Atorvastatin: pharmacological characteristics and lipid-lowering effects

Cortical and subcortical brain networks predict prevailing heart rate

Resting heart rate may confer risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other adverse cardiovascular events. While the brainstem's autonomic control over heart rate is well established, less is known about the regulatory role of higher-level cortical and subcortical brain regions, especially in humans. The present study sought to characterize the brain networks that predict variation in prevailing heart rate in otherwise healthy adults. We used machine learning approaches designed for complex, high-dimensional datasets, to predict variation in instantaneous heart period (the inter-heartbeat-interval) from whole brain hemodynamic signals measured by fMRI. Task-based and resting-state fMRI, as well as peripheral physiological recordings, were taken from two datasets that included extensive repeated measurements within individuals. Our models reliably predicted instantaneous heart period from whole brain fMRI data both within and across individuals, with prediction accuracies being highest when measured within-participants. We found that a network of cortical and subcortical brain regions, many linked to psychological stress, were reliable predictors of variation in heart period. This adds to evidence on brain-heart interactions and constitutes an incremental step towards developing clinically-applicable biomarkers of brain contributions to CVD risk.

Evaluation of the Effects of Atorvastatin and N-Acetyl Cysteine on Platelet Counts in Patients with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia: An Exploratory Clinical Trial

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of atorvastatin and N-acetyl cysteine in increasing platelet counts in patients with immune thrombocytopenia who were resistant to steroid therapy or had a relapse after treatment. Material and Methods: The patients included in this study received oral treatment of atorvastatin at a dose of 40 mg daily and N-acetyl cysteine at a dose of 400 mg every 8 h. The desired treatment duration was 12 months, but we included patients who completed at least 1 month of treatment in the analysis. The platelet counts were measured prior to the administration of the study treatment and in the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months of treatment (if available). A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We included 15 patients who met our inclusion criteria. For the total treatment duration, the global response was 60% (nine patients); eight patients (53.3%) had a complete response and one patient (6.7%) had a partial response. Six patients (40%) were considered as having undergone treatment failure. Of the responder group, five patients maintained a complete response after treatment (55.5%), three patients maintained a partial response (33.3%), and one patient (11.1%) lost their response to the treatment. All of the patients in the responder group had significant increases in their platelet counts after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides evidence of a possible treatment option for patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia. However, further studies are needed.

CYP102A1 peroxygenase catalyzed reaction via in situ H2O2 generation

CYP102A1 is a promiscuous bacterial cytochrome P450 (CYP or P450) known for its diverse substrates and comparable activity with human P450 enzymes. The development of CYP102A1 peroxygenase activity can contribute significantly to human drug development and drug metabolite production. Peroxygenase has recently emerged as an alternative to a dependency of P450 on NADPH-P450 reductase and NADPH cofactor and gives more opportunity for practical application. However, the H₂O₂ dependency also leads to challenges regarding its practical application, in which the excessive H₂O₂ concentration causes the activation of the peroxygenases. Therefore, we need the optimization of H₂O₂ production to minimize oxidative inactivation. In this study, we report the CYP102A1 peroxygenase-catalyzed atorvastatin hydroxylation reaction with an enzymatic H₂O₂ generation using glucose oxidase. Random mutagenesis at the CYP102A1 heme domain was used to generate mutant libraries with high throughput screening of highly active mutants, which can pair with the in situ H₂O₂ generation. The setup of the CYP102A1 peroxygenase reaction was also possible for other statin drugs and could be developed to produce drug metabolites. We also found a relationship between enzyme inactivation and product formation during the catalytic reaction, supported by enzymatic in situ H₂O₂ supply. It can be suggested that the low product formation is due to enzyme inactivation.

Atorvastatin remodels lipid distribution between liver and adipose tissues through blocking lipoprotein efflux in fish

The regulation of cholesterol metabolism in fish is still unclear. Statins play important roles in promoting cholesterol metabolism development in mammals. However, studies on the role of statins in cholesterol metabolism in fish are currently limited. The present study evaluated the effects of statins on cholesterol metabolism in fish. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were fed on control diets supplemented with three atorvastatin levels (0, 12, and 24 mg/kg diet, ATV0, ATV12, and ATV24, respectively) for 4 wk. Intriguingly, the results showed that both atorvastatin treatments increased hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride contents mainly through inhibiting bile acid synthesis and efflux, and compensatorily enhancing cholesterol synthesis in fish liver (P < 0.05). Moreover, atorvastatin treatment significantly inhibited hepatic very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly and thus decreased serum VLDL content (P < 0.05). However, fish treated with atorvastatin significantly reduced cholesterol and triglycerides contents in adipose tissue (P < 0.05). Further molecular analysis showed that atorvastatin treatment promoted cholesterol synthesis and lipogenesis pathways, but inhibited lipid catabolism and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake in the adipose tissue of fish (P < 0.05). In general, atorvastatin induced the remodeling of lipid distribution between liver and adipose tissues through blocking VLDL efflux from the liver to adipose tissue of fish. Our results provide a novel regulatory pattern of cholesterol metabolism response caused by atorvastatin in fish, which is distinct from mammals: cholesterol inhibition by atorvastatin activates hepatic cholesterol synthesis and inhibits its efflux to maintain cholesterol homeostasis, consequently reduces cholesterol storage in fish adipose tissue.

Enhancing the biopharmaceutical attributes of atorvastatin calcium using polymeric and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles: An approach for atherosclerosis treatment

Atherosclerosis is associated with inflammation in the arteries, a significant cause of heart attacks and strokes. Although statin therapy can reduce the chances of atherosclerotic plaque formation, they need to be administered in high doses due to low systemic bioavailability and encountered with side effects. To overcome these challenges, we developed nanoparticles using biocompatible and biodegradable lipids and polymers for improving systemic drug absorption and therapeutic response. The polymeric nanoparticles were prepared using PLGA and PVA, while hybrid nanoparticles were prepared using PLGA and Phospholipon 90 G. Both nanoparticles were systematically optimized by I-optimal response surface design. The optimum formulation composition exhibited particle size of less than 250 nm, polydispersity index of less than 0.3, entrapment efficiency of more than 70%, and sustained drug release up to 6 h. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in rats indicated multi-fold improvement in the extent of drug absorption (C_max and AUC_total) for atorvastatin from the nanoparticles vis-à-vis the pure drug suspension. In vivo pharmacodynamic studies also indicated the excellent ability of nanoparticles to lower the elevated levels of lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins) and increase the level of high-density lipoproteins as compared to that of the pure drug suspension.

Development and validation of a simple method for the determination of Atorvastatin calcium in pure and pharmaceutical formulations using spectrofluorimetry

A simple, accurate, precise, sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method was developed and validated for the determination of Atorvastatin calcium (ATV), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, in its pure and tablet dosage form. The proposed method was based on direct measurement of the native fluorescence of ATV. Fluorescence analysis was accomplished by using an emission wavelength 385 nm after excitation at the wavelength of 270 nm in acetonitrile, without difficult preparation steps of the sample solution such as separation, extraction, pH adjustment or derivatization. All variables affecting the fluorescence intensity such as measurement time, temperature, and diluting solvent were investigated and optimized. Under the typical conditions, a validation study for linearity, range, accuracy, precision, selectivity and robustness of the proposed method was implemented according to ICH guidelines. The fluorescence intensity was linear over concentration range of (0.4-12) μg/ml (r = 0.9999), and the lower limits of detection and quantification were 0.079 and 0.24 μg/ml, respectively. Good accuracy and precision results were obtained through using the presented method with excellent mean recovery value 100.08 ± 0.32 which was in the acceptable range (98.0-102.0%), and RSD <2%, proving the precision of the developed method. Specificity was proved in the presence of excipients and Amlodipine besylate (AML) which encountered usually as combined drug with ATV. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of pharmaceuticals containing the mentioned drug with no interference from other drugs or dosage form additives, and the recoveries were in the range of 99.11 ± 0.75 to 100.89 ± 0.70. Furthermore, the obtained results were compared with reported HPLC method. Then, the t- and F- values were calculated and compared with the theoretical ones, which indicate good precision and high accuracy of the proposed method. Therefore, this method is valuable, reliable, and very suitable to be applied in routine quality control laboratories.

SLCO1B1 and ABCB1 variants synergistically influence the atorvastatin treatment response in south Indian coronary artery disease patients

Introduction: Atorvastatin exhibits wide interindividual variability in treatment response, limiting the drug efficacy in coronary artery disease patients. Aim: To study the effect of genetic variants involved in atorvastatin transport/metabolism and correlate their lipid-lowering efficacy. Materials & methods: Genotyping was performed using 5'-hydrolysis probe method (n = 412), and the study evaluated the treatment response in 86 patients. Results: Significant reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were observed in SLCO1B1-rs4149056, rs4363657 and ABCB1-rs1045642 genotypes. The combined genotypes of ABCB1 and SLCO1B1 showed a strong synergistic effect in reducing the total cholesterol and LDL-C. Diabetes and smoking were observed to influence the LDL-C reduction. Conclusion: The genetic variants of SLCO1B1 and ABCB1 predict the lipid-lowering efficacy of atorvastatin, and this may be useful in genotype-guided statin therapy for coronary artery disease patients.

CYP3A5*3 and SLCO1B1 c.521T>C Polymorphisms Influence the Pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin and 2-Hydroxy Atorvastatin

There is a large variability in individual responses to atorvastatin administration. This study assessed the pharmacogenetic effects of solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1, c.388A>G and c.521T>C) and cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5, CYP3A5*3) genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin and its active metabolite, 2-hydroxy (2-OH) atorvastatin, in 46 individuals who were administered a clinically used single oral dosage of 80 mg. The Cmax and AUC of atorvastatin in CYP3A5*3/*3 carriers were 2.6- and 2.8-fold higher, respectively, than those in CYP3A5*1/*1 carriers, and similar results were observed for 2-OH atorvastatin pharmacokinetics. SLCO1B1 c.521T>C also increased the AUC of atorvastatin and 2-OH atorvastatin. The AUC ratio of atorvastatin and 2-OH atorvastatin were not affected by SLCO1B1 c.388A>G or c.521T>C, whereas CYP3A5*3 reduced the AUC ratio. In an analysis evaluating the simultaneous effect of the SLCO1B1 c.521T>C and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms, SLCO1B1 c.521TT/CYP3A5*1/*1 carriers showed lower Cmax and AUC values for atorvastatin and 2-OH atorvastatin than in individuals with the SLCO1B1 c.521T>C and/or CYP3A5*3 genotypes. Among the participants with the SLCO1B1 c.521TT genotype, the CYP3A5*3 carriers had a higher systemic exposure to atorvastatin and 2-OH atorvastatin than the CYP3A5*1/*1 carriers. Thus, SLCO1B1 c.521T>C and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms affect the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin and 2-OH atorvastatin.

Impact of atorvastatin on erectile dysfunction: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Atorvastatin may be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether atorvastatin therapy is effective in the treatment of ED. All published research on atorvastatin in the treatment of ED patients in EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane were investigated till 30 October 2021. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was done to investigate the efficacy of atorvastatin and placebo in the treatment of ED. Moreover, we also performed a meta-analysis based on single-arm trials (SATs) to explore the atorvastatin treatment on the efficacy of ED. In a meta-analysis based on RCTs, the weighted mean difference of the change of International Index for Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score in the atorvastatin treatment group with or without treatment was 4.53 (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] of 3.28-5.79) higher than in the control group. In an SAT-based meta-analysis, the ES of the change in IIEF-5 score in the atorvastatin treatment group before and after treatment was 3.22 (95 per cent CI of 1.32-5.12). Atorvastatin is an effective therapeutic drug for patients with ED. However, we expect that more multicentre clinical trials will be conducted to support this assertion.

Level of Control of Dyslipidemia Among Patients Followed in Family Medicine Clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background Dyslipidemia is a well-established primary risk factor leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Treatment with lifestyle modification and lipid-lowering agents has been shown to reduce ASCVD morbidity and mortality. Objectives To explore the level of dyslipidemia control among patients followed in family medicine (FM) clinics and describe the prescribing pattern of lipid-lowering agents. Materials and methods This is a chart review cross-sectional observational study conducted over 382 patients who were followed in FM clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to January 2019. The data were extracted from the electronic medical record system (BESTCare) and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) to look for the association. Result All patients had a reduction in their lipid parameters over the three years follow-up period. The mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for the total sample was (2.783 ± 0.850) mmol/L. 82.1% were using a statin alone, 6% were using statin plus fenofibrate, and 12.8% were switched from one statin to another. Those who had statin plus fenofibrate and those switched from one statin to another had the most reduction in their LDL, TC, and TG. Conclusion Most of the patients visiting the Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showed a continuous reduction in their lipid profile over the follow-up period; with better control for high-risk patients. Many factors may have contributed to the reduction, like the number of clinic visits, dietician, and health educator visits, along with the type of medication used.

Current Evidence, Challenges, and Opportunities of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models of Atorvastatin for Decision Making

Atorvastatin (ATS) is the gold-standard treatment worldwide for the management of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of cardiovascular diseases associated with dyslipidemia. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been positioned as a valuable tool for the characterization of complex pharmacokinetic (PK) processes and its extrapolation in special sub-groups of the population, leading to regulatory recognition. Several PBPK models of ATS have been published in the recent years, addressing different aspects of the PK properties of ATS. Therefore, the aims of this review are (i) to summarize the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics involved in the time-course of ATS, and (ii) to evaluate the major highlights and limitations of the PBPK models of ATS published so far. The PBPK models incorporate common elements related to the physicochemical aspects of ATS. However, there are important differences in relation to the analyte evaluated, the type and effect of transporters and metabolic enzymes, and the permeability value used. Additionally, this review identifies major processes (lactonization, P-gp contribution, ATS-Ca solubility, simultaneous management of multiple analytes, and experimental evidence in the target population), which would enhance the PBPK model prediction to serve as a valid tool for ATS dose optimization.

Leptin activates Akt in oesophageal cancer cells via multiple atorvastatin-sensitive small GTPases

Obesity is a risk factor for Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Adipose tissue secretes the hormone leptin. Leptin is a growth factor for several cell types, including Barrett’s cells and oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Statins are associated with reduced rates of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer and exhibit anti-cancer effects in vitro. The mechanisms of these effects are not fully established. We have examined the effects of leptin and the lipid-soluble statin, atorvastatin, on signalling via monomeric GTP-binding proteins and Akt. Proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in OE33 cells. Akt activity was quantified by cell-based ELISA and in vitro kinase assay. Specific small-molecule inhibitors and a dominant-negative construct were used to reduce Akt activity. Small GTPases were inhibited using transfection of dominant-negative plasmids, prenylation inhibitors and pretreatment with atorvastatin. Leptin stimulated Akt activity and cell proliferation and inhibited camptothecin-induced apoptosis in an Akt-sensitive manner. Leptin induced phosphorylation of Bad and FOXO1 in an Akt-sensitive manner. Leptin activated Ras, Rac, RhoA and cdc42. Transfection of dominant-negative plasmids confirmed that leptin-induced Akt activation required Ras, RhoA cdc42 but not Rac. Atorvastatin inhibited leptin-induced activation of Ras, RhoA, cdc42 and Akt. Co-treatment with mevalonate prevented these effects of atorvastatin. The protein kinase Akt is essential to the growth-promoting and anti-apoptotic effects of leptin in oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Akt is activated via Ras-, Rho- and cdc42-dependant pathways. Atorvastatin reduces leptin-induced Akt activation by inhibiting prenylation of small GTPases. This may explain the reduced incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in statin-users.

Production of a Human Metabolite of Atorvastatin by Bacterial CYP102A1 Peroxygenase

Atorvastatin is a widely used statin drug that prevents cardiovascular disease and treats hyperlipidemia. The major metabolites in humans are 2-OH and 4-OH atorvastatin, which are active metabolites known to show highly inhibiting effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity. Producing the hydroxylated metabolites by biocatalysts using enzymes and whole-cell biotransformation is more desirable than chemical synthesis. It is more eco-friendly and can increase the yield of desired products. In this study, we have found an enzymatic strategy of P450 enzymes for highly efficient synthesis of the 4-OH atorvastatin, which is an expensive commercial product, by using bacterial CYP102A1 peroxygenase activity with hydrogen peroxide without NADPH. We obtained a set of CYP102A1 mutants with high catalytic activity toward atorvastatin using enzyme library generation, high-throughput screening of highly active mutants, and enzymatic characterization of the mutants. In the hydrogen peroxide supported reactions, a mutant, with nine changed amino acid residues compared to a wild-type among tested mutants, showed the highest catalytic activity of atorvastatin 4-hydroxylation (1.8 min−1). This result shows that CYP102A1 can catalyze atorvastatin 4-hydroxylation by peroxide-dependent oxidation with high catalytic activity. The advantages of CYP102A1 peroxygenase activity over NADPH-supported monooxygenase activity are discussed. Taken together, we suggest that the P450 peroxygenase activity can be used to produce drugs’ metabolites for further studies of their efficacy and safety.

The potential of Atorvastatin for chronic lung diseases therapy

Atorvastatin (ATO) is of the statin class and is used as an orally administered lipid-lowering drug. ATO is a reversible synthetic competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase thus leading to a reduction in cholesterol synthesis. It has recently been demonstrated that ATO has different pharmacological actions, which are unrelated to its lipid-lowering effects and has the ability to treat chronic airway diseases. This paper reviews the potential of ATO as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative agent after oral or inhaled administration. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using ATO under conditions associated with those found in the airways. This treatment could potentially be used to support the formulating of ATO as an inhaler for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.

Exercise Training Protects against Atorvastatin-Induced Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Skeletal Muscle of Rats

Statins are used to prevent and treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but they also induce myopathy and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we investigated whether exercise training prevents glucose intolerance, muscle impairment, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the skeletal muscles of Wistar rats treated with atorvastatin (5 mg kg-1 day-1) for 12 weeks. The rats were assigned to the following three groups: the control (CON), atorvastatin-treated (ATO), and ATO plus aerobic exercise training groups (ATO+EXE). The ATO+EXE group exhibited higher glucose tolerance and forelimb strength and lower creatine kinase levels than the other groups. Mitochondrial respiratory and Ca2+ retention capacity was significantly lower in the ATO group than in the other groups, but exercise training protected against atorvastatin-induced impairment in both the soleus and white gastrocnemius muscles. The mitochondrial H2O2 emission rate was relatively higher in the ATO group and lower in the ATO+EXE group, in both the soleus and white gastrocnemius muscles, than in the CON group. In the soleus muscle, the Bcl-2, SOD1, SOD2, Akt, and AMPK phosphorylation levels were significantly higher in the ATO+EXE group than in the ATO group. In the white gastrocnemius muscle, the SOD2, Akt, and AMPK phosphorylation levels were significantly higher in the ATO+EXE group than in the ATO group. Therefore, exercise training might regulate atorvastatin-induced muscle damage, muscle fatigue, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the skeletal muscles.

Impact of Plasma Exposure of Statins and Their Metabolites With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Chinese Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

The selection of optimum statin intensity is inconclusive, and the association of plasma exposure of statins and metabolites with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) is unclear. This study sought to compare the effect of low (quartile 1), intermediate (quartiles 2 and 3), and high (quartile 4) plasma exposure of statins and metabolites on MACE, re-ischemia events and death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at 5 years. A total of 1,644 patients in atorvastatin (AT) cohort and 804 patients in rosuvastatin (RST) cohort were included, and their plasma concentration of statins and metabolites was categorized as low-, mid-, or high-group. The association between the plasma levels of statins and metabolites and the incidence of primary endpoint in patients was assessed by Cox proportional hazard models. Intensive AT exposure (Q4 > 5.32 ng/ml) was significantly associated with increased risk of death compared with low (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.522; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.035–1.061; P = 0.0022) or moderate exposure (HR: 2.054; 95% CI: 1.348–3.130; P = 0.0008). This association was also found in AT’s five metabolites (all P < 0.01). In patients with RST treatment, moderate RST concentration (0.53–4.29 ng/ml) versus low concentration had a significantly lower risk of MACE and re-ischemia events. (HR: 0.532, 95% CI: 0.347–0.815, P = 0.0061 and HR: 0.505, 95% CI: 0.310–0.823, P = 0.0061, respectively). A higher plasma exposure of AT and metabolites has a significantly higher risk of death, and moderate RST exposure has a significantly lower risk of MACE and re-ischemia events in Chinese patients with CAD. The harms of high plasma exposure should be considered when prescribing statins to patients because it may be a risk factor for having poor prognosis in patients with CAD.

Efficacy and Safety of High-Dose Atorvastatin in Moderate-to-High Cardiovascular Risk Postmenopausal Korean Women with Dyslipidemia

Objective

Postmenopausal women show a more atherogenic lipid profile and elevated cardiovascular risk compared to premenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of high-dose atorvastatin on the improvement of the blood lipid profile of postmenopausal women in Korea.

Methods

This study is a prospective, open-label, single-arm clinical trial that was conducted in 3 teaching hospitals. Postmenopausal women with a moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk, according to guidelines from the Korean Society of Lipid & Atherosclerosis, were enrolled. Participants were administered 20 mg of atorvastatin daily for the first 8 weeks, and if the targeted low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was not achieved, the dose was increased to 40 mg for the second 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage change of LDL-C from baseline after 16 weeks of drug administration.

Results

Forty-four women were enrolled, 28 of whom (75.6%) had diabetes mellitus. By the end of treatment period (16 weeks) all patients had achieved LDL-C target levels, with 33 (94.2%) of the participants achieving it after only 8 weeks of administration. After 16 weeks, LDL-C decreased by 45.8±16.7% (p<0.001) from the baseline, and total cholesterol (33.2±10.9%; p<0.001), triglyceride (24.2±37.5%; p=0.001), and apolipoprotein B (34.9±15.6%; p<0.001) also significantly decreased. Blood glucose and liver enzyme levels slightly increased, but none of the participants developed serious adverse events that would cause them to prematurely withdraw from the clinical trial.

Conclusion

20 and 40 mg atorvastatin was effective and safe for treating dyslipidemia in postmenopausal Korean women with moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk.

Associations between occupational relative aerobic workload and resting blood pressure among different age groups: a cross-sectional analysis in the DPhacto study

OBJECTIVE

High levels of occupational physical activity (OPA) increase heart rate, blood pressure (BP) and the risk of hypertension. Older workers may be more vulnerable to high levels of OPA due to age-related degeneration of the cardiovascular system and cardiorespiratory fitness. This study investigates the association of relative aerobic workload (RAW) with resting BP and examines if this relation is moderated by age.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional epidemiological study.

SETTING

Data were collected among employees of 15 Danish companies in the cleaning, manufacturing and transport sectors.

PARTICIPANTS

2107 employees were invited for participation, of these 1087 accepted and 562 (42% female and 4% non-Westerns) were included in the analysis based on the criteria of being non-pregnant, no allergy to bandages, sufficient amount of heart rate data corresponding to ≥4 work hours per workday or 75% of average work hours, and no missing outcome and confounder values.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was BP.

RESULTS

Heart rate reserve was estimated from ambulatory 24-hour heart rate measures covering 2.5 workdays per participant (SD 1.0 day). Age significantly moderated the association between RAW and BP. Mean intensity and duration of high RAW (≥30% heart rate reserve) showed positive associations with diastolic BP and negative associations with pulse pressure (PP) among participants ≥47 years old. Tendencies towards negative associations between RAW and BP were seen among participants <47 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

Mean intensity and duration of RAW increased diastolic BP among participants ≥47 years old. Negative associations with PP may be due to healthy worker selection bias. Prevention of hypertension should consider reductions in RAW for ageing workers.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Based Nanolipid Formulation of Atorvastatin for Treating Hyperlipidemia

Purpose: In the current study, attempts have been made to formulate an omega-3 fatty acid based nanostructured lipid carriers of atorvastatin (AT), for treating hyperlipidemia; and to evaluate their antihyperlipidemic activity using in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods: Omega-3 fatty acid based AT-loaded nanolipid carriers (NLC) were formulated by the melt emulsification ultrasonication technology. The prepared NLC consist of stearic acid (as solid lipid), omega-3 fatty acid (as liquid lipid), Tween 80, poloxamer 188 (surfactants) and soya-lecithin (co-surfactant). Results: AT loaded NLCs have a particle size of 74.76 ± 4.266 nm, a zeta potential value of -36.03 ± 1.504 mV and a high drug entrapment efficiency (EE) of 86.70 % ± 0.155. The release of AT from NLCs exhibited a sustained behaviour, which made it an ideal vehicle for drug delivery. MTT assay results indicated that NLCs are compatible with L929 (mouse fibroblast) cell lines. Anti-hyperlipidemic study showed a significant reduction in LDL and TG levels in serum with the orally administered Omega-3 fatty acid based AT loaded NLCs when compared to marketed formulation. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the omega-3 fatty acid based NLC has the potential to be a promising nanomedicine for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Comparison of the effects of rosuvastatin monotherapy and atorvastatin-ezetimibe combined therapy on the structure of erythrocyte membranes in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in the physical properties of the red blood cells (RBCs) membranes may underlie the defects that are strongly linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two therapies of equal hipolipemic efficacy on the erythrocyte membrane fluidity, concentration of membrane cholesterol, lipids peroxidation and RBCs distribution witdh in patients with CVD.

METHODS

The study included 44 patients with angiographic evidence of CVD, who despite previous 6-month hypolipemic therapy, did not achieve the concentration of LDL-C <70mg/dl. They were randomly assigned to: rosuvastatin 20mg/day (R20) and atorvastatin 10mg/day combined with ezetimibe 10mg/day (A10+E10). The membrane fluidity, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances -TBARS, concentration of membrane cholesterol were evaluated after 6 months therapy.

RESULTS

An improvement in lipid parameters was observed in each of the groups studied. In R20 the treatment resulted in 33% reduction concentrations of TBARS in serum, as well as in a decrease in membrane cholesterol by 16%, fluorescence anisotropy of TMA-DPH by 17.7%, fluorescence anisotropy of DPH by 2.8%. In A10+E10 the reduction of TBARS by 20.5% in serum, membrane cholesterol by 15.8% as well as a 14.25% increase in RBC membrane fluidity in the superficial layer (TMA-DPH) and decrease fluidity in the deep layer (DPH) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Rosuvastatin increases the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane and decreases the TBARS in serum to greater extent than does equal hipolipemic combined therapy atorvastatin with ezetimibe.

Atorvastatin treatment is associated with increased BDNF level and improved functional recovery after atherothrombotic stroke

BACKGROUND

Statins have a positive impact on ischemic stroke outcome. It has been reported that statin have neuroprotective function after ischemic stroke in addition to lipid-lowering effect in animal model. However, the neuroprotective function of statin after stroke has not been confirmed in clinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a clinical model if statins induce neuroprotection after stroke. We, therefore, assessed serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and functional recovery in atherothrombotic stroke patients and investigated their relationship with atorvastatin treatment.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with atherothrombotic stroke were enrolled and randomly assigned to atorvastatin treatment group or placebo control group. Neurological function after stroke was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI). The serum BDNF levels were both measured at 1 day and 6 weeks after stroke. Linear regression was used to assess the association between BDNF levels and neurological function scores.

RESULTS

The mRS and BI were markedly improved in the atorvastatin group when compared to placebo at 6 weeks after stroke. The serum BDNF levels in atorvastatin group were significantly elevated by 6 weeks after stroke and higher than the BDNF levels in controls. In addition, the serum BDNF levels significantly correlated with mRS and BI after stroke. Our results demonstrated that atorvastatin treatment was associated with the increased BDNF level and improved functional recovery after atherothrombotic stroke.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that atorvastatin-related elevation in the BDNF level may promote functional recovery in stroke patients.

Atorvastatin Use Associated With Acute Pancreatitis: A Case-Control Study in Taiwan

Few data are present in the literature on the relationship between atorvastatin use and acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to explore this issue in Taiwan. Using representative claims data established from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program, this case-control study consisted of 5810 cases aged 20 to 84 years with a first-time diagnosis of acute pancreatitis during the period 1998 to 2011and 5733 randomly selected controls without acute pancreatitis. Both cases and controls were matched by sex, age, comorbidities, and index year of diagnosing acute pancreatitis. Subjects who at least received 1 prescription for other statins or nonstatin lipid-lowering drugs were excluded from the study. If subjects never had 1 prescription for atorvastatin, they were defined as never use of atorvastatin. Current use of atorvastatin was defined as subjects whose last remaining 1 tablet of atorvastatin was noted ≤7 days before the date of diagnosing acute pancreatitis. Late use of atorvastatin was defined as subjects whose last remaining 1 tablet of atorvastatin was noted >7 days before the date of diagnosing acute pancreatitis. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval of acute pancreatitis associated with atorvastatin use was calculated by using the logistic regression analysis. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio of acute pancreatitis was 1.67 for subjects with current use of atorvastatin (95% confidence interval 1.18, 2.38), when compared with subjects with never use of atorvastatin. The odds ratio decreased to 1.15 for those with late use of atorvastatin (95% confidence interval 0.87, 1.52), but without statistical significance. Current use of atorvastatin is associated with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Clinically, clinicians should consider the possibility of atorvastatin-associated acute pancreatitis when patients present with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis without a definite etiology but are taking atorvastatin.

Targeted solid lipid nanoparticles with peptide ligand for oral delivery of atorvastatin calcium

Designing feasible and effective peptide ligand-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve the oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium (ATC).

Chlorogenic acid stabilized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) of atorvastatin: formulation, design and in vivo evaluation

The present work was aimed at developing an optimized oral nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation of poorly soluble atorvastatin Ca (AT Ca) and assessing its in vitro release, oral bioavailability and pharmacodynamic activity. In this study, chlorogenic acid, a novel excipient having synergistic cholesterol lowering activity was utilized and explored in NLC formulation development. The drug-loaded NLC formulations were prepared using a high pressure homogenization technique and optimized by the Box-Behnken statistical design using the Design-Expert software. The optimized NLC formulation was composed of oleic acid and stearic acid as lipid phase (0.9% w/v), poloxamer 188 as surfactant (1% w/v) and chlorogenic acid (0.05% w/v). The mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and % drug entrapment efficiency of optimized NLC were 203.56 ± 8.57 nm, 0.27 ± 0.028 and 83.66 ± 5.69, respectively. In vitro release studies showed that the release of drug from optimized NLC formulations were markedly enhanced as compared to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and drug suspension. The plasma concentration time profile of AT Ca in rats showed 3.08- and 4.89-fold increase in relative bioavailability of developed NLC with respect to marketed preparation (ATORVA® tablet) and drug suspension, respectively. Pharmacodynamic study suggested highly significant (**p < 0.01) reduction in the cholesterol and triglyceride values by NLC in comparison with ATORVA® tablet. Therefore, the results of in vivo studies demonstrated promising prospects for successful oral delivery of AT Ca by means of its chlorogenic acid integrated NLC.

Efficacy and safety of alternate day therapy with atorvastatin and fenofibrate combination in mixed dyslipidemia: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The long half-life of atorvastatin and fenofibrate makes them suitable for alternate day therapy. Hence, we aimed to study the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of alternate day therapy with atorvastatin and fenofibrate combination in mixed dyslipidemia.

METHODS

Eligible patients with mixed dyslipidemia were randomly allotted into 2 equal parallel groups-alternate day therapy group (group 1) and daily therapy group (group 2). Patients in groups 1 and 2 received fixed dose combination of atorvastatin 10 mg and fenofibrate 160 mg on alternate days and daily, respectively, for 12 weeks. Mean percentage change from baseline in triglycerides (TGLs), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and TC-HDL ratio, incidence of adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness were compared in both the groups.

RESULTS

Among 110 patients randomized, 99 completed the study till 12 weeks treatment duration. The TGLs, non-HDL-C, TC, and LDL-C decreased by 56.4%, 49.7%, 36.5%, and 39.2%, respectively, in alternate day therapy group and by 57.5%, 51.2%, 37.5%, and 39.4%, respectively, in daily therapy group. The HDL-C levels increased by 20.1% in alternate day therapy group compared to 21.8% in daily therapy group. No statistically significant difference was seen between both the groups in mean percentage change in lipid parameters from baseline to end of 12 weeks. Incidence of adverse events was reasonably less in alternate day therapy group.

CONCLUSION

Alternate day therapy with atorvastatin-fenofibrate combination is an effective and safe alternative to daily therapy in mixed dyslipidemia. Apart from significant cost savings, reasonable reduction in the incidence of adverse events is seen with alternate day regimen. However, larger studies are needed to more reliably confirm our interesting but preliminary results.

Thyroid hormone analogues: where do we stand in 2013?

Thyroid hormones (THs) are important in the development and maintenance of lipid and energy homeostasis. THs act through two closely related TH receptors (TRs α and β), which are conditional transcription factors. Recently, TH analogues or thyromimetics with varying degrees of TR subtype and liver uptake selectivity have been developed. These compounds exert beneficial effects of TH excess states without many undesirable TR-dependent side effects. Several selective TR modulators (STRMs) showed exceptionally promising results in lowering serum cholesterol in preclinical animal models and human clinical studies. Moreover, some first generation STRMs elicit other potentially beneficial effects on obesity, glucose metabolism, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While it was initially thought that STRMs would be an effective long-term therapy to combat elevated cholesterol, possibly in conjunction with another cholesterol-lowering therapy, the statins, three major first generation STRMs failed to progress beyond early phase III human trials. The aim of this review is to discuss how STRMs work, their actions in preclinical animal models and human clinical trials, why they did not progress beyond clinical trials as cholesterol-lowering therapeutics, whether selective TR modulation continues to hold promise for dyslipidemias, and whether members of this drug class could be applied to the treatment of other aspects of metabolic syndrome and human genetic disease.

Simultaneous quantitation of atorvastatin and its two active metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography/(-) electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive, accurate and selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method (LC–MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of atorvastatin (AT) and its equipotent hydroxyl metabolites, 2-hydroxy atorvastatin (2-AT) and 4-hydroxy atorvastatin (4-AT), in human plasma. Electrospray ionization (ESI) interface in negative ion mode was selected to improve the selectivity and the sensitivity required for this application. Additionally, a solid phase extraction (SPE) step was performed to reduce any ion-suppression and/or enhancement effects. The separation of all compounds was achieved in less than 6 min using a C₁₈ reverse-phase fused-core^® column and a mobile phase, composed of a mixture of 0.005% formic acid in water:acetonitrile:methanol (35:25:40, v/v/v), in isocratic mode at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The method has lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.050 ng/mL for all analytes. The method has shown tremendous reproducibility, with intra- and inter-day precision less than 6.6%, and intra- and inter-day accuracy within ±4.3% of nominal values, for all analytes, and has proved to be highly reliable for the analysis of clinical samples.

Pharmacogenetics in cardiovascular disorders: an update on the principal drugs

In the coming years, genomics will impact clinical practice in multiple ways. However, one of the most important applications will be in the determination of the best treatments in personalized medicine. This is, in fact, one of the fields in which genetic variants have already been most successful and useful to clinicians. Here, we briefly review the current state of the art on pharmacogenomics and its applications to modern cardiovascular medicine.

Effects of atorvastatin metabolites on induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes and membrane transporters through human pregnane X receptor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Atorvastatin metabolites differ in their potential for drug interaction because of differential inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. We here investigate whether they exert differential effects on the induction of these genes via activation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Ligand binding to PXR or CAR was analysed by mammalian two-hybrid assembly and promoter/reporter gene assays. Additionally, surface plasmon resonance was used to analyse ligand binding to CAR. Primary human hepatocytes were treated with atorvastatin metabolites, and mRNA and protein expression of PXR-regulated genes was measured. Two-hybrid co-activator interaction and co-repressor release assays were utilized to elucidate the molecular mechanism of PXR activation.

KEY RESULTS

All atorvastatin metabolites induced the assembly of PXR and activated CYP3A4 promoter activity. Ligand binding to CAR could not be proven. In primary human hepatocytes, the para-hydroxy metabolite markedly reduced or abolished induction of cytochrome P450 and transporter genes. While significant differences in co-activator recruitment were not observed, para-hydroxy atorvastatin demonstrated only 50% release of co-repressors.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Atorvastatin metabolites are ligands of PXR but not of CAR. Atorvastatin metabolites demonstrate differential induction of PXR target genes, which results from impaired release of co-repressors. Consequently, the properties of drug metabolites have to be taken into account when analysing PXR-dependent induction of drug metabolism and transport. The drug interaction potential of the active metabolite, para-hydroxy atorvastatin, might be lower than that of the parent compound.

Development and validation of a sensitive, simple, and rapid method for simultaneous quantitation of atorvastatin and its acid and lactone metabolites by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

The aim of the proposed work was to develop and validate a simple and sensitive assay for the analysis of atorvastatin (ATV) acid, ortho- and para-hydroxy-ATV, ATV lactone, and ortho- and para-hydroxy-ATV lactone in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. All six analytes and corresponding deuterium (d5)-labeled internal standards were extracted from 50 μL of human plasma by protein precipitation. The chromatographic separation of analytes was achieved using a Zorbax-SB Phenyl column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 3.5 μm). The mobile phase consisted of a gradient mixture of 0.1% v/v glacial acetic acid in 10% v/v methanol in water (solvent A) and 40% v/v methanol in acetonitrile (solvent B). All analytes including ortho- and para-hydroxy metabolites were baseline-separated within 7.0 min using a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Mass spectrometry detection was carried out in positive electrospray ionization mode, with multiple-reaction monitoring scan. The calibration curves for all analytes were linear (R(2) ≥ 0.9975, n = 3) over the concentration range of 0.05-100 ng/mL and with lower limit of quantitation of 0.05 ng/mL. Mean extraction recoveries ranged between 88.6-111%. Intra- and inter-run mean percent accuracy were between 85-115% and percent imprecision was ≤ 15%. Stability studies revealed that ATV acid and lactone forms were stable in plasma during bench top (6 h on ice-water slurry), at the end of three successive freeze and thaw cycles and at -80 °C for 3 months. The method was successfully applied in a clinical study to determine concentrations of ATV and its metabolites over 12 h post-dose in patients receiving atorvastatin.

High dose atorvastatin decreases cellular markers of immune activation without affecting HIV-1 RNA levels: results of a double-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) exhibit antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in vitro and may modulate the immune response to HIV infection. Studies evaluating the antiviral activity of statins have yielded conflicting results.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on HIV-1 RNA (primary objective) and cellular markers of immune activation (secondary objective). HIV-infected individuals not receiving antiretroviral therapy were randomized to receive either 8 weeks of atorvastatin (80 mg) or placebo daily. After a 4-6 week washout phase, participants switched treatment assignments. The study had 80% power to detect a 0.3 log(10) decrease in HIV-1 RNA level. Expression of CD38 and HLA-DR on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells was used to measure immune activation.

RESULTS

Of 24 randomized participants, 22 completed the study. Although HIV-1 RNA level was unaffected by the intervention (-0.13 log(10) copies/mL; P = .85), atorvastatin use resulted in reductions in circulating proportions of CD4(+) HLA-DR(+) (-2.5%; P = .02), CD8(+) HLA-DR(+) (-5%; P = .006), and CD8(+) HLA-DR(+) CD38(+) T cells (-3%; P = .03). Reductions in immune activation did not correlate with declines in serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term use of atorvastatin was associated with modest but statistically significant reductions in the proportion of activated T lymphocytes.

The double-faced metabolic and inflammatory effects of standard drug therapy in patients after percutaneous treatment with drug-eluting stent

OBJECTIVE

The inflammatory responses after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) remain poorly understood; therefore, this study aims to investigate the changes of metabolic parameters and systematic inflammatory status of circulating mononuclear cells (MNC) in patients after percutaneous treatment with DES implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients with acute coronary syndrome who would undergo PCI with DES implantation were consecutively recruited and treated with standard drug therapy from the start of hospitalization. Metabolic parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein improved significantly after 12 weeks of standard medication, whereas the plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) increased (P=0.012, 0.035, 0.062 and 0.112, respectively, compared to the baseline). The NF-κB DNA binding activity in MNC increased significantly compared to the baseline (P=0.015), whereas IκB-β and PPAR-γ were significantly suppressed (P=0.046 and 0.002, respectively). There were strong correlations among the changes of metabolic parameters and the changes of proinflammatory factors; however, none of them is statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard drug therapy can improve the metabolic parameters but fail to restrain the proinflammatory state after PCI with DES implantation. Longer term endpoint-based studies are still needed for further exploration of the relationship between inflammatory factors and clinical cardiovascular events in the era of DES.

Amlodipine/Atorvastatin: a review of its use in the treatment of hypertension and dyslipidaemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease

Amlodipine/atorvastatin (Caduet) is a single-tablet, fixed-dose combination of the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist amlodipine and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin. The bioavailability of amlodipine and atorvastatin with a single-tablet, fixed-dose amlodipine/atorvastatin combination was not significantly different to that with coadministered separate amlodipine and atorvastatin tablets. In well controlled clinical trials in patients with hypertension and dyslipidaemia, once-daily amlodipine and atorvastatin (administered as the single-tablet, fixed-dose combination or coadministered as two separate tablets) effectively reduced systolic BP (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and enabled more patients to achieve BP and LDL-C goals than single-agent or placebo therapy. There was no modification of the effect of amlodipine on SBP when administered in combination with atorvastatin and there was no modification of the effect of atorvastatin on LDL-C when administered in combination with amlodipine. In noncomparative, titration-to-goal, open-label 'real-world' trials, the single-tablet, fixed-dose combination of amlodipine/atorvastatin enabled patients with hypertension and dyslipidaemia to achieve both BP and LDL-C goals. Administration of a single tablet of amlodipine/atorvastatin, compared with coadministration of these agents as two separate tablets, improved patient adherence, according to a retrospective study that utilized prescription refill rates from a large US insurance database. Data from the large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ASCOT-LLA trial also demonstrated that the combination of amlodipine-based therapy and atorvastatin was effective in preventing cardiovascular (CV) endpoints in hypertensive patients at risk of CV disease (CVD). In summary, amlodipine/atorvastatin offers a convenient and effective approach to improving adherence and managing CV risk in hypertensive patients with dyslipidaemia or at risk of CVD.

Does fluvastatin favour HCV replication in vivo? A pilot study on HIV-HCV coinfected patients

Fluvastatin showed anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity in vitro, through the inhibition of geranylgeranylation of cellular proteins, and a synergistic effect with interferon (IFN)-alpha. Nevertheless statins up-regulate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, required for HCV cell entry, and the closely related scavenger receptors SRBI and CD36; moreover they reduce class II major histocompatibility complex expression on antigen presenting cell, modulating T-cell activation. In vivo LDL levels have been identified as prognostic indicator of sustained viral response to IFN in patients with HCV infection, suggesting that lipid-lowering agents might conversely favour HCV entry into the hepatocytes and translate into higher viral replication. We evaluated the effect of fluvastatin on HCV-RNA levels, CD36 expression and T-cell homeostasis in HCV-RNA positive patients. HCV-RNA was measured at baseline and after 4 weeks in 42 HCV/HIV-1 co-infected patients, randomized to receive either fluvastatin 80 mg qd or no treatment. CD36 expression and markers of T-cell activation were evaluated by means of flow cytometry. Plasma interleukin (IL)-10, IFN-gamma and IL-7 were measured by ELISA. Serum cholesterol and LDL decreased significantly in the treatment group (P = 0.0001 and 0.01, respectively). Surprisingly a significant increase of HCV-RNA levels was seen after 4 weeks of fluvastatin (P = 0.03). The percentages of naive/activated/apoptotic cells and CD36 expression remained unchanged. Fluvastatin did not inhibit HCV-RNA replication in vivo; conversely we observed a significant increase of HCV-RNA levels. CD36 expression on monocytes were not up-regulated by statins as previously reported in vitro. The correlation between HCV infectivity, oxidized-LDL receptor and statins in HCV infection need further evaluation.