Effects of simvastatin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Results of a pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Introduction Statins may have pleiotropic effects in COPD, but mechanisms remain unclear. Objectives To assess the pleiotropic effect of statins in patients with stable COPD on ( 1 ): lung function ( 2 ); pulmonary and systemic inflammation ( 3 ); endothelial function (vascular stiffness) and circulating vascular growth factors; and ( 4 ), serum uric acid levels. Method Pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 24 patients with stable COPD, all statin-naïve, who were randomized (1:1) to receive simvastatin 40 mg/24 h during 12 weeks (n = 12; 69.0 ± 7.3 years; post-bd FEV 1 53.4 ± 10.0% pred.) or placebo (n = 12; 66.4 ± 4.6 years; post-bd FEV 1 48.2 ± 12.6% pred.). Nine patients per group (total n = 18) completed the study. Results Lung function, pulmonary and systemic inflammatory markers and the degree of vascular stiffness did not change significantly in any group. However, treatment with simvastatin increased the plasma levels of erythropoietin (Epo) (4.2 ± 2.2 mIU/mL to 6.8 ± 3.2 mlU/mL, p < 0.05) and reduced those of serum uric acid (7.1 ± 1.3 mg/dL to 6.5 ± 1.4 mg/dL, p < 0.01). Conclusions Short-term treatment with simvastatin in stable COPD patients did not modify lung function, pulmonary and systemic inflammation, or vascular stiffness, but it changed Epo and uric acid levels.