These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin in heart failure: role in oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, and exercise capacity.
    Author: Castro PF, Miranda R, Verdejo HE, Greig D, Gabrielli LA, Alcaino H, Chiong M, Bustos C, Garcia L, Mellado R, Vukasovic JL, Godoy I, Lavandero S.
    Journal: J Heart Lung Transplant; 2008 Apr; 27(4):435-41. PubMed ID: 18374881.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Increased oxidative stress, a common feature in chronic heart failure, has been associated with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix degradation. Statins have known anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects; however, their role in chronic heart failure is still controversial. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 38 patients with stable systolic chronic heart failure. Patients received a 4-week placebo course, followed by atorvastatin 20 mg/day for 8 weeks. Oxidative stress, inflammation and remodeling markers, brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation, and 6-minute walk test were evaluated at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Mean age was 58 +/- 12. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 27% +/- 12%. No significant differences were observed between measurements at baseline and after placebo. Atorvastatin induced a significant decrease of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and malondialdehyde, and a significant increase of endothelial superoxide dismutase activity when compared with placebo. No differences in tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase-2 activities were observed. Atorvastatin use was associated with an improved flow-dependent brachial vasodilation and exercise capacity in the 6-minute walk test. CONCLUSIONS: In chronic heart failure patients, atorvastatin therapy is associated with a decrease of inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling, improving both endothelial function and exercise capacity.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]