Abstract
Background: Statins are believed to reduce coronary heart disease by mechanisms in addition to their well‐known cholesterol lowering effect.
Hypothesis: We studied the effect of statins on expression of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), adhesion molecules, and antioxidized low‐density lipoprotein antibody (anti‐oxLDL Ab) in patients with unstable angina (Braunwald class IIb or IIIb) undergoing coronary stenting.
Methods: Consecutive 50 patients with unstable angina were included in the study. We classified the study subjects as patients using statins (Group A, n = 20, men 10, mean age 62 years) and patients notusing statins (Group B, n= 30, men 15, mean age 60 years).
Results: Baseline levels of inflammatory markers were similar in the two groups. However, 24 h after coronary stenting, serum levels of CRP (2.00 vs. 4.63 mg/l, p < 0.05), intercellular adhesionmolecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (217 vs. 261 ng/ml, p<0.01), and anti‐oxLDL Ab (8.97 vs. 12.96 U/ml, p < 0.05) were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A. Furthermore, 72 h after coronary stenting, serum levels of CRP (3.00 vs. 5.50 mg/l, p<0.01)and ICAM‐1 (222 vs. 277 ng/ml, p< 0.05) were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A.
Conclusions: Preexisting statin therapy plays a role in reducing the serum levels of CRP, IC AM‐1, and anti‐oxLDL Ab after coronary stenting in patients with unstable angina. These data support an anti‐inflammatory or plaque‐stabilizing effect of statin therapy.
Keywords: unstable angina, statin, inflammation, coronary stenting
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