Key result
Low-dose atorvastatin therapy did not augment endothelial function compared to no therapy in physically active hypercholesterolaemic males (MD 0.75; 95% CI -3.1 to 4.6).
Why the study?
Does low-dose atorvastatin therapy improve endothelial function in physically active, hypercholesterolaemic males?
RCT (n=11)
Crossover
Does low-dose atorvastatin therapy improve endothelial function in physically active, hypercholesterolaemic males?
Mean Difference: 0.75 (95% CI -3.1–4.6)
In physically active men with hypercholesterolemia, low-dose atorvastatin reduces cholesterol but does not further augment endothelial function.
Low-dose atorvastatin does not improve endothelial function in active hypercholesterolemic men; challenges pleiotropic vascular benefits beyond lipid lowering.
AIMS: 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. METHOD AND 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). CONCLUSION: Statin therapy in HC patients with normal endothelial function does not augment endothelial function.
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Parnell et al. (2003) conducted an RCT in Hypercholesterolaemia (n=11). Atorvastatin vs. No therapy was evaluated on Endothelial function (forearm blood flow response to brachial artery infusion of acetylcholine) (MD 0.75, 95% CI -3.1 to 4.6). Low-dose atorvastatin therapy did not augment endothelial function compared to no therapy in physically active hypercholesterolaemic males (MD 0.75; 95% CI -3.1 to 4.6).
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