Anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin on patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective To determine that atorvastatin might have anti-inflammatory effects in acute coronary syndromes(ACS) with C-reactive protein(CRP) reduction.Methods Ninety-two patients with ACS were assigned to three groups: high dose atorvastatin group(31 cases),taking atorvastatin 40 mg daily.Standard dose atorvastatin group(31 cases),taking atorvastatin 10 mg daily,and control group(30 cases),only receiving conventional therapy.CRP levels,lipid profiles were measured at first and fifth day and 1 month later.Results The study suggested:(1)CRP levels significantly decreased from baseline to the fifth day and 1 month later in high dose atorvastatin group(P0.05 or 0.001)respectively.Whereas,CRP level markedly reduced from baseline to 1 month late in standard dose atorvastatin group and control group(P0.05).(2) CRP levels were lower in high dose atorvastatin group versus standard dose atorvastatin group at fifth day and 1 month late(P0.05).(3) No correlation was found between changes in CRP and cholesterol levels in high dose atorvastatin group. Conclusions CRP levels in ACS are rapidly reduced with atorvastatin.The study provide evidence that atorvastatin hase faster and earlier anti-inflammatory effects in addition to lipid-lowing effects on ACS.