A Therapeutic Effects of Atorvastatin on Genetic Damage in Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) a multifactorial chronic heart disease and the most frequent cause of death and disabling symptoms worldwide, occurs due to the formation of atheromatous lipid rich plaques in the arteries. Statins, which inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis, have both pleiotropic and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering properties. Atorvastatin is one of the choices for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and management of hypercholesterolaemia. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the changes in the DNA damage in patients with coronary atherosclerosis after statin use. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate atorvastatin treatment efficacy on lipid profiles and DNA damage in CAD patients. Materials and Methods: The current observational study was conducted on 180 CAD patients between November 2011 to December 2013 at Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital and Research Centre, Vidya Nagar, Hyderabad, India. Atorvastatin administered and blood samples were collected at index hospitalization and after 6 months statin therapy and lipid profiles and DNA damage was compared with 200 healthy control. Results: Lipid profiles and DNA damage were found to be significantly high (p < 0.01) in CAD patients before atorvastatin therapy compared to after 6 months statin therapy and healthy controls. Conclusion: The study suggests that atorvastatin might help in regression of lipid profile as well as DNA damage of CAD patients.

Keywords

• comet assay
• lipid profile
• reactive oxygen species