An overview of the extra-lipid effects of rosuvastatin

Lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, or both to prevent cardiovascular events: results of 8.7 years of follow-up of Heart Outcomes Evaluation Prevention (HOPE)-3 study participants

Aims

Rosuvastatin (10 mg per day) compared with placebo reduced major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events by 24% in 12 705 participants at intermediate CV risk after 5.6 years. There was no benefit of blood pressure (BP) lowering treatment in the overall group, but a reduction in events in the third of participants with elevated systolic BP. After cessation of all the trial medications, we examined whether the benefits observed during the active treatment phase were sustained, enhanced, or attenuated.

Methods and results

After the randomized treatment period (5.6 years), participants were invited to participate in 3.1 further years of observation (total 8.7 years). The first co-primary outcome for the entire length of follow-up was the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or CV death [major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE)-1], and the second was MACE-1 plus resuscitated cardiac arrest, heart failure, or coronary revascularization (MACE-2). In total, 9326 (78%) of 11 994 surviving Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)-3 subjects consented to participate in extended follow-up. During 3.1 years of post-trial observation (total follow-up of 8.7 years), participants originally randomized to rosuvastatin compared with placebo had a 20% additional reduction in MACE-1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.99] and a 17% additional reduction in MACE-2 (95% CI 0.68–1.01). Therefore, over the 8.7 years of follow-up, there was a 21% reduction in MACE-1 (95% CI 0.69–0.90, P = 0.005) and 21% reduction in MACE-2 (95% CI 0.69–0.89, P = 0.002). There was no benefit of BP lowering in the overall study either during the active or post-trial observation period, however, a 24% reduction in MACE-1 was observed over 8.7 years.

Conclusion

The CV benefits of rosuvastatin, and BP lowering in those with elevated systolic BP, compared with placebo continue to accrue for at least 3 years after cessation of randomized treatment in individuals without cardiovascular disease indicating a legacy effect.

Trial Registration Number

NCT00468923

Investigating the Lowest Threshold of Vascular Benefits from LDL Cholesterol Lowering with a PCSK9 mAb Inhibitor (Alirocumab) in Patients with Stable Cardiovascular Disease (INTENSITY-HIGH): protocol and study rationale for a randomised, open label, parallel group, mechanistic study

INTRODUCTION

Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a strong independent risk predictor of cardiovascular (CV) events, while interventions to reduce it remain the only evidence-based approach to reduce CV morbidity and mortality. Secondary prevention statin trials in combination with ezetimibe and/or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors showed that there is no 'J shaped curve' in LDL-C levels with regard to CV outcomes. The lowest threshold beyond which reduction of LDL-C confers no further CV benefits has not been identified.The INTENSITY-HIGH study seeks to explore physiological mechanisms mediating CV benefits of LDL-C lowering by PCSK9 inhibition in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study examines the changes in measures of endothelial function and vascular inflammation imaging following intervention with PCSK9 and against standard of care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a single-centre, randomised, open label, parallel group, mechanistic physiological study. It will include approximately 60 subjects with established CVD, with LDL-C of <4.1 mmol/L on high-intensity statins. All eligible participants will undergo 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT) scanning of the aorta and carotid arteries, as well as baseline endothelial function assessment. Subsequently, they will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to either alirocumab 150 mg or ezetimibe 10 mg/day. Repeat FDG-PET/CT scan and vascular assessments will be undertaken after 8 weeks of treatment. Any changes in these parameters will be correlated with changes in lipid levels and systemic inflammation biomarkers.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study received a favourable opinion from the Wales Research Ethics Committee 4, was registered on clinicaltrials.gov and conformed to International Conference for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Good Clinical Practice. The results of this study will be reported through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03355027.

Investigating the lowest threshold of vascular benefits from LDL cholesterol lowering with a PCSK9 mAb inhibitor (alirocumab) in healthy volunteers - a mechanistic physiological study (INTENSITY-LOW): protocol and study rationale

Objective: Whether reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with cardiovascular benefits in low risk normocholesterolaemic subjects is unknown. The INTENSITY LOW [Investigating the lowest threshold of vascular benefits from LDL-cholesterol lowering with a PCSK9 mAb inhibitor (alirocumab) in healthy volunteers] study aims to assess whether lowering LDL-C by alirocumab monotherapy can improve endothelial-dependent vascular function compared with placebo (primary objective) in low-risk normocholesterolaemic healthy individuals. Changes in endothelial-dependent or endothelial-independent vascular function, arterial stiffness and biomarkers of systemic inflammation by alirocumab, atorvastatin or their combination are secondary objectives.

Study design and methods: This is a single-center, randomized, two-period, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (N03273972).

It will include 30 healthy low-risk subjects with LDL-C < 4.1 mmol/l. After passing the screening visit (Visit 1), eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to either subcutaneous alirocumab 150 mg or placebo. These will be administered as single doses in 2 visits 14 days apart (Visits 2 and 3). Atorvastatin 20 mg once nightly will be prescribed for 14 days at Visit 3 in both groups through to Visit 4.

At baseline (Visit 2) and during all post-dose visits (Visits 3–4), endothelial function will be assessed using venous occlusion plethysmography. Specifically, changes in forearm blood flow responses to intra-arterial infusions of acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and L-N^G-monomethyl-arginine acetate will be assessed as surrogates of endothelial-dependent and -independent vasodilatation. Additionally, arterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness will be evaluated at the same timepoints. The above-mentioned changes will be correlated with changes in lipid and systemic inflammation biomarkers.

A comparison between statin with ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy in STEMI patients who underwent successful PCI with drug-eluting stents

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Studies of the comparative clinical outcomes between statin with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are limited. We compared 2-year clinical outcomes between statin with ACEI or ARB therapy in STEMI patients after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES).

METHODS

A total of 11,706 STEMI patients were enrolled and separated into two groups: the ACEI group (statin + ACEI, n = 8705) and the ARB group (statin + ARB, n = 3001). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as all-cause death, recurrent MI (re-MI), and any coronary revascularization. Secondary endpoints were the individual components of MACE and target vessel failure (TVF).

RESULTS

After propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis, two PSM groups (2729 pairs, n = 5458, C-statistic = 0.675) were generated. The cumulative incidences of MACE, re-MI, and any coronary revascularization were similar between the two groups. However, the cumulative incidences of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.548; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.091-2.197; p = 0.014) and cardiac death (HR, 1.850; 95% CI, 1.218-2.811; p = 0.004) were significantly higher in the ARB group compared with the ACEI group after PSM analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of statin with ACEI may be the preferred treatment strategy to reduce mortality rates in STEMI patients after successful PCI with DES rather than statin with ARB in this study during a 2-year follow-up period.

Risk Assessment Integrated QbD Approach for Development of Optimized Bicontinuous Mucoadhesive Limicubes for Oral Delivery of Rosuvastatin

Statins are widely prescribed for hyperlipidemia, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease but are facing some inherent challenges such as low solubility and drug loading, higher hepatic metabolism, as well as instability at gastric pH. So, relatively higher circulating dose, required for exerting the therapeutic benefits, leads to dose-mediated severe toxicity. Furthermore, due to low biocompatibility, high toxicity, and other regulatory caveats such as product conformity, reproducibility, and stability of conventional formulations as well as preferentially higher bioabsorption of lipids in their favorable cuboidal geometry, enhancement in in vivo biopharmaceutical performance of Rosuvastatin could be well manifested in Quality by Design (QbD) integrated cuboidal-shaped mucoadhesive microcrystalline delivery systems (Limicubes). Here, quality-target-product-profile (QTPPs), critical quality attributes (CQAs), Ishikawa fishbone diagram, and integration of risk management through risk assessment matrix for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) followed by processing of Plackett-Burman design matrix using different statistical test for the first time established an approach to substantiate the claims that controlling levels of only these three screened out independent process variables, i.e., Monoolein (B = 800-1100 μL), Poloxamer (C = 150-200 mg), and stirring speed (F = 700-1000 rpm) were statistically significant to modulate and improve the biopharmaceutical performance affecting key attributes, viz., average particle size (Y₁ = 1.40-2.70 μ), entrapment efficiency (Y₂ = 62.60-88.80%), and drug loading (Y₃ = 0.817-1.15%), in QbD-enabled process. The optimal performance of developed Limicubes exhibited an average particle size of 1.8 ± 0.2 μ, entrapment efficiency 80.32 ± 2.88%, and drug loading 0.93 ± 0.08% at the level of 1100 μL (+ 1), 200 mg (+ 1), and 700 rpm (- 1) for Monoolein, Poloxamer, and stirring speed, respectively.

The effect of statins on the organs: similar or contradictory?

Hydroxy-Methyl-Glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) – the main enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway – is mostly inhibited by statins in hepatocytes. In spite of the other tissues, liver utilizes cholesterol in different ways such as the synthesis of bile acids, excretion in to the intestine and synthesis of lipoproteins. Therefore, statins theoretically alter these pathways; although, there have not been such effects. In this review, we aim to show the roles of extra-hepatic tissues, in particular intestine, adipose and cutaneous tissues in providing the cholesterol after reduction of the whole body cholesterol content by statins.

Statins and mortality: the untold story

Statins are first-line evidence-based drugs for the management of dyslipidaemias and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, statin clinical trials have shown marginally significant benefits on mortality, especially in the primary prevention setting. A major limitation of those trials is their relatively short follow-up. A reduced number of fatal events within a 5-year follow-up make mortality benefits unlikely to arise. This is particularly relevant for the primary prevention trials, where the risk of cardiovascular death is low. The short follow-up is a limitation for safety assessments too. However, extended major statin trials failed to detect any major safety concerns. Safety and efficacy assessments are even more complicated considering the differences of cardiovascular risk status in primary prevention individuals, and also given some potential ethnic and inter-individual genetic variations in response to statin treatment. Considerable evidence suggests a favourable risk-benefit balance for statin treatment. It can be assumed that statins reduce mortality in the long term by preventing cardiovascular events with complications that reduce lifespan. Unfortunately, this hypothesis cannot be proven as there is no current ethical basis on designing long-term placebo-controlled statin trials. Nevertheless, by effectively reducing disabilities related to cardiovascular events, statins have major benefits for public health. Therefore, clinicians should not withhold statin treatment awaiting proof of mortality benefits, as this may remain an 'untold story'.

Statin intake is associated with MMP-1 level in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to assess whether statin intake is associated with clinical parameters of periodontitis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of non-diabetic and diabetic patients.

METHODS

We first determined the effect of simvastatin on MMP expression in mononuclear cells. We then recruited 117 non-diabetic and diabetic patients, who all had periodontitis and took or did not take statin, and measured periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and collected gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to quantify MMPs.

RESULTS

The in vitro studies showed that simvastatin potently inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-9 upregulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and high glucose in mononuclear cells. The patient study showed that, after adjusting for age and smoking status, PPD in diabetic patients on statin was significantly less than that in diabetic patients not on statin. MMP-1 level in GCF of non-diabetic and diabetic patients on statin was lower than that of non-diabetic and diabetic patients not on statin, respectively. No difference was found for MMP-8 and -9 levels in GCF.

CONCLUSION

Statin intake is associated with reduced PPD in diabetic patients and MMP-1 level in GCF in either non-diabetic or diabetic patients.

Effects of simvastatin, ezetimibe and simvastatin/ezetimibe on mitochondrial function and leukocyte/endothelial cell interactions in patients with hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol-lowering therapy has been related with several beneficial effects; however, its influence on oxidative stress and endothelial function is not fully elucidated.

AIMS

To investigate the effect of simvastatin and ezetimibe on mitochondrial function and leukocyte-endothelium interactions in polymorphonuclear cells of hyperlipidemic patients.

METHODS

Thirty-nine hyperlipidemic patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one received simvastatin (40 mg/day) and the other received ezetimibe (10 mg/day) for 4 weeks, after which both groups were administered combined therapy for an additional 4-week period. Lipid profile, mitochondrial parameters (oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and membrane potential), glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity and leukocyte/endothelial cell interactions and adhesion molecules -VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, were evaluated.

RESULTS

An improvement in lipid profile was observed after administration of simvastatin or ezetimibe alone (LDLc: -40.2 vs -19.6%, respectively), though this effect was stronger with the former (p < 0.001), and a further reduction was registered when the two were combined (LDLc: -50.7% vs -56.8%, respectively). In addition to this, simvastatin, ezetimibe and simvastatin + ezetimibe significantly increased oxygen consumption, membrane potential and glutathione content, and decreased levels of ROS, thereby improving mitochondrial function. Furthermore, simvastatin + ezetimibe increased catalase activity. In addition, simvastatin and simvastatin/ezetimibe improved leukocyte/endothelium interactions by decreasing leukocyte rolling and adhesion and increasing leukocyte rolling velocity. Finally, simvastatin, ezetimibe and simvastatin + ezetimibe reduced levels of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, and ezetimibe + simvastatin significantly decreased levels of E-selectin.

CONCLUSION

Co-administration of simvastatin and ezetimibe has an additive cholesterol-lowering effect and beneficial consequences for mitochondrial function and leukocyte/endothelium interactions in leukocytes of hypercholesterolemic patients.

Mechanisms for glyproline protection in hypercholesterolemia

Comparative analysis of the hypocholesterolemic and antithrombotic action of small regulatory glyproline peptides (Pro-Gly-Pro, Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro and Pro-Gly-Pro-Leu) was performed on an experimental hypercholesterolemia model of rats. Repeated intranasal introduction of glyproline peptides to fat-diet-fed animals led to more active functioning of the anticoagulation system (the anticoagulant and fibrinolytic properties of the plasma increased and platelet aggregation decreased) and to normalization of the total cholesterol level as a parameter of lipid metabolism. The largest anticoagulant and hypocholesterolemic effect was detected for the Pro-Gly-Pro-Leu peptide. Hypothetical mechanisms of antithrombotic and hypocholesterolemic effects of glyproline peptides are presented.

Impact of cholesterol lowering treatment on plasma kynurenine and tryptophan concentrations in chronic kidney disease: relationship with oxidative stress improvement

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Tryptophan (Trp) degradation via indoleamine (2,3)-dioxygenase (IDO), with consequent increased in kynurenine (Kyn) concentrations, has been proposed as marker of immune system activation. Oxidative stress (OS) might contribute to the pro-inflammatory state in chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the activation of NF-kB, with consequent activation and recruitment of immune cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Serum concentrations of Trp and Kyn, oxidative stress indices malondialdehyde (MDA) and allantoin/uric acid (All/UA) ratio and anti-oxidant amino acid taurine were measured in 30 CKD patients randomized to 40 mg/day simvastatin (group 1), ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/20 mg/day (group 2) or ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg/day (group 3) and treated for 12 months. Baseline Kyn and Kyn/Trp ratio were higher in CKD patients vs. healthy controls (1.67 ± 0.62 μmol/L vs 1.25 ± 0.40 μmol/L, p < 0.01 and 0.036 ± 0.016 vs 0.023 ± 0.010, p < 0.001 respectively). Both Kyn and Kyn/Trp ratio significantly decreased after cholesterol lowering treatment, to values comparable with healthy controls after one year treatment (1.67 ± 0.62 μmol/L vs 1.31 ± 0.51 μmol/L, p < 0.0001 and 0.036 ± 0.016 vs 0.028 ± 0.012 p < 0.0001, respectively). This was paralleled by a significant decrease in MDA (218 ± 143 nmol/L vs 176 ± 123 nmol/L, p < 0.01) and All/UA ratio (1.47 ± 0.72 vs 1.19 ± 0.51, p < 0.01) in CKD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Amelioration of both oxidative and inflammation status after cholesterol lowering treatment in CKD might be mediated by restoration of antioxidant taurine concentrations during therapy (from 51.1 ± 13.3 μmol/L at baseline to 63.1 ± 16.4 μmol/L, p < 0.001 by ANOVA), suggesting that improvement of both oxidative and inflammation status in CKD patients could be explained, at least partly, by the cholesterol lowering effects.

Single-dose rosuvastatin ameliorates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury via upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inhibition of macrophage infiltration in rats with pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Lung ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury during cardiopulmonary surgery is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Using a rat model for monocrotaline-induced PH, we investigated the protective effect of rosuvastatin against IR injury in lungs affected by PH and attempted to elucidate its mechanism of action.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley monocrotaline-treated rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 8-9): sham, control + IR, statin + IR, and statin + mevalonolactone + IR. Lung ischemia was induced by left pulmonary artery occlusion (1 hour), followed by reperfusion (4 hours). Rosuvastatin (2 mg/kg) was injected 18 hours before reperfusion and mevalonolactone (1 mg/kg) was injected immediately before reperfusion. The arterial oxygen tension/inspired oxygen fraction ratio was used as a measure of lung oxygenation. Left lung tissue was analyzed for the wet-to-dry lung weight ratio and protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phospho-eNOS. Macrophage recruitment was assessed by CD68 immunostaining.

RESULTS

Our results showed that rosuvastatin decreased IR lung injury (control + IR vs statin + IR) in terms of the arterial oxygen tension/inspired oxygen fraction ratio (272 ± 43 vs 442 ± 13), wet-to-dry ratio (5.7 ± 0.7 vs 4.8 ± 0.6), and macrophage infiltration (8.0 ± 0.6/field vs 4.0 ± 0.5/field) (P < .05 for all). eNOS and phospho-eNOS were downregulated by IR, which was blocked by rosuvastatin. Effects of rosuvastatin were blunted by mevalonolactone.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-dose rosuvastatin decreased IR injury in lungs affected by PH via 2 anti-inflammatory mechanisms: preserving eNOS function and inhibiting macrophage infiltration.

Postpartum weight retention is associated with elevated ratio of oxidized LDL lipids to HDL-cholesterol

Oxidized LDL lipids (ox-LDL) are associated with lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The present study investigated how postpartum weight retention effects on ox-LDL and serum lipids. The study is a nested comparative research of a cluster-randomized controlled trial, NELLI (lifestyle and counselling during pregnancy). During early pregnancy (8-12 weeks) and 1 year postpartum, 141 women participated in measurements for determining of plasma lipids: total cholesterol (T-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triacylglycerols (TAG) and ox-LDL. Subjects were stratified into tertiles (weight loss, unaltered weight and weight gain groups) based on their weight change from baseline to follow-up. Ox-LDL was determined by baseline level of conjugated dienes in LDL lipids. Among the group of weight gainers, concentration of TAG reduced less (-0.14 vs. -0.33, p = 0.002), HDL-C reduced more (-0.31 vs. -0.16, p = 0.003) and ox-LDL/HDL-C ratio increased (3.0 vs. -0.2, p = 0.003) when compared to group of weight loss. Both T-C and LDL-C elevated more (0.14 vs. -0.21, p = 0.008; 0.31 vs. 0.07, p = 0.015) and TAG and ox-LDL reduced less (-0.33 vs. 0.20, p = 0.033; -3.33 vs. -0.68, p = 0.026) in unaltered weight group compared to weight loss group. The women who gained weight developed higher TAG and ox-LDL/HDL-C ratio as compared to those who lost weight. Postpartum weight retention of 3.4 kg or more is associated with atherogenic lipid profile.

Effect of pitavastatin on vascular reactivity in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Background

Pitavastatin is the newest statin available in Brazil and likely the one with fewer side effects. Thus, pitavastatin was evaluated in hypercholesterolemic rabbits in relation to its action on vascular reactivity.

Objective

To assess the lowest dose of pitavastatin necessary to reduce plasma lipids, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation, as well as endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Methods

Thirty rabbits divided into six groups (n = 5): G1 - standard chow diet; G2 - hypercholesterolemic diet for 30 days; G3 - hypercholesterolemic diet and after the 16^th day, diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.1 mg); G4 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.25 mg); G5 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (0.5 mg); G6 - hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with pitavastatin (1.0 mg). After 30 days, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, glucose, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured and LDL was calculated. In-depth anesthesia was performed with sodium thiopental and aortic segments were removed to study endothelial function, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation. The significance level for statistical tests was 5%.

Results

Total cholesterol and LDL were significantly elevated in relation to G1. HDL was significantly reduced in G4, G5 and G6 when compared to G2. Triglycerides, CK, AST, ALT, cholesterol and tissue lipid peroxidation showed no statistical difference between G2 and G3-G6. Significantly endothelial dysfunction reversion was observed in G5 and G6 when compared to G2.

Conclusion

Pitavastatin starting at a 0.5 mg dose was effective in reverting endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Rosuvastatin inhibits human airway smooth muscle cells mitogenic response to eicosanoid contractile agents

BACKGROUND

The concept of permanent narrowing of the airways resulting from chronic inflammation and fibrosis is called remodeling and is a common feature of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The eicosanoid contractile agents thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) and cysteinyl-leukotriene D(4) (LTD(4)) are among the recognized mitogens for human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. Statins are known to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that are independent on their cholesterol-lowering effects and may result in clinical lung benefits. Rosuvastatin is the last agent of the lipid-lowering drugs to be introduced and experimental evidence indicates that it possess favorable pleiotropic effects in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Yet, no data is available in the literature regarding its effects on human airway remodeling. The present study was aimed at examining the effect of rosuvastatin and the involvement of prenylated proteins in the response of human ASM cells to serum, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and eicosanoid contractile mitogens that activate TxA(2) prostanoid and LTD(4) receptors.

METHODS

Cell growth was assessed by nuclear incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine in human ASM cells serum-starved and then stimulated for 48 h in MEM plus 0.1% BSA containing mitogens in the absence and presence of modulators of the mevalonate and prenylation pathways.

RESULTS

We found that rosuvastatin dose-dependently inhibited serum-, EGF-, the TxA(2) stable analog U46619-, and LTD(4)-induced human ASM cells growth. All these effects were prevented by pretreatment with mevalonate. Addition of the prenylation substrates farnesol and geranylgeraniol reversed the effect of rosuvastatin on EGF and U46619, respectively. Interestingly, only mevalonate showed restoration of cell growth following rosuvastatin treatment in LTD(4) and LTD(4) plus EGF treated cells, suggesting a possible involvement of both farnesylated and geranylgeranylated proteins in the cysteinyl-LT-induced cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The hydrophilic statin rosuvastatin exerts direct effects on human ASM cells mitogenic response in vitro by inhibiting prenylation of signaling proteins, likely small G proteins. These findings are consistent with previous observed involvement of small GTPase signaling in EGF- and U46619-induced human airway proliferation and corroborate the recent interest in the potential clinical benefits of statins in asthma/COPD.

Efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin in late-onset hypogonadism patients with dyslipidaemia

Rosuvastatin has been used for treatment of dyslipidaemia and metabolic syndrome, but the efficacy has not yet been tested in men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). To assess and compare the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin in men with dyslipidaemia with LOH and non-LOH, a retrospective study was conducted in patients who received rosuvastatin 10 mg day(-1) from the men's health clinic. The primary endpoint was the change in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (C) after 24 weeks of treatment. A total of 145 dyslipidaemic patients eligible for rosuvastatin treatment were enrolled and divided into LOH group (45.52%) and non-LOH (54.48%) group. There were favourable changes in the lipid profiles. In the LOH group whose serum testosterone had been raised by testosterone administration, the favourable changes of the lipids were of similar magnitude as in the non-LOH group. The percentage of patients reaching the target goal (LDL < 100 mg dL(-1) ) did not differ significantly between the group of non-LOH and LOH men treated with testosterone. Side effects were noted in 1/145 men. It is concluded that rosuvastatin was safe and effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both non-LOH and LOH dyslipidaemic patients whose serum testosterone levels had normalised.

A low-dose atorvastatin and losartan combination directly improves aortic ring relaxation and diminishes ischaemic-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

Background

The cardiovascular pleiotropic effects of statins and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) could be of interest for innovative preventive approaches. We aimed to investigate whether low-dose atorvastatin and losartan, separately not possessing protective cardiovascular pleiotropic effects, express them when combined.

Material/Methods

Forty-five adult male Wistar rats were anaesthetized and their thoracic aortas and hearts were isolated. Relaxation of aortic rings, coronary flow rate and the extent of myocardial ischaemic-reperfusion injury were measured. Different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 μM) of atorvastatin and losartan added to a perfusion medium were first tested. The separate drugs, which were ineffective, were then combined at the same concentrations and the concentration was tested in the same model.

Results

Low concentrations of atorvastatin or losartan (0.1 and 1 μM, respectively) produced no effects in isolated aorta. However, surprisingly, when these drug concentrations were combined, a significantly improved endothelium-dependent relaxation of the thoracic aorta was observed. Similarly, when combining individually ineffective concentrations of atorvastatin or losartan (0.01 and 0.1 μM, respectively), significantly increased coronary flow and a decreased extent of myocardial injury were observed. By using a nitric oxide-synthase inhibitor, we demonstrated that the vasodilatory effects obtained were nitric oxide-dependent. The degree of effectiveness by the combination was comparable to that obtained by 10-fold (atorvastatin) or 100-fold (losartan) higher concentrations of the separate drugs.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that remarkable additive/synergistic effects exist between low-doses of a statin (atorvastatin) and an ARB (losartan), resulting in important cardiovascular protection. This new concept could be valuable in cardiovascular prevention.

Rosuvastatin changes cytokine expressions in ischemic territory and preserves heart function after acute myocardial infarction in rats

AIM

To investigate the mechanism of rosuvastatin in preserving cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a rat model.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive either rosuvastatin (5 mg/kg every day) or placebo (0.5% CMC-Na), respectively, by daily gavage from 7 days before AMI. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation through a lateral thoracotomy in rats. The expressions of stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), chemokine motif CXC receptor 4 (CXCR-4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in peri-infarction region and nonischemic region at different time points were determined by the Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed on the 28th day after AMI to investigate the accumulation of CD90+, CD133+, and c-kit+ progenitor cells in the peri-infarction region. Masson staining and echocardiograph were performed to evaluate the left ventricular remodeling and postinfarction cardiac function 4 weeks after AMI.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis showed that rosuvastatin could change the cytokine expressions in the peri-infarction region by upregulating the SDF-1 expression and downregulating the expressions of CXCR-4, ICAM-1, and VEGF in 4 to 14 days after AMI. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that rosuvastatin treatment was associated with increased accumulation of CD90+, CD133+, and c-kit+ progenitor cells in the peri-infarction region. Masson staining and echocardiograph confirmed that rosuvastatin could attenuate left ventricular remodeling and improve postinfarction systolic function.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that rosuvastatin can protect the heart from ischemic injury and preserve the cardiac function in rats in vivo. The changing expressions of SDF-1, CXCR-4, ICAM-1, and VEGF, and the accumulation of progenitor cells were involved in this process.

Adverse drug reaction: rosuvastatin as a cause for ischaemic colitis in a 64-year-old woman

Rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca) is a commonly used drug for managing hypercholesterolaemia. It is a very safe medication with mostly acceptable side effects. Rare but serious side effects are not well known. A 64-year-old woman presented with bloody diarrhoea after starting rosuvastatin for hypercholesterolaemia. Stool microscopy and culture ruled out infective causes. Abdominal CT scan revealed normal calibre celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. Colonoscopic biopsy revealed ischaemic colitis as the final histological diagnosis. The patient is in complete remission after ceasing the medication. Rosuvastatin causing ischaemic colitis should be considered a rare but serious adverse drug reaction.

Antibacterial activity of statins: a comparative study of atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin

Background

Statins have several effects beyond their well-known antihyperlipidemic activity, which include immunomodulatory, antioxidative and anticoagulant effects. In this study, we have tested the possible antimicrobial activity of statins against a range of standard bacterial strains and bacterial clinical isolates.

Methods

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values were evaluated and compared among three members of the statins drug (atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin).

Results

It was revealed that statins are able to induce variable degrees of antibacterial activity with atorvastatin, and simvastatin being the more potent than rosuvastatin. Methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VSE), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), acinetobacter baumannii, staphylococcus epidermidis, and enterobacter aerogenes, were more sensitive to both atorvastatin, and simvastatin compared to rosuvastatin. On the other hand, escherichia coli, proteus mirabilis, and enterobacter cloacae were more sensitive to atorvastatin compared to both simvastatin and rosuvastatin. Furthermore, most clinical isolates were less sensitive to statins compared to their corresponding standard strains.

Conclusion

Our findings might raise the possibility of a potentially important antibacterial class effect for statins especially, atorvastatin and simvastatin.

Erythromelalgia accompanying rosuvastatin-associated myopathy

BACKGROUND

Secondary erythromelalgia can occur due to various underlying medical disorders or drug toxicity.

MAIN OBSERVATIONS

A 75-year old male developed acute secondary erythromelalgia following the onset of rosuvastatin use and associated myopathy. The illness was reversible after discontinuation of the pharmacological agent.

CONCLUSION

Secondary erythromelalgia may occur after rosuvastatin use, but this and other dermatological toxicities are rare.

Low-dose rosuvastatin improves arterial stiffness in high-risk Japanese patients with dyslipdemia in a primary prevention group

BACKGROUND

The treatment effects of rosuvastatin on arterial stiffness were assessed and compared to those of fluvastatin in high-risk Japanese patients with dyslipidemia in a primary prevention group.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were randomly assigned to either 2.5-5 mg/day of rosuvastatin (Group A) or 20-40 mg/day of fluvastatin (Group B) and followed up for 12 months. In Group A (n=38), there was a progressive reduction in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) along with a decrease in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (L/H) ratio and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and the change in baPWV correlated significantly with that of the L/H ratio and that of hsCRP after rosuvastatin treatment. In Group B (n=37), although fluvastatin achieved a significant improvement in baPWV, L/H ratio, and hsCRP, baPWV was significantly greater than that in Group A and showed a significant correlation with that of hsCRP alone after fluvastatin treatment. In a subgroup of patients (n=26), switching from fluvastatin to rosuvastatin further improved baPWV and the L/H ratio without altering hsCRP after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose rosuvastatin would be more effective than fluvastatin in improving arterial stiffness in high-risk Japanese patients with dyslipidemia. The results suggest that improvement in arterial stiffness by rosuvastatin mainly depends on its strong lipid-lowering effects, whereas that by fluvastatin is strongly dependent on the pleiotropic effects, especially an anti-inflammatory action.

JUPITER and satellites: Clinical implications of the JUPITER study and its secondary analyses

THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THE USE OF STATINS IN PREVENTION: an intervention trial evaluating rosuvastatin (JUPITER) study was a real breakthrough in primary cardiovascular disease prevention with statins, since it was conducted in apparently healthy individuals with normal levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C < 130 mg/dL) and increased inflammatory state, reflected by a high concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP ≥ 2 mg/L). These individuals would not have qualified for statin treatment according to current treatment guidelines. In JUPITER, rosuvastatin was associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular outcomes as well as in overall mortality compared with placebo. In this paper the most important secondary analyses of the JUPITER trial are discussed, by focusing on their novel findings regarding the role of statins in primary prevention. Also, the characteristics of otherwise healthy normocholesterolemic subjects who are anticipated to benefit more from statin treatment in the clinical setting are discussed. Subjects at "intermediate" or "high" 10-year risk according to the Framingham score, those who exhibit low post-treatment levels of both LDL-C (< 70 mg/dL) and hs-CRP (< 1 mg/L), who are 70 years of age or older, as well as those with moderate chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min every 1.73 m(2)) are anticipated to benefit more from statin treatment. Unlikely other statin primary prevention trials, JUPITER added to our knowledge that statins may be effective drugs in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in normocholesterolemic individuals at moderate-to-high risk. Also, statin treatment may reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism and preserve renal function. An increase in physician-reported diabetes represents a major safety concern associated with the use of the most potent statins.

The effects of rosuvastatin alone or in combination with fenofibrate or omega 3 fatty acids on inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with mixed dyslipidemia

OBJECTIVE

Mixed dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation are related to a high risk for cardiovascular events. The aim of this open-label randomized study was to compare the effects of high-dose rosuvastatin, low-dose rosuvastatin plus fenofibrate and low-dose rosuvastatin plus omega 3 fatty acids on inflammation and oxidative stress indices in patients with mixed dyslipidemia.

METHODS

Ninety patients with mixed dyslipidemia participated in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive rosuvastatin 40 mg (n = 30, group R), rosuvastatin 10 mg plus fenofibrate 200 mg (n = 30, group RF) or rosuvastatin 10 mg plus omega 3 fatty acids 2 g daily (n = 30, group RΩ). Plasma and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) activities, high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), plasma isoprostane and paraoxonase (PON1) activities were measured at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of non-HDL cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly reduced in all study groups. However, these changes were more pronounced in the rosuvastatin monotherapy group. In all treatment groups a significant reduction in total plasma LpPLA2 activity was observed (by 41, 38 and 30% for groups R, RF and RΩ, respectively). This decrease was greater in the R and RF groups compared with the RΩ combination (p < 0.05). HDL-LpPLA2 activity was increased more in the RF group (+43%) compared with the R and RΩ groups (+ 18% and + 35%, respectively; p < 0.05 for both comparisons). In all treatment groups there was a nonsignificant reduction in plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels. A 53% reduction of hsCRP levels was observed in the R group, while in the RF and RΩ groups the reduction was 28 and 23%, respectively (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 for the comparisons of group R with groups RF and RΩ, respectively). No significant changes were observed in PON activities in all treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The greater non-HDL-C- and LDL-C-lowering efficiency of rosuvastatin monotherapy along with its more potent effect on LpPLA2 activity and hsCRP levels indicate that this regimen is a better treatment option for patients with mixed dyslipidemia.

The methyl ester of rosuvastatin elicited an endothelium-independent and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase-independent relaxant effect in rat aorta

The relaxant effect of the methyl ester of rosuvastatin was evaluated on aortic rings from male Wistar rats (250-300 g, 6 rats for each experimental group) with and without endothelium precontracted with 1.0 µM phenylephrine. The methyl ester presented a slightly greater potency than rosuvastatin in relaxing aortic rings, with log IC50 values of -6.88 and -6.07 M, respectively. Unlike rosuvastatin, the effect of its methyl ester was endothelium-independent. Pretreatment with 10 µM indomethacin did not inhibit, and pretreatment with 1 mM mevalonate only modestly inhibited the relaxant effect of the methyl ester. Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 µM), the selective nitric oxide-2 (NO-2) inhibitor 1400 W (10 µM), tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM), and cycloheximide (10 µM) partially inhibited the relaxant effect of the methyl ester on endothelium-denuded aortic rings. However, the combination of TEA plus either L-NAME or cycloheximide completely inhibited the relaxant effect. Inducible NO synthase (NOS-2) was only present in endothelium-denuded aortic rings, as demonstrated by immunoblot with methyl ester-treated rings. In conclusion, whereas rosuvastatin was associated with a relaxant effect dependent on endothelium and hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in rat aorta, the methyl ester of rosuvastatin exhibited an endothelium-independent and only slightly hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase-dependent relaxant effect. Both NO produced by NOS-2 and K+ channels are involved in the relaxant effect of the methyl ester of rosuvastatin.

Emerging options in the treatment of dyslipidemias: a bright future?

INTRODUCTION

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction has been demonstrated to decrease CVD-related morbidity and mortality. However, several patients do not reach LDL-C target levels with the currently available lipid lowering agents, particularly statins. Lipid and non-lipid parameters other than LDL-C may account for the residual CVD risk after adequate LDL-C lowering with statins.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of emerging drugs aiming at high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) elevation (i.e., recombinant or plasma-derived wild-type apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apo A-I mimetic peptides, reconstituted mutant HDL, partially delipidated HDL and cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitors), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors and antisense oligonucleotides.

EXPERT OPINION

Several lipid modifying agents in development may potently reduce the residual CVD risk. Ongoing and future studies with clinical outcomes will clarify their efficacy in clinical practice.

Rosuvastatin, inflammation, C-reactive protein, JUPITER, and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease--a perspective

The major public health concern worldwide is coronary heart disease, with dyslipidemia as a major risk factor. Statin drugs are recommended by several guidelines for both primary and secondary prevention. Rosuvastatin has been widely accepted because of its efficacy, potency, and superior safety profile. Inflammation is involved in all phases of atherosclerosis, with the process beginning in early youth and advancing relentlessly for decades throughout life. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-studied, nonspecific marker of inflammation which may reflect general health risk. Considerable evidence suggests CRP is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, but direct involvement in atherosclerosis remains controversial. Rosuvastatin is a synthetic, hydrophilic statin with unique stereochemistry. A large proportion of patients achieve evidence-based lipid targets while using the drug, and it slows progression and induces regression of atherosclerotic coronary lesions. Rosuvastatin lowers CRP levels significantly. The Justification for Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trial was designed after the observation that when both low density lipoprotein and CRP were reduced, patients fared better than when only LDL was lowered. Advocates and critics alike acknowledge that the benefits of rosuvastatin in JUPITER were real. After a review, the US Food and Drug Administration extended the indications for rosuvastatin to include asymptomatic JUPITER-eligible individuals with one additional risk factor. The American Heart Association and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention had previously recognized the use of CRP in persons with "intermediate risk" as defined by global risk scores. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines went further and recommended use of statins in persons with low LDL and high CRP levels at intermediate risk. The JUPITER study focused attention on ostensibly healthy individuals with "normal" lipid profiles and high CRP values who benefited from statin therapy. The backdrop to JUPITER during this period was an increasing awareness of a rising cardiovascular risk burden and imperfect methods of risk evaluation, so that a significant number of individuals were being denied beneficial therapies. Other concerns have been a high level of residual risk in those who are treated, poor patient adherence, a need to follow guidelines more closely, a dual global epidemic of obesity and diabetes, and a progressively deteriorating level of physical activity in the population. Calls for new and more effective means of reducing risk for coronary heart disease are intensifying. In view of compelling evidence supporting earlier and aggressive therapy in people with high risk burdens, JUPITER simply offers another choice for stratification and earlier risk reduction in primary prevention patients. When indicated, and in individuals unwilling or unable to change their diet and lifestyles sufficiently, the benefits of statins greatly exceed the risks. Two side effects of interest are myotoxicity and an increase in the incidence of diabetes.

Effects of rosuvastatin combined with olmesartan, irbesartan, or telmisartan on indices of glucose metabolism in Greek adults with impaired fasting glucose, hypertension, and mixed hyperlipidemia: a 24-week, randomized, open-label, prospective study

BACKGROUND

Statin therapy has been reported to be associated with new-onset diabetes. Angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARBs) are effective antihypertensive drugs that have been reported to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) to differing extents, with favorable effects on glucose metabolism and the incidence of new-onset diabetes. Among the ARBs, telmisartan is a partial activator of PPARgamma, irbesartan is a weak partial activator, and olmesartan has no effect on PPARgamma activation.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects on glucose homeostasis of combining rosuvastatin with ARBs of varying PPARgamma-activating potency in Greek adults with impaired fasting glucose, mixed dyslipidemia, and stage 1 hypertension.

METHODS

This was a 24-week, randomized, open-label study. Inclusion criteria were impaired fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (100-125 mg/dL [5.6-6.9 mmol/L]), mixed dyslipidemia (LDL-C >160 mg/dL [4.14 mmol/L] and triglycerides >150 mg/dL [1.69 mmol/L]), and stage 1 hypertension (systolic blood pressure 140-159 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure 90-99 mm Hg). After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, patients were randomly allocated to receive rosuvastatin 10 mg/d plus telmisartan 80 mg/d (RT group), irbesartan 300 mg/d (RI group), or olmesartan 20 mg/d (RO group) for 24 weeks. The primary end point was change in the following indices of glucose metabolism after 6 months of treatment: FPG, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA of beta-cell function (HOMA-B), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)). Secondary end points included changes in anthropometric variables, blood pressure, serum lipids, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Tolerability was monitored throughout the study.

RESULTS

After the 12-week dietary intervention, 151 white patients (78 female, 73 male) met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to receive RT (n = 52), RI (n = 48), or RO (n = 51). The mean (SD) age of the 3 groups was 60 (10), 60 (10), and 58 (12) years, respectively; their mean weight was 79 (11), 81 (12), and 78 (11) kg. At 6 months, the RT group had a 29% decrease in HOMA-IR (from a median [range] of 2.6 [0.6-6.6] to 1.8 [0.5-5.1]), the RI group had a 16% increase (from 2.5 [0.5-6.2] to 2.9 [0.5-8.1]), and the RO group had a 14% increase (from 2.4 [0.5-7.9] to 2.7 [0.5-5.2]) (all, P < 0.05 vs baseline). The improvement in the RT group was statistically significant compared with the RI group (P < 0.01) and the RO group (P < 0.05). The changes from baseline in FPG and HbA(1c) were not significant in any group. Fasting serum insulin decreased by 21% in the RT group (from 10.4 [2.4-28.1] to 8.2 [2.4-18.8] microU/mL), whereas it increased by 12% in the RI group (from 9.1 [2.0-26.5] to 10.2 [2.0-25.2] microU/mL) and by 8% in the RO group (from 10.1 [2.0-29.6] to 10.9 [2.0-19.1] microU/mL) (all, P < 0.05 vs baseline). Again, there was a significant difference between the RT group and the RI group (P < 0.01) and RO group (P < 0.05). Levels of hs-CRP decreased by 44% in the RT group (from 2.2 [0.3-7.9] to 1.2 [0.4-7.0] mg/L), by 12% in the RI group (from 2.2 [0.3-12.3] to 1.9 [0.2-11.4] mg/L), and by 22% in the RO group (from 2.1 [0.7-4.0] to 1.7 [0.7-6.2] mg/L). The difference was statistically significant for the RT group compared with baseline and with the RI and RO groups (all comparisons, P < 0.05). Blood pressure was significantly reduced from baseline in all 3 groups, with no significant differences between groups. No serious adverse events were reported during the study, nor were there any clinically significant elevations in aminotransferases or creatine kinase.

CONCLUSION

In this small, randomized, open-label study, the RT combination had favorable effects on HOMA-IR, fasting serum insulin, and hs-CRP compared with the RI and RO combinations in Greek adults with impaired fasting glucose, mixed hyperlipidemia, and stage 1 hypertension.

Key questions resulting from the JUPITER trial assessing cardiovascular disease intervention with rosuvastatin

THIS PAPER PRESENTS AN ANALYSIS OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED JUSTIFICATION FOR THE USE OF STATINS IN PREVENTION (JUPITER: an intervention trial evaluating rosuvastatin) trial, which tested the statin rosuvastatin in apparently healthy individuals with no prior cardiovascular (CVD) disease and with normal plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations but with raised plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. The rate of the combined primary CVD endpoint was significantly reduced in the treatment arm after a median of under 2 years. The JUPITER trial is distinct from previous studies examining statin use in primary prevention groups because the target group for drug therapy was apparently healthy men and women at low or intermediate risk for developing CVD. On the basis of JUPITER's findings, there are key questions that should be assessed on the therapeutic intervention of CVD regarding: the primary prevention groups that should be targeted for statin therapy, the utility of targets in addition to plasma LDL cholesterol levels, and the need to consider the metabolic state of individuals targeted for therapy (including the presence of obesity and inflammation). The conclusion from the current analysis is that the JUPITER results warrant further LDL cholesterol lowering than is currently targeted in primary prevention groups that have a pre-existing condition or lifestyle that elevates CVD risk but still do not have a high global CVD risk (as assessed with current algorithms). This group is not captured in current widely used CVD risk calculations, however, with the identification of useful biomarkers, such as hsCRP, this group can be better identified and targeted for intervention.

Rosuvastatin attenuates Ang II--mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via inhibition of LOX-1

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, have been shown to reduce cardiac remodeling. Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) via its lectin-like ox-LDL receptor (LOX-1) are major stimuli for cardiomyocyte growth. We postulated that rosuvastatin, a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, may reduce Ang II-mediated cardiomyocyte growth via AT1R and LOX-1 inhibition. HL-1 adult mouse cardiomyocytes were incubated overnight in serum-free medium, and then treated with rosuvastatin, the AT1R inhibitor losartan or anti-LOX-1 antibody for 3 hours. The cells were then stimulated with Ang II. We measured cardiomyocyte growth, and associated intracellular redox signals using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR. Losartan and anti-LOX-1 antibody markedly attenuated Ang II-mediated oxidant stress, and the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (p40(phox) and gp91(phox) subunits) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Rosuvastatin attenuated the Ang II-mediated upregulation of both subunits of NAPDH oxidase as well as NF-kappaB. Rosuvastatin also reduced Ang II-mediated upregulation of AT1R and LOX-1. In other experiments, LOX-1 was upregulated in cardiomyocytes by transfection with pCI-neo/LOX-1, which also enhanced the expression AT1R messenger RNA (mRNA), and rosuvastatin pretreatment reduced the expression of both LOX-1 and AT1R in this system. Thus, rosuvastatin attenuates Ang II-mediated cardiomyocyte growth by inhibiting LOX-1 and AT1R expression and suppressing the heightened intracellular redox state.

Rosuvastatin treatment is associated with an increase in insulin resistance in hyperlipidaemic patients with impaired fasting glucose

AIM OF THE STUDY

The increase in physician-reported diabetes following rosuvastatin treatment in the Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin study has raised concerns whether this statin exerts a detrimental effect on glucose metabolism. We assessed the effect of rosuvastatin treatment across dose range on glucose homeostasis in hyperlipidaemic patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), who are at high risk to develop diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The medical records of 72 hypelipidaemic patients with IFG on rosuvastatin 10 (RSV10 group), 20 (RSV20 group) and 40 mg/day (RSV40 group) were reviewed. The median follow up was 12.4 weeks. At the first visit, prior to rosuvastatin prescription and at the latest visit, serum lipid profile and indices of glucose metabolism, including fasting glucose, insulin and HOmeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA(IR)) index levels, were assessed.

RESULTS

Rosuvastatin treatment improved lipid profile and was associated with a dose-dependent significant increase in HOMA(IR) values by 25.4%, 32.3% and 44.8% at the dose of 10, 20 and 40 mg/day (p < 0.01 for all, p < 0.05 for the comparison between groups), respectively, mirrored by correspondent increase in plasma insulin levels [by 21.7%, 25.7% and 46.2% in the RSV10, RSV20 and RSV40 group (p < 0.001 for all) respectively]. Baseline HOMA(IR) levels was the most important contributor (R(2) = 68.1%, p < 0.001), followed by the dose of rosuvastatin treatment (R(2) = 23.7%, p < 0.01), in a model that explained 91.8% of the variability in HOMA(IR) increase.

CONCLUSION

In patients with IFG and hyperlipidaemia, rosuvastatin treatment was associated with a dose-dependent increase in insulin resistance.

Inflammation but not endothelial dysfunction is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in dyslipidemic subjects

Introduction. Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. The present study evaluated endothelial function, inflammatory parameters, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in dyslipidemic patients with or without coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. Metabolic profile and inflammatory parameters were determined in dyslipidemic patients with (+CAD, n = 33) and without (−CAD, n = 69) symptomatic CAD. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and plasma concentration of nitrites and nitrates. Carotid IMT was measured by ultrasound. Results. No significant differences were observed in anthropometric hemodynamic or metabolic parameters between the groups. After adjusting by age and medication usage, some inflammatory markers were significantly higher in +CAD; however no significant differences in FMD or plasma levels of nitrites were observed. Conclusions. In subjects with dyslipidemia, the presence of CAD is associated with an elevation of certain inflammatory markers and carotid IMT but not with further endothelial dysfunction.