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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

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

Published on: November 10, 2017

Effect of atorvastatin on lipoprotein (a) and interleukin-10: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

C Hernández1, G Francisco, A Ciudin

  • 1CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain.

Diabetes & Metabolism
|December 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin therapy effectively lowers lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels in hypercholesterolaemic patients. The study also found that atorvastatin increases interleukin-10 (IL-10) in a dose-dependent manner.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolaemia poses a significant risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and CVD.
  • Biomarkers of inflammation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of atorvastatin on plasma Lp(a) levels.
  • To assess the effect of atorvastatin on key inflammatory biomarkers.
  • To evaluate these effects in hypercholesterolaemic patients without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
  • Inclusion of 63 hypercholesterolaemic patients.
  • Treatment groups: placebo, atorvastatin 10 mg/day, and atorvastatin 40 mg/day.
  • Measurement of Lp(a), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-Rs at baseline and follow-up points.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin significantly reduced Lp(a) levels compared to placebo (P = 0.02 for 10 mg, P = 0.04 for 40 mg).
  • Changes in Lp(a) were independently associated with baseline Lp(a) and CRP changes.
  • A significant, dose-dependent increase in IL-10 was observed with atorvastatin therapy (P = 0.01).
  • No significant changes were noted in CRP, IL-6, or TNF-Rs.

Conclusions:

  • Twelve weeks of atorvastatin therapy is effective in reducing Lp(a) in dyslipidaemic patients without CVD.
  • Atorvastatin demonstrates a novel, dose-dependent increase in IL-10 levels.
  • These findings suggest potential pleiotropic effects of statins beyond lipid-lowering.
Abstract

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