Vasoprotective statin effectiveness in patients with carotid atherosclerosis

Abstract

Vasoprotective effectiveness of atorvastatin and clopidogrel was investigated in 29 patients with duplex scanning-verified carotid atherosclerosis. Clinical and instrumental examination included assessment of lipid profile, endothelial function, intima-media thickness, carotid atherosclerotic plaque volume, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The study lasted for 24 weeks. Atorvastatin and clopidogrel therapy was associated with improved endothelial vasodilatation, decreased intima-media thickness and atherosclerotic plaque volume, reduced levels of circulation pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha). Higher levels of the latter were linked to low echo-density atherosclerotic plaques.

Keywords

• carotid atherosclerosis
• endothelial function
• profinflammatory cytokines
• atorvastatin
• clopidogrel