title: Effects of statin therapy on arterial stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Arterial stiffness has been observed to be an independent predictor for cardiovascular events. Effects of cholesterol lowering agents (statins) on arterial stiffness are inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis of all RCTs investigating the impact of statin therapy on arterial properties.
  
  
  METHODS
  We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane from their dates of inception through April 2016. The inclusion criteria were published RCTs comparing change in arterial stiffness between statin administration and active control or placebo groups. Arterial stiffness is determined by aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). We used a random-effects model and calculated pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing change in PWV between the statin and control groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Statin therapy includes simvastatin, rosuvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, and atorvastatin. Compared with the active control or placebo group, the statin therapy group had lower aPWV (SMD=2.31, 95% CI: 1.15-3.45, Pheterogeneity=0.07, I2=93%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our meta-analysis demonstrates that statin therapy has a beneficial effect on aortic arterial stiffness. Further studies should be conducted to assess the effects of this therapy on arterial stiffness at various sites and conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Bassett Medical Center and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Cooperstown, NY, USA; Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Electronic address: sikarin.upala@bassett.org.
authors.forename: Sikarin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Upala
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA. Electronic address: kamonac120@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Kamonkiat
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wirunsawanya
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA; Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Electronic address: veeravich_j@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Veeravich
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jaruvongvanich
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Bassett Medical Center and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Cooperstown, NY, USA; Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Electronic address: anawin.sanguankeo@bassett.org.
authors.forename: Anawin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sanguankeo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D059289:Vascular Stiffness / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
keywords: Arterial stiffness; Lipid lowering therapy; Meta-analysis; Pulse wave velocity; Statin