Low-dose atorvastatin therapy does not augment endothelial function in active hypercholesterolaemic males.
OBJECTIVE
As statin therapy has been demonstrated to augment endothelial function in sedentary hypercholesterolaemia (HC), we aimed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin therapy on endothelial function in physically active, HC men.


RESULTS
Eleven physically active, HC males were recruited. Endothelial function [forearm blood flow response to brachial artery infusion of acetylcholine (Ach)] was assessed twice in each subject following atorvastatin or no therapy in a randomized crossover design. In addition, endothelial function was compared with an active, normolipidaemic control group (C). Atorvastatin therapy reduced total and LDL cholesterol, but had no effect on basal blood flow or endothelial function (peak ACh mean difference +/- standard error 0.75 +/- 1.75 ml min(-1) per 100 ml tissue) [95% confidence interval (CI) -3.1, 4.6]. In addition, there was no difference in endothelial function between the HC and C groups (-1.14 +/- 2.60 ml min(-1) per 100 ml tissue; CI -6.53, 4.25).


CONCLUSIONS
Statin therapy in HC patients with normal endothelial function does not augment endothelial function.
Parnell
Melinda M
MM
Alfred Baker Medical Unit, Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
Chin-Dusting
Jaye P F
JP
Starr
Jennifer
J
Kaye
David M
DM
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D002784:Cholesterol; D000069059:Atorvastatin