title: A Clinical Study Evaluating the Effects of Fluvastatin on Serum Osteoprotegerin Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.
abstract: Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, has been identified as a critical regulator of bone resorption. Considering the possible role of OPG in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in the osteoclastogenesis suppression effects of statins, the present study aims to investigate the effects of fluvastatin on serum levels OPG and disease activity score (DAS) in patients with RA. Forty patients with RA were randomized in a placebo-controlled trial to receive 40 mg fluvastatin or placebo as an adjunct to existing disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy (methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine). Patients were followed up over 12 weeks. OPG and disease activity variables were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. After 12 weeks, the OPG level was significantly increased in the fluvastatin group compared to the placebo group. DAS-28 was significantly decreased in the fluvastatin group compared to the placebo group. C-reactive protein (CRP), morning stiffness, swollen joint count (SJC), and tender joint count (TJC) were significantly decreased in the fluvastatin group compared to the placebo group; however, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), modified health assessment questionnaire (MHAQ), and visual analogue screen (VAS) were not changed significantly. In conclusion, fluvastatin administration could increase the OPG levels and improve disease activity variables in patients with RA. Therefore, fluvastatin may serve a potential benefit in the treatment of RA patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
authors.forename: Sahar Kamal
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hegazy
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
authors.forename: Salwa El-Morsy Abd
authors.initials: Sel-M
authors.lastname: El-Ghany El-Sayed
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. drmomo06@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Marwa El-Saeed
authors.initials: Mel-S
authors.lastname: El-Hefnawy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053244:Osteoprotegerin / Q000097:blood*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D007211:Indoles; D053244:Osteoprotegerin; C506030:TNFRSF11B protein, human; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein
keywords: fluvastatin; osteoprotegerin; rheumatoid arthritis