Early atorvastatin therapy improves cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Signaling pathways and targeted therapy for myocardial infarction

Although the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) has improved considerably, it is still a worldwide disease with high morbidity and high mortality. Whilst there is still a long way to go for discovering ideal treatments, therapeutic strategies committed to cardioprotection and cardiac repair following cardiac ischemia are emerging. Evidence of pathological characteristics in MI illustrates cell signaling pathways that participate in the survival, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, monocytes, and stem cells. These signaling pathways include the key players in inflammation response, e.g., NLRP3/caspase-1 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB; the crucial mediators in oxidative stress and apoptosis, for instance, Notch, Hippo/YAP, RhoA/ROCK, Nrf2/HO-1, and Sonic hedgehog; the controller of myocardial fibrosis such as TGF-β/SMADs and Wnt/β-catenin; and the main regulator of angiogenesis, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Sonic hedgehog, etc. Since signaling pathways play an important role in administering the process of MI, aiming at targeting these aberrant signaling pathways and improving the pathological manifestations in MI is indispensable and promising. Hence, drug therapy, gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy, and exosome therapy have been emerging and are known as novel therapies. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic strategies for MI by regulating these associated pathways, which contribute to inhibiting cardiomyocytes death, attenuating inflammation, enhancing angiogenesis, etc. so as to repair and re-functionalize damaged hearts.

Effects of Statins on Renin-Angiotensin System

Statins, a class of drugs for lowering serum LDL-cholesterol, have attracted attention because of their wide range of pleiotropic effects. An important but often neglected effect of statins is their role in the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) pathway. This pathway plays an integral role in the progression of several diseases including hypertension, heart failure, and renal disease. In this paper, the role of statins in the blockade of different components of this pathway and the underlying mechanisms are reviewed and new therapeutic possibilities of statins are suggested.

Effect of atorvastatin on testosterone levels

BACKGROUND

Statins are one of the most prescribed classes of drugs worldwide. Atorvastatin, the most prescribed statin, is currently used to treat conditions such as hypercholesterolaemia and dyslipidaemia. By reducing the level of cholesterol, which is the precursor of the steroidogenesis pathway, atorvastatin may cause a reduction in levels of testosterone and other androgens. Testosterone and other androgens play important roles in biological functions. A potential reduction in androgen levels, caused by atorvastatin might cause negative effects in most settings. In contrast, in the setting of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reducing excessive levels of androgens with atorvastatin could be beneficial.

OBJECTIVES

Primary objective To quantify the magnitude of the effect of atorvastatin on total testosterone in both males and females, compared to placebo or no treatment. Secondary objectives To quantify the magnitude of the effects of atorvastatin on free testosterone, sex hormone binding globin (SHBG), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations, free androgen index (FAI), and withdrawal due to adverse effects (WDAEs) in both males and females, compared to placebo or no treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched the following databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 9 November 2020: the Cochrane Hypertension Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; Embase; ;two international trials registries, and the websites of the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Patent Office and the Pfizer pharmaceutical corporation. These searches had no language restrictions. We also contacted authors of relevant articles regarding further published and unpublished work.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs of daily atorvastatin for at least three weeks, compared with placebo or no treatment, and assessing change in testosterone levels in males or females.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the citations, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. We used the mean difference (MD) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) to report the effect size of continuous outcomes,and the risk ratio (RR) to report effect sizes of the sole dichotomous outcome (WDAEs). We used a fixed-effect meta-analytic model to combine effect estimates across studies, and risk ratio to report effect size of the dichotomous outcomes. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included six RCTs involving 265 participants who completed the study and their data was reported. Participants in two of the studies were male with normal lipid profile or mild dyslipidaemia (N = 140); the mean age of participants was 68 years. Participants in four of the studies were female with PCOS (N = 125); the mean age of participants was 32 years. We found no significant difference in testosterone levels in males between atorvastatin and placebo, MD -0.20 nmol/L (95% CI -0.77 to 0.37). In females, atorvastatin may reduce total testosterone by -0.27 nmol/L (95% CI -0.50 to -0.04), FAI by -2.59 nmol/L (95% CI -3.62 to -1.57), androstenedione by -1.37 nmol/L (95% CI -2.26 to -0.49), and DHEAS by -0.63 μmol/l (95% CI -1.12 to -0.15). Furthermore, compared to placebo, atorvastatin increased SHBG concentrations in females by 3.11 nmol/L (95% CI 0.23 to 5.99). We identified no studies in healthy females (i.e. females with normal testosterone levels) or children (under age 18). Importantly, no study reported on free testosterone levels.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found no significant difference between atorvastatin and placebo on the levels of total testosterone in males. In females with PCOS, atorvastatin lowered the total testosterone, FAI, androstenedione, and DHEAS. The certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low for both comparisons. More RCTs studying the effect of atorvastatin on testosterone are needed.

Innate Immune Receptors, Key Actors in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Most CVDs are associated with increased inflammation that arises mainly from innate immune system activation related to cardiac damage. Sustained activation of the innate immune system frequently results in maladaptive inflammatory responses that promote cardiovascular dysfunction and remodeling. Much research has focused on determining whether some mediators of the innate immune system are potential targets for CVD therapy. The innate immune system has specific receptors-termed pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)-that not only recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns, but also sense danger-associated molecular signals. Activation of PRRs triggers the inflammatory response in different physiological systems, including the cardiovascular system. The classic PRRs, toll-like receptors (TLRs), and the more recently discovered nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs), have been recently proposed as key partners in the progression of several CVDs (e.g., atherosclerosis and heart failure). The present review discusses the key findings related to the involvement of TLRs and NLRs in the progression of several vascular and cardiac diseases, with a focus on whether some NLR subtypes (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1) can be candidates for the development of new therapeutic strategies for several CVDs.

Atorvastatin, but not pravastatin, inhibits cardiac Akt/mTOR signaling and disturbs mitochondrial ultrastructure in cardiac myocytes

Statins, which reduce LDL-cholesterol by inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, are among the most widely prescribed drugs. Skeletal myopathy is a known statin-induced adverse effect associated with mitochondrial changes. We hypothesized that similar effects would occur in cardiac myocytes in a lipophilicity-dependent manner between 2 common statins: atorvastatin (lipophilic) and pravastatin (hydrophilic). Neonatal cardiac ventricular myocytes were treated with atorvastatin and pravastatin for 48 h. Both statins induced endoplasmic reticular (ER) stress, but only atorvastatin inhibited ERK1/2^T202/Y204, Akt^Ser473, and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling; reduced protein abundance of caveolin-1, dystrophin, epidermal growth factor receptor, and insulin receptor-β; decreased Ras homolog gene family member A activation; and induced apoptosis. In cardiomyocyte-equivalent HL-1 cells, atorvastatin, but not pravastatin, reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption. When male mice underwent atorvastatin and pravastatin administration per os for up to 7 mo, only long-term atorvastatin, but not pravastatin, induced elevated serum creatine kinase; swollen, misaligned, size-variable, and disconnected cardiac mitochondria; alteration of ER structure; repression of mitochondria- and endoplasmic reticulum-related genes; and a 21% increase in mortality in cardiac-specific vinculin-knockout mice during the first 2 months of administration. To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate in vivo that long-term atorvastatin administration alters cardiac ultrastructure, a finding with important clinical implications.-Godoy, J. C., Niesman, I. R., Busija, A. R., Kassan, A., Schilling, J. M., Schwarz, A., Alvarez, E. A., Dalton, N. D., Drummond, J. C., Roth, D. M., Kararigas, G., Patel, H. H., Zemljic-Harpf, A. E. Atorvastatin, but not pravastatin, inhibits cardiac Akt/mTOR signaling and disturbs mitochondrial ultrastructure in cardiac myocytes.

Serum lipid profiles in patients with acute myocardial infarction in Hakka population in southern China

BACKGROUND

Little is known about serum lipid levels comparison of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Hakka patients in southern China. To estimate the prevalence lipid profiles in Hakka patients with AMI in southern China.

METHOD

We analyzed 1382 patients with a first AMI in Hakka patients in southern China between Jan. 2015 and Dec. 2015.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were higher in nonelderly than in elderly for males. There were significant differences in TC, LDL, HDL, and TG among various age groups for both males and female patients (P < .05). TC, LDL, HDL, and TG were higher in females than males for the elderly, and the LDL levels of females were higher in 70-79,80-89 year age groups than males. The HDL level of female patients was higher than males in those 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 year age groups. Compared with males, females had higher level of TG in the 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 year age groups and had higher level of TC in the 50-59, 70-79, and 80-89 year age groups, respectively. Isolated high TG (normal LDL + normal HDL+ high TG) was most common type of combined dyslipidemia for female elderly (22.2%), female nonelderly (23.2%) and male elderly (24.1%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that serum lipid levels varied in age and gender in Hakka patients with acute myocardial infarction. Dyslipidemia is more prevalent in the non-elderly than in the elderly for males. Levels of TC, LDL, HDL, and TG were higher in females than males for the elderly Hakka population in southern China.

Statins for acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

The early period following the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents a critical stage of coronary heart disease, with a high risk of recurrent events and deaths. The short-term effects of early treatment with statins on patient-relevant outcomes in patients suffering from ACS are unclear. This is an update of a review previously published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects, both harms and benefits, of early administered statins in patients with ACS, in terms of mortality and cardiovascular events.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated the searches of CENTRAL (2013, Issue 3), MEDLINE (Ovid) (1946 to April Week 1 2013), EMBASE (Ovid) (1947 to 2013 Week 14), and CINAHL (EBSCO) (1938 to 2013) on 12 April 2013. We applied no language restrictions. We supplemented the search by contacting experts in the field, by reviewing the reference lists of reviews and editorials on the topic, and by searching trial registries.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing statins with placebo or usual care, with initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following the onset of ACS, follow-up of at least 30 days, and reporting at least one clinical outcome.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for all outcomes in the treatment and control groups and pooled data using random-effects models.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighteen studies (14,303 patients) compared early statin treatment versus placebo or no treatment in patients with ACS. The new search did not identify any new studies for inclusion. There were some concerns about risk of bias and imprecision of summary estimates. Based on moderate quality evidence, early statin therapy did not decrease the combined primary outcome of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and stroke at one month (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.08) or four months (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.06) of follow-up when compared to placebo or no treatment. There were no statistically significant risk reductions from statins for total death, total myocardial infarction, total stroke, cardiovascular death, revascularization procedures, and acute heart failure at one month or at four months, although there were favorable trends related to statin use for each of these endpoints. Moderate quality evidence suggests that the incidence of unstable angina was significantly reduced at four months following ACS (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.96). There were nine individuals with myopathy (elevated creatinine kinase levels more than 10 times the upper limit of normal) in statin-treated patients (0.13%) versus one (0.015%) in the control groups. Serious muscle toxicity was mostly limited to patients treated with simvastatin 80 mg.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on moderate quality evidence, due to concerns about risk of bias and imprecision, initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following ACS does not reduce death, myocardial infarction, or stroke up to four months, but reduces the occurrence of unstable angina at four months following ACS. Serious side effects were rare.

Serum atrial natriuretic peptide level inversely associates with metabolic syndrome in older adults

AIM

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a potent lipolytic agent that acts in adipose tissue. Low levels of ANP might lead to reduced lipolysis and excessive weight gain, which could be one of the biological alterations that contribute to the development of obesity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and fasting serum ANP concentrations in older adults.

METHODS

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 90 older adults. Metabolic syndrome and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation.

RESULTS

A total of 40 older adults (44.4%) had metabolic syndrome. Fasting ANP level was negatively correlated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.015). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) was positively correlated with serum logANP levels, whereas waist circumference (P = 0.001) and body fat mass (P = 0.002) were negatively correlated with fasting serum logANP levels. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 0.419, R(2) = 0.268, P < 0.001) and body fat mass (β = -0.396, R(2) = 0.154, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of fasting serum logANP levels in geriatric persons.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum ANP levels were reduced in geriatric persons affected by metabolic syndrome. Body fat mass and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent predictors of fasting serum ANP levels in older adults.

Inverse association of long-acting natriuretic peptide with metabolic syndrome in congestive heart failure patients

AIMS

Long-acting natriuretic peptide (LANP) is one of the peptide hormones in atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) pro-hormone. Low levels of natriuretic peptide may lead to reduced lipolysis and excessive weight gain in obese patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fasting serum LANP level and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among congestive heart failure (CHF) patients.

METHODS

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 186 patients with normal renal function in cardiac clinic outpatients. CHF defined by the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American Heart Association 2005 Guidelines. MetS and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients (52.7%) had CHF. There was a tendency of increased fasting LANP levels as the NYHA CHF functional classes increased (p = 0.002). Forty-six of the CHF patients (46.9%) had MetS. Fasting LANP level negatively correlated with MetS among CHF patients (p < 0.001). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that BUN (p = 0.026) positively correlated with fasting serum LANP levels, while body weight (p = 0.009), BMI (p = 0.004), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p = 0.024) and HOMA-β (p = 0.001) negatively correlated with fasting serum LANP levels among the CHF patients. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables showed that the HOMA-β (R2 change = 0.292, p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (R2 change = 0.081, p = 0.019) were independent predictors of fasting serum LANP levels in CHF patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LANP level is significantly reduced in CHF patients affected by MetS. HOMA-β and HOMA-IR were independent predictors of serum LANP levels in CHF patients.

Low serum long-acting natriuretic peptide level correlates with metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Long-acting natriuretic peptide (LANP) is one of the peptide hormones in atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) prohormone. Its biological properties are blood pressure regulation, maintenance of plasma volume and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and fasting serum LANP concentration in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 224 patients with or without hypertension. MetS and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight hypertensive patients (59.5 %) had MetS. Hypertensive patients with MetS had higher body weight (p = 0.003), waist circumference (p = 0.003), body mass index (p = 0.002), triglyceride concentrations (p = 0.029), insulin levels (p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (p <0.003) and HOMA-β (p = 0.049) and lower HDL-C concentrations (p = 0.001), LANP levels (p = 0.012) than those without MetS. The univariable linear regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.038) and the BUN concentration (p = 0.022) were positively correlated with the serum LANP levels, whereas the insulin level (p = 0.001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.004), and HOMA-β (p = 0.001) were negatively correlated with the fasting serum LANP levels among the hypertensive patients. Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables showed that the HOMA-β (β = -0.387, R(2) = 0.141, p <0.001) was an independent predictor of fasting serum LANP levels in hypertensive patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LANP level is significantly reduced in hypertensive patients affected by MetS and is negatively related to pancreatic beta cell function in hypertensive patients.

Efficacy of Atorvastatin combined with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on cardiac function in rats with acute myocardial infarction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively applied for the restoration of cardiomyocytes loss after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the optimal therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in ischemic heart diseases has been hampered by their poor survival and low differentiated rates. Therefore, the improvement of MSC survival and differentiated rates is warranted and critical for the efficacy of MSCs in AMI. In this paper, MSCs isolated from rat inguinal fat tissues were termed as adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs), and the fourth passage of ASCs was pre-specified by co-culturing with cardiomyocytes in a transwell system termed as co-ASCs. Fourteen days later, GATA-4 (a transcription factor) and cardiac troponin-I were detected by cellular immunofluorescence. Atorvastatin (Ator group) or vehicle (control group) was administrated for the first 24 h after AMI production in rats. Fourteen days later, inflammatory parameters and cardiac function were evaluated. The other surviving rats were injected with a total of 1 × 10(6) co-ASCs/100 μl phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 1×10(6) ASCs/100 μl PBS, or 100 μl PBS. Twenty-eight days after cell injection, survival and differentiated rates of transplanted cells and cardiac function were evaluated. The percentage of GATA-4 expression in co-ASCs was 28.5% ± 5.6% and of cardiac troponin-I was 22.8% ± 3.2%. Compared with the control group, the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells, myeloperoxidase activity, inflammatory cytokines (VCAM-1, TNF-α, Hs-CRP) mRNA expression, and Bax protein expression were significantly reduced in the three Ator groups, accompanied by a significant improvement of Bcl-2 protein expression and cardiac function (P< 0.05). Compared with the Ator2 + ASCs group and Con + co-ASCs group, the number of 4-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-stained cells and cardiac troponin-I-positive transplanted cells, concomitant with cardiac function, were improved most prominently in the Ator3 + co-ASCs group (P< 0.05). Pre-amelioration of the cardiac milieu, in conjunction with pre-specification of ASCs, was beneficial for enhancing ASCs' therapeutic efficacy on cardiac function after AMI.

Statins for acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

The early period following the onset of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represents a critical stage of coronary heart disease with a high risk for recurrent events and deaths. The short-term effects of early treatment with statins in patients suffering from ACS on patient-relevant outcomes are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of early administered statins in patients with ACS from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL (to 1 February 2010). No language restrictions were applied. We supplemented the search by contacting experts in the field, by reviewing reference lists of reviews and editorials on the topic, and by searching trial registries.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs comparing statins with placebo or usual care, initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following the onset of ACS, and follow-up of at least 30 days reporting at least one clinical outcome.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We pooled treatment effects and calculated risk ratios (RRs) for all outcomes in the treatment and control groups using a random effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighteen studies (14,303 patients) compared early statin treatment versus placebo or usual care in patients with ACS. Compared to placebo or usual care, early statin therapy did not decrease the combined primary outcome of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke at one month (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.08) and four months (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.06) of follow-up. There were no statistically significant risk reductions from statins for total death, total MI, total stroke, cardiovascular death, revascularization procedures, and acute heart failure at one month and at four months, although there were favorable trends related to statin use for each of these endpoints. The incidence of episodes of unstable angina was significantly reduced at four months following ACS (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.96). There were nine individuals with myopathy (elevated creatinine kinase levels > 10 times the upper limit of normal) in statin treated patients (0.13%) versus one (0.015%) in the control groups. Serious muscle toxicity was mostly limited to patients treated with simvastatin 80 mg.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on available evidence, initiation of statin therapy within 14 days following ACS does not reduce death, myocardial infarction, or stroke up to four months, but reduces the occurrence of unstable angina at four months following ACS.

Mitochondrial K(ATP) channels-derived reactive oxygen species activate pro-survival pathway in pravastatin-induced cardioprotection

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important intracellular signaling molecules and are implicated in cardioprotective pathways including ischemic preconditioning. Statins have been shown to have cardioprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury, however, the precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We hypothesized that ROS-mediated signaling cascade may be involved in pravastatin-induced cardioprotection. Cultured rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to H(2)O(2) for 30 min to induce cell injury. Pravastatin significantly suppressed H(2)O(2)-induced cell death evaluated by propidium iodide staining and the MTT assay. Incubation with pravastatin activated catalase, and prevented a ROS burst induced by H(2)O(2), which preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. Protective effects were induced very rapidly within 10 min, which was concordant with the up-regulation of phosphorylated ERK1/2. L-NAME, 5HD, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and staurosporine inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and also reduced pravastatin-induced cardioprotection, suggesting NO, mitochondrial K(ATP) (mitoK(ATP)) channels, ROS and PKC should be involved in the cardioprotective signaling. We also demonstrated that pravastatin moderately up-regulated ROS generation in a 5HD-inhibitable manner. In isolated perfused rat heart experiments, pravastatin administered 10 min prior to no-flow global ischemia significantly improved left ventricular functional recovery, and also reduced infarct size, which were attenuated by the treatment with NAC, 5HD, L-NAME or staurosporine. Administration of pravastatin from the beginning of reperfusion also conferred cardioprotection. Pravastatin protected the cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress by preventing the ROS burst and preserving mitochondrial function. Moderately up-regulated ROS production by mitoK(ATP) channels opening is involved in the pro-survival signaling cascade activated by pravastatin.

Rationale and design of assessment of lipophilic vs. hydrophilic statin therapy in acute myocardial infarction (the ALPS-AMI) study

BACKGROUND

Statins reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although all statins are equally effective in secondary prevention, there might be certain differences in the effects of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins. Therefore, our aim is to compare the effectiveness of lipophilic atorvastatin and hydrophilic pravastatin in secondary prevention after AMI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study of 500 patients with AMI. Patients that have undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention will be randomly allocated to receive either atorvastatin or pravastatin with the treatment goal of lowering their low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level below 100 mg/dl for 2 years. The primary endpoint will be death due to any cause, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, unstable angina, or congestive heart failure requiring hospital admission, or any type of coronary revascularization.

CONCLUSION

This is the first multicenter trial to compare the effects and safety of lipophilic and hydrophilic statin therapy in Japanese patients with AMI. It addresses an important issue and could influence the use of statin treatment in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.