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Low-dose atorvastatin therapy does not augment endothelial function in active hypercholesterolaemic males

  1. Melinda M. Parnell,
  2. Jaye P. F. Chin-Dusting,
  3. Jennifer Starr,
  4. David M. Kaye

Article first published online: 11 FEB 2003

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.t01-1-01752.x

Issue

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Volume 55, Issue 2, pages 212–215, February 2003

Additional Information

How to Cite

Parnell, M. M., Chin-Dusting, J. P. F., Starr, J. and Kaye, D. M. (2003), Low-dose atorvastatin therapy does not augment endothelial function in active hypercholesterolaemic males. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55: 212–215. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.t01-1-01752.x

Author Information

  1. Alfred Baker Medical Unit and Wynn Department of Medical Cardiology, Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia

*Dr David Kaye, Alfred and Baker Medical Unit, Baker Medical Research Institute, PO Box 6492, St Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 8008. Tel.: + 61 3 9276 3263; Fax: + 61 3 9276 2495; E-mail: d.kaye@alfred.org.au

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 11 FEB 2003
  2. Article first published online: 11 FEB 2003
  3. Received 13 June 2002; accepted 13 June 2002.

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Keywords:

  • blood flow;
  • endothelium;
  • hypercholesterolaemia;
  • nitric oxide

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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