Disparate effects of atorvastatin compared with simvastatin on C-reactive protein concentrations in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Sathyapalan, Thozhukat; Atkin, Stephen L.; Kilpatrick, Eric S.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - Reduction in LDL and high sensitivity (hs) C-reactive protein (CRP) are independent indicators of successful cardiovascular risk reduction with statins. This study compared the effect of equivalent LDL-lowering doses of simvastatin and atorvastatin on hsCRP in type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A crossover study of 26 patients with type 2 diabetes taking either 40 mg simvastatin or 10 mg atorvastatin was undertaken. After 3 months on one statin, lipids and hsCRP were measured on 10 occasions over a 5-week period. The same procedure was then followed taking the other statin. RESULTS - LDL was comparable on either treatment: atorvastatin 2.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.3 mmol/l (mean +/- SD; P = 0.19). CRP of individuals taking atorvastatin was significantly lower than when they were taking simvastatin (median 1.08 vs. 1.47 mg/l, P = 0.0002) and was less variable (median SD of logCRP 0.0036 vs. 0.178, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS - Compared with simvastatin, atorvastatin reduced hsCRP and its variability in type 2 diabetic patients. This enhanced anti-inflammatory effect may prove beneficial if lower CRP is associated with improved cardiovascular risk.

Citation

Sathyapalan, T., Atkin, S. L., & Kilpatrick, E. S. (2010). Disparate effects of atorvastatin compared with simvastatin on C-reactive protein concentrations in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 33(9), 1948-1950. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc10-0201

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 11, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Aug 30, 2010
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 8, 2018
• Journal: DIABETES CARE
• Print ISSN: 0149-5992
• Publisher: American Diabetes Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 9
• Pages: 1948-1950
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2337/dc10-0201
• Keywords: Internal Medicine; Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; Advanced and Specialised Nursing
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/396333