statins, like atorvastatin, have known lipid-lowering effects.
  • Emerging evidence suggests statins possess pleiotropic effects beyond lipid reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the gene expression signature of monocytes/macrophages in patients with atherosclerosis.
  • To evaluate the pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin on monocyte gene expression.
  • To assess the impact of different atorvastatin dosages (20 mg vs. 80 mg) on these effects.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind study involving 40 coronary heart disease patients.
  • Patients received either 20 mg or 80 mg of atorvastatin daily for 12 weeks.
  • Monocyte gene expression of 14 target genes was quantified, alongside lipid profiles.

Main Results:

  • Both atorvastatin dosages improved lipid profiles after 12 weeks.
  • Significant reductions in gene expression were observed for lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, CD13, leptin receptor, matrix metalloproteases-1, legumain, and prolyl oligopeptidase.
  • Tumor protein 53 expression increased only in the 80-mg atorvastatin group.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin exerts pleiotropic effects on monocytes in atherosclerotic patients.
  • These effects include modulation of genes involved in apoptosis, inflammation, and plaque stabilization.
  • The findings highlight the potential clinical significance of atorvastatin's non-lipid-lowering actions in cardiovascular disease.

More Related Videos

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...