The effect of atorvastatin on the blood-brain barrier biomarkers in acute intracerebral hemorrhage, a pilot clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: Prior studies have shown statins provide neuroprotection by targeting secondary brain injury pathways and regulating cytokine production. We aimed to evaluate the association between statin administration and molecular outcomes in acute Intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs). Methods: Adult patients with acute spontaneous ICH were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups: group A received atorvastatin (40 mg/day) orally in addition to routine antihypertensive medications, while group B only received routine antihypertensives. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as primary outcomes, were measured at baseline, and after 45 days. Results: Thirty-nine ICH patients (group A: 20; group B: 19) were analyzed. A notable elevation in VEGF and a reduction in MMP-9 levels were detected in group A compared to those in group B (P-value = 0.024 and 0.008, respectively). Conclusion: Our data suggest that atorvastatin in the acute phase of ICH could improve the serum levels of neuroprotective molecular biomarkers.

Keywords

• Statin
• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Angiogenesis
• Blood-brain barrier