Abstract
Background:Increased
heat shock protein (Hsp) expression is associated with atherogenesis. The
statin group of cholesterol lowering drugs reduces cardiovascular events and
this may be related to their pleiotropic effects that may include their
anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect
of 40 mg simvastatin on serum levels of Hsp-60 and -70 in dyslipidemic
individuals. Methods:
Patients (n=102) were treated with simvastatin (40mg/day), or
placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial.
Lipid profile and serum Hsp-60 and -70 antigen levels were measured before and
after each treatment period. Seventy-seven subjects completed the study. Data
were analyzed using Independent-Samples t-test for parametric data and
Mann–Whitney test for non-parametric data and chi-square test for categorical
data. Results: There was a reduction in the level of LDL-C
(p<0.001), total cholesterol (p<0.001), and triglycerides (p<0.05).
However, simvastatin therapy did not significantly alter the serum level
of HDL-C, Hsp-60 and -70 (p>0.05). Conclusions: We
found that statin therapy did not significantly affect the serum level of
HSP-60 and -70.