Atorvastatin decreases high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2008 Aug;14(7):981-4. doi: 10.1177/1352458508091368. Epub 2008 Jun 23.

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory potential of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, as reflected by modulation of C-reactive protein (CRP), might be beneficial in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated serum levels of high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP in relapsing-remitting MS patients receiving interferon-beta 1b and atorvastatin as add-on therapy. This study shows that interferon-beta treatment is associated with increased serum levels of hs-CRP in MS patients (P<0.01). In contrast, when atorvastatin is added to interferon-beta, hs-CRP serum levels decrease to the normal range (P<0.05), indicating an anti-inflammatory action of atorvastatin in MS. However, whether add-on treatment with atorvastatin modifies the course of MS remains to be investigated.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Atorvastatin
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Heptanoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology*
  • Pyrroles / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Biomarkers
  • Heptanoic Acids
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Pyrroles
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Atorvastatin