Effect of pravastatin on plasma markers of inflammation and peripheral endothelial function in male heart transplant recipients.
Statins appear to have several biologic effects beyond those of lipid metabolism, and we hypothesized that immunomodulating effects of statins are important for the beneficial effects of these medications after heart transplantation. Our findings suggest that pravastatin treatment reduces plasma markers of inflammation and improves peripheral endothelial function in heart transplant recipients, possibly contributing to the observed clinical benefits of statin treatment in these patients.
Department of Cardiology, Research Institute for Internal Medicine,  University of Oslo, Rikshospitalet, Norway. torbjorn.holm@klinmed.uio.no
T
T
Holm
A K
AK
Andreassen
T
T
Ueland
J
J
Kjekshus
S S
SS
Frøland
E
E
Kjekshus
S
S
Simonsen
P
P
Aukrust
L
L
Gullestad
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000097:blood; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017035:Pravastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016207:Cytokines; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D017035:Pravastatin